merchant

After Three Days

As the first light of dawn filled the room, I finished my final adjustments and prepared to leave. Just as I was about to step forward, XZ appeared before me.

It was as if it didn't want to let me go.

At first, I used to be surprised by its actions, but now I was used to them. XZ was different from the others. Smarter. And, even without orders, it always followed me.

I took a deep breath.

"Stay here, XZ. I have important matters to attend to."

XZ silently stepped back and stood still, like a statue. I gave it one last glance, then opened the door and stepped outside.

In the corridor, Jiho was waiting for me. His arms were clasped behind his back as he stood patiently.

"How long have you been here?"

"Two hours, young master."

I raised an eyebrow. "And you're still here?"

"You told me to wait." His voice was as calm as ever.

I began walking slowly. "Is everything I asked for ready?"

Jiho followed behind me and nodded. "Yes, young master. I have compiled the village's population, those with Fate Abilities, and the largest available map of the region. The map is old but still usable."

I quickened my pace. "How many people have a Fate Ability?"

Jiho glanced at his notebook. "Ten people."

I paused for a moment. "And what's the total population of the village?"

"Including the elderly and children… 238 people."

I turned to Jiho. "Only ten out of 238? From what I've read, minor Fate Abilities aren't that rare. That village should have at least 40 or 50 people with abilities."

Jiho lowered his head slightly. "Young master, those with Fate Abilities have left the village. They sought a better life elsewhere and joined other communities."

It made sense. Still, something about it bothered me. After gathering more information about the village and the surrounding areas, I moved on to the most important matter.

"Jiho, how much money do we currently have?"

Jiho handed me a piece of paper. I scanned through it.

"A total of 300 Dariks. Also, a list of valuable gems and other precious items."

Hmm… Not bad. Actually, we're in a pretty good position. We have the third most valuable currency.

Since the funds were ready, it was time for the next phase. I needed to make the village my people. But to do that, I needed supplies first.

The village needed food more than money. If I wanted loyal people, I had to do them a favor first. If I gradually gained their trust, they would become useful workers.

"Jiho, I need a merchant. Where can I find one?"

"Young master, follow me."

Jiho led the way. We walked through long, old corridors. After several minutes, we arrived at a room.

"Young master, this is my room. We can use Dolvano here to contact a merchant."

He opened the door. As I stepped inside, my eyes immediately landed on the device in the corner.

It had a round base with copper plating. The top was slightly open, resembling a funnel. Fine engravings adorned its surface, and small holes lined its sides. At the bottom, faintly glowing quartz crystals emitted a dim light.

"This is the device?"

Jiho nodded and approached it. "Yes, young master. This device was designed by a man named Malrik Nocturne. Using his unique ability, he managed to create this commercial tool."

I was intrigued. What kind of ability could create such a device? From Jiho's explanation, it seemed to function similarly to the telephones from my previous world.

"So the crystal links to another Dolvano somewhere else. How much does it cost?"

"Young master, since it's a long-distance connection, it costs 20 Dariks. The farther the distance, the higher the price."

I was momentarily surprised by the price. It was a bit expensive, but reasonable. After all, it was a unique device created by a single person, so he controlled its value.

I examined the device carefully, inspecting every part. Then, I noticed something.

"There's only one connection point. Why?"

Jiho explained, "Young master, that's because we are currently connected to only one merchant. We don't know the others in the region, and most of them don't have this device."

I studied it for a few more minutes. After understanding the mechanics, I inserted the crystal rod into the hole. A faint ringing sound echoed for a few seconds before stopping. Then, a voice emerged from the device.

"Hello, who is this?"

"My name is Ravien Duskbane. I am the lord of a small fortress in the eastern region."

Jiho's eyes widened slightly. His young master had a name? He had never heard it before. His mother hadn't even bothered to name him. And instead of using 'Pendragon' as his surname, he called himself 'Duskbane.'

But Jiho's surprise was brief. He quickly regained his composure.

After a few polite exchanges, I got straight to the point.

"I want to purchase enough supplies to feed 300 people for three months."

The merchant on the other end of the line fell silent for a moment. Then, his voice changed—quieter than before.

"U-Understood, my lord. Your supplies will arrive in two days."

Something felt off. His voice had changed. A slow smirk formed on my lips.

"What's the price?"

But there was no response. The merchant had disconnected the Dolvano.

My smirk widened. Even Jiho was giving me a strange look.

"Those bastards…" I muttered. "He hung up on me without naming a price. He probably thinks I'm a fool and plans to scam me."

I clenched my fists.

How dare they look down on me?

"Jiho, get ready. When the merchant arrives, you'll move the supplies to storage. I'll be busy teaching those arrogant bastards a lesson."

Even in this body, I still struggled to fully control my anger. But that didn't matter.

There was nothing to control.

Because when they arrived, they would become the perfect test subjects for my abilities.

---

Western City

In the far western region, a settlement of ten thousand people stood. Though lacking the grandeur of major cities, it was still prosperous due to its location on a trade route.

Its most notable structure was a weathered white castle, still imposing despite its age.

The city was divided into two districts: the western side, where merchants and nobles resided, and the eastern side, home to the common folk. Among the wealthier homes, a particularly grand estate belonged to Fauriel, one of the city's richest merchants.

To the public, he was a respected businessman. In reality, he was a ruthless opportunist.

Seated in his lavish chamber, Fauriel admired a gleaming gold ingot in his hands. Just then, the door burst open.

"Sir! We have an urgent matter!"

Fauriel's expression darkened. He despised disruptions.

"Hey! How dare you raise your voice in my presence?"

Realizing his mistake, the servant immediately fell to his knees.

"Forgive me, sir," he stammered. "But we received a request from a minor lord in the eastern region. He ordered supplies for 300 people, enough to last three months."

A sly grin spread across Fauriel's face.

"A large order from an unknown lord?" His eyes gleamed. "Was his voice young or old?"

"Young… and somewhat commanding," the servant replied.

Fauriel's smirk deepened. A young and inexperienced noble.

Perfect prey.

"Don't mention the price over Dolvano," he instructed coldly. "If he asks, just hang up. We'll claim the connection was lost when we arrive."

The servant bowed quickly and left.

Alone in the room, Fauriel placed the gold ingot down, his eyes filled with greed.

"Hehe… Another fool to milk for money."

Beneath his desk, shackled in chains, a woman sat motionless.

Her long hair was filthy, her wrists bruised from days of restraint. The chain was attached to Fauriel's foot, limiting her movements.

Fauriel grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her onto his lap.

"I've had my fun with you," he sneered. "I'll be getting rid of you soon, my little toy."

The woman didn't react. No fear, no hatred, no hope.

Her eyes were empty.

And Fauriel? He simply continued his amusement, unfazed.

------------------

DOLVANO

Definition:

Dolvano is a special communication device created using the Thread of Sound ability. When two Dolvano devices are linked, the voice spoken into one can be heard from the other. Through invisible and intangible sound threads, it enables seamless long-distance communication.