Chapter 10: She Just Hit the Jackpot

Chapter 10: She Just Hit the Jackpot

Daybreak Garden was the name of the marketplace filled with various craftsmen and workers that catered to adventurers, hunters, and mercenaries in the twelfth district that her brother took her to on their first full day in Horizon. It was almost an hour-long horse ride from Lyce to the twelfth district. Axton also made them stop to pick up some bread stuffed with jam to eat on the way.

Going to Daybreak Garden is a good idea, Axton said. Not only in itself, but the surrounding area has numerous workshops that you can source raw materials from.

What do you plan on buying there? Piers asked, half a horse beside them.

If I can, six sets of everything, Tori said in a droll voice. We couldnt find any supplies for the excursion, so I need to find and buy all of them. Do you think the marketplace will have what we need?

Theyll have the ability to make them, but youll have to order them. If they have any stock, itll be low. Most clients put in orders to pick up, Axton said. They made Blue Rivers bridle and reins, and his saddle. It took a month for the saddle.

Tori wanted to groan; refusing to acknowledge the possible delay in orders. She shook her head. Well take what we can get. By the way, why do they call it Daybreak Garden? It was walled from all sides by the extended shops and businesses. The name in general did not match.

The twelfth district used to all be property of a lord directly under the old kings, Piers said. The place where the market sits now was once a garden. Its difficult to notice with all the buildings and the change of landscape, but it was a small hill.

The story goes that the lord liked to go there to watch the sunrise, as it was on the edge of Horizon, before the city sprawled out further and enclosed it in the latest iteration of the city walls, Axton told her. Since the garden couldnt be enjoyed any more, the lords family opened it up to allow for trading so local hunters could sell their goods. Then more services sprung up from there, making it what it is now. Even if you cant get everything you need there, Im sure you can get most of it.

Tori let out a low breath. I really hope so.

They reached the marketplace and Axton took the horses to be corralled nearby while Piers went with her inside. Daybreak Garden opened at dawn, but that early, there were few actual clients. Piers led her to the front counter and lifted his hand to get the attention of a man in a leather apron on the other side.

Good morning! Tori gave him a bright smile. I was wondering if you could help me.

Several sentences later and Toris bright smile was wiped off her face. In its place, a look of stunned horror. The grizzled looking man behind the counter gave her an apologetic look.

Im very sorry, Lady Guevera, he said in a hoarse voice. We did have a small ready-made stock available, but....

There are only 180 students going on the excursion. Considering that every store within several blocks of Lyce is out of bedrolls and tents, its impossible that you guys would be sold out, as well. Her voice didnt raise, but the frustration fueled anger it was laced with became more and more apparent.

The man looked torn and lifted his hands. Im sorry, Lady Guevera. We did have a stock at the beginning of the week of more than thirty bedrolls and twenty tents in preparation for the last hunt, but we didnt expect to be bought out.

Who bought you out? Piers asked.

The man furrowed his brows and seemed to try to remember. The owner of a new merchant company came by to try to source items.

Whats the companys name? Piers continued to press.

Tori could see the beads of sweat on the mans forehead as the first prince seemed to interrogate him. The...The Golden Cow, I believe.

Tori sucked in a sharp breath and froze. The Golden Cow. She repeated the name, as if asking if she was right. The man nodded and she narrowed her eyes. What did the owner look like?

The man squinted. He was a rather young fellow. Auburn hair...blue eyes. Slightly taller than average with a lean build. He didn't look like an average merchant. We normally wouldnt sell all our stock at once, but he made a generous offer.

Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She knew that company name and she knew those unique features.

Well, well, well, Tori. Your shit luck keeps on giving.

It looks like shed indirectly stumbled upon the well-connected, genius merchant archetype target, Adrien Rosiek, the secret owner behind the Golden Cow.

If it was purchased by a merchant, the items are going to be resold, Piers said.

Why dont we go find the Golden Cow and see if we can buy some for your group? Axton suggested as he stood on her other side. Tori shook her head.

She already knew that her luck with Adrien would be terrible, if only because of the opposing roles they had in the game. She wouldnt be surprised if the very last of Adriens stock was given to Alessa and her group for the excursion.

If he bought them at the beginning of the week, its likely that hes already sold them, Tori said. It was the only legitimate excuse she could think of.

Axton frowned and leaned over the counter, his eyes boring into the older man on the other side. Daybreak Garden only accepts specific clients. Why was a merchant allowed to purchase goods?

Items for sale up here in the storefront are open for purchase to anyone, the man said, now looking regretful. As the last hunt is upon us, we had a small stock ready for immediate purchase.

Tori closed her eyes and lifted her hand to rub the space between her brows. With how cold it was getting at night and with Alpine Valley being a day north of Horizon and having a slightly colder climate in general, she worried most about her groups sleeping situation. It was too cold to just lay on the ground; hypothermia was real.

She didnt just want bedrolls; she wanted tents to keep the heat in and the wind out. Shed heard classmates say they were foregoing tents altogether, as tents in the game world were heavy pieces theyd have to carry, but after explaining her concerns to her group, they agreed to bring tents, even at the expense of lugging around that much weight.

Noticing her sudden silence and complicated expression, Piers leaned towards her. I can commandeer supplies from home.

If he were a normal guy from a normal home, Tori would have agreed in a heartbeat. However, in this case, she lifted her head and narrowed her eyes. The home he was referring to wasnt his flat near Universit. It was the Imperial Palace.

Who exactly are you commandeering them from? she asked. She highly doubted his parents had spare bedrolls and tents for long, woodland hikes.

We have a warehouse with supplies.

Every sentence that came from his mouth sounded more and more suspicious. Supplies for whom?

He hesitated and from her other side, Axton sighed. The Imperial Knights.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Tori slammed her hands on the counter and shot Piers a glare. I cant take things from the Imperial Knights! Are you insane? At that moment, he wasnt a prince, but an idiot.

Piers shrugged, appearing blas about the whole thing. Youll return them when youre done.

I am a Lyce student; I have no right to steal-

Borrow.

Fine, borrow the property of the Imperial Knights! Not only that, but her aunt was a purchaser for the Imperial Knights. If she found out that Tori swiped some imperial stock, she could get in trouble.

Then if thats not an option, what are you going to do? Axton asked. He leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest, looking at her expectantly.

Tori reached into her satchel and took out her shopping list. First, Im going to see what I can buy in there, she said, pointing down the hall that led to the yard where all the craftsmen were. Second, I need to find some things and I want you to look for them for me. She lifted her head and looked at Axton.

He blinked and uncrossed his arms as he stood up straight. What do you need me to find?

She lifted her hand and held up one finger. I need a fabric manufacturer. The kind of fabric that is rough and durable, but also light. Good quality is a must, but they also need to have a large stock available.

All right, Axton said, tilting his head up as he thought. What else?

An artisan that can work fast. We have no choice but to commission tents and bedrolls. I'm flexible on the price and will of course pay extra for the rush job as long as quality isn't sacrificed, Tori told him. And lastly, a poultry farm.

A what? Axton jerked his head back.

I need a poultry farm that raises geese and ducks, Tori said. I want to buy their down. Both Axton and Piers stared at her, as if unsure what to make of her madness.

Are you...buying pillows? Piers asked in a quiet voice.

Yeah, Tori said as she took her list and stepped away from the counter. Lets say Im buying lots of pillows. Axton, I leave it to you.

He looked a little bit at a loss, but nodded and looked towards Piers as he turned to leave. Keep an eye on her.

Im not a child! Tori almost snapped as she stormed down the hall. Piers shook his head and went after her.

Her first stop was Old da Silva. First, it was to greet him and show him that she was wearing and enjoying the lamb leather cloak he made, as well as had her dagger strapped to her thigh. Second, it was because she didnt know anyone else and asked him for advice.

The old man happily led her around, introducing her to other craftsmen as Young Lady Guevera; the Marquis daughter. If there was one thing she learned working in a transnational company, it was that introductions by a mutually known party were extremely beneficial. It automatically eased doubts surrounding the other party, as someone essentially vouched for them, and that pre-established trust made the whole process go smoother.

In this case, as Tori walked around and met new craftsmen, she told them what she was there for and they were more than happy to assist her. In this way, she was able to order various tools and cookware for her entire group. She wouldve been satisfied with those, but it seemed Daybreak Garden sold more than just tools and hunting equipment.

In the hall that led to the yard, there were several stores and Tori slowed to a stop as she looked inside. It looked like clothing and accessories for outdoorsmen. It kind of fit there. Are these stores open for purchase by anyone?

A young, well-dressed man who looked out of place in the market, was inside. In contrast to the craftsmen outside, often caked in sweat, ash, and grease, he was fair with smooth skin and neatly combed, short black hair. There wasn't a speck of dirt on his fitted clothes. He craned his head as he saw her and shook his head, giving her a gentle look of apology. No, miss. Only items at the front can be purchased by anyone. We only sell to specific clientele.

Tori cocked her head, about to ask what kind of clientele, when Piers spoke up.

She is Lady Victoria de Guevera.

The young mans face lit up and Tori wondered if it was because he knew she had money. In that case, she is part of our specific clientele, isnt she? he said with a laugh. Come in, Lady Guevera. May I help you find something today?

She had questions, but decided to ask about them another time. I noticed you sell rucksacks and clothes here. Can I take a look?

Of course! The man beamed and stepped aside. My name is Armando. My family has run this store for three generations. We specialize in leather bags of all sizes and durable clothing suitable for hunting and adventuring. Tori stopped beside a mannequin wearing a buttoned up, long sleeve shirt and brown pants. She touched the fabric and her eyes widened.

She looked at Armando. I want a dozen sets of these.

By the time they came out to find Axton, Tori already had a look of accomplishment on her face. Did you find everything you wanted?

Tori gave him a toothy smile. Trade secret.

Ugh....

The wagon rolled to a stop and Tori peeked out. Were here! Ewan jumped off the back first and pulled down the steps so his friends could come down.

Why are you smiling like that? Sonia asked as she looked at him. Ewan was staring at the modest, rustic building with an embarrassing amount of awe.

I cant believe Im here...you know you can get swords made here? Really expensive swords? His voice was almost shaking and Tori patted his shoulder.

Okay, calm down. Were just here to pick up orders.

Can we look around?

She felt like she was talking to a child. After we pick up our things, but not for long. Tori walked ahead of them and entered.

It seemed that they werent that busy that afternoon and two of the attendants in the front of the store greeted her with a respectful Welcome, Lady Guevera.

Hello! Tori gave them a wave and walked straight ahead. She planned to go straight to the yard to pick up their tools and cooking supplies, but was stopped in the hall by Armando.

Lady Guevera! He smiled, his eyes shining. Are you here to pick up everything? Your bags and clothes are ready. He stepped aside, leaving the entrance to his store open for her.

Great! The bag would be useful to hold their things, so this was good. Her group followed her inside, and Ewan in particular seemed surprised to see such a dandy man in a marketplace for adventurers and other outdoorsmen. Tori turned to face them as they entered what looked to be more a boutique than a workshop. Everyone, this is Armando. I saw some of his work the other day and after touching the material and examining the items, I decided to order not only our excursion bags from him, but also two sets of clothing each.

What? Sonia furrowed her brows and frowned. We were just going to wear what we already had.

I know, I know, Tori said. She waved her arm at Armando, who was placing neatly folded clothes on top of a glass countertop. But feel them. Aside from Ilyana, the others had hesitant looks on their faces as they stepped forward. Armando, tell them about the durability and heat retention of the fabrics.

Tori eagerly watched their faces go from doubt to surprise to reluctant acceptance as they held out the light blue button ups and the light brown colored pants. Armando explained in detail and then encouraged each person to go and try out the clothes to make sure they fit. Tori had only given him an approximation of their size.

A few people had to get their sizes adjusted, but otherwise, the clothes were comfortable and moved well with the body.

How much are they? Sonia was almost reluctant to ask. Armando looked at Tori.

Theyre my gift to you, she said. She looked at the group and gave them a little smile. As thanks for accepting me into the group, even knowing that other students may look down on you because of me.

The four Horizon natives didnt seem to know what to say, but Ilyana threw her arms around Tori and hugged her. Dont say that! I wouldnt want to be with any other group!

Okay, okay, Tori said, stroking her back as she sniffled. She looked at the others. Please accept these as a gift with my thanks.

The twins looked at each other and Ewan and Henrik seemed unsure of what to say. Finally, Henrik spoke up.

We agreed to be in the same group. We dont need your thanks. He looked at the clothes. But well accept them.

Ewan grinned and slapped Toris shoulder. Thanks, Tori! The others echoed his gratitude and Armando smiled. He then threw in a bonus: some canvas hats with a brim that were an experimental design he made, but werent popular.

The sun is terrible on the skin, he said as the group put on their hats. Even if a bucket hat wasnt fashionable, Tori acknowledged his point. They should wear hats while hiking. Armando bent down and picked up something before putting it on the counter. Ewans eyes lit up and even JP stepped forward to touch the tan canvas rucksack. Durable canvas, double lined, sewn with waxed thread, with water-resistant leather bottom, brass alloy buckle straps, and top handle leather embellishments. There is a buckle over the chest, as per Lady Gueveras instruction, and a leather strap that can go around the waist to help distribute the weight.

They also come with a smaller satchel to keep our water canisters and hold any small item we may need to have more urgent access too, Tori said.

And to make them easier to identify, youll notice that the two top buckle straps are different colors. No charge, Armando told them, proud of his idea. One color per-

I want red! Do you have red? Ewan blurted and Tori sighed.

Just hand them the bags, Armando.

The man chuckled as he lifted the bags one by one. Tori gave her groupmates time to decide on who got what color and examine the bags pockets, straps, and buckles. The twins thought they could also use it to carry some riding equipment. Ewan looked as if he was going to cry with joy and Henrik put his book bag inside.

All right, Tori said, heaving her rucksack with light blue straps on to her back. Lets go get the tools, cooking gear, and shoes.

Shoes? Ilyana asked, looking up.

We cant wear our school shoes on the hike; theyre just not suitable for the environment and will be ripped apart, Tori said. Thats why I asked you for your shoe measurements that day. It was calculated into budget. I also put in an order for leather sandals.

What are they for? JP asked.

When I was looking over the map, I realized we have to cross a river at one point. I dont want to get our shoes wet; theyre uncomfortable to walk in afterwards. Moisture and rubbing cause blisters. At the same time, walking barefoot in a river is dangerous. Its far too easy to slip on rocks, Tori said as she waved at Armando and walked out of the shop with her group following. So...sandals.

Little by little, their bags were filled with supplies. Even with the clothes, shoes, and various tools and cooking pots and pans, there was a surprising amount of space left.

Since were going to be wearing half of whats in these bags, isnt carrying something of this size too much? Sonia said as they left the market. In the end, they had spent a few more coins than planned because Ewan, it turned out, liked to shop. I dont think well even need these...what are they called?

Hiking poles.

Right.... Sonia looked at the tall wooden object in her hand that had a metal cap and a ring around the base.

Ewan, take everyones poles back to the wagon and meet us in that alley, Tori said, pointing to a narrow walkway across the street. Ewan didnt ask questions and gathered the five hiking poles. He went off to put them in the wagon while Tori led the others into the alley. They waited for Ewan by what looked like a wooden gate more than a shop door.

When everyone was there, Tori led them in.

Lady Guevera, welcome back! Madam Midstrom welcomed her and looked at the group of young people. Is this the group for your excursion?

Yes, Madam, Tori said. Are the prototypes ready?

Oh yes, my husband and daughter were so excited by your designs, I couldnt get them to rest! She locked the door to the shop and led them further back.

Ewan leaned forward and whispered. Why did she lock the door?

Because what I gave them is something I designed and highly confidential, Tori said. Relax. Shes not taking us back there to kill us.

What?

Madam Midstrom opened a back door to reveal a wide room with foot-pedal sewing machines to one side and bolts of drab colored cloth leaning against the far wall. There was an open space in the center where a large square pile of cloth was laying. Toris eyes crinkled up with joy.

Is that it?

Thats it! Master Midstrom stood up from where he was seated by a sewing machine and grinned. It works better than imagined, Lady Guevera.

Tori giggled with almost maniacal glee. She looked at her friends. Ewan, JP, Henrik. Each of you grab a corner. Master Midstrom, if youll hold the last corner.

Well...weve come this far, Henrik sighed. He knelt down near the nearest corner and held on to a sturdy canvas loop sewn into the corner.

Where is my hiking pole? Tori asked.

Right here, Lady Guevera! Helga, the couples widowed daughter, who had been in the corner cutting fabric, abandoned her scissors and rushed over with the pole. Shall I push it up?

Tori nodded. Please do. Guys, hold the corner loops back firmly. Make sure they dont slip from your fingers. As they did so, Helga went down on her knees and lifted a sheet of cloth then crawled towards the center. She placed the top of the hiking pole in some metal cup at the point where all four triangular sheets met and pushed the pole up.

Ilyana gasped beside Tori and her hand shot out and grabbed her arm. Its a pyramid!

Its our tent. Tori smirked as Helga secured the pole into a short metal cup on the floor and released it.

Even though what she was most proud of was the down quilted sleeping bags made of spider silk, everyone was more impressed with the pyramid tent. Folded up, it didn't take up a lot of room and was very light for what it was. Far lighter than the traditional tents they'd seen. They took turns holding the corners so everyone could crawl inside. Though they couldnt stand up inside it, there was enough room for two people and their bags to lay out.

Thats why you only ordered three, Henrik said. They were in the wagon as it lumbered along, the sun starting to set after they left the seamstress workshop. Two in each?

You and Ewan, me and Ilyana, and the twins, Tori said, pointing to each person as she said their names. The sleeping bags are more complicated, so theyll be done in a few days. Theyll be delivered to my aunts house, too.

We dont need to trouble your aunt to hold all our excursion gear, Ilyana said. Once the sleeping bags and tents come, its quite a bit of equipment.

Yeah, we can just keep them in our dorm rooms, Ewan agreed.

To be honest, Tori said, meeting their eyes. Considering how people have been treating us, mainly because of me, I dont feel comfortable leaving our things in our dorms. I am worried that someone might see them and act against us.

Youre worried about someone sabotaging our things? Sonia knit her brows together. She leaned back against the wagon and rubbed her chin. She seemed to acknowledge that there was such a possibility.

Or steal them or make them disappear, Tori said with a resigned breath.

Youre overthinking it. Ewan gave her a dismissive look. No one is going to sabotage our supplies just because youre in our group.

He let out a weak laugh, but Toris dead-eyed stare met his eyes and she slowly watched the confidence fade from Ewans face. His lips pulled into a tight line and squinted.

So, where does your aunt live?