Merchants of Soltera

under the pale moonlight, a carriage rumbled slowly down the cobbled road, accompanied by the creaking of wheels breaking the night's silence. At the top of the hill, Nico sat at the edge of the carriage, his gaze fixed on the distance, toward the city of Soltera, which sparkled like a sea of stars under the night sky. The city's glow reflected memories from the mirror of time, reminding him of the days spent with Kirana. But now, that nostalgia had become a faint shadow, replaced by the weight of a great mission an important task he carried for Kashgar, the place he had chosen to fight for, the place that had become his hope for peace.

Beside him, Sana sat quietly. Occasionally, she glanced at Nico, who seemed lost in his thoughts. At the back of the carriage, several servants sat guarding small chests filled with supplies. They did not bring much only essentials for survival and an ambition too heavy to measure. The road descending towards Soltera stretched before them, dark and full of mystery, yet also promising.

When they finally reached the city gates, the bustling activity had calmed, though traces of the nightlife lingered. Lanterns swayed gently on wooden posts, illuminating the streets dampened by dew. Soltera, a trading hub that never truly slept, welcomed them with a meaningful silence. Without much conversation, they quickly found a small inn at the corner of the city, modest yet comfortable enough to rest before the next day's journey began.

As the first stars began to emerge in the twilight sky, Nico and Sana walked away from the bustling city market. The market was still filled with the lively calls of vendors offering their goods, the mingling aroma of spices and the sweetness of fresh fruit, and the vibrant colors of fabrics hanging in every stall. This scene had given Nico inspiration. Behind every sound and light, he could feel the pulse of this city—an opportunity he didn't fully understand yet, but one that felt promising.

"Nico, are you sure we can start everything from here?" Sana asked hesitantly, clutching a basket of groceries.

Nico simply gave a faint smile, his eyes staring far ahead. "I'm sure. This city is the perfect starting point. We just need to seize every opportunity."

The cobbled streets they walked on were beginning to quiet down, with only the occasional passing carriage or hurried pedestrian making their way home. Their shadows stretched long under the glow of the street lanterns. That night, their steps halted in front of a small, long-abandoned house. Its location was strategic—not far from the market, yet quiet and almost shielded from the city's commotion.

"Here it is," Nico said with a tone full of certainty, gazing at the building like an artist who had just found his canvas. "This place will be our home—and the first headquarters of our business."

Sana nodded slowly, her brown eyes gleaming under the dim light. She could feel Nico's burning enthusiasm, and that was enough to make her believe.

That night, the small house transformed into a hive of activity. The servants and shadow soldiers that Nico had brought as his loyal guards worked tirelessly, tidying every corner, organizing the merchandise, and ensuring the place was ready for use. Nico stood by the window overlooking the main street, observing how the lantern light reflected on the glass.

"This place will attract anyone passing by," he murmured to Sana, who was busy arranging fabrics on the wooden shelves. "We have to make this business look classy and trustworthy. The emperor has given us a mandate, and I won't disappoint him. The funds we generate here will be the foundation of a new empire."

Sana offered a small smile, nodding with growing confidence inside her.

As the night wore on, Nico gathered all the servants and soldiers in the main hall. The lanterns hanging from the ceiling cast a warm glow, creating a familiar atmosphere. On the simple wooden table, glasses of drinks were neatly lined up.

"Alright," Nico said, drawing everyone's attention. "Your outfits are ready. We're on an important mission, and our appearance must reflect that. We are not just merchants—we are entrepreneurs who want to earn the trust of this city."

A middle-aged man, who seemed to be the group's financial expert, raised his hand. "Master Nico, is it alright for us to spend imperial funds on this?" he asked cautiously.

Nico chuckled, his voice light but full of conviction. "This is part of our strategy. Appearance is key to winning people's hearts and minds. If they trust us, they'll trust what we sell."

After the laughter subsided, Nico looked at them more seriously. "Tonight, I want us to get to know each other. Before we go any further, I'll share a little about myself—about the journey that brought me here."

They all listened attentively, the lantern light reflecting off Nico's determined face. That night, the stories shared not only bonded them but also became the foundation of the great journey they were about to embark on together.

"Miss Sana, would you like to share your story?" Nico asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

Sana smiled faintly, lowering her head briefly before speaking. "There's not much to tell. But one thing you should know... I am a 40-year-old woman, and I have three children."

The room was instantly filled with surprise. Everyone gasped in unison, "What? You have three children?"

Sana just smiled, nodding gently. "That's right."

Nico laughed softly, then teased, "Who would believe it? You look young and beautiful! But I like calling you 'mooo—'"

Before Nico could finish, Sana playfully hit his stomach with her palm. Everyone burst into laughter, the atmosphere suddenly lightened, creating camaraderie among them.

On the other side of the table, Malik sat upright. His towering figure and sharp gaze radiated vigilance. He didn't speak much, but his presence felt like a solid shield that made everyone feel safe.

Noticing the curious looks directed at him, Malik finally spoke. "My name is Malik. I am a military officer from Kashgar . My duty is to protect all of you from harm, even if it costs me my life."

His statement made Nico laugh heartily. "Alright, alright, don't be so tense, Malik. We're here on a mission, but a little humor won't kill you."

Introductions continued. Four skilled maids were also introduced—Karin, Diandra, Vanessa, and Jully. They were not only experts in daily tasks but also trained in martial arts. Beautiful yet deadly, the description fit them perfectly.