Fiona continued, "I have talked to Xue, and she has informed me about the state of the warehouse, and overall situation, we can start the business immediately. The stock will last us about 3 months before we need to resupply. What do you think about it?"

Aile was impressed by Fiona, she had managed to get the essential information, and she had made a prediction of sales for the next few months. He was impressed by her work, and he knew at this moment that he had made the best decision to make her responsible for the business's growth.

Aile thought about what she said and told her in his deep voice, "I think that we should not yet start."

Both Xue and Fiona were surprised and asked in unison, "Why?"

Aile replied, "I am sure you two have also realized the instability of the market and security around the town. I think that something will happen soon."

Fiona and Xue nodded at this point they both had noticed the gloomy atmosphere of the town.

Aile then continued, "Starting out with building a merchant hall might not be a good idea, as the unrest could affect us. Thus, for now, I have a different plan."

Fiona and Xue were following his logic up to this point and were curious about the next step. Xue then asked, "What plan?"

Aile looked at them and pointed at the heap of gold coins that remained in the treasure vault.

He then said, "Do you think we are the only one afraid of bandits and the pirate groups?"

Xue asked, "What do you mean?"

Aile replied, "All of the other reputable merchants are scared and want to convert their stock to gold immediately. They want to leave the town. So now we have a profitable opportunity to buy their assets cheaply."

Xue asked, "Are you not afraid to lose all of your money? If the bandits take over the town, then you lose everything, and you cannot run away with your gold coins."

Aile shook his head, "I know that they will not go far .. they might cause a disturbance, but nothing major will happen to the whole town."

Aile knew from the bandit meeting that they did not want to attract the attention of the royals, as it would mean that the town would get extra military support. Thus, he was sure that whatever move they make will not be of a high enough magnitude for them to be classified as a risk to the kingdom.

Xue the asked, "How do you know? Are you sure?"

Aile brushed off her first question and replied, "Yeah, I am sure."

Fiona looked at the pile of money that was over 200 gold coins and asked, "How much of it should we use?"

Aile replied, "Keep enough for the estate to function and use the rest to buy as many businesses, shops and stocks."

Fiona's eyes were wide open, they could be seen through the mask. She was surprised that Aile would use so much money. Xue's previous business which was, medium-sized would only sell for 3 gold coins.

The estate's maintenance, along with the fees, would roughly be 5 gold coins for the year.

Thus, Fiona realized that she would be working with around 200 gold coins to take over the market and she was surprised.

Xue too was surprised, she did not expect such a grand move.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Fiona asked, "Are you sure?"

Aile nodded.

Xue and Fiona were both excited and started to discuss their plans immediately in front of Aile. He mostly just listened to them and nodded.

He did not have much specific knowledge of the town and how business is conducted here, and he did not know their prices. So, he was just taking in information regarding these from the two's conversation.

He just told that if the pirate and bandits make a move, it will be in the next two weeks that Hazel would be away. Soon another hour passed and Fiona and Xue agreed on their approach.

They would move the stock they have from the warehouse to the mansion as the warehouses are the ideal target for the bandits and pirates.

With the ever-increasing security at the estate, it would be the safest location in the town. The other stock that they buy will also be transported here. They talked and worked out the rest of the kinks.

Fiona then turned and asked Aile, "What are you planning to do with deeds of so many real estates?"

Aile replied, once we make some money, we will build a big merchant shop with the deeds that jack had collected. The rest we will keep, the bandit problem will be solved in a few years, and all of these locations can be very profitable."

Fiona did not doubt Aile and nodded.

Xue seemed a bit sceptical of a possible solution from the bandit problem in the near future. But she was excited about the prospect of their operation.

They decided to meet in a couple of days to start their operation. In the meantime, Fiona would make the estate ready to accommodate the stocks from the warehouses of the merchants.

Xue will spread the rumour that there is a buyer for the merchants' stocks. However, he is willing to buy them at a reduced price.

They left the treasury and locked it back cautiously. Xue too had brought a dark cloak, she wore it and headed back.

Aile and Fiona started to head back towards Hazel's house.

Aile then asked Fiona, "What do you think of Xue?"

Fiona was thinking for a bit then said, "I like her and think she could become a trustable ally, and she is smart. However, if it is like you said, and she is a part of an influential family, I do not know what to make of her. I at least trust her now and think she will be useful."

Aile thought about Fiona's response and nodded in agreement. He too found Xue very useful.

He wanted to keep her as she was very resourceful. He thought if only he could find out whether she actually is part of a famous family or not.

He then sighed at his lack of influence.

They were slowly going back when Aile remembered something.

He then said, "Fiona, I need your help with something tomorrow."

Fiona replied, "What is it?"

"You know Danny, Diana's son, can you pick him from in front of the estate tomorrow and send him to the merchant district. Make him an apprentice of a shop we own. Make sure that he is under a capable manager so that he can learn the trade."

Aile then explained his general plan for Danny and how he wants to develop him into a helping hand in business. He also explained some of Diana's situation to her, so that she understands why Danny and Diana could not meet.

Fiona nodded and said with a smile, "It will be done no worries."

Aile held her hand and said, "Thank you!"

Fiona nodded her expression could not be seen under the mask.

The walked a bit more when Aile remembered another thing to tell her. He then said, "Fiona, Sophie will be moving into the mansion from tomorrow and when she goes there, make sure the guards let her in. Also, tell her not to mention Danny to Diana if she sees him in the mansion. She is there for a mission can you give a pass to her and also one for Emily."

Fiona said, "Sure!"

Then she curiously asked, "What is her mission there?"

Aile replied, "I was just going to tell you about that, so once you hire new staff, tell them........"

Aile then explained his plan to Fiona. Soon Fiona giggled and said, "OK, sounds good! I will arrange this while you are gone."

They walked for a bit more, and Aile remembered another thing, "Fiona, can you bring me a few jars of your healing cream tomorrow morning. I have brought the hard to find ingredients for your next batch."

Fiona said, "I have a few jars ready, I will give them to you before you leave tomorrow."

Fiona was happy that she could help him and that he trusted her enough to rely on her. Thus she did not want to let him down.

They kept on talking, and Aile slowly led her into the mansion sneakily. He first went to her room and made sure she reached there without being caught.

Then he gave her a quick hug and said, "I will be leaving tomorrow, no matter what happens your priority should be on your safety, OK?"

Fiona nodded.

Then he hugged her and said, "Goodbye, see you soon."

"Oooh, right if something happens in the town someone will come and help you stay safe. If it is a female, she is very trustable. Make sure to follow her to the estate then."

Fiona nodded.

Aile then left. He reached his room and entered it. He saw a beautiful lady with an athletic build and reddish-brown hair tied to a ponytail. She was calmly sitting on the window ledge.