Investment

The carriage rides through the road, the bright moon beaming from the sky, as the city lights up bit by bit.

Michael watches the striking view till a voice takes his mind off it, "Do I look, ok?"

Michael turns his head towards the voice, Mary uncomfortably looks back.

She rubs her shoulder as Michael inspects her, her short red hair and her lean build combined with the white pants, and the white woollen coat, the clothes made her look like a noble officer in the 1800s.

'I made sure she looks like an officer, even had this customised and delivered.' He then smiles to himself as he thought,

Michael replied with amusement, "You looks fine as is."

She looks down at her clothing as she looks to him, "Is this really fine? I thought I had to go in some kind of dress."

He dismisses her concern with a wave, "There's no need, after all, you'll be presenting yourselves as a mercenary,"

He raises his fist in dramatics, "They have to see you as intimidating and well experienced, to make you worth the gold."

Mary nods her head in understanding, Michael looks at her expression and then asks, "But if you want a dress, we always have the new ones I brought in."

Mary looks to him in shock as she immediately shakes her head, "No, no. I just thought that maybe, since I was your date in this, you wanted me to go in a dress."

Michael smiles, "Nonsense, you can still be my date and wear such clothes."

He grins, "And the way it suits, at the end of the day. they'll be trying to buy their own sets"

Mary smiles at his assurance and confidence, "If you say so," Michael smiles back as he loosens his own set of clothing. Similar to Mary's but with an overcoat draped over his back.

"So how's your training been?"

They talked together like that till the carriage stops. Mary looks out the window to see the dazzling mansion.

The door opens before Michael steps out, he offers his hand to her and Mary steps off the carriage.

They started walking to the door, She looks around in confusion as she whispers, "All of them seems to be."

Michael completes her sentence, "Humans? Yeah, merchant houses have been dominated by humans for years."

He smiles to himself, "Apparently, the other races see it as a lesser job."

He gestures to people looking at them and whispering, "And with all the humans lying around why not give it to them?"

Mary looks around in wonder, the magnificent decor along with its significant size, 'all just from a merchant house?' She thought to herself.

Her first time seeing a wealthy human, "But why isn't there anyone like this in Rosalia?"

Michael replies, "Because of peace, the nobles in Rosalia tend to focus on their status, wealth and plots, that's why the luxury trade has become quite lucrative, that artifacts can reach absurd prices."

Mary was about to ask a question but was interrupted, "Invitations, please."

A servant stood in front of the luxurious door, reaching his hand out for the invitation.

Michael passes it to him and the servant pushes the door open, the bright chandeliers and the luxurious decor created a view of elegance and beauty.

The attendees direct their view to both of them, their gazes roving and inspecting, makes Mary uncomfortable.

A man in his forties though steps up as he greets them with a smile, "Sir Michael! I am quite glad you had the time to come to my ball."

Michael steps forward raising his hand for a shake, "Ah yes, I wouldn't miss this for anything, Sir George."

George shakes his hand, "I'm quite glad you think so," He then regards Mary, "Arent you going to introduce me to your friend."

Michael clears his throat the smiles, "Yes, of course. My friend here, Mary. Is a commander of a mercenary group."

He points outside, "The one settled outside city borders."

George then offers his hand as Mary shakes it, "I see, then my name is George, the head of the Neil merchant house."

Mary shakes his hand with a smile, "Meeting you has been a pleasure."

George cutely nods, "The pleasure is all mine, madam."

George then gestures to the table as he walked to it, "Then would you mind accompanying me for this evening?"

"Of course, I would be more than happy to do so." Michael walks to the table.

Michael looks to Mary for her decision, she only shakes his head and Mary whispers to him, "I'll be going over there."

She points to a group of women, "I don't think I can fit with the table you're going to." They both look to the table, each man eyeing him for his value.

Michael whispers back, "Good call, see you later then." Michael immediately follow behind George.

They stop in front of a table, with various men sitting around it. They both sat in their respective chair, as the men sitting inspects and evaluate the newcomer.

George then clears his throat, "Gentlemen, I wish to introduce you to Sir Michael. The current owner of the store chain Golden Wear."

"It's quite nice to meet you, Sir Michael." A man in his fifties spoke.

Michael looks to it and bows slightly, "I'm glad you think so highly of me, Sir Iridiel."

Iridiel laughs as he tries to wave off the praise, "Nonsense, young man. I'm just an old coin counter."

Michael laughs, "Yes, of course. Head of the Iridian bank must be a mere stepping stone for your ambitions."

Iridiel chuckles with him, amused with the boy's response.

George then spoke, taking their attention, "So, I've heard you are trying to expand outside of Rosalia."

Michael smiles, "Of course, business is going well and there's been quite a demand in the Iridian Principalities."

A man interrupts him, "Then you wouldn't mind working with me then?"

George glares at the voice, "Quite rude of you Thomas, I believe we were talking."

Thomas dismisses him with a reply, "I'd rather be rude than miss out on the great opportunity."

"Quite true," A voice butts in behind Michael as a man shows his hand, "The name is John, Head of Brine Trading company." Michael shakes his hand out of courtesy.

"ENOUGH!" A voice shouts and the three men stop as Iridiel merely chuckles at the argument.

"Apologies young man," An old voice speaks as Michael sees a man in his sixties smiling genially. "It seems they have been a bit excited, as merchants are when coins are involved."

Michael smiles back, "It is quite alright Sir James, I am quite overjoyed that they see my business as such."

James smiles, "I'm quite glad you know of me."

Michael intertwines his finger, "It would be remiss to not know the Head of the Cornell Trading House."

James nods curtly, an indication of approval, the men around him speak out once more ready to talk to with Michael.

But before they can do so, Michael clears his throat, the men around him stop in their tracks as Michael takes out a paper from his coat and speaks, "I have a simple plan for you gentlemen, I hope you can hear me out."

Michael passes it to George, he gestures to the paper, "This plan involves each one of you gentlemen,"

James raises an eyebrow, "How so?"

"It involves each one of you creating your own branch Golden Wear," Michael replies.

Thomas then interjects, "How much would it cost us?"

Michael softly smiles, "A small fee of twenty percent of your profit."

The four men ruminate before Thomas asks, "I see, then how big is the capital?"

Michael taps his chin in thought, "I believe that three thousand gold coins would be enough."

John chokes, "Three thousand? that sounds pricey."

George interjects, "But it would be more than worth it, wouldn't it?"

Everyone else looks to him in question and George answers, "The way you are doing this, would mean you have more plans of expansion, Correct?"

Michael nods in acknowledgement and George continues, "If the quality never falls, the demand only increases as the people see it as an established brand."

George then looks to Michael, "Do you have a connection in Arasel."

Michael shakes his head and George excitedly continues, "Perfect! I know a few people willing to invest in such a venture."

Michael smiles in agreement as the rest of the men read his proposal.

Iridiel then asks, "Are the clothes you and your friend are wearing part of a new clothing line."

Michael opens the coat, "Why yes, we can even create some customized clothing. though with a little extra."

Iridiel nods, "Then I'll probably take you up in your offer."

James passes the paper to Thomas as he interjects, "This is quite a marvel you made here, I'm a bit saddened that I cant profit more from this."

Michael clears his throat, capturing James' attention "There have been some plans in regards to that."

James smiles, "Truly? Then let us hear them then."

"Well, you see. I plan to auction a few shares of M.T.I, Golden wear's parent company" He grins, "I can invite you when it happens."

James nods, "Then, consider this conversation as my confirmation of attendance."

Michael nods, "I'll be glad to have you there," he looks to the men around the table, "If you wish to go, you are all invited as well."

Iridiel gives back the paper to Michael and spoke, "This is quite the plan, but I heard Rosalia is currently in a crisis."

Michael waves his hand as a sign of confidence, "Such matters are of little worry, I already have a backing as it stands."

Iridiel smiles, seeing the boy's confidence, the matter seems to have been dealt with.

Thomas raises his head from his rumination cutting into their conversation, "What's your expected income from this venture?"

"For you gentlemen, based on our last month, about two thousand gold."

John then looks down, "Will the quality remain as is?"

"Of course, though it is unfortunate. We seem to be the only textile capable of creating it in this quality and we can always sell you "

George sighs, "Ha, you really plan on draining us dry, don't you?"

Michael chuckles, "Well, I wouldn't be a businessman if I wasn't greedy."

The men around him laugh and Iridiel wipes a tear of laughter as he exclaims, "For sure."

A few seconds pass and they all calm down and James speaks up, "So what's your next step then? I think everyone here agrees with your proposal."

Everyone nods in agreement, as the men look at him and ponder.

Michael shrugs, "I still haven't thought about it but, I can put you in mind once I expand into new ventures."

George laughs, "Haha, I'll be taking you up on that promise then."

James sends a look to Iridiel who only nods, the other men at the table noticing this, sends small nods as well.

James then spoke, "We'll be meeting here again, you think you can go by then?"

Michael smiles, "I'll be more than happy to do so."