Chapter 13: Invest!
As Orion bid farewell to Randel and joined his merchant and genius acquaintances to leave the guild, only then did he realize how much time had passed since he participated in the assessment. It was already six, and the sky was transforming into a canvas of deep black ink, speckled with whites called night and stars.
It was already late, and he imagined the residents may have started to light their lamps and hole up in their homes.
Meanwhile, city guards likely began their nightly patrols, keeping watch for any threat and suspicious figures, including the infamous killer lurking in the shadows.
The city was both the most dangerous and safest place, at the same time a dreamy forest where emotions flourished, drawing in and tempting different minds of every kind...
Back at the GrayRat Inn, Dave and Javier join Orion for the evening meal as they order lavish food like meat and rare fish that were hard to come by since the crimson city and its surrounding land have neither rivers nor coastline.
The reason for this was that the known rivers were either in the more distant territories or deep within the dangerous forests... Attempting to fish in those forests was no different from seeking the cold embrace of death, while traveling to far-off cities for a catch was both costly and fraught with dangers. The expenses alone were staggering, and even lakes and seas can pose their own threats.
Only seasoned fishermen, rich lords, or those daring enough can do such jobs.
Thud!
"That hits the spot." Orion leans back in his chair, grateful to have saved some money thanks to Dave's generous treat. "Mr. Dave, I can't thank you enough for your kindness. I'll remember this, and if you ever need anything, I'll do my best to help—so long as it aligns with my morals, I will try to complete it."
"Hahaha, my friend, why so serious? But I'll take your word for it," Dave laughed, patting his belly, satisfied that he had won the bet against life.
Now, he had another reliable hunter friend to rely on, especially for traveling and doing business. "Cheers!!"
The inn's cafeteria was lively as the guests formed different groups discussing different things.
Orion's group was no different, with both he and Dave satisfied for this day. Meanwhile, Javier, who had been listening, finally raised his mug and took a hearty swig of Kraken Cider.
Kraken Cider, a premium spirit surpassing the old Troll's Bane, it's favored by wealthy traders and merchants with its crisp and salty-sweet taste and a tang of sea air. Its unusual green hue, almost magical in nature, glowed faintly in the dark, casting a dim light.
Thud!
"Mr. Orion, I'd like to propose a business with you, similar to the one I offered Fatso."
"Hey... Why are you bothering him about this?"
"Shut it, you eloquent bastard, and you called yourself my friend," Javier retorted, cutting Dave off before he could speak. "Since there are only a handful of people I can trust with my invention, and somehow, I'm stuck with you. Now I'm just trying to find some good characters who can meet my investment quota."
Hearing his old friend's words, Dave fell silent, casting a glance at Orion before shaking his head, gesturing that he had nothing to do with Javier's thoughts, nor did he ever intend to deceive those he considered true friends.
All of Javier's actions were his alone, a clear indication that he was serious about negotiating with him.
Cough!
"Since that's the case, I'll leave you two be and go see my refined friend," Dave said with a smile as he stood up. "Victor should be in his office." With that, he made his way out of the cafeteria.
Cheers!
Hahaha!!
Orion took a sip before asking, "When you said 'similar,' were you referring to the paper I saw this morning?"
"Yes, the paper I invented is bound to surprise and change the world." Javier nodded, a smile spreading across his face as he thought of his creation. "Since you're already aware of it, let me explain the other things—its lightness, texture, cost..."
Orion nodded, listening intently to Javier. There was no trace of indifference, nor did he have any negative thoughts about the old brownish paper; instead, his expression revealed genuine curiosity, knowing the man was smarter than him now and in his previous life.
After a few minutes, he tapped the table and let out a deep sigh.
"Mr. Javier, I would love to invest, but I simply don't have the money to do so. Even with the money in my pouch, if I exclude my future expenses, I can hardly pay three gold luna."
Orion scratched his head awkwardly. He clearly did not have fifteen gold coins to invest. While he did have some money, half of it was already allocated for his equipment and daily necessities.
Two golds were already the most he could spare to invest.
Silence filled their table.
"Well, I'm not rushing you to invest," Javier said, calming himself. "Now that you're a hunter, maybe in a week or two, you'll have the funds, so I'm willing to wait. Orion, I can see why Dave trusts and believes in you, and I want to do the same."
"You're a good kid—easy to get along with, brave, and quick to understand things, especially when it comes to my creation. That's why I'm willing to wait a month for your investment."
Orion asked. "May I ask why you insist on the thirty gold luna? As I see it, twenty luna seems more than sufficient. You could still earn a profit as Mr. Dave sells your products."
Sigh...
"I need the money to pay my apprentices and to invest in new research equipment, replacing the old and adding more for new research projects.
Money burns in pursuing new knowledge after all... Sigh.
If I accept twenty luna, it won't be enough… Dave clearly needs time, like a month or three, for the setups and promotions in the city, not to mention the time required for traveling through the dangerous forest."
"Then why not borrow from Mr. Dave, or better yet, approach the hunter guild? The paper you created is clearly incredible."
"I don't like owing other people, especially my friends; it just doesn't sit right with me to owe such a huge debt. As for the hunter guild, getting approved would take even longer. After all, the guild master needs to ensure that any investment is truly worthwhile. In short, the guild is strict when it comes to investment, especially on something new or up-starting Black scholars like me." Gulp!
Orion nodded silently, understanding Javier's predicament as a few minutes of silence passed.
"Mr. Dave, I truly want to invest in your paper, but are you sure you can wait for a month?"
"I am." Javier nodded.
"Okay, I'll do my best to earn money."
The two discussed a few more things about the paper, exchanging insights and outlining the potential benefits for all three of them. Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was already nine o'clock.
Dave returned with a smile, and upon hearing about the investment, he agreed without hesitation. To him, it was money knocking at his door, and with this, the bond between the three—hunter, scholar/researcher, and merchant—grew even stronger.
As he watched his old senior leave the inn, he made his way directly to his room, collapsing onto the cozy bed.
A smile tugged at his lips as he sank into the comfort.
Zzzz...