In the morning, Nikos and Lukas went to the mayor's residence using Lukas's carriage. On the streets, people were busy preparing for the next wave of monster attacks.
Inside the carriage were three people: Lukas, his trusted butler, and Nikos.
"Sir Nikos, please be mindful of your words when we are at Mayor Cava's residence," Lukas informed.
"I always behave properly. But why?" Nikos asked.
"Not much. Mayor Cava is still young, having taken office at the age of 81 and recently inaugurated in couple years back. Also, he is quite fond of his gold. Those are some tips from me; please remember them."
Young? Eighty one is far from young. What does Lukas mean by that? Nikos thought to himself.
The carriage brought them to their destination. Upon reaching the mayor's residence, the two disembarked, accompanied by Lukas's faithful guard.
Nikos and Lukas stood before the grand doors of Mayor Cava's residence, a large, ornate mansion that spoke of the mayor's wealth. The doors opened when the guards saw Lukas, prompting the two to enter the mansion.
Lukas, in his black suit, walked inside confidently. Behind him, Nikos followed, dressed in an emerald green tunic with small gold accents, exuding an air of nobility and charm.
A butler guided them through the mansion. They passed a beautiful garden and moved through the outside training facility.
However, despite the mansion's overwhelming wealth and grandeur, there were subtle hints of neglect in the knights' barracks and training grounds.
The wooden dummies were weathered and worn, but still stood proudly. The training grounds were still in use, but the equipment was quite old and worn, with small patches of rust.
The town's army barracks also had weapons that were not in the best state. This man is quite bad at managing his armies, Nikos' mind quickly thoughts.
The butler brought them into the Mayor's office, the hallway filled with many expensive pieces of furniture and portraits of previous mayors on the walls.
Nikos looked around and found that many things were either made from gold or covered in it. Lukas is right. From the look of it, the mayor really loves gold. This is in stark contrast to the condition of his knights' facilities.
"Lord Cava will see you now," the butler announced, leading them inside the room.
Mayor Cava, a man of medium build with a neatly trimmed beard and an air of ambition, stood to greet them.
Wait, he looks so young for his ages. Is he really in his eighties? But he doesn't look like a human in his eighties, more like a man in his thirties or fourties. Nikos looked confused for a moment before returning to his calm expression.
"Lukas, it's always a pleasure to meet you. And you must be Sir Nikos, the merchant I've heard so much about from Lukas," Mayor Cava greeted them.
"Lord Cava," Lukas began with a respectful bow, "That is right, my lord. I'd like to introduce you to Sir Nikos, a newly distinguished merchant who has recently making name for himself in our town."
Nikos stepped forward, a warm smile on his face as he bow politely. "It's an honor to finally meet you. Lord Cava."
Mayor Cava smile back and took a seat. "Please, have a seat you two," he gestured to the chairs opposite his desk.
As they sat, Nikos reached into his magic inventory bag and pulled out a luxurious tunic adorned with intricate gold accents. It was one of the luxurious items from the dead caravan master previously.
He presented the gift to the Mayor with a flourish. "I brought a small gift to commemorate your appointment as mayor, even if it was a few years ago."
Mayor Cava's eyes widened with delight as he took the tunic. "This is exquisite, Sir Nikos. You have my gratitude." he said while his finger brushing the fine material and put it safely.
"I'm pleased to hear that." Nikos smiled warmly, he continue with respectful tone. "Lord Cava, I've been observing the situation in our town, especially with the ongoing monster waves. I must commend you on your excellent management of the town's defenses. This speaks volumes of your leadership."
Mayor Cava nodded with a smile, enjoying the praise as his vanity was stroked.
"Thank you, Sir Nikos. I always do my best to keep Oakheart safe." He said proudly.
"Indeed," Nikos agreed. "However, I couldn't help but notice that the Alchemist Association has a near monopoly on health and mana potion supplies here. Their prices are rather... steep, wouldn't you agree?"
Mayor Cava frowned slightly. "Right, they do charge a premium, but their potions are essential for our defenses."
"Precisely," Nikos said, his tone earnest. "That is also the reason why I came here with Sir Lukas. I could provide your armies, Lord Cava with the same quality potions and some even higher one at significantly lower cost. The association charges one gold per potion, whereas I can supply them for just 7 silver."
Mayor Cava's eyes narrowed. "Seven silver? That's quite a reduction. How can you offer such a price?"
Nikos smiled, exuding confidence. "I've managed to secure a reliable supply chain and efficient production methods with secret Alchemist. My goal is to support Oakheart and Lord Cava as, not exploit it. How many potions do you usually order from the Association?"
Mayor Cava hesitated, glancing at Lukas before replying, "I order around 5,000 potions per month."
"Then let's do some quick math," Nikos said, leaning forward slightly. "At 10 silver or (1 gold) per potion, you're spending 5,000 gold each month." His voice become slower and slightly deep. "But with my price, Lord Cava, you only spend 3,500 gold, and saving 1,500 gold every month. That mean it was 18,000 gold saved in a year. You could do whatever you want with the rest of 18,000 gold."
Mayor Cava leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "You are right, Sir Nikos." Slight smile formed on his face.
Nikos smile at him. Great, this man is greedy. It will not be hard, he just need a little push.
Mayor Cava open his mouth again. "It is a compelling offer, Sir Nikos. But the Alchemist Association was powerful allies. If I switch suppliers, there could be repercussions."
Nikos nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I completely understand your concerns, Lord Cava. Perhaps, you could just buy half of your stock from me. You will still save quite amount of 9,000 gold a year, that is half from 18,000 gold if you truly switch to me. But still its a big amount of money right."
Mayor Cava hesitated, his eyes flicking between Nikos and Lukas.
Lukas, who had been quietly observing, speak up. "Lord Cava, Sir Nikos is a trustworthy merchant. His success and the loyalty of his customers speak volumes, I've seen it by my self. This could be an excellent opportunity for our town and the gold that could stay on your pocket is not a small amount."
Swayed by the amount of money he could keep for himself, Mayor Cava finally nodded with a high heartbeat. "Alright, Sir Nikos. You've convinced me. I'll place the full order with you. I'll have my butler inform the Alchemist Association that I will be canceling my next order from them."
There you go. "Thank you, Lord Cava. I assure you, you won't regret this decision. I'll have the potions delivered promptly." Nikos smiled warmly.
Mayor Cava signaled his butler, who quickly left to carry out the order.
As the meeting concluded, the three men rose from their seats. Mayor Cava escorted them to the door, his demeanor now relaxed and pleasant. "I look forward to seeing the results of this new arrangement, Sir Nikos."
"My pleasure, Lord Cava," Nikos said with a nod. "I'll make sure the potions are delivered with utmost priority."
Lukas nodding as well to the Mayor. "Thank you for your time, Lord Cava."
As the two left the Mayor's residence back to Lukas carriage, Nikos's mind was already racing with plans. Another step to undermine the Alchemist Association had been set in motion.
"That went better than expected," Lukas said quietly to Nikos inside the carriage.
"Indeed," Nikos replied, his voice calm and composed. "This is only the beginning. Soon, the Alchemist Association will realize they're not the only game in town."
Lukas chuckled. "I believe you just made a powerful ally, Sir Nikos. Having Lord Cava support mean it is going to be hard for Alchemist Association fighting back. I can't wait for the share of the profits."
Nikos nodded. "And now, we make sure he continues to see the value in our partnership."
As the carriage bring them goes back, Nikos's thoughts shifted to the next phase of his plan. The Alchemist Association had dominated Oakheart for too long, they've become too arrogant and it was time for a change.
Meanwhile, at the Alchemist Association shop, inside the warehouse, Lark was counting the stock potions before delivering them to the mayor's residence.
"Good, 5,000 stock potions for the mayor's army are ready," Lark finished counting them.
Knock! Knock!
Knocking sound come from the door.