Book 4: Chapter 24: The Veergati II

Book 4: Chapter 24: The Veergati II

What is it, Akasha? Zeke asked. Did you find the Gemkar representatives?

[Notice.]

Negative. It is something else, but the host might still be interested. It involves a secondary objective.

Ohh? Where is it?

Akasha directed his attention toward the center of the hall. The inside of the circular hall was filled with tables. It was an area intended for the many representatives to chat and drink. At one of those tables, an old man was having a discussion with a party of three, a young man whom two guards accompanied.

Zeke got closer and sat at an empty spot. He picked his location carefully, with his back toward them and definitely too far to overhear them. However, with his sphere of perception, their words were as clear as day to him.

I think we gave you enough time, sir Nair, the young man said sternly. It is time you make a decision.

The old man remained silent, his back hunched and head lowered. However, Zeke didnt miss the anger in his eyes. Whatever they were discussing, it was apparent the old man was unwilling.

However, eventually, his body relaxed with a sigh. Very well. I will give you an answer by the end of today.

That is good then, the young man said, a smile finally appearing on his face. I knew you would see reason. Dont worry; both our families can only benefit from this union.

The old man nodded listlessly before getting up and leaving. Zeke waited for a brief moment before following behind him. He didnt know why he should be interested in the dealings between those two groups, but since Akasha had explicitly pointed them out, there had to be something he could gain.

He followed the old man to the other side of the hall. There, he saw the old man join a group that was sitting around one of the larger tables. Once again, Zeke positioned himself close by, intending to listen in.

How did it go, Grandpa? the girl beside the old man asked. She was a stunning woman with caramel-colored skin and deep, dark eyes. Even though her face was contorted with worry, it wasnt enough to hide her enchanting appearance. The other people seemed to share her anxiety as they also waited for the old mans explanation. Both nervousness and hope could be seen in their eyes.



The old man frowned bitterly before shaking his head. They wouldnt accept it. We will have to give them an answer by the end of the day.

The hope left the peoples eyes as they looked at the beautiful young woman with pity. She, who had called the old man Granpa, swore upon hearing his explanation. Curse those Firebrand bastards. They are more poisonous than sand vipers! We should never have traded with them!

Zeke perked up upon hearing that name. Firebrand was the name of the school the Lions Den opposed. However, he didnt think this was why Akasha had led him here. After all, he didnt care much about the rivalry between the schools. Furthermore, there was no significant benefit in his assisting either side.

The old man shook his head. Calm down, Aisha. There is no point in bemoaning what has already passed. Right now, our top priority should be to find a way to deal with this situation.

The young woman, apparently called Aisha, scoffed. What way? What can we even do besides giving in? If we dont find a way to pay them back in full, we will have no choice but to accept their offer unless we are willing to sell our home.

The old man frowned but didnt seem to have a way to refute her statement. For a while, the entire group remained silent, and then, one after the other, the people started to devise alternative ways to raise the missing funds.

From their discussion, Zeke learned that this group belonged to the Nair family. They apparently had been a well-regarded and affluent household in the capital. They made their fortune in trade but had fallen on hard times recently. The old man he had followed here was called Mohan Nair, and he was the current head of the house.

Their conflict with the Firebrand family apparently stemmed from a missing delivery of enchanted weapons. They had requested the products multiple times, but their caravan had continuously been robbed on the way here.

This point was already suspicious, but every other delivery has been intercepted since making this deal. They had become entirely unable to conduct any trade at this point. It was no wonder the family had fallen on hard times.

He cleared his throat awkwardly. You misunderstand, elder. Even though the miss is indeed a woman of boundless charm, my Patriarch has no such intentions. He often says that a happy marriage is only achievable between the willing. Therefore, he would not make such a demand.

I see. It seems this was my mistake then, Mohan said, not the least bit embarrassed about his assumption. Zeke even suspected that this might have been a test to gauge his character. If so, then the old man was quite sly, as expected of the head of a merchant family.

Zeke continued, The proposal pertains to something else. My Patriarch offers to pay off all the debt incurred by your family. This would free you from any and all responsibilities of your past contracts.

The old man stroked his beard in thought. That is not a small sum. What does your Patriarch want in return?

He wants your family to work for him in the future.

What!? The old man, who had been calm all along, finally lost his composure. Work for him?

That is right, Zeke confirmed calmly.

Haaa! Mohan exhaled deeply before glaring at Zeke. That is an even worse offer than those cursed Firebrand bastards made. Have you no shame?

That is not so. Instead, it is a golden opportunity for your family, Zeke said confidently.

Enlighten me, then, the old man said. He grew slightly interested upon seeing Zeke's conviction.

As things stand, your family cannot survive. Even if the harassment from the Firebrand school were to stop, you still couldnt resume operations with your remaining forces, isnt that right?

The old man nodded reluctantly. There was no use pretending at this point.

You must find a new path either way. And that is what the Patriarch offers a new path.

As lapdogs? Mohan questioned. I am sure we can do better.

When did I ever say such a thing? Zeke said, shaking his head slowly. What my Patriarch offers isnt something like that. Instead, he wishes for your family to represent his interests here in Korrovan. This role isnt only vital, but also quite lucrative.

The old mans gaze wavered for the first time. It seemed those words had finally managed to shake his stubborn resolve. What interests does your lord have in this country?

Zeke smiled. I am certain you know of how my lord rose to prominence in less than a year after arriving in Tradespire?

I am.

Zeke looked deeply into the old mans eyes before speaking with a deliberately heavy tone. He intends to do the same thing here.

Mohans gaze wavered. It was no wonder. After all, if those words were the truth, then this might turn out to be the most promising chance of his life. He could quickly turn his familys luck around by managing Ezekiels dealings in this country.

Ahem what does the young lord intend to sell here? Mohan asked. I do not think that the Gondola would be a suitable product. The safety of this city isnt comparable to Tradespire.

Zeke nodded, a smile emerging on his face. He hadnt missed the changes in Mohans way of speaking. The old merchant was already giving out suggestions now. The young lord is aware of that fact. He will introduce a new product suitable to the Korrovan market. However, I cant say more until weve come to an agreement.

He stared intently at the old man. Now, do we have a deal?