"No one wants the summoned for neighbors, right? By the way, can I get a list of the nobles in the faction you mentioned, the ones that spread the rumors."

Ambrose says "Sure."

Roddick says "Wait, Ambrose. Ask why first!"

Ambrose says "Oh, alright. Why do you want it?"

"Because, if they are against the summoned then they are my enemies. So I will make sure to ruin or kill all of them."

Ambrose says "That might not be so bad."

Roddick says "Ambrose!"

Ambrose says "Alright, fine. Ash, you can't go around killing nobles. I'm sorry I can't give you the list you asked for."

"It's fine, I'll find out who they are on my own."

Roddick says "Ash, we are trying to maintain a balance here."

"If there are less nobles then the guilds stay in charge, right? Sounds like a win-win to me."

Ambrose says "I can't see any problems."

Roddick says "I do! What if he kills someone with connections and starts a war right here in the city?"

"So give me a list of those I can't kill and then we should be good."

Roddick says "Yes, I think a list of those you can't kill is a good idea. No matter what I think you are going to cause trouble in our nice quiet city."

Ambrose says "Good! The quiet has gone on too long, we need excitement!"

"Alright, so who in the guilds is your main problem? Is it the bankers guild or the merchant guild?"

Ambrose says "We don't have a bankers guild. But why did you name those two?"

"Because those are the two most likely to have control over the money. Whoever has the money is the one causing problems."

Roddick says "You are correct, the head of the merchant guild is our biggest problem. He is on the list of those you can't kill!"

"I'm not yet familiar with Illium's trade, but I imagine a big part of it is that the beastmen won't trade anywhere else."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Roddick says "That's true, we are the only source of beastmen goods and that is a huge part of our income."

"So what would happen if the merchant guild suddenly lost access to the beastmen's trade?"

Ambrose says "The merchant guild would go absolutely nuts!"

Roddick says "What are you planning, Ash?"

"My man Pol is going to set up a merchant caravan that will take over all trade with the beastmen."

Ambrose says "He can't, you need permits and the backing of a noble to establish something like that."

"So all I need now are the permits right? And you would be the one to issue those?"

Roddick laughs and says "Very shrewd, Ash!"

Ambrose says "Oh, I like you, young man! I like you a lot! You will have the permits by the end of the day!"

Roddick says "Just be wary, Pine is not above using muscle if he has to."

"I take it you mean Guildmaster Pine?"

Ambrose says "Also Margrave Pine."

"Oh, no wonder he is such a thorn in your side, he is most likely funding all the nobles causing you grief."

Ambrose says "Yes, not that we can prove it mind you."

"And don't worry, soon I will have muscle of my own."

Roddick says "That just means fighting in the streets, and you tell me not to worry?"

"Oh, right. Is there a police force or city guard?"

Ambrose says "We have a city guard, it is run by the mercenaries guild."

"Okay, I should probably meet with that guildmaster as soon as possible."

Roddick says "I'll try to arrange a meeting before the party tomorrow."

"Right, the party. Should I be looking for a tailor, I mean how should I dress?"

Ambrose says "Come in armor! Let's shake everyone up a bit!"

Roddick says "Actually, that's not a bad idea. Look barbaric and everyone will underestimate you."

"Okay, I can do that. Anything else we need to discuss? I have a lot of things to work on."

Ambrose says "No, you have given us enough to work on as well."

Roddick says "Nothing here. I was just making introductions."

"Alright, then I will take my leave."

After shaking hands with both of them I quickly leave the guild and head back to the inn. All that talking has left me hungry, it's too early for lunch but if I ask Sarah maybe I can get a second breakfast. When I enter the inn I am lucky to find it empty and Sarah sitting looking bored.

"Hi, Sarah. I know it's between times but any chance of some food?"

Sarah says "Sure, give me a few and I'll bring something up."

"Thanks!"

So I head upstairs to talk to the girls and wait for my food, but to my surprise only Isabella is around. I guess Myria is still avoiding me, which is too bad, I wanted to only explain this once. I sit down across from Isabella and try to explain about the kiss, it is awkward and generally an unpleasant conversation.

Isabella says "So you are saying she kissed you and you were unable to stop her?"

"Yes! Not only did she catch me off guard but she is powerful enough to have killed me any time she wanted to."

Isabella says "You know, it sounds a lot like you are making excuses."

"I know, and that's why I want to explain it to Myria as well."

Isabella says "You will have to wait, she has already left."

"Left? What do you mean she left?"

Isabella says "She took a bag of gold and left to do the mission you gave her. Mericel went with her to keep her company."

"She left without saying anything? I guess she really is mad at me."

Isabella says "Maybe, she didn't really say anything to me either."

"I guess I will have to wait until she gets back to talk to her. But if you see her first please fill her in."

Isabella says "Sure, I can do that. But with me leaving tomorrow for my mission I'm not sure when I will see her again."

"I know. I have a few days of politics and other stuff to do and then I will be leaving on my own mission. So I have no idea when we all might see each other again."