Risk

Ryan waited in the castle for the merchants' arrival, eager for the meeting. He was aware that these merchants, who visited Bathsheba monthly or annually to trade, had entangled themselves with the city's corrupt former officials and elders. These dishonest leaders had provided the traders with preferential treatment. Yet, despite their dubious connections, Ryan was ready to extend them a chance and trust to engage in business.

Left with little choice, as Bathsheba had been severely affected by the corruption of its past leaders, Ryan felt cornered. The city's commerce had dwindled; many local businesses and merchants had either gone bankrupt due to the officials' exploitations or had abandoned the city altogether. In this landscape of desolation, Ryan found himself with no alternative but to depend on these outsiders for business opportunities.

As Ryan's wait for the merchants stretched on, he noticed they still hadn't arrived. Unlike the former city officials and elders, whose names would appear on the system map, the merchants' names and their current locations within the city remained unknown to Ryan. However, observing the bustling activity at the city tavern, Ryan deduced the merchants were likely there, taking a rest with their entourage.

As the day unfolded, Ryan busied himself with the city's governance, tackling various administrative and civic duties that demanded his attention. In the midst of his responsibilities, he also grew more acquainted with Nalia, an elf whose company he found increasingly pleasant. Yet, as the day waned, Ryan couldn't hide his disappointment when the merchants failed to respond to his summons.

With a heavy sigh, Ryan resigned himself to the reality of the situation. "Looks like I'll have to approach them directly," he muttered, shaking his head in frustration.

For now, Ryan has decided to rest and sleep. Tomorrow, he plans to personally approach the merchants in the city.

---

After taking a brief respite in the tavern, the merchants prepared to venture back into the street markets to trade or buy goods early in the day. As their hired hands loaded the goods onto the empty wagons, filling them nearly to the brim, the time approached for the merchants to wrap up their dealings in the city.

However, there was tension among them. Fuego, Sean, Lore, and Dev exchanged grave looks before Fuego addressed Henrik directly, "Henrik, are you really considering meeting the lord at his castle?"

"You don't need to take that risk, Henrik. It's far too dangerous," Sean interjected, his voice a quiet, urgent whisper. He cast a wary glance around the sparsely populated market before leaning in closer to Henrik, "You know we were involved with the city's former corrupt officials and elders."

Despite Sean's cautious whisper, the nearby merchants caught every word. Fuego nodded solemnly, adding, "Exactly, and the lord's interest in meeting with us probably stems from that connection!"

"It's fraught with risk," Lore agreed, with Dev nodding in accord.

Henrik simply frowned at their concerns, then let out a light chuckle, turning to Fuego. "I thought the lord was after our wealth? Isn't that why he wants to 'ambush' us?" he said, skeptically questioning the real motives behind the lord's invitation.

Upon hearing Henrik's jest, Fuego grew serious. "Stop kidding around, Henrik. Sure, the lord might be interested in our wealth, but he could also use our past dealings with the city's former officials as a pretext to punish us and seize the goods we've brought here!"

Following Fuego's caution, the other merchants and Henrik's acquaintances joined in, urging him not to visit the lord.

Henrik listened quietly, his face setting with resolve. "I'm aware of the risks," he finally said, "but I'm genuinely interested in meeting the lord."

"Could this be about the lord's rumored invention that supposedly keeps fruits and vegetables fresh?" Fuego inquired, his tone laced with skepticism. "Henrik, think about it. What if it's all just a facade? Maybe the lord has a mage up his sleeve, casting spells to make the produce look fresh, all while claiming it's the work of his invention, merely to pique our curiosity."

Despite Fuego's and the others' earnest attempts to dissuade him, Henrik remained steadfast, gently shaking his head in disagreement.

Trusting his gut, Henrik acknowledged the concerns raised by his friends yet couldn't shake off the potential he saw in the so-called invention. "I need to see this 'invention' with my own eyes. If it truly exists, it could revolutionize our business," he firmly stated, looking his friends in the eye. "Please, keep an eye on my son while I visit the lord." With that request for his son's care spoken, Henrik turned away, leading his wagons and hired adventurers toward the city castle.

As Henrik departed, his friends exchanged wordless, worried glances, their silence heavy with concern. They patted Tomas on the back, trying to offer comfort as the boy watched his father's retreating figure with apprehension.

---

Henrik made his way toward the castle, accompanied by his wagons and hired adventurers. Given the significant distance from the city's residential areas to the castle, the journey took a considerable amount of time.

As he neared the castle, which appeared dilapidated and aged, Henrik wore a look of stern determination. Two soldiers patrolling the area approached him, inquiring about his purpose there.

Upon learning that Henrik was the merchant summoned by the Lord, one of the soldiers hurried inside to inform Ryan.

Henrik paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. He noticed that although the soldiers were poorly armored, carrying only their weapons, there was something unsettling about them. Their eyes and posture radiated discipline, presenting an intimidating front, starkly contrasting with the more relaxed demeanor of Henrik's hired adventurers.

Despite sensing danger, Henrik's resolve did not waver. His motivation ran deep; his wife was battling a rare illness, and despite his moderate wealth, he lacked the substantial funds needed for the specialized treatments from mages and alchemists. Driven by desperation to cure his wife's condition, Henrik was determined to pursue any opportunity that might improve his business. The possibility that the lord's invention could keep fruits and vegetables fresh for extended periods presented a potential breakthrough, one that could significantly boost his business and, by extension, provide for his wife's treatment.