Lucy strode her way right up to Morshire, stopped and looked down at the man.

Liam stared at the two. He could see the weasel-folk male tense up. He wasn’t sure why he would though. Just moments before she had arrived he was acting arrogant and haughty, like he was top of the world. However, right now he looked like he could start sweating buckets.

“M…m…Miss Lucy,” Morshire stammered as he felt her narrowed gaze on him. “What are you doing here?”

“I really have no obligations to tell you that, but to save time and to help clear some of the… accusations and confusion you seem to be experiencing,” Lucy pointedly stated. “I came by to see how Mr. Liam was doing.”

Morshire gulped. He then asked the next question that had popped into his mind after hearing that last part. “Why would you need to see how this fi…I mean this young man is doing?”

Lucy raised a brow as she noticed the correction. She then asked, “You do know what my job is correct?”

“You mean being the l…,” Morshire started to say until Lucy raised her brow a bit more. Morshire raised his hands up as he finished, “The new arrival department?”

Lucy nodded. “Correct. And do you know what one of the duties someone from that department is?”

Morshire winced as he replied, “Um, to keep an eye on new arrivals?”

Lucy narrowed her eyes even more as she glared at the man. “No. It is not to keep an eye on new arrivals. The newly integrated arrivals are not prisoners nor criminals. It is to check up on them and help with their transition into our world. Not only that, but here on Cashat Post, we also keep them updated while they wait for news on the status of their citizenship.”

“Yes, yes. That’s exactly what they do…,” Morshire nodded as he looked a bit panicked. A sudden realization popped in his mind as he stopped mid-sentence. After rethinking about what she had just said he started to ask, “Wait then does that mean…”

A smile suddenly formed on Lucy’s face as she finished, “That I am Mr. Liam’s New Arrival Agent? Yes I am. I was there when he walked through the Transportation Portal from the Tutorial Area and did his procedures. So, I can say confidently say that he is just a couple of days old in this world.”

Morshire’s eyes widened as he swiftly looked at Liam.

Xander and the two next to him looked at the items on Liam’s stall then back at him, assessing him in a different light.

“There is more that I think must be addressed to help you understand the situation you have put yourself in,” Lucy continued.

She waited and watched as everyone looked back at her. Confusion etched each of their faces as they wondered exactly what else she had to explain.

“I heard you mocking the first set of crafted items he had on display as well as making comments about his Alchemic…endeavors,” Lucy continued. “I believe you mentioned that if he had a mentor then they should be ashamed by his quality of work as well as his attempts of making these wonderous new discoveries, that will be recorded under his name might I add. However, I failed to hear you ask if he had any mentors and if he did who they were.”

Liam caught her say they instead of referring to one person. He remembered his talks with this Antelope-folk woman. She had asked what he was interested in and he had mentioned he liked to craft. However, he remembered that he never mentioned his mentors to the woman. If she was bringing up mentors then he could only assume she knew who his mentors were. The one question that resided in his mind now was…how did she know?

Morshire stared at Lucy, unsure how to proceed. He looked like he was contemplating a lot now. Liam could only guess what was running through his mind as the man slowly turned to look at Liam.

Before he could ask the question Liam knew was coming, Lucy started back up. “Now we all know that in the Tutorial Area people can pick up crafts they find interesting and the many people, in the limited amount of crafts allowed in that area, will teach, or educate people in the crafts. While it isn’t rare for many who teach there to pick up apprentices, there are a select few who either refuse to take on an apprentice or are just there because they lost a bet.”

Liam slightly chuckled at that last part. He remembered Nabal had told him he was only there because he had lost a bet. Hearing Lucy say that part made him believe it wasn’t as rare of an occasion as he had believed it to be.

“That is correct,” Morshire slowly nodded.

“The latter two of what I had just said are usually those who are very well known crafters in their respective fields,” Lucy slowly smiled. “No matter their race, their names have spread across the world. For example, the pride of our Arkadian Kingdom have a few that are really well known. The Cait Siths, Narad the Crafting Connoisseur, Lilia the Stormstrong Outfitter, and…”

“My Armory Fashion Emporium,” Morshire said with pride.

Lucy lifted a brow as she said, “I was going to say Raknar the Anubis of Alchemical Armaments, but for your pride we’ll say your Armory Fashion Emporium.”

Morshire narrowed his eyes at her comment but reframed himself from saying anything.

“Anyways, there were rumors after the current wave of new arrivals left the Tutorial Area that two well known Crafters who have never taken an apprentice were in one of the Tutorial Areas at the same time and had picked up an apprentice. One of them even had picked up two. Do you have any clue who they might be?” Lucy questioned as she stared at Morshire.

Morshire shook his head. “No, I don’t have the foggiest. Who could they be?”

Liam stared at the two. As he watched and listened, he felt like something was off. He wasn’t entirely sure what it was or could be, so he started thinking things over.

This man was someone who believed himself to be a highly skilled crafter. After seeing some of the reactions of the people around, this isn’t his first time causing trouble. The looks of pity and the submissive expressions and body language had told Liam some of these people kind of feared this man. If that was the case then he had some pull in the crafting world.

That was proven when the Cat-folk Xander appeared, and their discussion revealed he was part of some crafting council for the kingdom. However, Xander, the two with him, and Farry had shown Liam that he didn’t have as much power as he made himself out to have.

To add to this factor, Lucy had arrived, and this man looked like he was ready to crumble under her gaze. This part was something that had Liam a bit stumped. It was one thing for Lucy to put this man in his place since he was causing a scene, but she wasn’t a crafter. At least, not that he knew of.

Lucy was part of the New Arrival Department that dealt with new arrivals to the world. There's no way she could have more power than him.

Not unless there is more to this woman than what she has shown me. Liam thought as he eyed the woman.

Lucy turned to look at Liam. Liam caught the slight smile that grew on her face as she asked, “Would you like to enlighten everyone who your mentors are Mr. Liam?”

Liam thought about it. That smile she had told Liam she was trying to do something. However, no matter how hard he tried to think what it was he couldn’t figure it out. This bugged him. He really didn’t like not having all the facts. The only thing he knew was it had to do with his mentors.

Did she know Fia and Galin? Were they on good terms or bad terms? If they were as famous as he had heard some people say then they would surely have enemies here and there. Was this her angle? Was she trying to cause ripples? If so then what pond are these ripples waving in? The Crafter’s Association? Morshire?

Liam noticed everyone was staring at him with curiosity and excitement as they waited for him to reveal who his mentors were. He could feel their gazes on him, and he didn’t like it.

As Liam continued to think this through he noticed Lucy’s eyes would occasionally shift. He wasn’t sure who it was they would fall on, but he knew the direction they were shifting to. It was Xander.

Why would she be shifting her sight on him? Is he the pond she’s trying to ripple? He wasn’t sure. And since he couldn’t think of the outcome he didn’t want to go along with whatever plan she had going on.

“No,” Liam suddenly said.

Everyone’s eyes suddenly widened.

Before anyone could say anything, Liam continued, “I don’t mean to refuse to answer your question, however, out of respect to my mentors I do not wish to reveal who they are so lightly.”

Lucy looked confused. “How come?

“This is due to three facts,” Liam started. “One, I am new here. There are things I am still learning when it comes to this world, this association, and this kingdom. As an apprentice to my mentors, it is my job not to disgrace the work they put into me. I am sure they would not want me to use their names to have some upper hand in any dealings with any merchants.

“Two, I do not want people to have their eyes on me because of who my mentors are, but rather the results I have put my hard work into. My mentors have trained me to be proud of the hard work I put into each crafted item. If I reveal who they are I feel that many people would only see their name or see them in my wares.

“And lastly…” Liam pointed to Morshire as he continued, “This man has opened my eyes. His antics and troublemaking has shown me that there are some sort of politics going on that I do not want any part of. If I do reveal my mentors’ names I feel that it would some how pull them into something I know I’d get scolded for. I may be an overthinking, tunnel visioned fool when it comes to crafting, but I am no fool to signs of hidden agendas.”

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Liam then looked at everyone and bowed.

Before anyone could say anything, Liam added one more thing. “I apologize for the scene caused here today and to those who have come to showcase their wares. The actions caused by my ignorance today are my fault and I will rethink my actions going forward in this new world I am starting to enjoy.”

Lucy and Morshire stood there stunned as everyone continued to stare at Liam, unsure what to do.

Xander suddenly let out a laugh as everyone swiftly looked at him.

“I must say, I do not remember the last time I have ever met anyone who places their mentors’ wellbeing before their gains,” Xander stated. “It is refreshing to know that there are new crafters like you who would think things over before rushing to gain attention. You have nothing to apologize for young man. It is as you have said. We are here to view the crafted items you have made, not who guided you or mentored you in the craft or crafts you have chosen.”

Liam gave the old man a smile. His attention was then shifted as Lucy let out a cough. He went to look at the woman, but instead switched his attention to Morshire as the man quickly said, “You are not the only one to blame.”

Morshire let out a cough of his own as he brought a fist close to his mouth, closed his eyes and made himself look like he was thinking something over. After a couple of nods, he opened his eyes again and stated, “As an apology for my actions, I would like to offer you a deal to help you out as a newly integrated crafter in our world. Why don’t you sell your flavored potions in my stores.”

Liam raised a brow as he stared at the man. He could see Issac and Amelia frown at the man as Xander shook his head with a look of shame.

“Also, as an apology I would even allow your crafted wares to be placed in the front part of my stores so customers will see your items before anything else. You would also receive eighty percent of every item of yours sold,” Morshire offered.

Some of the people standing around gasped at what Morshire was offering.

Liam could hear them whispering words about how grand the offer was.

Liam studied the man. Even though his tone spoke of sincerity, Liam could see the man was acting. He could see the irritation in his body language.

Liam closed his eyes, took a deep breath in and then slowly let it out. He could feel his body start to relax as he replied, “As grand as your offer sounds, I will have to decline. I do not think my…barbaric wares will match your grand, well-crafted items.”

Liam watched as Morshire’s body twitched and he struggled to keep calm.

The man forced a smile on to his face as he said, “Come now. I misspoke earlier about your Bone crafted weapons. They are not barbaric, but rather sophisticated.”

You’re fucking kidding me right? Now you’re really overselling yourself here man. Liam thought as he internally rolled his eyes.

“I will be frank Mr. Morshire. I have thought over everything that has happened here and have decided that I will not make a deal with any merchants when it comes to my bone crafted weapons. For those, I will focus on trying to get better. Maybe after I pass the crude Quality layer then maybe I will revisit the showcase to show the results of my hard work.”

“And your potions and salves?” Morshire questioned.

“I already have a shop in mind I would like to sell those items at and please correct me if I am wrong,” Liam said. “Isn’t your store all about armor and tailored items? That’s the feeling I get when I heard the name of your store.”

“You are mistaken Liam,” Farry jumped in. “Mr. Morshire’s Armory Fashion Emporium is more than just armor and tailored goods. They also sell potions and Medicinal Creations.”

“Is that so?” Liam responded. “The name is very misleading.”

“Very,” Farry nodded.

“Um,” Abby suddenly chimed in.

Liam looked at her and saw the curiosity in her eyes. “Yes Abby?”

“You said you already have a shop in mind to sell your potions and salves,” Abby started.

Liam nodded.

“If you already have a place in mind then do you have an idea on what you would like to do for the recipe of those newly discovered Alchemical goods?” Abby asked as she kept her eyes on Liam.

“What do you mean?” Liam asked with some confusion.

“I mean,” Abby started back up. “Are you going to restrict the recipe allowing only yourself and whoever pays you for the chance to learn them or are you going to allow free access to the recipes? You have to register that in the Association before selling the newly created items, so the Association is aware, and no one gets in trouble.”

Liam brought a hand to his chin as he thought about it. Since he found out that this man also sold potions and Medicinal Creations he really didn’t want this man to gain money off of his recipes. On the other hand he wanted it to be accessible for others so people could not only learn how to make them, but to allow more people to enjoy them.

He was torn on what to do. As he stood there contemplating it, he noticed Elatrix in the corner of his eye. He had almost forgotten she was there. A few questions popped up in his mind as he turned to her and asked, “Elatrix…”

“Yes?” Elatrix asked with a sudden squeak in her voice.

“What is the process for registering my recipes?” Liam inquired.

“You would need to write down the instructions on how to make the crafted items as well as where you found each item, and provide the materials used in the process and one completed sample of each item you wish to register as their originator,” Elatrix explained. “We then send it to Crafters Association HQ and wait for word back that there is no other originator. The time that it takes can be anywhere from one to ten days depending on how much work they have to do.”

“Would I be able to sell any of the items while I wait for the process to complete?” Liam inquired.

“Yes you can,” Elatrix replied. “However, if HQ rejects you as the originator because someone beat you to registering the recipes then you will have to take all the items off the shelf unless the originator allows crafters to freely use said recipes.”

That would suck if someone claims something that they didn’t find first, but I guess that fits the saying the early bird gets the worm. Liam thought before saying, “Thank you Elatrix. Then can you please get me all the paperwork needed to get that going?”

Elatrix nodded before walking away.

Liam turned his attention back to Abby. He then said, “Once the process is complete I will answer your question. For now, how would you like to help me make more of these potions and Medicinal Creations?”

“What do you mean?” Abby asked.

“Well, I have a lot going on so I thought maybe you could help me make more so we can sell them at the Cats Paw-ldron,” Liam smiled.

Abby’s eyes brightened as she grew a wide grin and looked at her sister and uncle.

“Wait, Mr. Liam, when you said you had a place in mind you meant…,” Farry started to say as he looked surprised.

Liam nodded as he looked at the surprised man. “Yes, I would be honored if you would sell my potions and Medicinal Creations while I am here.”

“Mr. Liam…,” Morshire interjected. “If you want to sell your potions. Surely my store would be better than his. I get more customers and will be able to turn you a much better profit than…”

Liam swiftly looked at Morshire. “Mr. Morshire. I believe I have kindly rejected your offer earlier.”

“But…,” Morshire tried again.

“No means no,” Liam sternly said. “I don’t know how many times I have to say it.”

Morshire opened his mouth once more, but was cut off by Xander this time as he stated, “Morshire, it is best to know when to stop. This young man clearly does not want to work with you. Please do not make yourself look more desperate than you already have.”

Morshire looked at Lucy before looking back at Liam. His face then grew a dark red before he turned around and said, “Fine then! I will not forget what happened here today. I just hope you don’t regret your decision.”

Liam shook his head as he watched the man walk away in a huff.

“Do not worry about what he said. Those are the irritations of the merchant within him since he realized he messed up a golden opportunity,” Xander commented.

“He only has himself to blame,” Liam stated before looking back at the older man. “What do you mean by golden opportunity?”

Xander let out a laugh. “It is rare for brand new products to hit the market. Especially when it comes to flavored and scented items.”

“Why are they rare? I still don’t understand that? If there are people out there with recipes of flavored potions or scented Medicinal Creations then wouldn’t they be on the market?” Liam asked.

Xander shook his head. “Sadly no. When an originator is known for those kind of recipes they are quickly scouted by powerful or wealthy clans or nobles. They offer riches or other enticing things in exchange that the recipe originators are to make those items for them only.”

Liam’s brows scrunched as he listened to this. “That’s stupid.”

Xander let out a hearty laugh. “It may sound stupid, but it is a marketing tool to entice Adventurers to join them. Since no one likes the taste of a normal potion many famous adventurers agree to sign up with them just to get those rare items.”

Liam shook his head. “That’s not how crafting should be. It shouldn’t be used as a tool for the greedy. Crafting, Alchemy especially, should be free. Not in terms of money. A well trained crafter should be paid for the work they do, but their work should be free for all to experience not locked away for a select few.”

Xander eyed the young man. He then looked at his two companions who were standing over by his stall, examining the items on the table. He could see their appreciation for the craftmanship on the items, even though they weren’t the best they could see the hard work put into each item.

“You have no idea how right you are,” Xander said.

Liam was about to ask what he meant, but was stopped as Lucy approached them.

“Miss Lucy,” Xander nodded.

“Good day Mr. Xander,” Lucy started as she returned his nod with a bow. “It is a welcomed surprise to see you here. I hope you have enjoyed and appreciated the hard work each and every crafter has put into the showcased items here.”

Xander gave the woman a smile as he responded, “I have. It is good to see so many people putting in the work needed to make such wonderful items. If you will excuse me, I believe I have appreciated the sights today has offered me well enough. I have a sudden urge to go back and work on something new thanks to the bout of inspiration I recently gained.”

Lucy bowed once more. “Please be safe on your way home.”

“I will, thank you,” Xander commented before turning towards Amelia’s and Issac’s direction. “Let’s be off. We have work to do.”

Amelia and Issac turned away from Liam’s items and made their way towards the old man.

Xander looked back at Liam. He then leaned in closer and said as quietly as he could, “Be careful. Mr. Morshire is a petty man and will not take what happened today very well.”

Liam nodded as he responded with he same volume, “I appreciate the warning. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. Keep up the good work you are doing. I look forward to what you will make in the future," Xander stated as he started to walk away.

Amelia nodded as she walked away while Issac grinned widely, following close by.

After the three walked away, Liam looked at Lucy who was staring at him.

He didn’t know what this woman’s angle was. Was she someone who was trying to help him or someone who wanted to cause trouble for him. Yesterday he believed she was the former, but her actions today made him believe there just might be something more to her. Until he figured it out, he figured he’d treat her as an ally until proven otherwise.

“Hello Mr. Liam,” Lucy greeted.

“Hello Lucy,” Liam replied. “How can I help you today?”

Lucy gave him a smile as she responded, “I came to see how you were doing as well as to inform you that we have not received word yet from the Kingdom about your citizenship.”

Is that really why you came seeking me out? Liam thought before saying, “Thank you for letting me know that. I am doing well…well as I can be I guess. Yesterday and today has shown me that there is still so much to learn, but I am enjoying myself.”

“It is good to here you are enjoying yourself,” Lucy said. “I do apologize, but I need to be on my way. I spent too much time here thanks to that…show. If you need anything please do not hesitate to find me and let me know.”

“I will, thank you,” Liam replied as he watched her walking into the sea of people that had started to move around again.

Once when she fully disappeared he felt a tug on his shirt which made him turn to see an excited Abby staring up at him with wide eyes.

“Can we start now?” Abby asked.

“Abby,” Cindy scolded. “Liam is a little busy at the moment. We are still here at the showcase.”

Abby’s excitement dampened a bit.

Liam smiled as he watched the two. “How about this,” he started. “Once when I’m done here we can work on some of the flavored potions together. For now, why don’t I tell you about the materials used and how they match with certain ingredients from my home world?”

Abby’s excitement grew even more as she looked like she was about to explode. With a happy squeal, she shouted, “Yes please!”

Cindy scolded her again as Liam and Farry let out a loud laugh.