As Katsuo, Yumi, and Taka were led through the narrow streets of Briarwood, they couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the village and Riverton. Despite its modest size, Briarwood was bustling with activity. Merchants bartered in the marketplace, townspeople moved swiftly with purpose, and there was an air of efficiency and order that Riverton had sorely lacked. The buildings were well-maintained, with sturdy stone structures lining the main square, where a towering statue of a woman in merchant robes stood tall. It was clear that Briarwood's prosperity was no accident.
"This place looks… wealthy," Taka muttered, his eyes scanning the street.
Yumi nodded, her sharp gaze picking up on the intricate tapestries hanging from windows and the finely crafted goods on display. "Looks like the merchants here are doing well for themselves."
Katsuo's mind was racing. This was a village that had survived and thrived by embracing commerce and trade. Convincing a leader like Elara to join forces with them wasn't going to be easy. Briarwood had clearly managed to avoid the chaos that Gregor had brought to Riverton. They likely saw no reason to get involved in a wider conflict.
The guard led them to the largest building in the village—a tall, imposing structure made of stone and wood. It stood at the edge of the square, a symbol of Briarwood's power and influence. The guard knocked on the heavy door, and moments later, they were ushered inside.
The room they entered was surprisingly simple, though no less grand in its atmosphere. A large desk dominated the center, covered in maps, trade agreements, and ledgers. Behind it sat Elara, the infamous Merchant Queen of Briarwood. She was a striking woman, tall and slender, with sharp eyes that glimmered with intelligence. Her dark hair was pinned neatly, and her posture exuded authority.
"You must be the ones from Riverton," Elara said, her voice cool and measured. "I've heard rumors of your victory over Gregor. Impressive, though I'm not sure why that concerns me."
Katsuo stepped forward, trying to gauge Elara's mood. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Lady Elara. We've come because we believe that unity among the villages is the only way to protect ourselves from the chaos that's spreading across the land."
Elara raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a slight smirk. "Chaos, you say? Briarwood is quite peaceful. We've managed to stay out of the conflicts that plague other regions. Why should we involve ourselves now?"
Yumi, always the strategist, stepped forward, her voice calm and persuasive. "Gregor may be gone, but his allies are still out there. Riverton won't be the last town to face such threats. Warlords, bandits, opportunists—they'll come for everyone eventually, including Briarwood. Joining forces now isn't just about protecting others; it's about protecting yourselves."
Elara leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the desk thoughtfully. "You speak with conviction, but words alone don't persuade me. What can Riverton offer that Briarwood can't achieve on its own?"
Taka, sensing an opportunity, grinned and stepped in. "We're not just asking for help. We're offering trade. Riverton may be rebuilding, but we've got resources—iron, wood, skilled laborers. We can open new trade routes, bring wealth to both our villages. And in return, we ask for protection and alliance."
Elara's eyes narrowed, but there was a flicker of interest in them. "Trade, you say? That's a more compelling argument. But I'm not a fool. Briarwood has thrived because we've chosen our alliances carefully. I'll need more than promises to risk our peace for Riverton's problems."
Katsuo felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. This was their chance to secure Briarwood's support, but it wouldn't be easy. He needed to offer something more, something that would make Elara see the value in uniting their villages.
He thought back to the journey they had made, the challenges they had faced, and the lessons he had learned along the way. Then, an idea sparked in his mind.
"What if we could offer you something more valuable than resources?" Katsuo said, his voice steady and confident. "What if we could offer you influence?"
Elara's eyes sharpened, clearly intrigued. "Go on."
"Riverton is rebuilding, and once we're back on our feet, we'll be a central hub in this region. With your guidance and partnership, Briarwood could be the key player in shaping the future of trade across multiple towns and villages. You wouldn't just be helping Riverton—you'd be helping to create a new network of trade and influence. Together, we could build something far greater than either of us could achieve alone."
The room was silent for a moment as Elara considered his words. Finally, she stood up, her expression unreadable.
"You're either a fool or a visionary, Katsuo Dimayuga," she said slowly. "But I respect your ambition. I will consider your offer. In the meantime, you and your companions are welcome to stay in Briarwood as my guests. We will discuss terms further once I've had time to weigh your proposal."
Katsuo breathed a quiet sigh of relief. It wasn't a victory yet, but it was a step forward. Elara hadn't dismissed them outright, and that was more than he had hoped for.
That night, the three of them were given rooms in one of Briarwood's inns, a far more comfortable place than the war-torn homes of Riverton. As they gathered in the common area for a meal, the mood was cautiously optimistic.
"That went better than expected," Yumi said, taking a bite of her stew. "Elara's tough, but she's interested."
"She's interested in power," Taka said with a chuckle. "Which means she'll make a deal if it benefits her."
Katsuo nodded, stirring his food absentmindedly. "We just need to make sure the deal benefits us too."
Makoto, who had been unusually quiet during the meeting with Elara, leaned back in his chair, his demon eyes gleaming with amusement. "You handled that well, Katsuo. For a merchant, you have a knack for politics."
Katsuo gave him a wry smile. "I've been learning as I go. We're not out of the woods yet, though. Elara's going to want proof that we can deliver on our promises."
Yumi nodded thoughtfully. "We'll need to secure more allies. If we can show Elara that Riverton is already gaining support from other villages, she'll be more likely to commit."
Taka grinned. "Sounds like more adventures are ahead, then. I'm ready."
Katsuo chuckled, feeling a rare moment of levity amidst the weight of their responsibilities. "Then let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we plan our next move."
The next morning, they met with Elara again in her office. She was as composed as ever, but there was a new sharpness in her gaze.
"I've decided to accept your offer," Elara said, her voice steady. "Briarwood will ally with Riverton—on one condition."
Katsuo's heart skipped a beat. "What's the condition?"
Elara smiled, though it was not entirely friendly. "I want access to the trade routes in the western territories. Those lands are currently held by a rival merchant lord, and if we can take control of them, Briarwood will have dominance over the entire region's trade. I'll help you rebuild Riverton, but you'll help me take the western routes."
It was a bold request, one that came with significant risks. But Katsuo knew they had little choice. If they wanted Briarwood's support, they would have to play Elara's game.
He met her gaze evenly. "We'll do it."
Elara's smile widened, and she extended her hand. "Then we have a deal."
Katsuo shook her hand, sealing their fate.