The first group realized the awkward situation and how not all their interests were allied, and there is a high possibility of a trap close by. So they decided against making a move as they also lost trust in each other.
After all, they were all enemies and rivals competing with each other just yesterday, any small disagreement was already bad enough. So the simple plan of Sara and Sophie worked wonderfully. Now they just had to create a situation where there will be some conflict, and the alliance will not form again. At least not soon.
This was done quite efficiently, Sara and Sophie have already identified people who could easily be provoked. A simple trick such as projecting one's voice next to them calling them "cowards" would do the trick. Of course, they would not start a fight in here because they would be kicked out, but the hotheads would try, and that would crumble the house of cards they called their alliance.
As Sara and Sophie predicted provoking the hotheads of each group around the same time created a shouting match that resulted in many insults and four possible fights that were stopped.
Sara and Sophie came veiled and calmed everyone. They first warned everyone and told them the rules again. Then they separated the different groups to different parts of the hall so that they could calm down. They give the group that was rumoured to be their allies better treatment than the other two, offering them a more luxurious place. Obviously, this did not go unnoticed by the groups searching for possible traitors.
Smiling at each other after they were away from them and for breaking this group up, Sara and Sophie giggled. Sara said, "Now time to bleed them try."
Soon after the scheduled activities of the monthly meeting began. When in competing mindsets, the three groups all wanted a victory. Creating competition between the three groups made them more aggressive with each other. This resulted in a higher amount of money spent on their bets and wins and losses, resulting in bigger cuts for Sara and Sophie. Today was one of the most profitable days.
One group was treated as Sara and Sophie's ally and hated.
The other was hated because they ended up making a lot of money from today's betting.
The last group was bitter, their plan failed, and they lost a lot of money, and they were possibly tricked by one of their rivals that had recently turned friends.
Unlike normal days, they did not stay in the hall until nightfall and left around the midday crestfallen. The three groups and the rest of the people got out and left.
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Only one out of the three groups left happily, they had won the other two's wealth. Soon one of the nobles reached to their elder, and after explaining the situation, he was flung away.
"You are such a useless brat... Now I have to activate the other plan. Those brats are cunning, I guess when we take them, we need tighter leashes."
***
Aile and Xue entered the town that was not as populated as Port Kiar. Nonetheless, the town gave them a good vibe. It was not due to the people or anything like that. The arrangement of buildings, wide-streets and the majestic vibe made the town very inviting and to Aile's liking.
The entrance brought them to a street that had shops. These shops were of blacksmiths, apothecaries, alchemists, potion makers, some miscellaneous item shops. They were ideal for attracting the eyes of the travellers on entering the town and exiting.
Aile was acting more like a tourist than Xue, as he was looking everywhere memorizing the shops and places and evaluating them if they are worth paying a visit later. Following the large road, Aile and Xue continued ahead to pass many more shops selling, hides, fabric, hunting items, camping items, weapons, shields, armours and much more. The road led them to the next segment filled with food stalls, selling different flavoured foods and desserts.
Aile had kept an eye on all the shops, especially those that sold articles of clothing, food stalls selling sweets, unique items and other interesting-trinkets for later. He was planning to come back here with Sophie, Sara, Emily and Fiona in the coming days. He also noticed Xue's sight on him, and he told her, "In a few days, we will explore a part of the town together." Aile gave her a smirk, making his interest obvious and his intention apparent for Xue. She knew that he was thinking of her, and a smile formed on her face as she blushed and nodded back. Seeing that he was interested in exploring the town with her made her happy inside. She was worried that she will be forgotten like before once he comes here and meets the others, but this reassured her.
They soon reached a large building that seemed very inviting. At its entrance were two beautiful ladies guarding it. The building was made from white marble-like material, with a high roof and a dignified presence. At the entrance, of the place, a crowd gathered.
Aile, unlike his usual behaviour, was attracted by the crowd and saw what was happening inside. Being on his mount, he could easily see two beautifully veiled ladies were held back. In front of them were a young man and three older one. Immediately recognizing them, Aile passed the control of the mount to Xue, and he jogged quickly to reach there and find out what was happening.
Passing the tightly packed group of observers Aile reached the first row while getting many angry glares for his action. However, because he was masked and dressed in somewhat high-end clothing. Therefore no one verbally expressed themselves as to not get embroiled in a conflict with some young master.
Aile immediately recognized Sara and Sophie, followed by two guards that kept the old men and the young one at bay from their pressure. Seeing that they were fine, Aile calmed down, and he started to listen and find out what was going on.