Chapter 18

"Its nice to meet you Sir Cairo." 

"The pleasure is all mine. Now that we have shared greetings let get down to business." "Before we get to that. Your lover?"

"Its exactly as I said. I'm in a relationship with the princess." "Your very brave." "Thank you. Though I was actual hesitant about it in the beginning. But her charming ways seduced me. Ever since we were kids."

"Enough about that. Lady Alie, I have called you here to talk about the situation in the port. The attack on the fort has scared the merchants that have been selling their goods for high prices. Now they plan to either leave or stay."

"Why would they stay?" "Merchants are very rich and influential they can be considered equal to that of nobles and even royalty. Right now, war is another opportunity to get rich for them."

"And?"

"The trade chamber was found in the fort that is near the port. I have no doubt they were involved in it some way."

"Its as the princess said. They must have been sailing slaves to their buyers." "But how would we get evidence? They must have destroyed any evidence they were involved."

"Their is. We had found a ledge of names and the number of slaves that were kept in the fort. A total of 300 but we only found 233. And they were all list to sail out the day we attacked. Of course, they couldn't leave because of the generals attack from the sea and the sudden mist that lady Alie had created."

"It would be a bit strange not to leave." "Laney had looked into it. Apparently, they are still trying to make a profit. They have been secretly talking to one another of the price of trading with one another."

"They think we don't know the number of slaves that was in the fort. They assume we found nothing that would cause suspicion."

"They also assume we would be to focus on the war that is to come. They don't expect us to look into even if we did find evidence."

"Those bastards didn't get the message of the execution and think they can do whatever they want to do in my kingdom."

"Mia relax."

"I can't. I won't relax until all the scum in my kingdom is gone." The princess hasn't stop working. she works to find ways to save her kingdom. She even meets with groups in the to listen to their troubles.

"So, what is my role in all this and what is exactly is your goal?"

"Merchants aren't loyal to anyone. But they are important assets and are protected by the royal international council of the stars. They are not to be harm unless they break the rules of the sea or any trading business. But also, any laws of that kingdom they are trading in. But trust me I do plan to imprison those who were involved in this slave trading."

"And we don't plan to let them live either."

"People are still asking for food. And those merchants have plenty of it. If we do find them and I report this to a friend who is part of the royal council. I can do whatever I want with them. But they need evidence."

"I see." "We don't have any idea who has the captive slaves. So, we need you to search them out." "Why me?"

"I still don't trust anyone on my own council yet. And the merchants know who Cairo and me are, so they won't ever open up to us. And Laney is not good with talking business. You're the only person I know I can trust with this."

"You trust me?"

"Not entirely. But the spell on you hasn't reacted so you're not lying and have not motives. So, your trustworthy now. Can you, do it?"

It could be a learning experience. "Alright. I'll do it. But I ask for one thing." "What is that?" 

"I have another deal for me and my friend once I am done with my mission. Are you open to listen to it?"

"All right. I will listen once this all over." "Where do I start?"

"I suggest the black market. There could be a plug there. It's the most logical place to look." "Do you need a bodyguard."

"I have one in mind." "Then we'll leave it up to you. Let us know if you ever need help and you do find out who they are come to right away."

Let's not waste time. Tise and I walked through the city. The vibe from the city was different now. It was unity and full of life. People worked around the clock fortifying the city. "It's a bit strange." 

"How so?"

"When I got here. It was a place of disdain and conflict within groups. We elves were no exception. But now it's back to what it once was."

"You've been here for a while." "I used to come here when I was a child. Of course, hundreds of years ago that is."

"Was it different back then." "Humans were more docile. But they still had tendency for war. It was a very confusing time."

We made our way into the market and now we search. "Do you have an idea on where to find them?" "I do. When I was last here someone was walking around with a beast-men in rags. I can also sense the magic bind on him that's restrict magical and inhuman strength."

"Then we should walk around than. Was the owner selling anything?" "It looked like he was selling strange bird eggs the size of watermelons." "...I think I know who it is and is easy to find. But we should be careful though. He is very mischievous and cunning. He is tamer of magical creatures and animals."

"Then well be careful. Well pose as customers and hopefully gain his trust or interest." 

It didn't take long to find his store. It was bigger than most sellers in the black market. Many customers went in and out satisfied. "Guess this is it." In the tent was a much wider area. I can sense the magic within the area.

"This is like a pocket domain." "It's a spell actually. Illusion magic." Then this area is only a fake realty or is there another factor to this. "Come forth! Come forth! Everyone let me show you the rarest sea creature in the world!"

"That's him!" He was gnome. He wore the typical but fancy tunic and trousers. Just from his words he is a very outspoken person. "We should wait. We don't want to talk to him while others are looking."

Behind a cart was the very slave that I had seen with him. He was placing it to show to the people and then backs away a few feet behind it. "A long time ago. The god of the sea, A'guya. Had given the world the sea and all its riches from her blood. It had contained both good and the evils of the sea. But the hero of the land of stars had conquered the lords of the ocean and its monsters. But of course, you can never kill off anything that has the will to live."

He signals his slave to play the violin for his story or whatever he is doing. "Behold the Cetus!" 

A small whale like creature with fur and fours was revealed. The Cetus was giving off electrical energy. It feels scared of us. "This is the last of its kind. A very powerful animal. The great brawlers of the sea!"

It's a baby. How can he just treat it like that. "Now I am selling it. But it is not money I am asking for. Oh no. What I ask for is something more. If you want details of payment come find me at my very own chambers. Look for the sign with red rocks. And have a very nice day ladies and gentlemen."

"Guess will head there." 

"I don't like him. I can see how scummy he is lady Alie." "He's our only lead right now. No matter how shit of a man he is."

"I never think you would use such language." "Sorry! I just...think this kind of business is very bad." "I understand you don't need to apologize for being mad."

"Right. Then let's head to his place. I just hope it's not something I don't have." I wonder is the princess knows of this too. No maybe she does. She knows the black market existing. So how can she not know of it.

"Come on. Let's find his chambers." She must have her reasons. I push the thought to the side. We found his chambers with the help of the red rocks he had mention. They were mana stones. "What a waste." "Agreed. He must think of them worthless." "Wait over there. We don't want to catch onto us." 

"As you wish. Call to me if anything happens." 

Tise waits across from the chambers while I head in. Inside was exotic with things from the around the world. "Hello?" Suddenly he appears next to my face. I jump away from him. "Welcome."

"Hello." "You must be here for the Cetus." "Well no." "Oh than there is no reason for you to be here than. Goodbye." He uses some kind of illusion spell to summon a chair and forces me to sit down. He pushes me out of the chambers. 

"No wait! I'm to ask about where I can buy a slave!" The chairs stop and brings me back in. "Oh. You don't seem to be the type to own a slave dear."

"You don't honestly believe that." "No. Humans are full of greed. But I am curious though." "I don't trust mercs. They tend to follow the ones with more money and can turn on their employers whenever. Having an obedient one would help me."

"Hmm. And what is that you need help with." "I plan to leave Isabella because of the war that is coming. And I have tons of things I need moving."

"I see. Well, I don't mind telling you. But every information comes at a price." "How much?" "Oh slow down. Its not money I require. I already make enough selling my animals."

"If it's not money than what?" "I don't know if you know. But I am also a merchant. I have made so much money that I can build my own mansion. But sadly, it's not enough."

He snaps his fingers causing the furniture to move around. A table and cloth walk over in front of us. "I am a greedy person."

"What do you want?" "Well. As gnome I don't find my kind very attractive. I require something pure."

"...I think I know what your asking for." "And you know I want it." "Your rich why not hire a whore?" "Well, you see I don't like obedient. A whore will do whatever I ask, and she would like it. I like a woman who is not experienced and hates to do but she has to get what I want."

"Why though?" 

"Because why not. I have a large profit. I can do what I want and the know would care. So, will you not sleep with me or not? I won't force. I am not that kind of person. The choice is yours."