Kael finished his business and returned to the inn. Although he still had many canned goods that he hadn't managed to sell yet, he left quickly before the market closed. He suspected that some kind of accident might befall him later—trouble often followed success. After all, a profitable first day usually attracted jealous eyes.
So, he came back without taking any risks.
The tavern was nearly empty now. Most people were still out finishing their daily business. However, Kael spotted Alenia clearing tables.
"You came back early," she remarked, her tone somewhere between amusement and curiosity. "So? How was your first day as a merchant?"
"I sold my stuff faster than I thought I would, and I made a lot more profit than I needed. It seems I've made a few new enemies along with the profit."
She chuckled and set the glass down. "That's nothing new. Business breeds envy faster than a noble's scandal. I'm just surprised you managed it on your very first day."
Kael gave a wry smile. "I'm not afraid of it. Anyone afraid of making enemies shouldn't be in business. My products were revolutionary—people swarmed to my stall."
Alenia paused, then nodded thoughtfully. "If people are starting to envy you, it means you're taking more than you're giving. That's how power shifts begin."
"Yes, but in my opinion, those alchemists and blacksmiths have been doing business here for a long time. Their influence in this city is much greater than mine. I'm afraid they may secretly plot against me… or do me some harm."
She leaned against the bar. "You're not wrong. We call it the Market Ring. It's not official, but most long-standing merchants are part of it. They set prices, block outsiders, and even pressure the guilds to favor them."
A cartel, huh. I knew it. These bastards are basically medieval Walmart with knives instead of lawyers.
"So, a cartel."
"A what?"
Kael waved it off. "A term from my world. Just means a group of sellers who team up to control the market. It's illegal where I come from—but here?"
"Here, it's tradition." She grabbed a bottle from under the bar and poured a small measure into two cups. "To your survival," she offered, raising her glass.
Kael clinked his against hers. "And to not getting stabbed in an alley."
They drank.
Setting his cup down, Kael sighed. "So now what? I've made a name for myself—maybe even become a target. But I don't have allies. I don't have muscle."
Alenia rested her elbows on the counter. "Then it's time you started thinking like a local merchant. You've got two options: join a guild, or buy your own protection."
"Guilds," Kael muttered, his tone sour.
She nodded. "There are three major merchant guilds in this city. All of them will offer you protection, licensing, and access to private storage, trade networks, and discounts on services."
"Sounds good."
"At a cost."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "How much?"
"Twenty-five percent of all earnings. And exclusive rights to any product you register with them."
"Twenty-five?" he echoed. "That's highway robbery."
Alenia shrugged. "It's the going rate."
He rubbed his temple, frustration mounting. "So let me get this straight. I give them a quarter of everything I earn, and in exchange, they maybe keep me safe from the people they're probably working with?"
"Now you're thinking like a merchant."
Kael exhaled and leaned back, gazing at the ceiling beams overhead. It's like a fantasy version of a corporation, he thought. Licensing, overhead, distribution, and protection in exchange for a chunk of your soul. Except here, the HR department carries knives instead of memos. It was capitalism with a sword at your neck.
He looked at Alenia. "Do I have to join one?"
"No. Some merchants go independent. But if you stay solo, you'll need another option."
"Protection."
"Exactly."
She glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then continued. "You could hire a bodyguard. But mercenary companies are expensive. Some are loyal, most are not. They'll bleed for coin—but only as long as the coin keeps flowing."
"And the alternative?"
"A slave. Many merchants use slaves as bodyguards. Trained, magically sealed for loyalty. Not cheap to buy up front, but once owned—no wages. Slaves are more trustworthy than mercenaries. Some are criminals, others debtors. A few were born into it. The law protects your right to own one—but it also protects you from their mistakes. A mercenary fails you? Tough luck. A slave fails you? You're compensated."
"That's... efficient," he muttered.
"You don't have to decide now," she said gently. "But if you plan to keep selling disruptive products, someone will push back. And if they think you're just another upstart, they'll test you."
Kael nodded.
He rose from his stool, pacing slowly. "If I do go with a guild, which one's the least terrible?"
Alenia considered. "The White Quill Guild is the oldest and most powerful in our kingdom. Very bureaucratic. They have a branch in this city. They'll offer the best protection, but they'll smother you with rules and forms. Every product you register, every shipment you move—they'll track it. And if they decide your product competes with one of theirs, they'll shelve it."
"Next."
"The Gilded Ember Guild is aggressive. Mostly run by ex-adventurers. They love new tech and risky ideas, but they'll demand exclusive rights to any product they market for you. And they're not afraid to use muscle when it suits them."
Kael grimaced. "Sounds like joining a gang with extra paperwork."
"Accurate. Then there's the Raven Merchant Guild. Smallest of the three, but nimble. They work in gray areas—nontraditional goods, 'imported' items, magical curiosities."
Kael blinked. "You mean smugglers."
Alenia smiled faintly. "I mean merchants with flexible morals. They're resourceful. And very good at staying out of official trouble. You might get along with them."
Kael stood slowly, stretching out the tension in his shoulders. "Thanks. You've given me a lot to think about."
She nodded. "Just be careful."
After that, Kael headed toward his room.
As he ascended the stairs, he passed a window overlooking the street. His eyes caught a figure cloaked in dark green, standing perfectly still in the shadows between two buildings.
Kael lingered for a second longer before continuing up the steps. Maybe it was just a traveler. Maybe it was nothing.
But he had a feeling his success had already started to echo louder than he intended.