SWITCHED
[MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES NOT~ JESSICA BIAO]
Cortez made his way back to the gathering; people were now enjoying themselves as if his goods did not just burn to the ground. It was always like that – if you're not ready to take risks and have losses, then don't venture into being a merchant. Most merchants have had their goods lost in the sea, burnt, and stolen by bandits, so it was not a new thing to them.
Cortez wouldn't have been bothered if it was a natural occurrence, but this was premeditated by someone who always followed him around, and that person needed to pay the price.
"Cortez, where have you been? I've been so worried that you would try to harm yourself. Don't worry about the goods; I'll tell my father to..." Abigail's voice trailed as she tried to look supportive in front of Cortez. Unbeknownst to her, the young wise merchant knew there were snakes in the grass.