(Marcus's PoV)
Marcus sat at his desk, exhaustion evident in his posture as he massaged his temples. Scrolls, documents, and ledgers were scattered across the surface, all detailing the numerous failed attempts he'd made at securing a profitable trade agreement. Every merchant he had met with over the past few weeks had been reluctant to commit. Some feared the instability of the Grand Duchy after his parents' death, while others questioned the risks of investing in a territory plagued by monster attacks and harsh winters.
Despite the setbacks, Marcus wasn't one to give up easily. He knew that securing trade was critical for the survival and growth of the duchy, and he wasn't about to let a few failed attempts deter him.
**"One more try,"** he muttered to himself, leaning back in his chair. **"There's got to be someone willing to see the potential here."**
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter," Marcus called, sitting up straighter as the door creaked open.
It was Reinhart, the commander who had become one of his most trusted advisors. The older man stepped into the room with his usual composed demeanor, but there was something different today. A slight gleam in his eye, the kind that hinted at good news.
"Your Grace," Reinhart greeted with a bow. "I've brought someone I believe you'll want to meet. A merchant from the southern kingdoms."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. **Another merchant?** He couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope, though he tempered it with the bitter taste of past rejections. "Send him in."
Reinhart stepped aside, allowing a man to enter. He was tall and well-dressed, with a sharp gaze that took in the room before resting on Marcus. The man exuded confidence, but not the arrogant kind Marcus had come to expect from many merchants. This man was different—calculated, perhaps even pragmatic.
"Your Grace," the merchant began, offering a deep bow. "I am Alric Devore, from the southern trading guild of Arathen."
Marcus nodded, gesturing for him to sit. "Welcome, Alric. I assume Reinhart has told you of our need for reliable trade partners?"
"He has, Your Grace," Alric replied, sitting with a relaxed grace. "I've heard of your recent struggles in securing a deal, but I'm not here to repeat the mistakes of others. I'm here because I see an opportunity."
**An opportunity?** Marcus leaned forward, intrigued. "Go on."
Alric smiled slightly, as if he knew he had piqued Marcus's interest. "The northern regions may seem harsh and inhospitable to many, but that's only because they don't understand the value of the unique resources you have. The furs, the ice crystals, the rare herbs that grow only in the cold—these are commodities that are highly sought after in the southern kingdoms."
Marcus nodded slowly. "I've tried offering those goods before, but most merchants aren't willing to take the risk. They fear the instability of the region and the difficulty of transporting the goods."
Alric's smile widened. "That's where they made their mistake. They see risk, but I see a market waiting to be tapped. With the right infrastructure and security measures in place, we can make the trade routes between the Grand Duchy and the southern kingdoms not only safe but profitable."
Marcus felt a spark of hope igniting in his chest. **Could this finally be it?** "And what do you propose?"
Alric leaned forward, his eyes sharp with ambition. "I propose an exclusive trade agreement between my guild and your duchy. We'll handle the transportation, the security, and the distribution of the goods. In return, we'll take a reasonable percentage of the profits. But, Your Grace, I assure you—our methods will bring in far more than you've ever seen before."
Marcus studied the man carefully. There was a risk, of course. There always was. But something about Alric's approach felt… different. This wasn't just another merchant trying to haggle for a better price. Alric had a vision, and that was exactly what Marcus needed—someone who saw potential where others saw only obstacles.
"And what guarantee do I have that your guild can deliver on these promises?" Marcus asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Alric met his gaze without hesitation. "My guild has been trading with high-risk regions for decades. We've built routes through war-torn lands, negotiated with kingdoms on the brink of collapse, and made fortunes where others saw only ruin. If we could manage that, Your Grace, I assure you that a few monsters and cold weather won't stop us."
Marcus let the silence hang in the air for a moment as he considered the offer. He had been down this road before, with others who promised the world and delivered nothing. But Alric… Alric seemed different. He wasn't promising the impossible—he was offering a pragmatic solution.
Finally, Marcus stood, extending his hand. "You have a deal, Alric Devore. Let's rebuild the Grand Duchy together."
Alric rose as well, clasping Marcus's hand firmly. "You won't regret this, Your Grace."
---
The next few days were a whirlwind of activity as the trade agreement was finalized. Alric and his team worked with Marcus's advisors to establish the necessary routes and security measures. Marcus couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as things began to fall into place.
For the first time in what felt like months, he had secured something solid—a deal that would bring in much-needed resources and wealth to the duchy.
One evening, as Marcus sat in his office going over the final details, Eleanor peeked into the room.
"Brother, are you still working?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.
Marcus looked up, smiling at her. "Not for much longer. I've just finished the deal."
Eleanor entered the room, her eyes lighting up. "Really? You mean… it worked?"
Marcus nodded. "Yes, it did. The trade agreement is in place. We're going to start seeing new revenue soon."
Eleanor's face broke into a wide smile, and she ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck. "I knew you could do it, big brother!"
Marcus chuckled, hugging her back. "Thanks, Ellie. It wasn't easy, but we're finally moving in the right direction."
As he held his sister, a wave of exhaustion washed over him, but it was tempered by a sense of accomplishment. The duchy still had a long way to go, but for the first time in a while, Marcus felt like they were making real progress.
As he pulled back, Eleanor grinned at him. "Now you just need to find a wife to celebrate with."
Marcus blinked, a sudden chill running down his spine. "What?"
Eleanor giggled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Oh, nothing. Just thinking about your future."
Marcus shook his head, sighing. **One problem at a time.**