Rina's joy from her first sale didn't last long. Over the next few days, her online store received very little attention.
She stared at the laptop screen, refreshing the page obsessively, only to be greeted by silence.
"Why aren't people buying?" she muttered, tapping her fingers on the table.
Her designs were decent, but that wasn't enough.
Back in Aurendia, she had learned that success wasn't just about having a good product—it was about knowing the market.
That night, Rina dove headfirst into research. She scrolled through similar shops on the platform, studying their best-selling items.
She noted their pricing, designs, and even the way they interacted with customers.
A pattern began to emerge. Cute and trendy designs were the most popular, and many shops offered personalized options.
It wasn't just about selling cards—it was about creating a connection with the customer.
Rina leaned back in her chair, a smirk tugging at her lips. "So that's how it is, huh? If they want cute and personal, I'll give them cute and personal."
The next morning, Rina set out to gather more supplies.
She ventured into a bustling craft market she had passed by earlier, her eyes scanning for bargains.
Her merchant instincts kicked in as she negotiated with vendors, managing to snag better-quality markers, decorative stickers, and glitter for a fraction of the original price.
By the time she returned home, her bag was filled with colorful materials, and her wallet, though lighter, still had enough to keep her going.
Rina spent the next few days revamping her designs. She added vibrant colors, whimsical patterns, and playful themes.
But her biggest change was introducing a custom option. Customers could now request personalized messages or names on their cards.
When she uploaded her new listings, she kept the descriptions short but engaging.
Each product had a catchy name, like Blooming Bliss or Starry Serenade, and she included clear photos to highlight the details.
Her efforts paid off. Within hours, she received a message from a potential customer asking for a custom birthday card.
Rina responded quickly, asking about the recipient's favorite colors, themes, and any specific message they wanted.
She worked late into the night to complete the order, pouring her heart into every detail.
The result was a vibrant card featuring a cheerful cupcake, confetti, and a handwritten message in elegant lettering.
When the customer received it, they left a glowing review: "Absolutely perfect! My friend loved it. Will definitely order again!"
Over the next week, orders started trickling in. The custom option proved to be a hit, and her shop gained a small but steady following.
One evening, as Rina was packaging an order, she couldn't help but feel a swell of pride.
"This world may be different, but people are the same," she mused. "They want something special, something made just for them."
With her business gaining momentum, Rina began to think bigger.
She sketched out ideas for new products: seasonal cards, mini posters, even handmade journals.
She also realized the importance of marketing. Her little online store wasn't enough—she needed to expand her reach.
"Maybe I should try social media," she muttered, recalling a tutorial video she had seen.
It was another unfamiliar concept, but Rina wasn't afraid of challenges. If she could navigate the chaotic markets of Aurendia, she could handle this modern battlefield.
That night, as she stared at her growing stack of orders, Rina felt a sense of purpose she hadn't felt since arriving in this world.
Her skills as a merchant were finally being put to use. She was building something from the ground up, just like she had always done.
"I'm not just surviving," she whispered, a determined smile spreading across her face. "I'm thriving."
Kara Ilvion, the legendary merchant of Aurendia, was proving that no matter the world, a true merchant always found their way.