Next Step - Negotiations

Nikos and Lukas sat across from each other at a polished mahogany table on the back of Lukas's luxury mansion.

The garden on the background was beautiful showcasing Lukas taste for elegance and beauty.

Nikos, in his emerald green tunic with some gold accents, looked every bit the young lord from a wealthy merchant family. 

Liriel stood silently behind him, her eyes sharp and alert, for any signs of danger. She's ready to defending him.

Lukas, the wolf-man, wore a luxurious white attire made of rich fabrics. His piercing yellow eyes observed Nikos with a mix of curiosity and respect.

Lukas's maid quietlly served them tea, her movements precise and graceful. Nikos took a sip as the two men exchanged pleasantries, their conversation exuding an air of nobility and mutual respect.

"How has your business through the early stages of the monster waves?" Nikos asked, his tone calm.

Lukas sighed, his expression thoughtful. "It has been challenging. The monster waves have disrupted trade routes, and the demand for certain goods has skyrocketed, while my business now on halt. But, as merchants, we always need to adapt."

Nikos nodded, his analytical mind already calculating the potential opportunities. "Indeed. Adapting is what we do best."

Then he continue, "I appreciate the hospitality, Sir Lukas. With the monster waves coming, the town been in a high demand for more potions," he explained, "I have a favor to ask of you, one that I believe could be mutually beneficial."

Lukas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Do tell."

Nikos set his teacup down, his gaze steady on Lukas. "I wish to be introduced to the mayor of Oakheart," he stated, his tone direct yet respectful. "I am willing to pay 10000 gold for this introduction."

Lukas raised an eyebrow, the price clearly piquing his interest. He took a moment to consider the offer. "That is a generous sum, Nikos. However, my business has been heavily impacted by the monster waves. Slave trading has come to a halt, and I am looking for alternative ways to stabilize my income."

Nikos leaned forward slightly, his eyes never leaving Lukas's. "I understand your predicament. That is why I believe we can both benefit from this arrangement. 10.000 gold could help you stabilize for the time beings."

Lukas's eyes gleamed with a mix of cunning and opportunity. "While I am willing to facilitate an introduction to the mayor, I also wish to be part of your business venture. I believe you stand to make a more substantial profit in this situation, and I would like a share of that."

Nikos considered this for a moment. "How much share are you looking for?"

"Twenty percent of the total sales," Lukas replied, his tone firm.

Nikos's expression remained calm, his mind already calculating the potential implications. "Twenty percent is quite substantial, Sir Lukas. Perhaps a smaller percentage would be more reasonable."

Lukas's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I have heard that all the ingredients for making potions in the market have been bought up, and the stock is already run out. I don't believe it was a mere coincidence, this was your doing right, Sir Nikos?"

Nikos maintained his calm and polite demeanor. "You are well-informed, Sir Lukas. It is part of my strategy to ensure steady supply for my customers."

Lukas chuckled. "That's a clever move. Very well, let us negotiate more."

Nikos leaned back, while his expression remained composed. "Since, I'm respecting your position, Sir Lukas. I am willing to offer you a five percent share of the total sales."

Lukas shook his head slightly. "Five percent is too low, Sir Nikos. I cannot justify such a small percentage given the potential profits. I propose fifteen percent."

The negotiation continued, each man carefully weighing their words and intentions. Liriel, observing from behind, found herself more admiring Nikos's skill.

With time her guard around him slowly dropped, the more she's known him. And the sense of respect toward him is solidifying within her.

Nikos's persistence was unwavering. "My final offer is 10% of the total sales. You too are an experienced merchant, you knew this was a really great price. Beside I'm selling the potions cheaper than the Alchemist Associations, my profit margin is slim. This all a fair deal."

Lukas considered this, his mind calculating the potential gains. The term is quite undesirable, but he's not wrong 10% share is already big enough, especially in this dire situation when the demand for potions is high. He recognized the opportunity. In addition, Sir Nikos is quite exceptional merchant, he move fast and with precision. Having a connection with him should beneficial in the long run.

Finally, Lukas nodded. "Very well, Sir Nikos. Ten percent it is. Let us formalize this agreement."

He pulling out a magic contract, a glowing parchment that solidified their agreement. He pricked his finger, allowing a drop of blood to fall onto the contract, followed by Nikos doing the same. The parchment absorbed the blood, sealing the deal with a faint glow.

Then the contract dissapeared into thin air carrying their agreement.

Lukas pleased with the outcome, turned to Nikos. "Tomorrow, I will personally introduce you to the mayor. I trust our partnership will be fruitful."

Nikos inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Sir Lukas. I look forward to it and our future cooperation."

As they concluded their meeting, Nikos and Lukas stood, shaking hands firmly. "Until tomorrow, Sir Nikos," Lukas said, his tone respectful.

"Until then, Sir Lukas," Nikos replied, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Meanwhile, on the other part of the town, the Alchemist Association's shops were slowly but steadily filling up with adventurers.

The customer, many was adventurers who had found Nikos's shop's limited supply insufficient and had no choice but to seek alternatives to restock their supplies at the Alchemist Association's store.

The hum of conversations and clinking of coins created a bustling atmosphere as adventurers begrudgingly accepted their limited options.

On the second floor stood a half-elf it was Lark, the manager branch store of Oakheart town, he overlooking the scene below.

His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he observed the steady stream of customers. His lips curled into a smug grin, savoring the success of his previous scheme to sabotage Nikos's shop and deplete his potion and ingredients supplies.

He watched as adventurers lined up, their frustrations evident, since the Alchemist Association raising their potions prices greedily seizing the opportunity in this situation.

"Fools," Lark muttered under his breath, his gaze sweeping across the busy store. "They thought they could challenge the might of the Alchemist Association. But look at them now, crawling back to us when their precious Nikos couldn't meet their needs."

He leaned against the railing, his confidence bolstered by the sight of adventurers handing over their hard-earned gold for potions. My plan to hinder Nikos's progress had worked perfectly. And the destruction of his shop and ingredients is paying off now. The bastard must be on losing position now.

This is just the beginning, Lark thought, his mind racing with future schemes. With the adventurers dependent on our supplies, our influence will only grow. Nikos's little rebellion will be nothing more than a fleeting annoyance. Soon, he'll be begging for mercy.

As the evening wore on, the influx of customers showed no signs of slowing.

The adventurers, despite their frustrations, needed potions to survive the monster waves, and Lark knew they had no choice but to rely on the association. His grin widened, the satisfaction of his success seeping into every fiber of his being.

"We'll see how long you can hold out, Nikos," Lark mused, his thoughts dark and calculating. Since you dare to go against the Alchemist Association. Your little uprising is doomed to fail, and when it does, I will be there to pick up the pieces. He grinned.

The scene at the shop continued to buzz with activity, each transaction a small victory for Lark. His confidence grew with each passing moment, convinced that he had effectively crippled Nikos's progress.

Enjoy your temporary success, Nikos, Lark thought, his grin never fading. Because soon, it will all come crashing down.