We departed early the next morning as planned, but I had forgotten about two things. The first was that we would be traveling in a carriage. The second was that we would be traveling for days in that carriage and may even have to sleep there.
Because of the number of people, there were three carriages. Rena, two of my operatives, and Storm were in mine. That same Storm was currently eating all of the cookies I had gathered for traveling snacks.
“These are incredibly delicious,” he told me, “Where do you get them?”
“From a friend,” I replied, “Their bakery went out of business but I really love their cookies so I made a deal to get exclusive cookies from them, bakery or no bakery.”
“Interesting, though your supply lacks variety,” Storm replied, “Cookies aren’t the most healthy snack for a growing young lady.”
He seemed to take his words as an excuse to eat even more of my cookies. I was about to say something when Rena snatched the package from him.
“What Cassandra eats is none of your business,” she scolded, “and you need to work before you can be paid in something as precious as the princess’s cookies.”
“Is that so?” Storm asked, “Then what do you recommend I do during this dull travel? There don’t seem to be any enemies so I can’t do my job yet.”
“Then you need to make sure that your client is healthy and happy.”
“I am not a doctor,” Storm scoffed, but began to look me up and down. “You look tired. You should take a nap.”
“I can’t sleep in carriages,” I told him. There was the uncomfortable ride, but there was also the fact that I was in front of people I couldn’t necessarily trust. Storm did like to bring up how untrustworthy he was.
“Then we’ll have to make sure to stop in a town at night,” he said, “I am not familiar with the geography of this area so I hope you planned your trip well.”
“Of course. I have already talked everything over with the coachmen.”
Despite our nearly perfect travelling conditions, it took several days to reach our destination. The Lion Seaport was packed with businesses, tourists, and workers. It was a sort of bustle that the capital couldn’t compare to.
The inns were likely full or mostly full so I was glad that I had sent a letter ahead of time. Alois had recommended an inn called the Azure Flower. It was a rather luxurious inn that was famous for its rare magical flowers that would float up into the sky like a balloon when picked. They were used to handling high profile guests and always had rooms for their escorts available. The notice was just to make sure because even the Azure Flower couldn’t guarantee how many important guests would come around the same time.
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Once we arrived someone went ahead to tell them who we are and take care of the procedures while we grabbed out basic things and stepped out of the carriages.
The inside was meticulously decorated without being gaudy or overdone. The furniture was well arranged and everything was organized. An employee led us to our rooms and made sure we had everything situated before leaving. All in all, a very smooth and professional process. I approved.
I had one of my female guards in the room connected to mine. Since Storm was male he was staying near Alvis instead. The inn took it surprisingly well to have a surprise guest as notable as the Headmaster.
The next morning our mission would begin, but for now I focused on getting some good sleep. Travelling always took a toll on me. I was already missing the school’s convenient gates and other transportation.
I half expected to get woken in the night but everything was peaceful until the sun rose, and then the usual busy people started their day. After I was ready I began my search by asking the staff if they knew a good merchant or business in the port town.
I was quickly ushered to speak to the owner who sat down in a private waiting room to talk to me. He even served snacks. I took a cookie.
“Before I answer your question what kind of merchant are you looking for?” the owner asked, a bit nervous but holding their composure.
“I’m not entirely sure myself,” I admitted, “I need to establish my image as the tenth princess, but I don’t have any ideas yet. A well rounded merchant would be best. Someone trustworthy and knowledgeable.”
The owner frowned. “In that case only one man comes to mind. You are lucky he is in town right now.”
“Who?” I asked, my interest seeping into my tone. There were a great deal of travelling merchants but not many of them would be recommended to royalty.
“Silas Toll,” they answered, “He is the one who invested in this establishment and helped us become what we are now. I have never heard about thing about him as a merchant, though as a person his personality is sometimes questionable. They say every time he comes out of a conversation he has made a powerful connection or sold something.”
“But is he trustworthy?” I checked.
“He would never betray a client and he has no interest in shady dealing. He doesn’t need it.”
A traveling merchant so prominent shady dealings weren’t even worth bothering with. It sounded unrealistic and too good to be true, but the owner of Azure Flower seemed confident enough.
“Where can I find him?” I questioned.
“He is staying in this very inn. He tends to hang around the dining hall and talk to the other patrons, but if you wish I can try to call him for you?”
I shook my head. “If he is the kind of man you described I would be better off approaching him personally.”
Just in case, I met up with Storm and my other guards and took them with me to the dining hall. Just like the rest of the inn, it was meticulous and comfortable without being too elaborate or gaudy. It was spacious but not wasteful. All in all, a very comfortable room. That must be why a merchant like Silas Toll would stay in a place like this to watch for possible business deals.
Beside me, Storm frowned. “You said his name was Silas Toll, right?” he asked.
“I did.”
“That is a bit much of a coincidence… but I think he is right there,” Storm nodded to a charming man chatting happily with a couple.
“Why do you call it a coincidence?” I questioned.
“Because, that seems to be the exact same Silas Toll as from my world, but he died over a hundred years ago of old age,” Storm explained, “The company he created still stands as one of the most successful and trustworthy companies there is, and they have branches everywhere and carry anything you could possibly imagine.”
For a moment I thought Storm was exaggerating but he seemed completely serious as he continued to stare at the charming man. Could he be a summon? No, then Storm’s world wouldn’t have so much history of him. Another reincarnator? But why would he look the same as before? Or maybe Storm didn’t recognize him by appearance but by his aura. That could make sense but why would he follow the exact same path a second time?
As I was wondering the man looked up and smiled when he saw me. He walked right over after bidding the couple he was talking to goodbye and held out his hand.
“I am Silas Toll. It is a pleasure to meet you,” he said with complete confidence, “You must be the new tenth princess. May I have the honor of knowing your name?”