Chapter 86 - Confusion

Fiona gave Aile the good news that they had managed to buy most of the supply in the market and have the majority of the shops in Port Kiar. Aile nodded and told them that it would be best to create two opposing merchant halls next to each other in the trading area. While to the people, it would seem that they would be competing, in reality, they will be maximizing the profit and ensuring a successful business.

Fiona nodded, then he told her to request most of the material required for the healing cream in one hall and the others in the other. All that remained was to talk with the bandit's tomorrow night. Aile also told Fiona that Emily knows a lot about his dealings, thus if she ever needs to consult someone while he is not around, he should seek her.

Emily also pitched in some ideas, she proposed creating a merchant union and inviting all of the merchants of the town to join in. This way, they can help the local merchants by buying and selling stuff to them cheaper than the customers. In return, they will get their loyalty. Fiona then brought up the state of the house and available finances. It seemed that Fiona did not spend much on her acquisition of shops, and Aile did not need to worry about money.

Then Aile asked about the estate and guards.

Fiona told him that she hired the trusted guards of Hazel's mansion and similarly the maids. She also mentioned that Sohpie had diligently done her mission, and he should ask her about it for more information. Aile agreed. Emily also made an eye gesture that she will inform him more about possible problematic people. Aile, of course, knew that Emily would be a better candidate about this stuff. Nonetheless, he was impressed with Fiona's effort into rooting out possible problems.

Aile then told Fiona that it will be best if she picks only a few trustable maids to clean the mansion and keep in contact with the people inside. He requested to find the ones that do not have any ties in the world, it would be best.

This way, they can stay in the mansion permanently, and it would be much harder for any news to get out about them. He also told them that he plans to visit the pirates and see if he can make a similar deal with them. He asked them to keep their attention on any news about the pirates and try to find their location if possible.

After that, they talked about the overall situation of the town while he was gone. Aile then mentioned to them that they should focus on improving their cultivation stage and fighting experience, allocating a budget of up to 70 percent from the profit of their business for it.

Aile realized that just cultivation strength will not amount to everything in a battle. Thus, he also encouraged them to make sure they improve their fighting through combat, equipment and buying any unusual object that could protect them. Such as high-level talismans.

Seeing how much Aile cared about their safety brought a smile to their face. Fiona said that she will also organize the schedule for their turn to assist Aile. He told them that they do not need to worry too much as anyone else can do that, as they are having a lot more responsibilities now. However, Fiona still wanted to continue, and Emily nodded too.

Fiona left and told Aile that her place is right next to Diana's if he needs anything. Emily explained to Aile that she has made sure the maids are acceptable and not a spy of anyone at the moment.

She had checked the guards and gardeners but based on the mission that he had given Sophie the greedy ones, and possible spies have been identified. She then went back to her room.

Aile then left the office only to see Sophie waiting outside for him. As soon as she saw Aile, she gave him a hug and then told him that she completed her mission. Her mission was to discreetly spread rumours between the maids and gardeners and guards about a location that had money, information or some other sort of treasure.

Then she observed the location stealthily. Anyone that came, she would write their name. If she found any suspicious activity from any of the employees, she would record that too. She had found a few simpletons, that tried to break in to get the treasure. Some people used others while observing them from afar, to see the consequences, and some had suspicious behaviour but has done nothing wrong so far. Emily had trained her for a long time now, and she was very good at this sort of exercise. This was a good experiment for her to test her ability and gain experience.

Aile praised her and told her that she has done very well, and he will reward her a promise; to do something or to get her something. Aile had felt very guilty for tricking her into staying here. He was glad that she was not with him in Port Kiar. But at the same time, he felt limited not being able to comply with her request of going there with him, so he allowed her to pick something else.

Sophie got a big smile, almost radiating out happiness.

Aile smile back, seeing her happy, "Are you not going to use your request now?"

Sophie shook her head but maintained that joyous smile, "Not now! My mom always said to never use a card as soon as you get it, as there are always better opportunities."

Aile realized that this favour might become harder to fulfil like this. However, he was sure that she would not ask him to do something too outrageous. Sophie then reluctantly left soon after as it was getting late.

He then came to his room, and a big bed was placed at the centre, replacing his old one. His bed was moved to the side of the room. On the new bed, Laila and Leia were resting. He went towards his bed when he heard Laila say, "Aile come sleep with us, I have heard that only people that do not like each other sleep in different beds."

Aile sighed, "I will be training for most of the night, I do not want to disturb your sleep."

Leia said, "Do not worry, we will save this area for you." she pointed at the middle of the bed in between them.

Aile looked at Leia and noticed a necklace with a blue gem attached to it. It seemed like a random blue gem. Aile then nodded and agreed with her request.

"Can I ask you about something, Leia?"

Leia nodded and was perplexed.

"Where did you get that necklace from?"

"Oh this," Leia sighed in relief, "I got this from my father, he said that it was my mother's, but I had never seen her wore it. I just kept it because, what if he was not lying."

"Do you mind if I take it?"

"No problem." She took out the necklace and handed it to Aile.

"You are not going to ask what I want to do with it?"

"I trust you."

"I do not know what will happen to the necklace after it is used."

"Do not worry, I do not need the necklace to remember my mother."

"Thank you, Leia."

Leia smiled back, "You said you want to use it. How are you going to use a necklace?"

"It is not just a necklace but also a communication device."

Leia had a scared expression, and Laila did too.

Leia said in a wavering voice, "I promise I did not know about it, Aile!"

Laila got up and said, "Leia did not know about it, it was me."

Aile asked with a surprising tone, "What?"

Laila had an I was wronged expression, she still said unclearly, "I gave her the necklace to keep .... because... because...

I cannot see... if you let her leave, I will tell you everything."

"Ok, but did you both not take a vow to never leave me, how can she leave then?"

Leia had a confused look and stared at Laila. She was wondering what was wrong with her.

Laila started to cry, "Please do not hurt us, just promise or take a vow to not hurt Leia, in return, I will take a vow to become your slave."

Leia asked surprisingly, "What is wrong, Laila? Why are you saying all of this stuff? Why would Aile hurt us? "

Aile sighed, went close to her and hugged her, "Why do you think I will hurt you?"

After a few seconds of crying, Laila said in a depressed tone, "We are useless, I cannot see, Leia is not good at cultivation. You have so many people here that care for you. There is no need to blame us for spying, I promise to do whatever you want just do not kill us, please. I know marrying someone first gives them a higher status, I-I... we promise to just be like a lowly slave."