A slow smile spread across Myrium's face. "I see. Well then, let me be equally direct: name your price. I want exclusive rights to the flashlight's distribution."

Arlo exchanged a quick, triumphant glance with Vielle. This was the moment they'd been hoping for. Still, he knew better than to seem too eager.

"Before naming a price, I'm open to hearing your offer," Arlo said, careful to keep his tone neutral. "What did you have in mind?"

Myrium drummed his fingers against his thigh, eyes narrowed in thought. "Five gold per unit." he said at last. "Plus a percentage of the profits on each sale, of course."

Arlo had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep his jaw from dropping. Five gold coins? For a single flashlight? Back home, he could've bought a whole case of the things for a fraction of that price. Granted, currency values were different here, but still. It was more money than he'd ever dreamed of seeing in one place.

He glanced at Vielle again, seeking her input. She gave him a subtle nod. Clearly, she thought it was more than a fair deal. Arlo's first instinct was to jump at the offer, but some long-buried negotiating instinct reared its head, urging caution.

‘Vielle seems cool with it, but I could probably negotiate for higher...’ He pondered.

Arlo hesitated, torn. On the one hand, five gold was already an astronomical sum, more than he'd ever hoped to get. Pushing for more felt greedy, and the last thing he wanted was to offend Myrium and risk losing the deal entirely.

‘Nah, it’s fine. I have other products too, let’s not be too greedy.’ He decided.

Mind made up, Arlo sat forward and laced his fingers together, doing his best to project an air of cool professionalism.

"Five gold is a good offer." he began, "and I'm certainly inclined to accept. But in regards to the fully exclusive distribution rights, I can’t accept that."

Myrium's eyebrows shot up, surprise etched across his distinguished features. It seemed the young man seated before him was far more ambitious than he had initially let on.

"May I ask why you're so reluctant to grant exclusive distribution rights?" the president asked, genuine curiosity coloring his tone.

Arlo met Myrium's gaze steadily, his expression calm and assured. "I simply don't wish for the distribution of my products to be bound or limited in any way. I alone will decide who I choose to work with. Whether your company remains my sole partner will depend entirely on the strength of our relationship and the terms you're able to offer."

Of course, there was more to it than that. Arlo had no intention of signing away such valuable rights, not when he harbored dreams of one day opening his own trading company. But that was a goal for the future, one he kept close to his chest for now.

Myrium leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful chuckle escaping him. "It all depends on what you're offered, eh? Yes, I suppose that does make a certain kind of sense."

Stroking his neatly trimmed beard, Myrium studied Arlo intently, as if trying to peer into the very heart of him. Arlo held that penetrating gaze without flinching, determined not to show even a hint of the nerves fluttering in his gut. This was a critical moment - he couldn't afford to waver.

"Well then." Arlo said at last, a smile playing about his lips. "Do we have a deal?"

For a long, tense moment, Myrium remained silent, his eyes darting from Arlo's face to the innocuous flashlight sitting on the table between them. Conflict played across his features, calculations whirring behind his eyes. Then, as if coming to a decision, the president stood abruptly, thrusting out his hand.

"...I accept your terms," Myrium declared, with a smile. "We have an agreement."

Arlo rose to meet him, clasping the offered hand in a firm shake. "Excellent. I look forward to a profitable partnership."

Vielle watched the exchange with a small, satisfied smile. As the two men sealed the deal, Myrium gestured to his clerk with a sharp nod.

"Bring the payment," he ordered crisply.

The clerk hurried from the room, returning moments later with a small, clinking pouch. He placed it reverently in Arlo's waiting palm, bowing deeply as he stepped back.

Loosening the pouch's drawstrings, Arlo peered inside, his eyebrows climbing toward his hairline at the sight of five gleaming gold coins nestled within the soft velvet depths.

"I will test the flashlight myself today," Myrium said, drawing Arlo's attention back to the matter at hand. "If it performs as advertised, I will purchase your entire current stock tomorrow. Five gold per unit. Would that be agreeable?"

Arlo dipped his head, satisfaction thrumming through him. "More than agreeable. You're most generous, Mr. Myrium."

"Excellent. In that case, please return tomorrow morning to finalize the transaction. If you don't mind my asking, where are you staying currently? Just in case any unforeseen circumstances arise."

After providing the name and location of their inn, Arlo and Vielle made their farewells, leaving Myrium's office with a spring in their steps and the weight of the gold coins heavy in Arlo's pocket.

The clerk watched them go with a small frown, waiting until the door had closed behind the odd pair before turning to Myrium with concern writ large across his face.

"Sir, are you certain it's wise to agree to such terms without securing exclusive distribution rights? If word of this new product gets out..."

But Myrium silenced him with a raised hand, his eyes never leaving the flashlight as he turned it over and over in his hands.

"The boy left us little choice," the president said wryly. "He's clever, that one. Knows exactly how valuable his invention is. I suspect he would have walked away entirely had we pushed any harder."

"Even so-"

"It's quite alright," Myrium cut in smoothly. "Even purchasing at five gold per unit, we stand to make a substantial profit. And perhaps more importantly, we have the chance to build a connection with a most promising young entrepreneur."

The clerk shifted uncomfortably, doubt still evident in the set of his shoulders. "But he's a complete unknown, sir. Surely the risk..."

Myrium chuckled, low and amused. "Ah, but that's just it, my boy. He may not be known, but did you not see who accompanied him? The woman at his side was none other than Vielle, the Witch of Moonlight herself. Gaining her favor would be well worth the gamble."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The president's eyes gleamed as he recalled Arlo's companion. Oh yes, he knew exactly who she was - and the doors that connection could open.

Shaking off his musings, Myrium passed the flashlight to his clerk with brisk instructions to have it thoroughly tested. Just before the man scurried off, the president sank back into his chair with a sigh.

"Have my next appointment sent in shortly," he instructed. "And do make sure they don't keep me waiting."

---

Out on the bustling city streets, Arlo held one of the gold coins up to the moonlit sky, admiring the way it gleamed.

"Five Jarha gold coins," he marveled, his voice hushed with something approaching awe. "I've only ever held silver and copper before. Is this what it feels like to take the first step towards a wealthy life?"

Vielle giggled at his side. "Don't go getting ahead of yourself now," she teased. "But you're right, it is a rather satisfying feeling, isn't it? And you handled those negotiations quite well. I think you might have a real knack for this."

Arlo grinned down at her, pocketing the coin with a contented little hum. "You really think so? Maybe I was born to be a merchant."

"Let's not get carried away," Vielle laughed. Her cheerfulness quickly turned contemplative, however, her brow creasing slightly as they walked. "Didn’t we initially agree on introducing two products, though? You changed your mind last minute..."

Arlo waved off her concern. "We can’t show all our ideas and I want to see how they react, what Myrium says tomorrow when we return. Consider it a test. If he follows through with the agreed payment and doesn't try to alter the terms, then we'll know he can be trusted. And then... then we'll really blow his mind with some of the products in our stock."

"I suppose it was the right decision," Vielle conceded. "And I wouldn't worry too much about Myrium trying to pull a fast one. Like I said, he has a reputation for fair dealings and a keen eye for profitable opportunities. He won't want to risk damaging a potential partnership with the Jarha coins this could bring."

They walked on in companionable silence for a time, watching as the shadows lengthened and the streets slowly emptied, shopkeepers closing up for the day and the smell of cooking fires beginning to waft from open windows.

"So," Vielle said at last, stretching languorously, "where to now? Back to the inn to freshen up a bit? It’s getting dark..."

Arlo hesitated, then shook his head. "Actually, I was thinking we could grab a bite to eat first. I don't know about you, but I'm starving. And besides..." He caught Vielle's eye, his expression sobering. "There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."

Vielle held his gaze, and in that moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them. She knew exactly what weighed on his mind.

"Of course," Vielle murmured, dropping her gaze with a soft smile. "There's a restaurant not far from here. Follow me."

-

With Vielle in the lead, they soon arrived at a stately building with a elegantly painted sign above the wide front doors. As they entered, Arlo couldn't help but gawk at the opulent decor, the snowy linens and sparkling chandeliers.

Vielle handled their seating arrangements with easy grace, passing a handful of silver to the waiter before guiding Arlo to a secluded table near the back.

"Are you sure about this place?" Arlo whispered as he slid into his seat, eyeing the other clients with their sumptuous finery and haughty airs. "Looks a bit expensive, doesn't it?"

But Vielle just smiled, serene and unruffled. "It's fine, I have some money to spare." she assured him. "Besides, we have a lot to talk about don’t we…?"

She trailed off, her eyes flashing crimson for the briefest of instants. The air around their table shimmered, and suddenly the background chatter seemed to fade, muted and distant. A sound obstruction spell, Arlo realized as he glanced at the magic circled that formed below them.

"There," Vielle said, appearing satisfied. "Now we can speak freely, without fear of being overheard."

She met Arlo's questioning gaze head on, her delicate hands folded primly atop the table.

"Ask me what you will, Arlo," she said softly. "I know you must have questions. And I'm ready to answer them, as best I can."

Arlo considered her for a long moment, carefully weighing his words.

"Who are you, Vielle?" he asked at last. “Really?"

And so, as they waited for their meal, Vielle spoke, holding nothing back.

"My full name is Vielle Lunacrest," she began, her eyes distant. "A pureblood vampire and daughter of the House of Lunacrest. My father is none other than Duke Lucian Lunacrest, one of the most influential nobles in all of Jarha."

Arlo inhaled sharply, his eyes widening. He'd suspected Vielle was more than a simple adventurer, but this...

"Your father is a duke." he breathed, understanding dawning. "That butler from before..."

"Clifford, yes. My father's man, sent to keep tabs on me. To bring me back into the household."

Arlo frowned. "If your father is so powerful, if you're nobility, then why...?"

"Why become an adventurer?" Vielle finished wryly. "Why keep my status hidden, even from you?"

She sighed, her shoulders slumping beneath some invisible weight.

"The truth is, Arlo... I hate being nobility. I despise everything about that life. The constant scrutiny, the crushing expectations. Every moment of every day, scripted and controlled. Attended by servants, forbidden from pursuing my own passions only to be wedded off to the most advantageous political match like a toy…."

Vielle's fists clenched atop the table, her voice shaking with suppressed emotion. "It's a cage, and I want no part of it. That's why I left, why I've tried so hard to sever all ties with my father and his demands."

She looked up at Arlo then, and the raw pain in her eyes stole his breath.

"I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner," Vielle whispered. "I just... I didn't want to drag you into the mess of my family drama. I never meant to deceive you, Arlo. And I understand if you're angry, if you'd rather dissolve our partnership. I wouldn't blame you in the slightest."

Arlo sat back in his chair, stunned. Of all the things he'd expected to hear, this certainly hadn't been it. A runaway noblewoman, desperate to escape the chains of her lineage? It was like something out of a storybook.

‘In that back of my mind I thought that she might’ve been a noble given the way she acted but not a duke… that’s right below royalty. She’s a big deal. Being associated with her will bring a fair share of trouble and I’m sure she’s aware of this herself.’’

As he struggled to process this revelation, their food arrived, two steaming bowls of rich, savory-smelling stew, thick with chunks of tender meat and fresh vegetables. The waiter set the dishes down with a flourish, but Vielle barely seemed to notice, her gaze fixed on Arlo's face with an almost desperate intensity.

Arlo stared at the stew, momentarily distracted by the mouth-watering aroma. His stomach rumbled loudly, reminding him just how hungry he was, and despite the seriousness of the moment, he picked up his spoon and began to eat.

Vielle blinked at him, nonplussed. "What... you’re eating? After what I've just told you... I mean, aren't you upset?"

But Arlo just shook his head, still scooping up pieces of the stew with his spoon as he ate. "Upset? Vielle, I'm not upset. Surprised, sure. A little overwhelmed, maybe. But not upset."

"But... but I kept such an important thing from you. How can you just...?"

Arlo stared at his reflection in the stew as he responded.

“Judging from what you’ve said your identity is meant to be kept a secret. I don’t blame you for not telling me. Besides, you didn’t give up on me even after I told you that I had abandoned my old party. I’m not going to dissolve our partnership over something like this.”

Vielle stared at him, her eyes huge and shimmering with unshed tears. "Really?" she whispered, her voice cracking on the word. "You're not angry? You still... still want to work with me, even though it may cause you more problems down the line?"

Arlo gazed up at her with a smile.

“Don’t tell me you already forgot the promise we made today? It may have seemed like I was just saying it in the moment but I meant it. We’re partners. Your background, your family drama... none of that changes anything. Not for me."

He grinned again, fierce and determined.

"And if your father or his lackeys try to interfere? We'll deal with that when and if it happens. Alright?"

For a long, breathless moment, Vielle simply stared at him, her eyes brimming with emotion. And then, like the sun breaking through storm clouds, a smile spread across her face, radiant and achingly beautiful.

"Okay," she whispered, her cheeks turning a bright pink before she finally said. "Thank you..."