Making an Elaborate Scheme

Adjacent to the river flowing within Garobu City was a triple-storeyed establishment, sporting large, open balconies that looked into the majestic river.

Tables of granite, sculpted with expensive, pleasant-scenting wood were situated throughout the place. The chairs too were made of granite, the cushions leather, also draped with a silk shawl from the backrest that cascaded elegantly to the ground, fluttering softly from the wind.

It was a restaurant meant for the wealthy to enjoy their evenings. People of importance visited the establishment for casual social activities.

Currently seated at one corner of the establishment on its third floor was a youth sporting a lovestruck expression, sighing as he stared at the boats and ships rowing the river.

He gazed at the cutlery; the handles were made of marble but the rest were carved out of ivory. 'This is a needless display of wealth.'

He didn't order anything except a glass of tea, but that didn't matter since he was the successor that would inherit this establishment next. 'When will she come?'

Click-Clack!

The sounds of high heels hitting the floor made their way to his ears as his face brightened up naturally over the familiar pattern. He turned towards the flight of stairs, watching a beautiful lady walk up, capturing his entire attention, 'She's here.'

"Golden-brown hair as if resembling a bountiful harvest of wheat, dark-brown eyes like a shiny marble, and a pair of lips that symbolises a ploughed land of vitality…" He muttered upon staring at her, mesmerised.

In a city where farmers were the most respected, even praises were expressed through farming aspects. He watched, ingraining all his attention on her walk as the lady slowly approached him, her soft voice causing him to go weak, "Have you been waiting for long?"

"I own this place." The man said in a dreamy voice, "I was waiting since morning, but I can also do my work from here."

"You're a hard worker." The lady smiled as she took a seat, "Your father must be proud, Myurah."

"Of course, he is." The man, Myurah grinned in pride, "The tea recipe I created has been an instant hit among the customers."

He then motioned towards the staff who immediately brought in a set of tea and laid it out on the table. Pointing at the cup poured before her, Myurah smiled, "Please have some and tell me how it tastes."

The lady gracefully lifted the cup and sipped; her eyes lit up in admiration, "This is better than Baekle Tea. No wonder your profits are higher than before."

"It's also because my siblings are geniuses when it comes to growing the herbs necessary to make this tea." Myurah laughed, "They don't like to admit it, but when I use their herbs, the tea tastes the best."

"You have a loving family," The lady smiled as she finished the cup and asked for a second serving as she stared at Myurah, "So, what's this tea called?"

"That…" Myurah blushed in embarrassment and spoke softly, "…Myurah Tea."

The lady was stunned for a moment as she stared at him in silence, causing him to admit after a minute, "My dad insisted on naming it this. He refused to budge away no matter how much I protested."

The two happily conversed for an hour before Myurah stared at the lady as his fingers began to tremble faintly, "Lady Vuruna, have you brought that…thing?"

"Of course, I was about to say that." Smiling as such, Vuruna took out a neatly decorated ivory box and placed it on the table, gently pushing it towards Myurah.

His excitement peaked instantly as Myurah tried his best to calm down and open the ivory box, staring at the syringe inside. He closed it immediately and smiled, intending to excuse himself, "I'll return in a minute."

"I'll be waiting here," Vuruna waved her hand slowly as she watched Myurah leave in a hurry and return after almost twenty minutes. His hair was slightly dishevelled and he seemed to have changed clothes.

Upon arriving, he placed the ivory box on the table and stated in wonder, "That was damn euphoric. It felt like I was a seed that grew into a crop that entered harvesting season in a short time."

"But…" He trailed off, "I felt like shit once the effects subsided. I…wanted to experience it more."

"You can, but it's dangerous." Vuruna warned, "If you take more than one a day, your mind would collapse. I take it too, so I know how it feels."

"If you say so," Myurah sighed in disappointment.

"Still," Vuruna grinned as she slowly inched forward, "I have a deal for you."

"What deal?" Myurah became excited once again.

"This…thing." Vuruna tapped it once, "The one that produces it wishes to sell it through you."

"You mean…" Myurah looked around, "You want me to sell it to my customers?"

"Not everyone," Vuruna shook her head, "Just those that seek a bit more excitement from life. Of course, they'll be ready to pay a lot of Robu for it."

"If you accept it, fifty percent of the profits are yours."

"Selling it within this establishment has its share of risks," Myurah frowned, saying after some thought, "But, if I were to open another establishment under my name, it'll work."

"Give me a day." He said resolutely before asking, "How many can he create in a day though?"

"Thirty," Vuruna said, "But that's his limit. So, you should filter the customers accordingly."

"Leave it to me. I'm known for my trust and business acumen." Myurah grinned before he stared at her, "By the way, are you free tomorrow? I've booked a boat ride through the fields."

"Hmm…" Vuruna thought as she spoke, "I am busy tomorrow. But, I should be free by the evening."

"Sweet!" Myurah pumped his fists in excitement, "I'll see you then."

"Send a large boat beyond the city while disguised as cargo meant for Wharu City. The producer would board it along with all the materials he needs. Only send trusted staff that are tight-lipped." Vuruna warned, "The producer dislikes a crowd."

"I understand," Myurah patted his chest, "You needn't worry."

"Alright, I'll be off then." Saying so, Vuruna took her leave, still feeling Myurah's eyes on her as her lips curled up faintly, 'We have a distribution channel now. Through Myurah, gathering funds and intel becomes simpler. Also,'

She left the establishment, staring at its name that read, 'Baekle Grooves Establishment.'

"Through these nobles, we can find clues regarding sir Dullip's disappearance."