"You Witch! You have the audacity to ask for my whole company!" The man slammed his hand onto the desk. The tea cup rattled, sloshing a few drops onto the saucer. A few paper from the stack of documents slid down. "This is absolutely ridiculous."

The woman on the other side of the desk remained composed. She kept a serene  smile despite the uncouth demeanour presented before her. "You should be familiar with our terms," she rested her hands on the armrest and crossed her legs. "The Bonajade Exchange only grant wishes to those who are willing to exchange an equivalent price. You are the owner of a trading company yourself, so you should know that every single thing has a cost."

He sucked in a deep breath, and his brows tensed. "Don't you dare compare yourself to me," he spat, despite the fierce eyes glaring towards her she remained unperturbed. "You're nothing but a conwoman. My business model doesn't equate for its customers losing all their possessions." He clicked his tongue, "You play with with people's desperation for your own sick enjoyment."

She let out a chuckle. "Need I remind you,  that it was you who willingly came here."

Her words seemed to rattle him further. He slammed his hand once more, and a few more papers slid down. "And I'll admit that it was my mistake. You will have no business from me." With the bold declaration, he turned and stormed off. 

She tucked a loose strand of hair to the back of her ear,  and began rearranging the paper. She wasn't concerned, a number of her patrons had started out with a refusal, for the they thought the cost was too much. However, despite all of their bravado in the end most of them came crawling back to her. 

She returned to the proposal she was reading. The deal they had secured was quite well done. While this world wouldn't be an economic powerhouse, it possessed a number of resources that might play to their advantage on future projects. The contract would allow the Strategic Investment Department a bit more breathing room. 

Most of the work had been done, and all that was left were few formalities that required her to sort out. She should be able to settle it before Diamond came with another task. As there were always things to gain in this vast universe. 

She read up on the section detailing the crops harvest, when a soft knock echoed through the door. She waited for a response but none came. "You may enter. "

The door was pushed open in a hesitant pace, and revealed the figure behind it. Her guest was just a boy that she doubted reached puberty. The boy looked tense,  and he walked in with a stiff manner.

The world had a lower temperature climate, and most of the people here opted for warmer clothing. The boy seemed to share their sensibilities. He was cloaked in a white cardigan along with a beige thermal shirt, while his legs were draped by a pair of long black trousers. 

He had a golden locket around his neck. She needed a closer look to determine its true worth,  but she would wager it to be quite expensive.

The final item that completed his look was the headwear. It was designed similiar to most of the headgear she had seen on this world. It conformed to the shape of the wearer's head, and tended to have a knitted woolen texture. The boy's was no different except with it being a bit worn out, and some uneven finishing. The headgear wasn't quite to her taste, but perhaps with a little rework and marketing she could try to push it onto foreign market. However, she suppose that was a matter to to ponder for another day. 

She wore her merchant smile. "Well hello there, do you require any assistance?"

The boy blinked like a caught deer. "Is... this the place where you can get your wish granted."

She gave him a nod. "You have indeed come to the right place. Here at the Bonajade Exchange we grant the wishes of all our patrons, for a reasonable price."

The boy let out a huge breath. "That's great, I'm actually at the right place," he muttered to himself. He looked up to her, "So is it-"

She held her hand out and the boy stopped, "Before we begin our discussion, may I know how I should address you? "

Her words needed a few second for him to register, "Oh, you can call me Leif," his words rang clear, and it didn't seem as if the boy was lying. It wasn't a name that the world would use but perhaps it was a nickname, not that it would matter. 

"Why don't you take a seat there Leif," she said, pointing to the seating area at the side. "And if you think it's too warm, feel free to hang your cardigan and hat."

The boy bit his lips, and looked back and forth before settling on following her words. While he went off to the side, she stood up and walked to the the counter at the corner. She hunched down and took out the tea jar from the cabinet. It was convenient to have an office with the items she liked prepared for her disposal. 

She scooped three spoonful of the leaves into the teapot before pouring the hot water. She stopped as it reached the net. While she waited for the leaves to bloom. She prepared the rest of the tea set onto the tray. She opened the tin and cut two slices of the round layer cake and placed them onto the dessert plates along with two forks. Finished with the preparation, she brought the tray towards the seating area. The boy stood up, but before he could rush over she shook her head. "Thank you, but I will handle it."

She placed a set of saucer, cup, and fork at each side before placing the cake. With that done, she poured the tea into their cups. The scent of herbal leaves wafted in the air. She took a seat at the couch in front of him. The boy had hung his cardigan, and while he had took off his hat, revealing his black locks, he left it next to him. "Don't be shy."

"I don't think I should-" he paused, trying to figure what he should say to not offend her. 

She shrugged, "You don't have to force yourself, if you don't want to. However, the things I prepared are just simple snack and refreshment, so you do not have to feel burdened." The boy looked at the offering and gnawed his lips. "Do you know what is the most important thing for a merchant to do."

The boy flinched from the question, and he took a second to compose himself, "If I had to guess, I'll say that it's to secure deals and sale."

She nodded in acknowledgement. "You are not too far off the mark. All deals are made through the respective parties conversing with one another, so essentially I would say to converse is the most important aspect." She picked up her cup, "It is always easier to have a discussion when all parties are at ease with one another, and I find that an effective method is through light refreshments," she said, taking a sip of her drink. "So consider this as me simply trying to secure a new patron."

The boy stared at her before making up his mind, "I understand," he said, picking up the fork. 

She allowed for him to finish the pastry before addressing him once more. "Leif, what do wish to be granted."

He placed his cup onto the saucer, "I want-to find my mother."

"Your mother?" she raised her brow, "Can you elaborate?"

"Well, my parents separated before I was even born, and I was raised by my mother. We were poor and she had difficulties in keeping her job," he tossed a sugar cube into the cup and stirred, "but she tried her best." He tooked a sip before he moved his eyes back up. "A bit more than a year ago- she disappeared. When I came home that day she was no longer there. Instead, my father was waiting for me, and he told me that from now on I had to live with him." 

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"I see. Your father had removed your mother from the picture, and with her gone he would be able to gain sole custody. Quite nefarious." She gave the boy an assuring smile, "Do not worry, I will deploy the authorities to apprehend him."

The boy blinked a few times, and his eyes bulged as his mind registered her words. "No, no, you misunderstood. He didn't do anything to my mother," he sighed, "She left me a letter. She wrote that she was sick and wasn't capable of taking care of me anymore. She explained that she had to call him over, and she apologized for not being able to be there for me," he said, his voice drawled out at the end. 

"Are you sure the letter wasn't fabricated?" taking another sip of her tea.

He shook his head hard, "I'm sure she wrote it. I recognize her writing."

"I understand," she said, placing down her cup. "To summarize everything, your mother had fallen sick, and with no other choice had to leave you in your father's care," he nodded at her succint retelling. "And now you are trying to get away from him, and return to your mother. Do not be afraid to tell me if he has been abusive. Be assured that we can handle the matter with discretion."

"No, no," he spat out, his hands waving away her claims. "He isn't like that. I'm not too close with him, but- he's a good person," the boy paused for a moment and let out a breath. "I don't think he even knew I existed until she wrote to him. He never remarried, so I'm sure he never expected that he would be handed the responsibility of being a father. I overhear a lot of his conversation, and I know that a lot of people thought that him taking me in was a mistake."

"Such cruel words to say to someone so young," she took a bite of the cake, "Do your father share their sentiments."

The boy stirred the empty cup with his spoon, "I- don't think so. But I won't blame him if he felt that way. He had to sacrifice a lot to care for me," he released the spoon, "He is a busy man, and he doesn't have the time for a child he never asked for, but he will never say it because he's too responsible." A smile was etched on his face, "My mother might be sick,  but that's fine. I can at least try to be there for her. I can look after myself," the boy paused and began gnawing on his lips, "So is it possible to get my wish granted?"

She smiled and gave him a nod, "Do not worry, the Bonajade Exchange will be able to fulfill your desire." The boy's somber mood broke from the declaration, "However, may I remind you that each wish needs to be matched with an equivalent price."

"Can you tell me what it will be?" he asked, repeating his nervous habit.

"Typically, it is the patron who offers what they think might be a fair value to their wish. More often than not what they offer would not be enough, and I have to nudge them in the right direction," she said, a chuckle passed her lips. "However, if you don't mind we'll skip this process, and I will tell you what the cost will be."

"Thank you," appreciating that she simplified the matter for him.

"Do not thank me first, for you have yet to hear the cost," she warned, and the boy sucked in his breath. "For me to grant your wish it will cost you your father."

"My- my father?" he stuttered.

"I will require the memories you both have of each other. If you agree neither of you will remember one another. Nor will you be in each other's presence again."

"You're- you're not joking," his eyes fell and his words turned hollow. 

"I do not play around when it comes to such matter. As I said before, your wish must be paid with an equivalent price. For you to find the mother you have lost, you would need to lose your father."

"I see," he muttered, unable to dispute the logic of her words.

"Would there be an issue?" she asked, tilting her head. "You expressed to me that your father would be better off without you."

"I did," the boy's eyes glazed from all his thoughts.

"I understand that it might sound too much, but can you really say that there will be any difference if I granted your wish for free. If you moved back with your mother, you would most likely never see him again, and in time both if you will move on and forget one another."

The boy sat there in silence, a few minutes passed by before he returned, "I- I think I'll-"

His words were cut off by the knock of the door.

"I apologize to disturb you Lady Jade. It's Einar, I have a few documents for you to sign," the voice said through the door. 

The kid's eyes bulged, and he started looking all over the room. "Is there any place I can hide. My father has friends working here, and I don't want anyone to see me."

She couldn't resist a smile as she considered his words. She turned her attention towards the door, "Please wait for a moment." She pointed to the window's corner, "The only place I can offer is behind the curtain. There should be a gap where you can fit."

He nodded without hesitation, "Thank you," without waiting for a response he grabbed his hat and ran straight for his cardigan,  before rushing for the offered location. The boy slid into the gap and adjusted the curtain to ensure there was no gaping hole. 

With the boy hidden, she returned her attention to the door, "You may come in."

Einar stepped into the room draped in his usual black suit. With his jet black hair along with with detached and strict demeanour, he wasn't welcoming by any means. The IPC allowed personnel of certain ranks to dress the way they liked as long as it was considered presentable. However, the man seemed to prefer to dress as dull and stiff as he possibly could, but she suppose if he enjoyed dressing into a funeral garb that was his prerogative.

"Here are the papers," handing over the document along with his pen. She took the chance to peruse its content. It was a contract detailing the terms and rights between the IPC and the world. She scanned through the page, and confirmed all the key information checked out before settling at the bottom. She signed her name before moving onto the next one. 

The man stood there with nothing much to do except to stare at the left over the tea set. "Was Lady Topaz or Sir Aventurine here just now. Forgive me for not noticing."

A soft breath trickled at the back, but she ignored it. She decided to respond with a simple flick of her wrist. "No it was another guest," she said, not bothering to provide any further information. She finished signing the last paper and put the document down. "I'm done. Once again, congratulations on managing to secure this deal."

"Thank you for your words Lady Jade," taking the document and pen. "I worked hard to ensure its success."

"That I have no doubt of." While the IPC had a few stakes, the world was considered as being independent, but with the signed agreement the could now add the world to their roster. "Almost everyone had thought that you were making a mistake. You shocked everyone when you decided to transfer to a small developing world when your promotion was basically guaranteed. You even had a few of the Stonehearts talking about you."

He frowned and shook his head, "Do they not have any other matter to attend to. The transfer was a personal decision, one that I do not regret. If I thought it to be a mistake, then I wouldn't have done it."

She chuckled, amused by his direct and thorough personality. "Expect a promotion for securing this deal. The higher ups might try to convince you to take on other projects."

"I apologise, but as I said before I will not change my mind. I will be staying here, so they do not need to bother themselves," he pushed the rim of his glasses to the bridge of his nose. 

"It's truly quite a shame. I was personally quite interested to see more of your development."

He blinked, "With all due respect, I'm sure you have other things that interest you much more." He slipped the pen into his chest pocket before looking straight at her,  "Oh, and as a reminder, I will be having the weekend off. 

She had read the request he submitted, and she noticed that it was written about a year ago. "Of course, you have told me of it."

"That's great, so unless the anti legion matter is about to arrive and we need to evacuate. I would appreciate to not be called to work."

"I understand, do enjoy your vacation," she said, gracing him with a smile. "You have done more than to deserve it."

"Thank you, I appreciate your sentiment," he performed a curt bow. "I will be taking my leave then Lady Jade." She accepted the dismissal and the man left the room.

She let a few second passed by before turning to the curtain, "You may come out."

The boy shimmied out from the gap,  and let out a few deep breath. Colour began to dissipate from his reddened face. "Thank you for letting me hide," he said, the boy walked over and reclaimed his seat. 

She waved her wrist, "It was nothing but a simple matter. If doing so allowed you to be more at ease, then it would have been of no lost for me." She poured the now lukewarm tea into both of their cups. "Back to the matter we were discussing, will you be accepting the deal?" she asked, extending her hand out to him.

"I..." he halted. The boy took a deep breath and firmed his resolve. "I'm sorry for wasting your time, but I can't agree on the deal."

She raised her brow, "You told me that it was better for you not to be with him."

"I know but- I don't want to let go of him," his hand reached for the back of his neck, "And maybe he doesn't want to let go of me too."

"I see, so have you given up on your mother?"

He denied the statement, "I won't give up. She wasn't perfect but I know she tried. I don't know how yet, but I'll find her."

She acknowledged the boy's decision. "It seems like you have made up your mind."

"I'm really sorry for wasting your time," he said, scratching the back of his head. 

"Every merchant knows that not all ventures will bear fruit. If this deal is meant to happen, it eventually will. I simply need to wait." She gave the boy a smile, "Now finish your tea. You should return home before your father gets worried."

Realisation hit him, "Oh no," he took the cup and downed the liquid in one stroke. "Thank you for everything."

"I didn't do anything," not accepting the boy's words. The boy casted her a helpless smile and performed a short bow. He wore his cardigan and hat before taking his leave. She watched the boy depart before she moved back to her desk, and resumed her reading. 

In her line if work, the amount of people who wanted their wish granted were plentiful, but those who were willing to pay the price were much smaller in number. Most would refuse or deny, but in the end they tended to come crawling back to her. All she needed to do was wait, but she suppose in this instance she didn't mind waiting forever.