Lurona city [southern shores of Fuminao Legacy Kingdom], local time [1793.12.16]

The event that Kwan prepared for the opening of their new business was much grander in scale than Zeph could have expected, but so was the business itself.

From the windows of his carriage, slowly descending from the hills surrounding the place, a vast complex of buildings encompassing a small river could be seen. It was spanning an area in two-kilometers radius, at the very least. It looked more like a separate village inside the city, or a miniature district.

How the hell the gang had enough funds to afford that? Zeph thought with a slight shock. In the background, Aisha was lazily describing how Kwan found the place. He started to pay more attention to what she said.

The complex was, in truth, an old transshipment port. It was set on the furthest part of the river, an ending point for heavy water transport. It wasn’t that far from the shore – they could see the mountain islands some ten, maybe twenty, kilometers away – but its position was still preferable because of the land infrastructure that could have been set around it. And indeed, a few big arteries were sneaking around the river’s valley.

But after the water trade bloomed, more ports started to form along the shoreline, until, finally, the city had to implement new means of transportation between them and the rest of its population. After the infrastructure for the heavy-weight, hovering wagons was completed, the value of the inland port plummeted. At that point, the city had enough Mana income to keep the new tracks operational indefinitely, there was no need for the lengthy travel up the river anymore.

The place has been abandoned. It didn’t become slums—places like that didn’t really exist in this world because of the dirty-cheap class-zero food—but it was close enough. Only the less fortunate were left there. Because the place has become the city’s property in its whole, and because there was no use for it, those people were allowed to use the buildings for a minimal Mana tax. Still, the city wouldn’t provide any maintenance to the infrastructure, and people living there were too poor to take care of it by themselves.

It was no surprise then that the river started to flood the valley during heavy rain or thaw periods. The enchantments regulating the speed of the water flow, placed at the river’s banks along its length, stopped working some years ago. Parts of the canal system were blocked by the garbage flowing down, too.

At least their society doesn’t have a problem with sewage, Zeph commended internally, looking down at the sparse lights coming from the valley below, surrounding a small area that was illuminated like a Christmas tree – the main buildings of Kwan’s headquarters. The setting sun was hiding behind the heavy clouds, so he could see them clearly in the weak daylight. Even the big, heavy snowflakes falling lazily from the sky weren’t enough to obscure the view.

Indeed, with a simple application of appropriate Magicules on the swirling sewage, it was easy to extract pure water from it. It was explained in the ‘Lurona Technology Solutions for Curious’. From his own, personal knowledge, it was especially effective because of the small number of possible microbes that could live in Mana environments, and the ones that existed were killed in the purification process by the high density of Magicules, anyway.

That was one of the reasons the System was so strict with alien microbes, probably. Introducing one that could evolve to live in a higher Mana density and infect other organisms would be disastrous.

But Zeph was more curious about what they did with the, seemingly sterile, waste coming from purification. Was it used by the farms around the city? Well, the living microorganisms in the soil would take care of it sooner or later. Heck, from what he read from his ‘Corora herbarium’ Skill, the plants here, or any living organism without a Soul for that matter, were metabolizing Mana. It wouldn’t be strange for them to cause the decay by themselves.

Wait… Metabolizing Mana?! Isn’t it the same for us, humans, metabolizing Prana back on Earth? I need to learn more and compare… It’s far too similar to ignore. He tried to remember this observation for later, as he heard Aisha finishing her story in a playful tone.

“…the attendant at the City Hall was enamored by her idea,” she said with a fake enthusiasm that broke her monotone monolog from earlier. “Just imagine all those taxes!” she parodied the thought process of the guy.

“Sorry,” he interjected. “Can you repeat from the canal system part? You managed to actually make me lose focus,” he said, not abashed at all. From the beginning, she sounded like an old professor not caring if he was even understood, he had no remorse.

She looked at him like at an exotic animal. “Impressive… You were listening for that long?” P’pfel’s snore hiccupped. He was laying prone on the seat to their right.

A vein on Zeph’s temple swelled, and he had an urge to smack her in the head.

“Stop training your sleep-inducing speech abilities on me and explain the last part properly,” he said angrily, the remorse returning but for other reasons.

If the playfulness is the indicator of her being relaxed, I would rather see her constantly stressed, he thought irritably.

Gru approved.

“Well, I don’t want to repeat all that,” she said, shrugging. “Long story short, when she decided to buy a block in that area—it was cheap, had workers ready to be hired, and was perfect for her plans—the clerk in the City Administration Hall immediately proposed a better deal. It seems the place was a money sink for the city, even if they don’t do much to maintain it. If she was to employ the people living there, fix the infrastructure, and the pay normal rate of Mana tax per head, then the city was willing to cut in half the price for the whole port area, and allow her to pay it in installments.”

“And what does she plan to do with the whole port?” he asked incredulously. If she didn’t plan for it from the start, then it just sounded like the city’s governing body delegating the administration of that area to her. Costs included. “It sounds like an unnecessary burden and nothing more.”

Aisha smiled happily. “She’s building an onsen village. Roaming Onsen Village, to be exact. We are for a treat in the future.” She clapped her hands in delight.

He blinked in surprise. But there are no hot springs in the vicinity? I am not sure, but wouldn’t the costs of artificially heating the water be too much? he analyzed. It’s nice but…

“Are those her original plans?”

“Well, I suspect that just sped up her schedule. She wanted a permanent place in a city, after all. After finishing her new Inn, she would probably start buying out the neighboring lands,” she said thoughtfully.

“Well, now I am a little excited,” he admitted, looking through the window at the future water park. “It doesn’t seem they managed to renovate much, though.” The illuminated part wasn’t taking even one-tenth of the port.

“It was only a few days, after all. I heard that they prepared a taste of future winter attractions to see what would be popular. It’s a perfect test and advertisement before the New Year celebrations, too.”

“Yeah, it will be the best time to earn a lot of money…”

They spent the rest of the trip talking about the coming celebrations. Zeph was curious how it looked like, but was slightly disheartened when he learned people here don’t have an equivalent of the fireworks. When he described what they were, Aisha started laughing. And she couldn’t stop. The wastefulness, impracticality, and dangers involved were just too much for her.

In good humor, they arrived at the main street of the newly-named Roaming Onsen Village. It looked as if a small festival was taking place and their carriage slowed down because people crowding around freely passed through.

The decorations were distinctly similar to the Earth’s Asian style, in a general sense. Lanterns in multiple colors and shapes illuminated the vicinity. Wooden sculptures of strange animals and sparkling, ornamental chains adorned the newly-renovated buildings. Small stands were selling either exotic cuisine or memorabilia, the latter often made in part from plastic – probably the leftovers from their failed attempts at synthetizing a more robust version using the recipe Zeph had sold to Kwan. He was fairly impressed that they already managed to implement his instructions and started the production. On the other hand, it wasn’t really that difficult of a process, all things considered.

There was no lack of entertainment establishments on the street, too. Besides games and lotteries that some of the stands provided, Zeph also noticed ice rinks and something resembling playgrounds made from ice, both set further away from the main street but visible through the side streets. Even two open-air hot baths were available, easily recognizable because of the domes of vapor above the enclosed premises of the two big buildings.

Are they using a modified Air Sphere to keep the temperature from escaping? he asked himself as they were passing the second establishment. No, probably something more, seeing as the vapor says inside, too. It seems efficient, maybe that’s how they insulate houses when the temperature decreases too much? But to prepare all that in just a few days… I may have underestimated the number of competent workers this place had at the ready… And Kwan’s gang proficiency with enchantments.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

His musings were interrupted when their cart stopped in front of the biggest building yet. It had to be an old administration center, but now resembled a luxurious hotel. There was even a crimson carpet set before the entrance.

Zeph felt underdressed for the occasion.

An attendant in a smooth, black attire greeted them as they left the carriage. He informed them that Kwan will see them in a moment because she was busy, taking care of more prominent guests right now. Just as he started to invite them inside, Pavail exited the building.

“Hi!” She waved her hand energetically, trotting up to them. “Umm, I think we should go straight to your building,” she said to Zeph and P’pfel. “It doesn’t seem like they will let go of the boss anytime soon…”

The trio exchanged glances. Behind their carriage, a wagon with their belongings followed. Even Aisha brought some of her things, knowing too well she would be visiting the place often in the future. But they were to move there only after the more important and fun part of the evening.

“Problems?” Aisha finally asked.

“No, no…” Pavail started waving her hands, but paused halfway. “Well, maybe? But I am afraid it’s nothing you can help with, Miss Zora…” she finished sheepishly.

“What’s of the meeting?” Zeph was more concerned about other things. Ghrughah should be coming soon.

“The boss said we can use your safe room. The security almost matches the one in our headquarters… But, you know, our place is full of very… curious people right now, so…”

After some grumbling, they quickly decided to listen to her advice. The plan was to take part in the official opening speech and the celebration that would take place in the main building. Potentially even visit the attractions later on. As so, they were quite disappointed, but all of them understood that security made precedence right now. There was no choice.

The attendant called a few members of the gang to help them with the wagons and offloading, and Pavail directed them to the building.

It was set on a high bank by the river, and was surrounded by quarters of Kwan’s people – for additional security. It was quite plain, but had three stories and was much bigger than Zeph anticipated. They moved inside as the workers took the wagons to the side entrance to unload and secure them.

He was surprised again. The building’s walls were almost two meters thick, the entrance more like a short tunnel than simple doors. They passed the foyer, small but comfortable-looking living quarters, and entered a big hall. It was mostly empty, bare some basic furniture and a few working tables. Thick columns supported the ceiling in regular intervals, further stabilizing the structure. There were no windows here, and only two entrances – one from the living room, and the second from the storage room to the right.

All in all, the building looked surprisingly sturdy, almost like a small defensive fortress.

“So, this is P’pfel’s floor,” Pavail animatedly explained. “The next one looks the same, and it’s yours,” she said to Zeph. “And the last one has accommodation for guests, a safe room, and leisure rooms!”

“Good thing you didn’t fully furnish the place,” the Gremling grumpily acknowledged. “I would have to trash most of it anyway.”

“Happy you like it!” she exclaimed unabashedly. “Let me show you the storage and the residential part!”

After a short tour, they made themselves comfortable in the safe room. The third floor was fully furnished, and the room was stylized like a dark tavern – fake fireplace, soft armchairs, cushions, small bar, and all. Of course, everything was much more luxurious than it should be in such an establishment.

They moved a few low tables to create a place for all the guests to sit together, and enjoyed some drinks while waiting and talking idly.

An hour later, Ghrughah was brought by an attendant.

“Fancy place you have here,” he grumbled, trying to fit in the doors. P’pfel and Pavail were gaping at the giant with a mix of fear, amazement, and respect. His Veil was already pressing down on theirs.

Aisha stood up, her face unreadable, and took a few steps in his direction.

Ghrughah finally straightened up and looked down on her appraisingly.

They were saliently staring at each other for a long moment, before the giant spoke, putting out his hand. “So, we finally met.”

She rolled up a sleeve of her sweatshirt and took the handshake, grabbing his forearm in the middle. Her arm comically small in the contrast. “Indeed.”

They just stood there, unmoving, eyes locked. Their muscles flexed.

Then flexed some more as their postures changed, adapting to the forces.

Aisha started to steam slightly. Ghrughah’s skin gained a slight metallic sheen to it.

After another few seconds, the sound of something creaking under heavy pressure could be heard. It was unclear if it was originating from the floor, the skin of their arms, or maybe their very bones.

The trial of strength lasted for a good ten seconds before, finally, they both smiled and released the tight grip, only to loudly smack their hands.

“Welcome, Blacksmith. Maybe your reputation wasn’t exaggerated after all,” Aisha said lightly, still smiling.

The man hummed in acknowledgment. “Well met, Priestess. I was curious about you for some time, too.” He looked around. “I hope you remembered to prepare a fitting seat for me?”

They didn’t.

After some improvising that included too many cushions, they all sat down and made introductions. Aisha took it upon herself to verbally spar with the giant after that, not allowing for a proper conversation, but it didn’t matter much. They were waiting for Kwan, either way.

Zeph had to admit, listening to the duo was quite entertaining. He didn’t know what was the exact age difference between them, but they were very like-minded in his opinion. Even their mannerism was similar. Two old goats. Each side tried to eke some information from the opponent while making sure the small victories were balanced later on by giving away snips of information, of their own volition.

Are they collecting favor points between themselves that way, or what? He felt lost in the game they played. If so, Aisha is losing slightly, I think, he concluded cheerfully.

But soon enough, he and Pavail started discussing their own plans, leaving the elders to bicker between themselves.

Zeph had left the details of the collaboration with the Doctor to be determined later exactly because he suspected the situation may end up more complicated than they could expect. As it turned out, it was a good assessment. Now was the time to decide the concerts, and the first one was the role Pavail wanted to take in all this nonsense happening around currently.

~~~

Maybe three hours later, the doors to the room opened again. The conversations died down almost instantly as they all looked in that direction.

A worn-out Kwan entered the room. While her makeup and black-and-red ballroom dress were in almost perfect condition, that only emphasized the signs of her disheveled state and unfocused mannerism.

She closed the door behind herself and immediately slouched, her eyes losing any life emanating from within. After glancing around the room with an empty gaze, the guests included, she just sighed deeply and plodded in the direction of the bar.

“Difficult night?” Aisha asked after a moment of silence.

“You have no idea…” she answered weakly, opening a bottle and taking a deep swing directly from it. Some life returned to her face, but the eyes stayed empty. “Imagine that. After we declared to take care of the infrastructure here, not to mention the workers, and the evident success of our endeavors… suddenly!” she exclaimed abruptly in anger, raising her hands dramatically, one still holding the bottle. “Suddenly every important neighbor wants to take a part in it! And buy some land from us, of course for the old price!” She plopped into the armchair prepared for her, leaning heavily on its right arm, almost like trying to lie down on it entirely.

“And the worst part? They made a coalition that unanimously declared our deal with the city was unfair in the eye of the market rule. Too cheap, they say! The hypocritical idiots! They should have taken the land when it was free!” she hollered before taking another swing from the bottle. All pretense was gone, she was evidently too tired to even try to pose before Ghrughah.

But, mainly, she was really, really angry.

“If only I could duel those morons without repercussions…” she mumbled to herself with a dangerous glint in her eyes.

Zeph could feel Gru sending sad emotions, stopping himself in the last moment from vibrating them out. The confusing message meant something along the lines of ‘Oh dear, I knew it would happen’. Zeph ignored it for now, but he noted that they would have to talk later.

“Heh, it seems our idea just evolved from agreeable to coveted. Don’t you think so, boys? A simple solution to so many problems?” Aisha commented mirthfully, glancing at Zeph and P’pfel.

Kwan turned her head at her with a skeptical and wary look on her face. Zeph could relate. “What idea are you talking about, again?”

“Your idea, you wanted to say,” P’pfel grudgingly corrected the overconfident Priestess.

“And we aren’t even past the first hurdle…” Zeph added, glancing at the Blacksmith.

“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes and turned to Kwan. “If we establish our own Guild, those problems can be solved the easy way,” she said with conviction.

Kwan perked up, then looked at Ghrughah and then, at all of them in turn.

Meanwhile, Gru sent even more pessimistic emotions. But Zeph could finally feel the coming danger. Which probably meant that it was too late.

“What ‘way’ are you talking about?” he asked worriedly.

“Duels, of course!” she declared immediately. “If they want to contest our rights to this land, they would have to challenge us! Then, we can just declare we would rather Duel than go down the bureaucratic route. A challenge is a challenge, after all! But it can only be done between equal parties, so it’s impossible right now.” Zeph didn’t like her eager tone one bit.

“What with him?” Kwan asked, nodding towards the giant and taking another swing.

The man grumbled loudly in answer before anyone else could speak up. All eyes were on him now, but they waited. It took a moment for him to decide.

“Priestess,” he said finally, glancing at Aisha, and she immediately understood. She stood up and walked behind him. After concentrating for a moment, she put her hands on his shoulders.

“I don’t care about any of you. And I don’t care if I am to become a part of your endeavors.” he slowly declared, then looked straight at Zeph. “I don’t even care about your origin or history.”

Oh, shit! I have fucked up again, didn’t I?!

Gru’s mirthful affirmation was all he needed to dive deeper into his shame.

“What I care about, is your knowledge, boy.” He turned to the rest of the people around. “In a few hours, drawing basically on his knee, he presented me a blueprint for his armor.” He paused, almost dramatically, making eye contact with every one of them to make sure they understood. “ He did it like it was the simplest of things. Like it was a basic application of mechanical engineering everyone should know about. Let me tell you – it is not.”

Everyone's eyes turned to Zeph. Accusingly almost.

But despite that, Zeph felt something different. Everything was starting to fall into its place. He felt like was taking part in a historical event, no matter how small. A birth of a company, but also something more. Ghrughah was exactly how he understood him, they could cooperate.

“How is it,” Kwan asked Aisha, turning her head.

“As far as I can tell? True,” she declared, taking her hands off the giant’s shoulders. “But more importantly,” she smiled impishly, “I have already marked him permanently,” she lightly said, walking away towards her seat.

This time, everyone gaped at her. Ghrughah surprised face, as he looked down at his arm, was priceless.

Zeph worried about the consequences, though, as were the rest. It was visible in their glances and body language – what she had done could end up very badly.

But the Blacksmith just closed his eyes, concentrating. Aisha returned to her seat, evidently proud of herself. The tense atmosphere lasted for a minute, until the giant spoke again.

“Truly… The Priestess,” he said in marvel. It seemed he couldn’t feel anything, yet felt something when Aisha admitted her ministrations. “I agree,” was his final word. “Let’s speak details…”

It seems Aisha has won this one.