- VOL 1 – THOSE UNITED BY THE FATE -

Chapter 2: Future Plans (8/12)

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As the boy in the chair slowly recovered, the blonde-haired woman continued speaking.

''I'm a counselor at the Golden Raven Guild, and I also work here as a receptionist."

''It was really a surprise to meet you here, Yumi-san.''

''Hehehe. I'm not just sitting around either. I was surprised to see you too. Did Riki find out what that fruit was?"

''No, she didn't, but I think it's something valuable. Actually, I was going to visit her today, but it's a little early so I came here. I thought I could at least learn a few things about business instead of just standing around.''

''Then you've done well! We don't just buy and sell here, we also provide information."

''Just what I need.''

Yumi smiled at Shin and bent down to take a book out from under the table.

''We have a book like this. There is indeed a lot of information in it.''

The book was really thick and because of its weight, when Yumi put it down on the table, there was a "Pat" sound.

''This constantly updated book is called 'The Eye of the Golden Raven'. In this book you can find any material you are looking for, its properties, where it grows, how to use it, and much more. It also gives important information about trade. Trade routes in the country, important merchants and guilds, tips for trading...''

Shin was a little confused as Yumi went on and on about the book. Seeing this, Yumi also came to her senses and stopped talking.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It must have been confusing to hear so many things at once."

''No problem. I'm really interested in the book, but it's too big. It'll be hard to even carry this.''

''Hahaha, you're right. We don't carry this book everywhere anyway. It's for informational purposes at receptions.''

''Hmm...''

Shin was lost in his thoughts for a while. Meanwhile, Yumi was looking at him with curious eyes.

''I actually inferred from your description that anyone can read this book. Isn't this book available in a place like a library?"

Yumi laughed wickedly when she heard that.

''You got it right, Shin-kun. Anyone can read this book. Of course, since the book is exclusive to our guild, you can't read the thick version you see here, but you can read the smaller versions with specific chapters. You have to buy those booklets.''

''So you sell them.''

Shin was a little disappointed at what he heard, but he didn't show it too much and kept talking.

"Well, I didn't expect knowledge to be free. Especially in a city like this where it is so vitally required...''

Although Shin tried to hide his disappointment, it did not go unnoticed by Yumi. As if to console him, she started talking about the good points of the book.

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''But don't worry, that's why I brought out this big book. We sell the book for money, but if anyone wants to know anything specific, they can come and ask at the reception desk."

''That's good then. I already have the questions I wanted to ask.''

''You can ask anything you want, Shin-kun.''

Yumi nodded her head up and down as she waited like a soldier ready for duty. Shin put his hand on his chin, gathering his thoughts.

''I guess we can start with yesterday's fruit."

''I'm sorry, but there's nothing about it.''

She spoke quite confidently, without even opening the book in front of her.

''I didn't have high hopes, since Riki's herbalist didn't even have an example of such an ingredient, but I was curious and did some research last night.''

"Is that so...''

Rather than being disappointed when Shin heard that, on the contrary, a small smile formed on his face.

''Then could you tell me a little bit about this guild and how trade works in the city?"

''Of course. First of all, let me start with the Golden Raven Guild and the other two major guilds. These three guilds have been here since the city was founded and have developed over time to become an important center for the city. They all work differently within the city, but in general, they determine the direction of trade in the city. Other smaller guilds and self-employed merchants can work freelance or join one of the guilds for a safer route."

Shin was trying to digest what he had heard. He had learned a lot of information at once and it all seemed important. When he thought of something he thought was important, he interrupted Yumi and asked her a question.

''These three guilds do indeed seem to have great power, but I don't think there is a central authority in this city, and doesn't Ardevant benefit from such an important place?''

As he spoke about authority, yesterday's incident came back to him. Minato was being chased to be killed or beaten and robbed, but no one was around to intervene. There was also a suspicious place called the "Black Market".

Shin continued speaking with a few more sentences.

''In a city with so much commerce, if there is no order, everyone will get greedy.''

Yumi made a sad face at what she heard. After exhaling deeply, she opened her mouth again to answer the boy's questions.

''You are quite right. Exactly what you mentioned was happening here and the environment was unsafe. The city was deteriorating when it should have been prospering and growing. But then the three major guilds took the radical decision to join forces for some reason.''

''It must have been something important. From what I understand, they're all as old as the city's history and probably have a lot of rivalry between them.''

''Hahaha. That rivalry continues even now. Especially with this celebration, there might be a fight between the guilds again.''

''I honestly didn't think that far.''

''Everyone is trying to attract the travelers and adventurers who are flocking here. The city will thrive after the war is over. That's why everyone is stepping carefully.''

‘That's good to know. I will really have to research well before joining a guild. My choice can bring me good opportunities or put me in the middle of a bad conflict.’

''So what happened after this union of powers?"

''Oh, that's right, that's where I left off. As I said, there was a great rivalry between these guilds. Although everyone was surprised when they joined forces, it soon became clear why.''

When Yumi spoke vaguely as if she was beating around the bush, Shin became curious and asked directly what happened.

''Tell me now, Yumi-san. Why are you talking like it's a royal secret?"

''You really came here without knowing anything at all, Huh... Anyway, the reason these guilds united was briefly the war.''

''So... Then, since the war is over, does this union dissolve?''

''Answer's both yes and no, actually. As I told you, there has been a significant change in the city. For the first time there was no mistrust and in a few months it became a calm and cheerful city. Together the guilds have created a safety net.''

''Strange. Just yesterday I had a troubling incident.''

Hearing this, Yumi reached to the window and approached Shin. As she examined him, she asked anxiously.

''Huh?! What happened?!''

''Nothing happened Yumi-san, thank you for your concern.''

''Like I said, this place is turning into a safe place, but there are still some places you shouldn't go! Where did you go and have a 'troubling' incident?"

Shin was surprised to see Yumi in this state. She was very worried about him. He also thought that although he had encountered a few bandits yesterday, they could have happened in any city. He only felt the need to say that because Yumi was trying to praise this city and its security so much.

When Yumi lost her composure a little, Shin gently grabbed the arm of the woman who approached him and looked at her face, smiling to calm her down.

''I was just out for a walk, but I got lost for a while and a friend showed me where to go.''

Shin's behavior worked and he managed to calm her down. Yumi stepped back from the window and sat back in her chair with a sigh of relief.

‘I guess there's no need to talk about those thugs...’

''You shouldn't go out, Shin-kun, especially at night. And don't go into deserted alleys. After the guilds set up this safety net, they try to make it permanent. It's in everyone's interest, so even if there's a disagreement between the guilds, they won't interrupt their plan to make the city safe. Still, this plan only covers part of the city, at least for now. The rest of the city is still the same as before, dangerous and unpredictable. There is no order and everyone does as they please.''

‘So even the three big guilds can't control the so-called Black Market. Or maybe it suits them...’

''Especially don't go too close to the mountain in the city. It's still safe in the morning, but at night it's very dangerous.''

''Huhh...''

Shin exhaled exasperatedly and turned his eyes towards Yumi, showing that he was bored.

''Thank you for telling me Yumi-san. I'll stay away from there.''

Yumi closed her eyes and smiled quite sincerely at Shin.