Katsuo stood near the militia camp in Aldebar, gazing at the distant horizon as the sun dipped below the tree line. The air buzzed with tension. His newfound partnership with Captain Baro Vilheim had granted him protection, but the risks were mounting. Bandits, monsters, and the ever-growing threat of the Kairis Empire loomed over the region.
Taka nudged him with his elbow, interrupting his thoughts. "You know, if you keep staring off like that, people might think you're a philosopher instead of a merchant."
Katsuo smirked. "Just thinking about our next move."
"Next move?" Taka grinned. "I thought surviving today was the goal."
"Today's survival is tomorrow's opportunity," Katsuo shot back, loading the cart with the last of their supplies. His father's old cart, now packed to the brim with trade goods, rattled as he tested its balance. "We need to head north to **Eastfall**, a bigger town near the border. If the Kairis Empire pushes further, their militia will need supplies, and we'll be the first to offer them."
Taka raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Eastfall is crawling with Kairis scouts, not to mention bandits. You think we're gonna make it out in one piece?"
Katsuo chuckled. "That's why we've got Kaon, right?"
Kaon, the oversized wolf companion, gave a low growl as if to emphasize the point. Taka shook his head, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Alright, let's see where this crazy idea takes us."
---
The journey to Eastfall was anything but peaceful. The narrow forest paths twisted and turned, forcing the cart through tight spaces between towering trees. Birds squawked from the branches above, and every rustle in the underbrush set Katsuo on edge.
"So, Katsuo," Taka said, breaking the silence, "what's your big plan when we get to Eastfall? Going to convince the local lord to sponsor your business? Maybe charm some noble ladies?"
Katsuo laughed. "No noble ladies for me. I'm more interested in their coffers. We'll strike deals with the merchants first. They control the supply lines. If I can get a foothold in their markets, I'll have leverage with the lords."
"You've always got a scheme, huh?" Taka replied. "I swear, even if we're running from a pack of wolves, you'd be trying to sell them collars."
"Hey, wolves need fashion too," Katsuo quipped with a grin.
Their lighthearted banter was interrupted by the sudden crack of a branch. Kaon immediately stiffened, growling low.
"Uh oh," Taka muttered, reaching for his bow. "We've got company."
A group of bandits emerged from the underbrush, their faces obscured by ragged hoods. The leader, a tall man with a scar across his nose, stepped forward. "Well, well, what do we have here? A couple of merchants wandering into dangerous territory."
Katsuo's heart raced, but he forced himself to stay calm. "We're just passing through," he said, hands raised. "No need for trouble."
The bandit leader sneered. "Oh, there's always trouble when you're carrying goods like that." His eyes flicked to the cart. "Hand over everything, and we might let you live."
Taka stepped forward, his hand resting on his sword's hilt. "You'll have to get through us first."
"Now, now," Katsuo interrupted quickly, stepping between them. "Let's not be hasty. Surely we can work something out."
The bandits laughed. "Work something out? You think this is a negotiation?"
Katsuo smiled slyly. "In fact, I do. You're after loot, right? What if I told you I could offer you something more valuable than what's in the cart?"
The bandit leader frowned. "What are you playing at?"
"You ever heard of the **Iris Leaf**?" Katsuo asked, gesturing toward a small pouch hanging from his belt. "It's a rare herb from the Iris Woods, highly sought after for its healing properties. I've got enough here to make any merchant in Eastfall beg to buy it from you. And I can show you where to find more."
The leader's interest was piqued. "You can take us there?"
Katsuo nodded confidently, though inside he was frantically thinking of a plan. "Of course. But you'll need someone who knows the market to sell it for you. You let us pass, and I'll make sure you get your share."
The bandit leader seemed to consider it, and after a long pause, he lowered his weapon. "Fine. We'll let you pass—for now. But if you double-cross us…"
"I wouldn't dream of it," Katsuo said with a grin.
As the bandits melted back into the forest, Taka let out a long breath. "You're insane, you know that?"
Katsuo laughed nervously. "Yeah, well, better insane than dead."
---
By the time they arrived in Eastfall, the town was already buzzing with rumors of war. Soldiers marched through the streets, and merchants hawked overpriced goods to anyone with coin. The markets were crowded, but Katsuo's sharp eye noticed something crucial—supply shortages.
"Look at that," Katsuo said, pointing toward a stall that had only a few crates of dried meat and bread. "The war's cutting off trade routes. This is where we strike."
Taka nodded. "So, what's the plan?"
Katsuo glanced around, his mind working at full speed. "We offer what they need most—reliable supply. We make deals with the merchants to undercut the others, offer them just enough at a lower price. Once we have their trust, we raise our prices and sell to the soldiers directly."
"And if the other merchants get mad?" Taka asked.
Katsuo grinned. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
---
The first stop was **Arwen Greystone**, a dwarven merchant who controlled much of the town's metalwork trade. His large frame and long beard made him look intimidating, but Katsuo had dealt with dwarves before. Arwen was seated behind a counter, inspecting a rusty sword.
"Greystone, right?" Katsuo greeted, stepping forward confidently. "I've got a deal for you."
The dwarf looked up, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"
"Katsuo Dimayuga, traveling merchant. I've got something that could help you keep your business running in these trying times."
Arwen snorted. "I doubt it. The war's choking our supplies. Unless you've got a magic chest full of iron, you're wasting my time."
"Not iron," Katsuo said, lowering his voice. "But I have connections in Aldebar. They're desperate for supplies, and I've got a shipment of herbs and raw materials they need. You provide the weapons, and I'll handle the rest."
Arwen raised an eyebrow. "And why should I trust you?"
"Because I've got something you don't," Katsuo replied with a smirk. "A way out of this mess. And if we succeed, we both profit."
The dwarf mulled it over, then finally extended his hand. "Fine. But if you cheat me, you'll regret it."
Katsuo shook his hand. "Deal."
---
As they left the blacksmith's shop, Taka chuckled. "You've got a way with words. I half expected him to throw us out."
"Confidence, my friend," Katsuo replied, grinning. "It's all about confidence."
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the marketplace, followed by shouts and the clatter of steel. Katsuo and Taka rushed toward thecommotion and saw a group of Kairis scouts attacking the town's militia. Chaos erupted as merchants fled and soldiers clashed.
"This is bad," Taka muttered, drawing his sword.
Katsuo's heart pounded in his chest, but then a thought struck him. "Wait, this could work in our favor."
Taka stared at him like he was mad. "Are you serious? We're in the middle of an attack!"
"Exactly," Katsuo said, grabbing the nearest merchant who was trying to flee. "Weapons! Who needs weapons?"
The merchant, a lanky man with a look of panic in his eyes, blinked. "What?"
"Greystone's got the weapons you need. If you're looking for protection, now's the time to buy."
Within moments, the word spread through the market. Even as the battle raged on, merchants rushed to secure weapons, armor, and supplies. Katsuo and Taka fought their way to safety, their cart still loaded with goods.
As the battle subsided and the town returned to a tense calm, Katsuo leaned against the cart, exhausted but triumphant. "Now that," he panted, "was a profitable day."
Taka shook his head, laughing. "You're ridiculous."
"But alive," Katsuo grinned. "And richer."
---