Terms of Alliance

Quill, finishing his meal, marvelled at how much better this food was compared to what he had eaten in the forest. The warmth and flavor of a home-cooked meal felt like a luxury after the bland, survival fare he had endured. With his hunger sated, he decided it was time to return the dishes and speak with Alderic about the reason he had come here.

As Quill descended the stairs, he heard the sound of playful shrieks and laughter. Peering over the banister, he saw Teresa chasing after Klara, who was clearly having too much fun for her own good. Klara, with her quick little feet, darted around corners and furniture, but eventually found herself at a dead end. On one side was a huge staircase that would take too long to climb, and on the other was Teresa, whose smile had turned into a devilish grin that Quill found surprisingly menacing for a moment.

Quill couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. He recognized the playful dynamic between Teresa and Klara, but it also stirred something within him. Growing up as the youngest at the Stormwind Estate, he had often wished for a younger sibling to share such moments with. Moved by this feeling, he decided to help Klara.

With a swift motion, Quill activated his chakra power, focusing on the wind element. A gentle gust lifted Klara off the ground, carrying her smoothly over Teresa's head and setting her down a few feet away. Both Teresa and Klara stared at Quill, wide-eyed and bewildered. Quill simply smiled and gave a subtle nod to Klara, signaling her to make her escape.

Klara didn't need to be told twice. With a giggle, she took off running again, disappearing around the corner. Teresa, looking both amused and exasperated, turned to Quill with an eyebrow raised. "You have some interesting tricks up your sleeve," she said, her tone a mix of curiosity and admiration.

Quill shrugged modestly. "Just a little something I picked up," he replied, trying to downplay his abilities. "I thought Klara could use a bit of help."

Teresa laughed, the earlier frustration gone from her expression. "Well, you certainly made her day. Thank you for that." She took the tray from Quill and gestured towards the kitchen. "Alderic is in his study. You can find him through that door," she said, pointing down the hallway.

Quill nodded and made his way to the study, feeling a bit more at ease in this household. He found Alderic sitting at a large wooden desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and ledgers. The merchant looked up and smiled warmly as Quill entered.

"Ah, Quill. Come in, come in," Alderic said, motioning to a chair opposite him. "I trust the meal was to your liking?"

Quill nodded, taking a seat. "It was excellent, thank you. But now, we need to discuss some business". 

Quill settled into the chair in front of Alderic, trying to exude an aura of authority and confidence. However, Alderic, a seasoned merchant with years of experience, remained unfazed.

"I know you might have many questions about why I did all this," Quill began, his voice steady. "Why am I running from my family and many others? But I can't tell you the reasons. It might be a little too personal."

Alderic nodded thoughtfully. "I understand you might have your reasons. What I want from you isn't answers to those questions. What I want from you is ideas—just like the paper formula you gave me."

Quill felt a surge of relief and happiness at Alderic's response. "Sure, sure, that's exactly why I came here," he replied, his tone brightening. "But I have some conditions."

"Fine, tell me," Alderic said, leaning forward slightly.

Quill took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. "Firstly, I need absolute discretion. No one can know I'm here or that I'm alive. This secrecy is vital for my plan."

Alderic nodded thoughtfully. "That's understandable. What else?"

"Secondly, I need access to information—about people, places, and events. Your network as a merchant can be invaluable to me."

Alderic's eyes narrowed slightly. "You want me to risk my contacts and resources?"

Quill shook his head. "I don't want you to risk them. I want you to use them wisely. I can find out who's really behind the treachery at Stormwind Estate."

Alderic leaned back in his chair, contemplating Quill's words. "And what do I get in return?" he asked finally.

Quill smiled. "Innovative ideas, like the paper formula. I can help you expand your business, and introduce new products that will set you apart from your competitors. You'll gain wealth and influence beyond your current reach."

Alderic considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well. What else?"

"Third," Quill continued, "You need to keep hiding this fact that I am the one who is making these innovations and helping you grow your business and give me an identity."

Alderic raised an eyebrow. "Why do you need to do that, if you're only going to provide ideas? Grey is dead now, so no one would know about you."

Quill's eyes gleamed with determination. "I am going to revolutionize this world and need a face for it and seeing a child making such inventions people are not going to take me seriously as a business partner until I am an Adult."

Hearing this, Alderic was shocked. He wondered about the true identity of Quill, how he knew all this, and what he meant by revolutionizing the world.

Quill continued, "Fourth, I need the freedom to travel as much as I want, I don't want to be tied down by this merchant business. I wish to travel and experience this wonderful world to help me hone my skills and prepare for what's ahead."

Alderic frowned. "That will cost some heavy Work, I can do it but you need to stay with the business for the time being and whenever the business needs your help you have to come and help it ."

Quill nodded. "That's fine. I expected this much and I am not planning to completely abandon the business I just want some freedom."

Alderic pondered for a moment, then finally agreed. "Alright, Quill. I'll meet your conditions. But remember, this is a partnership. Don't disappoint me."

Quill stood up and extended his hand. "You have my word. We'll both get what we want."

Alderic shook his hand, sealing their agreement. "Welcome aboard, Quill. Let's get started."