A few days later.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Across from him, Guildmaster Liam mirrored his expression, his ruddy face creased with laughter lines as he raised a goblet of wine in a toast.

“To prosperity in these uncertain times, Lord Theodore,” Liam said. “May our partnership continue to flourish.”

Ethan clinked his own goblet against the merchant’s. “And to the ingenuity of the Montague Merchant Guild. I dare say that Baron Montague chose his representatives well.”

The two men sipped their wine, savoring the rich flavor.

Liam set his goblet down, his fingers drumming a cheerful rhythm on the polished table. “I must admit, when I first received word from the Baron about this... unique situation, I had my doubts. But you, my lord, have proven to be a most valuable ally.”

“Doubts? Surely not from a man of your experience and acumen.”

The [Merchant] chuckled, his ample belly shaking with mirth. “Even the most seasoned sailor can be wary of uncharted waters, Lord Theodore. And these are uncharted waters indeed.”

Leaning forward, Ethan traced a finger along the map spread out before them. It detailed the four major border towns and cities—Holden, Argent, Corinth, and Westford—along with the smaller settlements scattered between them like seeds on fertile soil.

“An enclosed economy,” Ethan mused, his tone thoughtful. “Who would have thought that such a thing could lead to opportunity?”

Liam nodded, his expression growing serious for a moment. “The nobles are in quite a state, I can tell you that much. This business with the Night Whispers has them jumping at shadows and clutching their purse strings tighter than a miser on his deathbed.”

“And yet,” Ethan said, “here we are, thriving.”

The merchant’s face split into a wide grin. “That we are, my lord. That we are. And make no mistake, we have you to thank for a good portion of that success.”

Ethan waved a hand dismissively. He disliked talking like this—this artificial dance, let’s say. It didn’t suit him; but there were times it must be done, and this was one of such times.

“I merely saw an opportunity and acted upon it. It’s your guild’s network that’s made it all possible.”

“Ah, but it’s your goods that are filling our wagons and lining our pockets,” Liam countered. He reached for a small pouch at his belt and withdrew a bar of soap, turning it over in his hands with an appreciative hum. “I never thought I’d see the day when soap would be worth its weight in gold, but here we are.”

“The people deserve a little comfort in these trying times,” Ethan said. “And if that comfort comes in the form of a bar of soap, who are we to deny them?”

Liam laughed heartily. “Well said, my lord! And let me tell you, the demand is only growing. Your soap, the produce from Holden’s fields, the crafts from your workshops, including the wheelbarrow... they’re spreading through our network faster than wildfire in a drought.”

“Speaking of which, how goes the distribution? Any issues with the new trade routes we discussed?”

The merchant shook his head, setting the soap down and reaching for a roll of parchment. He spread it out, revealing a detailed map of trade routes crisscrossing the enclosed region. “Smooth as silk, Lord Theodore. We’ve had to get creative in places, mind you—places Lord Montague has surely told you in one of his conditions which you’ve yet to met. There’s a pass just north of Argent that we thought would be impassable, but one of our younger members found a goat trail that cut three days off the journey. Regardless, the times aren’t right, I’m sure you would’ve fixed the issue by now as promised.”

“Indeed, I would have,” Ethan said. He would later build bridges and roads to create more straightforward routes. “Regardless of that, impressive,” Ethan murmured, studying the map. “And the guards at the checkpoints? No trouble there?”

Liam’s expression turned sly. “Let’s just say that even in these trying times, coin still speaks louder than words. A well-placed bribe here, a conveniently misplaced manifest there... we’re managing.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He had long since learned that in matters of trade, sometimes it was better not to know all the details. So some nobles aren’t satisfied and are causing troubles. Instead, he focused on the bigger picture. “And the other nobles? How are they reacting to our market dominance?”

The merchant’s face clouded for a moment. “Not well, I’m afraid. There’s been talk of forming their own trading companies, trying to break into the market. But they’re too late, and too disorganized. The Montague Merchant Guild has the infrastructure, the connections... and now, thanks to you, the goods.”

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“They’ll adapt,” Ethan said. “They always do.”

Liam nodded sagely. “That they do, my lord. But adaptation takes time, and time is something they don’t have in abundance right now. Not with the Night Whispers keeping everyone on edge.”

A shadow passed over Ethan’s face at the mention of the Night Whispers.

“What news of them?” Ethan asked, trying to keep his tone casual. “Surely your network has picked up something.”

The merchant shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Nothing concrete, I’m afraid. Just more of the same—villages found abandoned overnight, strange lights in the forests, people vanishing without a trace. It’s got everyone spooked, that’s for certain. Negative emotions are on the rise.”

Ethan nodded slowly.

“Well,” he said, “all the more reason for us to keep the trade flowing, eh? People need a sense of normalcy in times like these.”

Liam raised his goblet in agreement. “Too right, my lord. And speaking of trade...” He pulled out another ledger, this one bound in rich green leather. “I’ve been meaning to discuss our next shipment. With the success we’ve had, I think it’s time we expanded our reach.”

For the next hour, they pored over figures and projections, discussing everything from production capacities to potential new markets. Ethan found himself impressed once again by the merchant’s sharp mind and encyclopedic knowledge of trade routes and market trends.

As they finalized the details of their next venture, a thought occurred to Ethan. “Liam,” he said, his tone carefully measured, “given the current... situation, I can’t help but wonder. When do you think we might expect a resolution? Surely the king must be aware of what’s happening by now.”

Knowing what he did from Jack, Ethan laid bait—hoping Liam would know something and catch on.

Liam’s bushy eyebrows rose in surprise. “Ah, now there’s a question, my lord. If you don’t mind my saying so, I would have thought you’d have more insight into that matter than I.”

Ethan kept his face carefully neutral. “Oh? And why is that?”

The merchant’s eyes twinkled with a knowing look. “Come now, Lord Theodore. We both know that your... shall we say, connections... run deeper than most. The king’s own son, here in our humble border town? It hasn’t escaped notice, I assure you.”

“I see my reputation precedes me,” Ethan said dryly. “And here I thought I was being so discreet.”

Liam chuckled. “My lord, in my line of work, discretion is a commodity like any other.”

“Very well,” he said at last. “Since we’re being frank, allow me to rephrase my question. When do you think we can expect the king’s intervention in this matter?”

The merchant’s expression turned thoughtful. “If I were a betting man—and I am, on occasion—I’d say sooner rather than later. The situation here can’t have escaped the crown’s notice, especially with you in the thick of it. I wouldn’t be surprised if the king’s men were already on their way.

“I see,” Ethan said, thoughtfully “And what do you think that intervention might look like?”

Liam spread his hands in a gesture of uncertainty. “That, my lord, is beyond even my network’s ability to predict. But given your unique position, I imagine it will be handled with a certain degree of delicacy.”

Ethan nodded absently. Would the king really do that? Theodore is his son, but still, the man was quite pragmatic. Surely—oh, wait, mother. How could I forget?

Theodore’s mother, the queen, would surely pull strings. Not to mention, the king himself wasn’t quite a heartless man.

He had guards in Holden, he had the tax situation made up to teach Theodore a lesson, he had Roland assigned to Theodore, and Miss Bodyguard hiding in the shadows, protecting him at all times.

Seems that Theodore is more liked than I thought...

“Liam,” he said at last, “I find myself in need of your expertise once more. How quickly can your network mobilize if the need arises?”

The [Merchant]’s eyebrows rose, but he answered without hesitation. “For you, Lord Theodore? We could have wagons rolling within the hour, if need be. May I ask what you’re anticipating?”

Ethan stood, moving to the window that overlooked the bustling streets of Holden. The town had flourished under his guidance, growing from a sleepy border settlement it once was.

“I’m not entirely sure,” he admitted, his eyes scanning the horizon as if he could spot the approaching change. “But I have a feeling that things are about to get complicated. I want to be prepared for any eventuality.”

Liam joined him at the window. “Well, my lord, if it’s preparation you need, you’ve come to the right place. The Montague Merchant Guild stands ready to assist, come what may.”

Ethan turned to the [Merchant], extending his hand. “I appreciate that, Liam. More than you know. Let us hope that my fears are unfounded, but...”

“But it never hurts to be prepared,” Liam finished, clasping Ethan’s hand firmly.

Yes, the Night Whispers have been far too quiet after the crystal plague... and Sir Thomas isn’t proving any help. The man is busy in places I do not even know of. Sure, he’s competent, and doing things necessary for our survival—but I need something for Holden too. Argent, Corinth, and Westford fair better than we do, and Roland or Miss Bodyguard alone are just two people... I’m not yet strong enough, either.

“Consider it done, my lord. We’ll increase production, stockpile supplies, and keep our ears to the ground. Whatever comes, we’ll face it.”

The [Merchant gathered his things and left soon after, and Ethan got back to work.

His next project was almost complete: the bridges, better housing, better sewage, better roads, etc. He’d been planning and organizing things for quite some time now, and he’d be ready to get to work after he dealt with the most urgent thing at hand.

The soap competition.

The Merchants Guild was quite smart; he hadn’t caught on in the moment, but now that he was more or less sure of what they were trying to do, he was determined to put on quite the good show.