44 Skeptical Citizens

Harrumphing nervously, he cleared his throat, gathering his resolution to make an approach. Gently calling out to her.

"I think you have the wrong impression miss, I'm here to offer these people a new lease on life. I'd never force anyone to do anything that they don't want to."

"Well, tell me who you are. How can we just trust you like that."

"Let's start with my names, mine is Zanir. Is your name Angel, or do you just look like one?"

Laughing together, he couldn't believe that line worked. That's when it hit him. Nobody had heard that material yet. He was sitting on countless cheesy lines and romantic gestures. Chuckling internally, he'd have to remember to use these 'powers' only for good.

"Haha, it's Alexis, actually. I've never seen you in the city before, are you new here?"

"Yes, I'm a traveling trader, who's only just arrived in town a few days ago. I wanted to do my part to help feed these people and offer them jobs."

Unable to hide her discontent, she gave a cold reply, while her face crinkled slightly.

"I thought that you were different, but it seems that you're just like the rest of those merchants. These people need education, so they can better themselves, not to be shipped off to slave away."

"That's just it, I'm not offering them a handout, this a hand up! People need the opportunity, but it's their own hard work that will set them free. You can even ask my people directly, how I treat them."

Knowing that words would only go so far, he opted to bring one of his workers out of his carriage. Hearing firsthand how he treated his men, would be the quickest way to change how people thought of him.

Startled, the scruffy worker quickly realized where he was. Addressing his boss once he saw him, he tried his best to stand up straight.

"Heya, boss. How's it going?"

"Good, good, just wanted to ask you about the conditions for working and living. You can speak openly, say whatever you'd like."

"Ah, the work. It's fine boss."

Seeing that it was one of his workers, the fiery lass questioned that worker, hoping to catch him in a lie.

"How does he treat you? Are you getting enough to eat? Do they hurt you?"

"Best job I've ever had, we get to take breaks when we want, as long as we get the work done. As for the food, I can't give details, but it's better than anything around here. Nobody hurts us, it's a safe area, some of the men are even talking about raising a family."

Not getting the answers she wanted, she still doubted this merchant. Some merchants were tricky and manipulative. What if this guy was in on it too?

"You might be manipulating him, how can we trust this man? You just brought him out right now."

Sensing that this might become a back and forth issue, he interjected, offering a simple solution.

"I think the answer is simple, let me take one of the men here, with me. Surely your own people wouldn't deceive their leader right."

Seeing the same old man, who was the first to come up last time, they recognized each other. One of the few who stood up for Zanir, the old man called out to him.

"I'll go with you and see it with my own eyes, I was already planning on going, since I don't have much time left, I'd like to enjoy it. You're a kind young man, so respectful, which is too rare these days."

"See here, this senior can attest, he was there last time. Will you let him come with me, Alexis?"

Without a corner to back down to, she could only give in, not before trying one last stopgap measure.

"Fine but you should at least get the permission of the City Lord."

At this point, he had to try his hardest to keep a straight face, as he had the writ of permission, already signed and stowed away on the nearby carriage.

"I'm sure that can easily be arranged, but you haven't told me who you are?"

"My name is Alexis Rosedale and my father owns the largest shop in Trostin. I can't stand by while these people are suffering so horribly. I guess I'm not the only one, who couldn't bear to watch this happening."

Seeing them happily chatting, the nearby people had to remind them to pass out the food. Embarrassed that he had gotten carried away talking, everyone worked to pass out the leftovers from the banquet.

After they were done, he asked the senior what his name was and if he still wanted to come with them.

"Just call me senior Lee, I used to be a teacher before things took a turn for the worse, and I ended up as a beggar."

"Come along with me senior Lee, I'll show you the contract, there's no pressure to sign but I must warn it's a lifetime binding contract. It's due to our top secret facilities, we can't risk any information leaks."

"That's alright, I don't even have much time left anyway."

"Rest assured senior Lee, you won't be doing any labor, we'll probably have you teaching some of the other workers basic education."

Finishing up the conversation with senior Lee, he saw that Alexis was still there. He'd offer her a ride back to the banquet since they were heading that way already.

"Hey, Alexis, we're all heading back to the banquet, do you wanna come with us? There's plenty of room."

"Alright, father hates it when I sneak out, so I was about to head back anyway."

Hopping up onto the carriage, they helped senior Lee get up since he had arthritis. With everyone onboard, they headed back to the banquet. Even though it was very late, people were still up. They could see that the party was still going.