Livia dressed quickly, her movements fluid and efficient. I watched her from the corner of my eye, taking in how she tied her hair back and adjusted the pendant at her collarbone. The room was quiet except for the soft creak of the old floorboards under her feet. The morning sun cast a warm glow, illuminating the dust motes floating in the air.
"So," she said, breaking the silence as she turned to face me. "What's on your agenda today, mysterious newcomer?"
I leaned back in the chair, counting the coins on the table. Each clink of metal was a step in my plan. The pile totaled 200,000 berries, just enough to make some preliminary moves but not nearly enough for larger ambitions.
"Business," I replied, eyes meeting hers. "I'm starting something small, but I need connections, people who know the town's layout, who can point me to reliable merchants and craftsmen."
Livia's eyes narrowed, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "And what's in it for me?"
I smirked, tossing a small pouch with 10,000 berries her way. It landed in her open palm with a satisfying thud. "This, for now. More when I get off the ground."
Her eyebrows rose as she weighed the pouch in her hand. "You're confident. I like that. I know a few people who could help. Where do we start?"
"First, we need to secure a workshop. Something inconspicuous but central enough to bring in foot traffic," I said, mentally noting what would be left after our purchases. With the house already costing me 150,000 berries, today's budget was tight.
She nodded. "There's an old building a few streets over. Used to be a cobbler's shop. It's been empty for months, but the owner's looking to sell."
"Perfect. Lead the way."
....
The streets bustled as we walked, the town's life swirling around us in a mix of chatter, laughter, and the clinking of goods. I paid attention to the small details: the worn stones of the cobbled paths, the smell of salt and market spices, and the way people glanced at Livia with a mix of familiarity and curiosity. She was known here, which made her both valuable and potentially dangerous to keep close.
We stopped outside a narrow building with a faded sign that read Bren's Fine Shoes. The wood was chipped, and the shutters hung slightly askew, but it was sturdy enough for my purposes. The door creaked as we entered, dust motes dancing in the sunlight that filtered through cracked windows.
"Bren!" Livia called out, her voice ringing clear.
A thin, wiry man emerged from a back room, wiping his hands on a stained apron. His hair was mostly gray, and deep lines creased his face, but his eyes were sharp. "Livia," he said with a nod before turning to me, eyes narrowing. "Who's this?"
"A buyer," she said, tilting her head toward me.
I stepped forward, meeting his gaze with a firm nod. "I hear you're looking to sell this place."
He glanced between us, weighing his options. "Depends on what you're offering. The building's worth at least 30,000 berries."
I could tell he was bluffing. The cracks in the walls and the sagging beams said the real value was closer to 20,000. I pulled out a pouch with exactly that amount, letting it dangle just long enough for him to reconsider.
"20,000, and you don't have to fix it up to sell," I said.
His eyes darted between the pouch and the building, and after a moment, he let out a sigh. "Deal."
I handed over the money, and with a quick exchange of paperwork, the building was mine. That left me with 30,000 berries, just enough for the next phase.
....
Back at the house, Livia sat at the edge of the table, her eyes glinting with interest. "So, what exactly is this business of yours?"
"Simple inventions," I said.
Livia's eyebrows lifted. "Oh, quite ambitious you are."
"Exactly. But first, I need materials. Metal, wood, and tools." I counted the remaining money again. 30,000 berries. Enough to get started but not for any mistakes. I'd have to be precise.
"Leave that to me," Livia said. "I know a blacksmith and a carpenter who won't ask too many questions."
"Good. Make the introductions. I'll need to negotiate fair prices."
She smiled, pocketing the coins. "You really do plan for everything, don't you?"
"It's why I'm still alive," I said, a shadow of a grin crossing my face.
....
The blacksmith's forge was hot, the air filled with the acrid tang of smoke and molten metal. His name was Tov, a broad-shouldered man with arms corded with muscle and a face streaked with soot. He wiped his brow and eyed me as I approached with Livia.
"Livia," he greeted, nodding. "Who's your friend?"
I stepped forward. "Orion. I'm looking for metal sheets and rods. Enough for a few projects."
He crossed his arms, eyeing me up and down. "Metal's not cheap these days, especially with pirates raiding supply ships."
I nodded, acknowledging the reality. "10,000 berries for enough to start. If I do well, I'll be back for more."
His eyes flicked to Livia, who offered a small nod of assurance. Tov exhaled and nodded. "Fine. But don't come back complaining if it's not enough."
"Deal."
The carpenter, a wiry older man named Oswin, was next. His workshop smelled of pine and sawdust, and his hands were permanently stained a deep brown from years of work.
"I need planks, hinges, and some tools. 10,000 berries' worth," I told him.
Oswin glanced at Livia before shrugging. "If you're paying, I'm selling."
With another exchange, I was down to 10,000 berries. Just enough for some basic supplies and food until my first products sold.
....
By late afternoon, I stood in the old cobbler's shop, now my workshop, surrounded by stacks of wood, metal, and tools. The space was cluttered but brimming with potential. I felt the weight of my choices, the delicate balance between ambition and survival.
Livia leaned against the wall, watching me with a curious smile. "So, Orion, what's your next move?"
I looked at the materials around me, the blueprints already taking shape in my mind. "Building the future. One piece at a time."
She nodded, the glint of excitement matching mine. This was more than just a business; it was the start of something bigger.
And I wasn't going to let anyone stop me.