“The Ancestral Faeland has many things that the Coral Trade Union are interested in. Medicinal herbs, teas, spices, and I hear that the you have the best wine in the whole continent. You can see why we're interested in an arrangement. And we were hoping to cement the alliance in a way, but now I'm not so sure that is possible.” The merchant says, continuing to frown at Edmund's hand holding.

Rachel lets out an awkward chuckle. “Well, there's no need to cement it in any way out of the ordinary. Most of these matters could be held with a simple contract. I will certainly relay your message to my homeland and there’s a good chance they’ll send an emissary to the union. The elves had long had many issues with slavers and brigands that harass and kidnap elves on their pilgrimage. If they had the union’s protection, it would be a great benefit to them.” Rachel says.

“Hmm.” The merchant prince says as he considers. “And yourself? Do you have any intention of staying within Coral city. We have great view of the ocean and the city has many attractions to keep one busy. This deal would be… much smoother if you chose to stay, to keep the peace of course. I, personally, would treat you like the princess you are.” The merchant prince says.

Edmund lets out a smirk. “Oh, is that how she wants to be treated? How come I didn’t know?” He says, teasingly.

Rachel smacks Edmund on the arm once more. “What my friend means to say is that my pilgrimage is not yet complete and I still have much to see and learn from the world.” She says.

“Well, we can teach you if you like. We will send an entourage for your explorations and even provide you with a private tutor.” The merchant prince says.

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Rachel smiles. “That’s very kind, but my mast– I mean, Edmund and Archand, are all the company I require at the moment. We were also thinking of hiring a few adventurers for our trip.” She says.

“Oh, are you? Well, I can help with that. My nephew has been eager to go on a journey since he was young and he would be of great use to you. His mastery of the spear is unmatched.” The merchant prince says. It would be good to have someone keep an eye on her. I don’t think I can let this beautiful lady go after setting my eyes on her. The merchant prince thinks.

“Oh?” Rachel says with some surprise. “That would be of a great help. We could always use someone with such great skill. You wouldn’t happen to know any magic practitioners as well, would you?” She asks.

“Magic practitioners? Well, one the great magic colleges is in Coral city. I’m sure we can find a suitable candidate for your adventures.” The merchant prince says. “I’ll be sure to make the necessary inquiries.” He says.

Rachel nods. “Well, thank you, prince. It would be appreciated.” She says.

…

…

A day had passed and Rachel once more awoke with an aching body. Edmund was like a drug to her; she knew to have him would be painful, but her body craved it like the desert craved water. He treated her in ways that she never would have thought to appreciate. Back at the Ancestral Faeland, she would have never thought to have relationship like this; to give her body both faithfully and earnestly, to be used however Edmund liked. It was somehow so freeing; it freed her from the burden of wanting sexual gratification, because he desired to give it first, and it freed her from the burden of feeling sinful because he sought to possess her first. She knew it was wrong, but in a way it wasn’t; he took all the wrongness of the relationship, and for her… For her, it simply felt good, oh so good.

…

…

“This is Romahn, my nephew, built like a tower and fights like a tiger. As for this, she’s the star student of the Aro League School of Magic, Leah. They’ll be joining you from today onwards.” Ericsson, the merchant prince says.

Rachel bows her head. “Thank you. We appreciate the assistance.” She says.

Edmund bows his head. “Nice to meet you.” He says.

“A pleasure.” Archand says.

Romahn smiles and sets his spear down. “The pleasure is all mine.” He says courteously.

“Hmm! This journey better be worth it. I’m leaving behind a lot of research projects for this.” Leah of the Aro League says.