After checking out a few storefronts that seemed passable, Komer and Ilot were undecided about which one to visit, when an employee from the largest store came out to invite them in. Once seated, hot tea was served, and a shopkeeper came in through the back door to get down to business. After carefully checking Komer and Ilot's proof of adulthood, the shopkeeper asked what they needed.
"We would like to purchase two slaves, to serve us in our daily lives," Komer's succinct request immediately made the shopkeeper realize that this was probably the pair's first foray into this industry.
"Hehe, this is probably your first time, gentlemen, there are some things you may not be aware of. Let me introduce you to the process. First, would you like to buy a male or female servant; there's a significant price difference between the two. Second, do you have any restrictions or special requirements based on race or language? Third, do you need the slaves immediately or would you like to place a reservation and wait a period of time for delivery? Fourth, are there any specific requirements regarding age and experience? Fifth, are there any special skills you require of the slaves?"
"These are the most basic criteria. We hope you gentlemen will consider them carefully. We can provide comprehensive consultations and cater to your specialized needs with a variety of slaves," said the shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with meticulously combed auburn hair, his face etched with shrewdness from years of handling business affairs – it was clear he was an experienced merchant.
"Oh? All sorts of special needs?" Komer's interest was piqued. He had only intended to casually look around to see if any suitable servants caught his eye but found himself receiving a lesson here instead. "I wonder what sort of 'special needs' the gentleman is referring to?"
"Although it's your first time at our establishment, I've actually known about you gentlemen for a while. I've heard that you've both come of age, and it seems Baron Komer is about to take up his post on his lands, right?" A hint of teasing flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes, yet his tone remained very sincere, "If you trust me, I am willing to choose two outstanding servants for you, guaranteed to satisfy. However, I must ask you to state your requirements first."
Surprised that his return after three years of exile still carried a reputation, Komer gave a wry smile before responding, "That won't be necessary, we're just here to have a look around, to see if there are any suitable servants. By the way, we haven't asked for your esteemed name?"
"Piro, Piro Feller." The middle-aged man replied, his expression unchanged, nodding slightly, "Well, if that's the case, if Baron Komer is interested, perhaps I could accompany you to tour our Slave Warehouse, how about that?"
Surprised by the other's enthusiasm, although his own fame was not small – it was the result of reckless exploits during his youthful days with Ilot and Puber – to these merchants it seemed worthless. His last unpleasant encounter with the Business Association had seemingly nothing to do with the slave traders, so why was this Piro so interested in him?
However, Komer had never been one to shy away from a situation and readily nodded, "That would be best. I would also like to see how many secrets the Feller Family's Slave Warehouse hides."
"Hehe, there's no secret to speak of. The Feller Family has been in the slave business for over a hundred years, adhering well to the principles of integrity, fairness, and thoroughness. These have allowed the Feller Family to withstand the fierce trading competition," the middle-aged man said, raising his head proudly. He gestured to the steward in the store to prepare a horse-drawn carriage and then led Komer and Ilot out the back door.
The carriage glided smoothly along the streets, the cool sea breeze carrying a faint salty dampness that added a touch of elegance. The road was built along the coast, and as far as the eye could see, the sea and sky merged into one. White seagulls soared and dipped freely, while dots of white sails slowly traced lacy lines across the shimmering waves, with green peaks on scattered islands dotting the blue water surface, all appearing so leisurely.
The carriage was quite spacious, making the three people inside feel very comfortable. Ilot, tactfully silent, said nothing, knowing that he wasn't the protagonist today. While the Feller Family might not be a renowned noble household in Cyprus City, their hundred years of business accumulation was not something small aristocrats could match.
Komer's face remained calm, his eyes fixed outside the window, seemingly admiring the uniform beauty of the sea and sky, yet deep down he was pondering why he had suddenly been invited to visit the Slave Warehouse.
For a family primarily engaged in the slave trade, a Slave Warehouse was akin to a jewelry merchant's treasure room, not a place just anyone could casually enter. Yet the man had extended an unequivocal invitation to him, an irregularity indeed.
Komer was well aware of his limitations; he wouldn't arrogantly assume that being the Lord of the Caucasus Region would earn him the respect and recognition of the merchant families, whose primary concern was commercial profit. But it was precisely for this reason that Komer was profoundly baffled—could it be that the Feller Family was convinced that the Caucasus would bring them substantial profits? This seemed somewhat far-fetched.
The horse-drawn carriage took the coastal loop, drove straight for the South Gate along the City Wall, and left the city without any stops. Komer and Ilot exchanged a glance of surprise, but they remained silent.
For the sake of convenience and safety in trading, merchants generally located their warehouses on the outskirts near the City Walls, where the geographical environment was spacious and secluded, and land prices were relatively cheap. However, it was rare for warehouses to be placed outside the city, as it was unsuitable from both a security and trading convenience perspective.
The three passengers were very quiet and composed as the carriage sped out of the South Gate, traveling three miles down the southbound avenue before turning into a shady path. Clearly, they had arrived at a sizable private manor. Komer rarely ventured out of the city, but he knew that there were many wealthy families with manors on the outskirts, places to retreat to for vacation and leisure.
The carriage soon entered the door of a manor. As the sound of hoofs clattered crisply on the stone slab pathway, the manor's gatekeeper had already opened the gate, and the carriage stopped only when it reached a series of connected buildings.
"Baron Komer, please!" Piro gestured invitingly, his direction leading to a few modestly furnished cottages.
Somewhat surprised, Komer still nodded and followed Piro inside.
The old man sitting in the wheelchair, judging by his appearance, was clearly an elder of Piro—sharing the same unusual hair color and prominent aquiline nose due to their common bloodline.
"Father, this is Baron Komer. Your Excellency, this is my father, Jack Feller." The brief introduction left the old man, who couldn't stand up, with a trace of confusion in his eyes. Pointing at his legs, a look of apology appeared on the old man's rosy face: "I apologize for my rudeness, Your Excellency. My legs have been useless for ten years now. This is the only way I can meet you."
Komer quickly stepped forward to express his respect. Showing deference to an elder was the least a noble could do. Although a merchant was not someone particularly deserving of respect, the man was an elderly and disabled person and also the patriarch of the renowned Feller Family.
While Komer entered the cottage, Ilot had already been invited to visit the actual Slave Warehouse, knowing he was just an accompanying guest, he carefree followed them. Observing the two individuals before him, Komer silently pondered why Piro had brought him to see his father. It was the first time he'd encountered such an invitation to someone's home upon their very first meeting, but he knew something unusual must be behind it.
"Baron Komer, please forgive me for inviting you to my father's residence without any explanation. However, there's indeed something very important for which I need your help. As for my impertinence, I will make amends," Piro said courteously, apologizing to Komer and asking for his forgiveness.
With an elegant nod to indicate understanding, Komer thought to himself that it was very much the style of a merchant to compensate even for a minor rudeness. This suited him well and suited his needs. He replied lightly, "No, it's alright; I'm sure Mr. Piro has his reasons for doing so, and I am eager to hear your explanation."
Seeing that his father had noticed the ring on the visitor's finger, Piro smiled and said, "Your Excellency, if I may be so bold to ask, where did you get that ring on your hand?"
So that's it! Komer's heart jolted. It was no wonder that after just one meeting, he was brought to the heart of the family's estate—all because of the ring he now wore on his finger.