Waking up early in the morning, we prepared our goods. All that remained were the iron and weapons. As usual, Ms. Nana greeted us early, and we left for the palace. The morning air was crisp, and the city was already bustling with activity. The streets were alive with merchants setting up their stalls, children running and playing, and townsfolk going about their daily routines.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a beautiful golden elf. Her presence was striking, with her golden hair shimmering in the morning light and her eyes radiating a calm yet commanding aura. She thanked Nana and informed us that she would guide us through the palace. I couldn't help but think to myself that despite the changes in the kingdom, dark elves were still not allowed in the palace.

"My name is Sana Aceso. It's a pleasure working with you," she introduced herself with a warm smile, her voice as melodic as a song.

"My name is Richard, and this is my assistant, Josh. It will be our pleasure working with you," I replied, trying to match her grace.

"Please, follow me," said Sana, gesturing for us to follow her.

As we started walking, Josh tripped over his own feet, almost knocking over a decorative vase.

"Careful there, Josh," I said, stifling a chuckle.

"S-sorry, Mr. Richard," Josh stammered, his face turning a shade redder than the morning sun.

Sana glanced back with a kind smile. "No harm done. The palace can be quite overwhelming."

Josh nodded, but his eyes were wide, darting from one piece of art to another. "It's... it's just so big," he mumbled.

We walked through the grand entrance of the palace, and I couldn't help but be awed by its beauty. The decorations were exquisite, with tapestries depicting the kingdom's rich history, and chandeliers that sparkled like constellations. The palace was vast, with corridors that seemed to stretch on forever. As we walked, I noticed Josh's nervousness increasing. His eyes darted around, taking in the splendor, and I hoped he wouldn't do anything to disrespect our hosts. We passed by courtiers and palace staff who greeted us with polite nods.

"Isn't this place amazing?" I whispered to Josh.

"It's... it's incredible," Josh replied, but his voice cracked. He was so busy gawking that he almost walked into a suit of armor. Sana turned just in time to gently steer him away.

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"Watch your step, Josh," she said, her voice filled with amusement.

Josh nodded furiously. "Y-yes, Miss Sana. Sorry, Miss Sana."

We arrived at a room with a white door. Sana knocked lightly, and a gentle voice said, "Come in."

We entered the room to find three golden elves and one dark elf. The sight of the dark elf surprised me. I had always thought they were not allowed in the palace. Why am I seeing one now? Sana Aceso declared in a loud voice, "Let me introduce you to our King, Elfan Aceso, and our Queen, Leona Aceso."

Aceso? What happened to the Elzaran family? Where is the crown princess? My mind couldn't comprehend what I just heard. Questions started flooding my mind. We knelt down and bowed our heads.

"You may rise," said Leona Aceso, her voice gentle yet authoritative.

"My name is Richard, and this is my assistant, Josh," I introduced us.

Leona Aceso was a strikingly beautiful woman with pale skin, small lips, and a graceful figure. Next to her stood a handsome dark elf with hair that, upon closer inspection, was a dark greenish-black, a color that seemed to shift and shimmer like the forest at dusk. Even the two ladies who looked like guards were stunning, their armor glinting in the light.

"First of all, congratulations on ascending the throne. I wish prosperity and a long life for Your Highness," I said, bowing slightly.

"Thank you. So, what goods do you have?" Leona Aceso asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Most of our goods ran out along the way. Your country is prosperous, Your Highness," I praised Leona Aceso.

"It is just by luck," Leona Aceso answered modestly.

Listen to this silly girl trying to answer like me, Elfan thought to himself but kept quiet.

"Your Majesty is too humble. We have weapons and iron, Your Highness."

Weapons:

- Standard Swords: 50-100 gold pieces each

- High-Quality/Enchanted Swords: 200-500 gold pieces each

- Bows/Crossbows: 50-150 gold pieces each

- Spears/Lances: 30-70 gold pieces each

- Daggers/Knives: 10-30 gold pieces each

- Shields: 40-100 gold pieces each

- Armor (Full Set): 300-1000 gold pieces

Iron:

- Raw Iron (per ingot): 5-10 gold pieces

- Refined Iron (per ingot): 10-20 gold pieces

- Iron Tools/Implements: 20-50 gold pieces each

"We will buy everything," Leona said with confidence.

"It will cost 3,110 gold pieces," I said.

Turning towards the beautiful girl next to her, Leona said, "Eli, go prepare 32 large gold coins for Mr. Richard." (Remember, 100 gold coins = 1 large gold coin.)

"Yes, Your Highness," said Eli, bowing slightly before exiting the room to collect the money.

When these merchants were dealing with Queen Elizabeth, they were selling at three times the market price. I wonder why he is honest with us? Is he trying to curry favor with us? Elfan thought to himself, his eyes narrowing slightly in contemplation.

"I hope you enjoyed being in our country," said Leona with a smile that was both warm and inquisitive.

"Yes, I did, Your Highness, and the people sing your praises everywhere," I said, trying to sound sincere.

Josh, clearly nervous, suddenly blurted out, "You have a very nice, um, throne room, Your Highness."

Leona raised an eyebrow, amused. "Thank you, Josh. It's very kind of you to say so."

"Yes, it's very, uh, shiny," Josh continued, his face turning even redder.

Ever since the meeting began, the dark elf hadn't spoken. He only smiled at us after Sana introduced him, but during the meeting, he kept looking at us as if he was curious. The same way we look at elves. I don't understand. The Aceso family are not a military family but healers, so how did they get the throne? And why did she marry a dark elf?

We left the palace, with Josh full of questions.

"Mr. Richard, the crown princess was beautiful, and she really had a good figure like you described," Josh said.

"That was not the crown princess."

"Eh?" Josh was surprised.

"Let's ask around and see what information we can find." We started touring the capital and asked the locals about the situation. We found out that Leona Aceso killed nine elders by herself and married the dark elf for political reasons, to unify the nation. It made sense now why the dark elf never talked in the meeting; he is just a tool. But elders are respected worldwide; the empire never even tried to invade Elzaran because of them. If Leona Aceso could kill nine at once, how strong is she?