Long Roads of Commerce

Why can't you understand?! It's your ancient way of thinking that's spoiling Itoise from the inside out!

It's nothing like that. I just thought it'd be hard for you to make it as a merchant...

Damn you and your prejudices. Are you trying to pollute me, too. You stubborn old coot, you.

You little brat. Just because you're my grandchild doesn't mean you can talk to me like that.

But why can't I go into business?! I've studied so much on my own that I'm convinced I can succeed!

Your baseless conviction is delusional at best... You'll never do business with humans.

I know that humans and specters don't share the same values.

But I'm gonna overcome those barriers and become a great specter merchant! Just you wait!

I appreciate your ambition, but you have no experience or track record as a merchant. And it's not like you've anyone willing to help you, either.

Fool... Why can't you understand? The path I'm gonna walk is that of the specters' future.

Historical pioneers are always alone. And that's why I'm to do this all by myself!

Hey, are you sure about that? Going it alone, I mean...

Oh, a human customer. I'm sorry you had to see all of that just now. He's my departed son's child. As you can see, he's been spoiled. I thought he'd turn out okay, but I'm worrying more and more by the day.

Oh, if only some kind soul would look after him for me, it'd put my mind at ease.

He's on his way to Izana...

All right... I understand. I can't provide constant supervision, but I'll at least keep an eye on him.

Oh, to think I'd happen upon such a kind soul at a time like this! Hohoho! I'm counting on you.

Here, have a look. This is some of the best that Itoise has to offer.

There... It looks like he's talking business. Seems he's found a merchant who deals with specters.

Hmm... Dry fish and handicrafts.

This dried fish is made by hanging fish caught in the northern sea on the downwind of the Kunlun Mountains. Itoise masters carefully handle it with time and effort, condensing the flavors within.

It doesn't look any different than other dried goods I've seen.

But one bite, and you're sure to be hooked by its flavor!

Check out these handicrafts. They're so intricately made, it's as if they're imbued with the souls of the gods themselves...

You're a new merchant, not apprenticed under anyone... Are you not?

Yeah... So what? I've read volumes upon volumes on business transactions. And besides, everything here is top notch. There's no reason not to buy.

(He's acting pretty cocky. Is he really that confident?)

This is Izana. A port city. You get what that means, right?

Yeah. Business is booming. Foreign ships come and go, and outsiders are accepted.

None of that is wrong, but that's not all, is it?

A person who only leans on information that is convenient to him is untrustworthy.

What do you mean?

It's simply, really. It means I can't do business with you.

Buy why?! My products are great! My prices are more than fair! Why not do business with me?

I already told you what your problem is. Now, if you'll excuse me...

What the heck?! Talk about a lack of a discerning eye!

No... He said he already told me. That's what he said, right?

I see... It's because I'm a specter. That's the problem he was hinting at.

I don't think that's what he was implying at all.

You... You're the human from Itoise. Being human and all, you might not understand.

But I could feel it. I could feel him looking down on me... How arrogant! Fine, then. I was prepared for this. I won't give up! There are lots of merchants in Izana! Watch me best them all with my incredible business skills!

H-Hey! Wait up! You should probably reevaluate that...

He's gone... Wonder if he'll be okay.

He seems smart enough, but it's like he's got a screw loose or something. I'm sure he's still around, so let's look for him.

All right! Let's get this show on the road!

There he is... At a glance, he looks confident and like he knows what he's doing...

Anyone with eyes can surely see the value in my products...

So why...? Why won't they sell? Are there really this many ignorant humans out there?

I didn't account for this. I had no idea the barrier would be so great...

Hey, maybe you should work on your negotiating a bit?

You... You've been watching this whole time.

I simply can't agree with you. I'm not the problem. If anyone's the problem, it's them, their nature, and their stubborn mindsets, to be sure.

Really?

But it's not like they're going to just change overnight. But I guess I've got no choice. I really didn't want to ask for help...

Is there a better way to go about it?

I'll visit a merchant I did business with in Itoise. I'm pretty sure he lives in this town.

Maybe you should have just asked him from the start?

I had nothing to do with it. My old man set it up for me. I really wanted to succeed at business all on my own... But you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.

Hey, wait! I'll go with you. I'm worried about you.

Fine. then. Just don't get in the way.

If you insist...

Does your husband happen to be home?

Oh, he left to do business just moments ago...

Which way did he go? Or when will he be back?

He said he was headed for Ikarga. He said he'd be at least a few days if not a few weeks.

A few days or weeks? He can't even keep a schedule? Guess incompetence can't be helped.

Hey... Watch your mouth... So what's your plan? Will you wait?

No, time is more valuable than money. I'm going after him. I'm sure the Wicked Meadow will get me to Ikarga. I can still make it in time!

H-Hey! You're not even going to say a proper thank you or goodbye?!

Sorry for the intrusion. And thanks for having us, ma'am.

Still haven't count up... He's really moving fast for an old geezer.

Ugh, man... You really have a way with words...

Huh? What was that?

Ahhhhhhhhh!

Wh-What was that?! Did someone just scream?!

That face... It's him! That's the merchant that often visited my old man!

Oh no! We've gotta help him!

Help him my for my sake!

You're coming, too!

You okay?! Get back! I'll take care of this guy.

Y-You saved me... You have my gratitude, young travelers.

Hmph... You should be grateful. And to me as well.

O-Okay...

Hey... You're the merchant headed to Ikarga, right? Are you okay?

He's fine.

Why are you the one answering?

Well, I can see better than a senile old geezer for one.

Old man... I don't think he means anything by it. But sorry all the same.

No, as a merchant, I deserve to be called senile after getting myself into such a dangerous situation.

By the way, you seem to have been looking for me... Is there something you need?

There's only one thing anyone would need with a merchant. Isn't that right?

A business transaction? But here? Now?

Maybe it'd be better if we did it after resting in the nearby village?

Merchants don't have a second to lose. I want to do business here and now. For starters, here's what I'm looking to sell you...

I see... You know your stuff. Your knowledge of the products is outstanding.

Oh, I'm so glad you understand! All of the other merchants failed to realize my brilliance.

And these are all high-quality goods...

Well then!

But I cannot do business with you.

Wh-Why not?! Didn't you just say I had good stuff?

Ah...! It's because I'm a specter, isn't it?!

No. It's simpler than that.

Izana, where I am based, has a well- developed fishing port and is a land that even foreign ships visit. Do you think there is so much demand for dried fish in a place where fresh fish are landed every day?

Umm... Well...

Same for the handicrafts. The quality is good but nothing out of the ordinary in Izana. What advantage does someone have in buying from you over someone else?

A-As a pioneer of specter-human business transactions...

I still do business with specters to this day. As do other individuals that I know.

First of all, you have negotiate to make me believe in the merits of dealing with you.

But you've got no specific plan or pitch to get people to trust you...

And you're a bit rude at times.

Whoa... He actually went there.

Beg my pardon. I'm only being honest, because you saved my life and I seriously owe you one for that.

I'm so stupid... I don't have what it takes to be a merchant. It's just like you say.

Yes. As a merchant, you're inexperienced at best. In fact, it's laughable that you call yourself one!

B-But why?

You're trying to sell yourself. That's all you think about. Have you ever thought about the buyer?

......

I hadn't...considered that...

You're rude, only think about profit, and don't consider my circumstances. Would you want to do business with someone like that?

......

Ugh... It's a lost cause.

That's right... If you want to be a merchant, start from the bottom up. That's how you'll learn the customs that come with being a merchant.

There's a legendary merchant I respect living in your hometown of Itoise. Maybe you should ask him for help.

He's in Itoise? Who is he?

Well...

What will you do? Continue with business?

No, he was right that I was ill-prepared. I'm heading back to Itoise for a fresh start and to verify what the merchant said.

That's fine and all. It's just...

Hmm... It's often said that it's darkest under the lamp post

Oh! You made it back safe and sound, young human.

And I'm grateful to see my grandson is safe as well.

Nah, it was nothing, really.

Nothing, you say? It's my grandson we're talking about. I'm sure you had your hands full.

What was that?! Watch your mouth...

Ho-ho-ho... But aren't you back early? It doesn't look like you sold much...

Ugh... Okay, I admit it. My business ambitions were naive.

So you knew he was going to fail?

Well, my grandson is smart, but that's about it. He's also a bit too confident for his own good.

In other words... He's a rotten egghead.

Huh?! But I've got the ability to become a great merchant!

And ability only. There's an overwhelming number of things you're missing.

Do you know that, because you were a legendary merchant yourself?!

Ho-ho-ho. It seems you've heard some strange rumors about me out there.

It's shocking. To think your best role model would be so close.

I wouldn't go that far. I just had a little success, is all.

Despite being a specter, he built a massive fortune by dealing with humans... He used that fortune to support refugees from the Land of Ro... That legendary merchant is you, isn't it?

There's some truth to all that. All I did was dabble in business from time to time.

Ho-ho-ho.

It must have been funny. Watching me fail like that...

Hmm... Watching young people fail with a grin is a privilege that comes with age. But of course, I also wanted to see my darling grandson succeed... But as a former merchant, I knew your failure was inevitable.

So you were mocking me...

You have knowledge, but only on the surface. Be fair to sellers, buyers, and the world. These are the business fundamentals you don't understand yet. To embrace your failure and learn from it. That's what I expected from you.

I was in the palm of your hand from the start... So that's how it was.

Well, you can't help being green. But even if you were reckless, wanting to do business with humans showed enthusiasm. And even if you failed, your drive to success could serve you well as a merchant.

However, it was your foundation... Your experience... That was lacking. Even when I was young, I failed so much that I cried and wept.

Grandfather...

Finally, I grit my teeth, bowed before my senior, and asked him to teach me...

And that's how you became a great merchant...

Hey, are you okay with this? Are you okay with your efforts being seen as a naive mistake?

Of course I'm not! I'm gonna be the merchant king!

That's right. And to that end, I'm gonna throw away my naivety, my laziness, and my arrogance.

I'm gonna throw away my pride, bend my knee, and humbly ask for the help of a former master!

I can't accept it one bit! It irritates me to know end! I'll show you all!

Grandfather! Teach me everything you know about the art of business!

He hasn't thrown away a thing...

Oh? Where did this come from? So you were impressed to hear I'm a former merchant and are now asking me to make you my apprentice? I thought this might happen.

So you had planned for this as well...

Stop laughing! I will absorb your business knowledge until there's nothing left! You are my only nutrition! If I can be a grand merchant like my grandfather, the wisdom I'll inherit will make me even greater than he was!

Grrr! Your grandfather is getting angry. I think I'll start by beating some respect for the elderly into you.

That won't be necessary! Be the foundation for the ultimate merchant! Be a relic from the past!

The boy howls... I'll beat the important of experience when it comes to business into you. I'll do it until you're in tears and saying sorry!

And here, I thought the grandson was the only one with personality issues...

Grandfather and grandson... The road to becoming a great merchant looks to be a long one.