Reputation: Merchant Union

The iron ore from that mine is high in quality, so we need to be the first to get it.

Yes, I will retrieve it immediately, Leader Afih.

I'll go as well, Leader Afih.

Other merchant guilds might have their eyes on it, so hurry. I especially don't want Basar getting to it first.

How are you, Leader Afih?

What brings you here, Leader Basar?

You know perfectly well why. You've snatched the iron ore that we were going to sell.

If you want to make money, you've got to move quickly. Aren't these the basics?

How did you know? I thought we were first to find out about the iron ore.

Gathering intel is one of the most important skills of a merchant guild, is it not? You're shameless for even asking.

Do you have a grudge against me?

Remember when you snatched those pitch-black stones from us?

Oh, those. I heard it's a trend among the Suin to keep them as a good luck charm.

So we decided we'd sell it. Is there a problem?

Yes, I was thinking I ought to do something about it. We're even now, so is there a reason to stir up any more trouble?

Fair enough.

Anyway, I don't think you're here to just talk about iron ore...

We've been at each other's necks trying to monopolize the best selling items. It's always been like this.

Quite. If any members of the Emporium meet, especially you and I, people will start talking...

The ore was just an excuse. Let's cut to the chase.

You've heard the rumors about the Shadow Market, right?

Of course I have. Every member of the Emporium knows. They sell prohibited items.

What are they planning?

It's still a small market, and while they might not be dealing with anything dangerous at the moment, we never know what'll happen in the future.

These kinds of black markets have always been around, so we just overlooked them unless there was trouble...

It's not a problem if it's an individual transaction, but in the past, there have been cases where these types of transactions were led by a popular merchant guild.

Let's keep an eye on it. But you have a point, we can't just ignore it forever.

I haven't been back here in so long.

Since it's been a while, shall we look around a bit?

Sure, we're going to be here for a few days anyway.

Are you coming with us?

No, I'll stay here.

Why?

Mmm...because...

Oh, a merchant guild from Savara?

Probably delivering the items that the student council ordered.

Do you think they have any new magic items? I'm curious.

Hmmm...

Wow, Reingar's such a lovely place.

...Huh?

Hello there, ladies. Can I have a minute of your time to...

What are you doing?

Mm?

I thought you were here for business, not women!

*chuckling* ...Basar.

No, this is a misunderstanding. I've actually received a request from Reingar.

A request?

Reingar locked up a magic item for a long time, but it turned out that it isn't that dangerous at all.

So they've asked me to sell it for them. Soon it will be up for auction in Savara.

A lot of mages have their eyes on it, so the bidding will be intense.

What does that have to do with you trying to pick up women?

I'm not! Since the item's highly sought by mages, you don't know when one of them will attack us.

So in order to deliver this item safely to Savara, don't you think we need an escort?

I was just trying to ask these outstanding mages for help.

I see. Then how about Zerato? He's amazing.

Oh...uh, I'm sure he is.

Don't you get it, Silk?

He's right about hiring some mages for our protection, but he's only interested in the pretty ones.

That's my girl! So clever!

Now's not the time for being proud!

Nonori, you've come to take care of me! *coughing*...

Can you please turn your head when you cough?

Oh come on, it's just a cold, nothing serious. You're so mean. *whining*

If you're that weak, don't you think it's a good idea to step down as leader? You'll be well off even without the guild.

Nope. One day, I'll become the leader of the greatest merchant guild in the Emporium!

But in reality, you're the leader of the worst merchant guild in Savara.

*whining* You're so cruel! One day I'll die from heartbreak given by that evil tongue of yours.

Too bad, so sad. Although our time together has been short, we're somewhat friends, so I'll make sure to attend your funeral.

You're mean, Nonori. Are you even worried about me? You should be worried about me! I'm sick.

*sighing* That's why I came. I brought you some herbs that are good for a cold.

Wow... You're the best!

The herbs you've brought... taste really bad. I can't have any more. *whining*

You won't eat the medicine I bought specially for you?

*whining* Nonori, I'm bad with bitter things. You did this on purpose, didn't you?

Never! How can you say that when I was kind enough to buy it for you.

*whining* Okay. I'll drink it. Just watch. See?

You don't need to tell me, just do it.

Ugh...it's too bitter! Nonori, what should I do!? It's really bitter! *whining*

Hahaha... The way you frown after having something bitter is so cute.

Calm down, and open wide.

Oh, it's really sweet. What is it?

Honey candy.

Wow, Nonori. You've even prepared candy for me?

Well, I actually bought them for myself, but whatever.

*whining* You're so mean, Nonori. What about me?

Do you really think I only bought them for myself?

Hehe, did you buy it for me, then? You're the best, Nonori!

...Sometimes I wonder how you became leader of a guild.

Well, I'm on point when it comes to my job. I take it very seriously.

Your assistant looks a lot busier than you, though.

Hehe. I-Is that so?

You're physically weak, so don't push yourself too hard.

Hmm? Oh... I'm alright. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to pass out, but I feel much better when you come visit, Nonori.

...Sure.

Hehe, you're the best, Nonori. I love you!

That's sweet, Myra. But I prefer gifts over words.

...*whining* You're mean, Nonori.

I prefer the term realistic.

Leader Nehenqui, will the pitch-black stone charms come in today?

Don't worry. I will set some aside for the Itan Clan. Come see me again later.

Thank you.

I've heard the Suin are going crazy for the pitch-black stones these days , you must've made quite a bit of money, Nehenqui.

Of course. A great merchant like me never misses an opportunity for profit.

Our guild made quite a bit of money from the stones as well. But now we can't get any more of them.

So I've heard. The mines are all tapped out.

Can't we get some more of those stones?

Most of them have been sold. It seems that the Suin are wearing them as good luck charms these days.

Hmm... There's a quite a few Suin still looking for the stones...

Come on. It's not like they actually protect you.

Just because some Suin kept them as a good luck charm to survive a sandstorm, they ended up becoming so highly sought after.

Even I couldn't have predicted that. Anyway, if you really want more, go see Nehenqui.

It seems like most of the mines are dried up, but somehow, Nehenqui still has plenty.

...I don't want to buy anything from him.

And I don't recommend it either. Usually he'd just rip you off...

But he's actually selling them at a reasonable price for once.

It broken? That's weird. Those stones are solid, that shouldn't happen so easily.

That's what I heard, but look. It's all shattered after dropping it a couple times.

Where'd you get it from?

Nehenqui...

...

...What did you say?

I asked if you sold fake pitch-black stones to us. If you have, then it means you completely looked down on us Suin.

Do you have proof?

We analyzed your pitch-black stones. They were made of an ore very similar, but not quite the same.

...

Confess, or the Merchant Union Association will hear about it. Don't make this more difficult than it has to be.

Fine... I'll give you a refund.

Thank you. If it wasn't for you, Nehenqui would have kept playing dumb.

I thought it was weird for Nehenqui to not raise the prices on those stones once he monopolized them.

How'd he even find such a similar ore? He always has a knack for ways to cheat.

The Suin who got caught up in superstition aren't completely without fault, either.

But it also shows how painful it was to lose their home to the sandstorm.

Anyways, now this issue's been taken care of, we should tell the Suin.

They survived the sandstorm. I understand they wish to seek consolation in something, but it doesn't have to be the charms.

It'll take some time but they'll eventually go back to their normal lives.

Hello. Did you sleep well, Nonori?

You again? You've come three days in a row. What do you want this time?

Have you changed your mind about getting married to me today?

You're so persistent.

I don't know how to quit.

You don't even love me, so why are you proposing?

What are you saying? I've confessed my love for you many times over.

How am I supposed to believe someone as calculating as you?

Come on. I treat the woman I love very well.

Your problem is that you treat every woman very well.

I'm just a gentleman, you know?

Basar, just be honest, okay? The only reason you want to marry me is because of my guild.

Why would you think that? I already have my own.

Of course, if we were to get together, it would become stronger than ever.

In your dreams. But at least you're finally being honest.

Nonori! what are these flowers? They're so beautiful.

Basar left them. Take them if you want.

Basar came to propose you again? Don't you think he really likes you though? For a playboy like him to come visit you so often, you've got to give him some credit.

But I don't want you getting married. ...*whining* You're mine, I won't let anyone take you.

I don't belong to anyone but myself. Anyways, he always gives me a headache every time he comes by.

*whining* Oh no, do you have a headache? Should I go get more medicine?

It's alright. He's gone, so it'll get better.

But if you think about it, if you marry Basar and combine your guilds, it won't do you any harm, right?

Hmm... True, I would become even richer than before.

Who knows, maybe I might even outlive him, then I can take over his guild for myself.

He probably won't let that happen though, of course.

You've really thought this over, haven't you? You're so devious, Nonori.

I prefer the word realistic.

Money's all that matters to us merchants. No matter how much he blabbers on about love, if we end up getting married, it's because of money.

So you're never going to accept Basar's proposal, Nonori?

Well, if he gives his guild to me, then maybe?

Basar will never do such a thing. You know him.

That's why I'll never get married to him.

I see...

It's too bright outside to be depressed. But it'll make me even gloomier if I go out.

How are you, Nisa? I was hoping you'd be well... but never mind.

As usual, you look gloomy.

I don't LOOK gloomy, I AM gloomy.

I hope you are not too gloomy to pay us.

...I completely forgot about that.

I'm ashamed to be alive under this bright daylight. Can I offer you my life as payment?

We don't want your life, just money.

You're so extreme. How do you keep up with your duties like this?

Even when I feel down, I can still do my work.

...Amazing.

Anyways, I'll pay you soon.

I'm especially gloomy today, so I want to eat sweet things. I think I'll feel better after.

Hi, Nisa. How do you feel today?

I ate some sweets, so I feel much better now.

Really? You don't look any different... Are you sure?

Yes, I feel so happy right now.

...Oh I see. If you say so.

Anyways, what brings you here...?

Have you ever heard of the Shadow Market? It's a black market that only opens during the night.

Oh, I have. Don't they sell suspicious items?

I want you to go there with me. Then can you tell me what kind of products they sell.

You have photographic memory, so you can compare what they're selling now to what you've seen elsewhere.

Fine.

Basar and I visited the Shadow Market, disguised as customers.

There were stolen works of art, prohibited magic spell books, various suspicious goods, and rare herbs.

Since so many dangerous products are being illegally traded, the Merchant Union won't let it slide for long.

Trafficking stolen artwork, prohibited spell books and secret weapons is a serious problem... We need to do something about this.

We should find out who's behind the market. Nisa, you remember everything you saw, right? Could you make a list for me?

Of course.

I can't draw conclusions about the market after one visit, but I have a bad feeling about it.

I feel something bad's going to happen in the near future.

Is that true?

Yes. All the mercenaries who tried investigating the market have gone missing, and the only one we've found was dead.

That's very suspicious. The head of the Shadow Market must be powerful.

That seems likely. The way they managed to dispose of all our mercenaries so easily, it's like they're mocking us.

We can't let things stand as they are. We must drag the mastermind into the light.

I can't do this alone, will you help me investigate the Shadow Market?

But don't push yourself too far. The head of the Shadow Market is ruthless.

As one of the leaders of the Emporium, I can't allow illegal dealers to continue their work. I'll do what I can on my end.

Thank you.

Will you be okay, Nonori? It sounds dangerous.

Don't worry. I can take care of myself.

Nonori's good with daggers. As I recall, you used to threaten me with them all the time whenever I tried speaking to you.

You deserved it.

Not true. All I did, and still do, is sincerely offer you my hand in marriage.

Exactly.

You don't react as strongly as you used to, though.

I realized that it's pointless to get angry over the actions of a fool.

...

Basar! Nonori is mine!

Ugh...

I think the dead mercenaries were killed while investigating the Shadow Market's trade routes.

We should be careful not to meet the same fate.

As long as I'm with you, I'm not afraid of death, Nonori!

If you're planning on dying, go die alone.

That's cold. Oh, there's a transport there. Let's follow it.

It entered that building. It looks like a warehouse.

Hmm, a warehouse all the way out here. I wonder who it belongs to. We should go inside to investigate.

Do you think it might be a trap?

Well, they did set up transports filled with fake goods to mislead people like us.

But the one we followed was real. Marja and I were at the Shadow Market today.

I saw them exchange hand signals to identify the transport with the real goods.

I don't think it's a trap, but I'm sure this warehouse will be well guarded.

This might be too dangerous for the two of us.

Most likely.

Are you all ready?

Of course.

I'm always ready to make some money.

Me too. When do we fight?

Right now.

You're very organized.

Always. Let's get started.

We fought off all of the guards.

Inside the warehouse were goods ready to be sold in the Shadow Market.

Once all the guards had been restrained and questioned, it was revealed that someone named "Jaiman" had hired them.

Jaiman is officially the leader of a small merchant guild...

But he has been involved in shady business even before he established a mercenary group.

I've been trying to expose Jaiman's misdeeds for some time, I didn't think I'd be so lucky.

So what do you want?

You seem relaxed for someone that's been caught red-handed. Don't you know that everything you're selling in the Shadow Market is prohibited in Savara?

What are you blaming me for? I was simply following a request to manage and sell the goods.

A request from who?

All I know is they're called "Noed."

We communicated through letters, and the few times we've met, he hid his face.

Where was the meeting?

By questioning Jaiman, we learned the location of the rundown building where he had met Noed.

However, due to the state of the building, it seemed unlikely that I'd find any clues.

After a thorough search, I found a piece of a broken necklace.

It turned out that the necklace was made by Neije...

Who revealed they had sold the exact necklace to Afih, who ordered it custom-made for her secretary.

You know why I'm here to see you, right?

Indeed. I wanted to speak to you as well.

The Merchant Union has arrested Tish.

A necklace belonging to Tish was discovered at the place Jaiman met the smuggler Noed.

Tish doesn't have it in him to dabble in dangerous work.

I know. Tish is only a suspect. If he's innocent, it'll be proven during our investigation.

But tell me more about this necklace... Have you asked Tish about it?

He says that he lost it months ago. He can't remember where exactly.

Hmm, then it's possible that someone stole it.

Perhaps... My guild was recently victim to a robbery.

Was anything stolen?

Nothing at all. It seems that the thief was discovered quickly by a guard and ran before stealing anything.

That's a relief. But for a thief to appear now of all times......

It's a shame we couldn't catch him. If we had, we could have found out what he was aiming for.

He might come back to try again, so be careful.

Of course. I was planning to tighten security regardless.

Basar!

Ah, you're here as well, Afih.

What's wrong?

Jaiman escaped.

What!?

Someone must have broken into the prison, there was an explosion!

How could you let him escape? He could have told us so much!

What should we do now?

We're trying to find him, but because of the explosion, everything's a mess...

Almost no one saw Jaiman escape, but one person who did says that he had an accomplice.

They may be the one responsible for the explosion.

Well, I believe there's only one person who might have wanted Jaiman to escape. Isn't that right, Afih?

...Are you accusing me?

Are you sure that this "Noed" isn't Tish in disguise?

Don't you think it's suspicious that both Jaiman and Tish escaped right before their interrogations?

Are you being manipulated by those that wish to mark me a smuggler, Nehenqui?

If you want to prove your innocence, tell me who Noed really is.

Calm down, both of you. Let us find Jaiman first.

No wonder Jaiman was so calm when he was arrested. He knew he wouldn't be locked up for long.

How terrifying. What if he comes after not just Master Afih, but the whole Emporium?

Don't worry. You might be a part of the Emporium, but you're still at the bottom of the food chain.

You're so mean, Nonori!

Don't get too involved with this, Myra.

No way. I want to do something to help you.

I'd be grateful if you don't prove to be a distraction.

Hmph, again! You don't even understand me!

I'm saying this because I'm worried. You're weak and don't even know how to fight.

*sobbing* You're not wrong, but...

The Emporium may appear harmonious, but every merchant guild leader has their own agenda.

Afih may seem to have fallen into a trap, but we can't completely trust her either. We need to learn more about the situation.

Okay...

So stay inside your guild headquarters, especially after dark.

Whoever broke Jaiman out is a mage powerful enough to blow up the prison.

If you run into them, I can't guarantee that you'll survive.

I know... Take this.

What is it?

A good luck charm! This will protect you, Nonori. I was planning to use it myself, but...

Your investigation involves a lot of danger, so I want you to have it.

You have to keep it with you always, okay?

...I would have preferred actual armor instead of a good luck charm.

You're mean, Nonori.

I prefer to call it realistic. But thank you. I'll make sure to keep it close.

Okay!

I've been waiting for you.

You're quick to catch onto things, Garo. That's what I like about you. I assume you already know what I want?

Something like secretly investigating Afih, or finding Jaiman, no?

Haha. I would have been impressed if you had already completed investigating both.

I won't begin anything without payment.

Then I'd prefer to know the latter. Jaiman's location. If we find that out, everything else will fall into place.

Very well. I accept.

I've found Jaiman's accomplice. It was Kawerik Vian.

The enhanced mage?

The one and only.

The Grinning Merchant Guild asked the Merchant Union for their assistance in guarding a prisoner named Kawerik Vian a while ago.

He was in a poor physical state, so the guards were careless...

That carelessness eventually led to Kawerik's escape.

Basar...

Silk? What's wrong?

Nisa is here to see you.

Nisa?

What's going on? It must be important for you to be here.

Considering how busy everyone is investigating the Shadow Market, I felt like I ought to help too.

I thought it might help me break out of my gloominess, too.

How admirable. So do you have something helpful?

When I went to the Shadow Market with you, I actually bought something

Don't you know that everything sold there is illegal?

That's why I bought it. I marked the money I used to pay with magic.

It's a new spell developed in Reingar.

Really? And what does that magic do?

It allows the mage who created the mark to track it.

But if the marked item is too far away from the mage, the magic link disappears.

So you know where it is right now?

I last confirmed that it was with the Arrow Guild. I don't know if it's still there, though.

Arrow Guild? Never heard of them, they can't be very well known. We should investigate anyway.

By covertly investigating the Arrow Guild with Nonori...

We discovered that, to our surprise, this tiny merchant guild was the true operator of the Shadow Market.

I immediately requested a meeting of the Emporium's leaders, told them what we had discovered, and received their approval to arrest the guild leader.

But to our disbelief, he disappeared the next day.

With no other options, we raided the guild headquarters and discovered ledgers detailing sales and bribes made in the Shadow Market.

And inside that bribe ledger, we uncovered an unexpected truth.

Afih was receiving bribes to turn a blind eye to the Arrow Guild's operations.

This ledger is a forgery.

I have never received the items listed in it, nor do I know who the leader of the Arrow Guild is.

I believe you. But we have to search your guild regardless.

...Very well.

Well?

Well...

Spit it out.

We discovered some of the items listed in the ledger within one of the Afih Guild's warehouses.

Excuse me?

How can this be?

The items in the ledger were truly there?

...Yes. I confirmed their authenticity.

...

Care to explain, Afih?

We haven't opened that warehouse in years. There's no reason those items would be there with all that other junk...

I don't even bother having security guarding it since nothing inside is valuable.

Do you really think I would keep such dangerous items inside a warehouse that anyone could break into?

...

This is a transparent tactic to back me into a corner. Someone's after me.

Isn't it embarrassing to insist on continuing this charade, Afih? There's so much evidence against you, give up.

The items the Arrow Guild bribed you with are all rare and valuable and would have fetched high prices if they had simply sold them in their Shadow Market.

You turned a blind eye to the Shadow Market in return for elaborate bribes.

I can guarantee that the warehouse in question has not been used in years. It hasn't even been cleaned for a long time.

Rish, I understand how you must feel, but... If Afih cannot prove her innocence immediately, we have no choice but to investigate her.

My master has done nothing wrong. This is a trap to undermine her. You even arrested Tish despite his innocence...!

...Enough, Rish. It's alright. Let's go.

Why...

This might be for the best, Nonori.

Somehow... I can't believe it.

How long have those items been inside that warehouse?

No matter how big the Afih Guild may be, that warehouse is so secluded. Perhaps...the thief...?

...Maybe the thief wasn't there to steal, but to plant something.

I've heard that Afih was arrested.

News travels fast. There's someone trying to take her down.

I feel like it's one of the Emporium's leaders or someone close to them.

Do you have any evidence for that?

After the dirty deeds of the Arrow guild were revealed in a meeting of the Emporium, the Arrow Guild's leader went into hiding the very next day.

The information was leaked.

I see. Is it my turn now? I've discovered Jaiman's location. He ran to Wetheric Moor.

Already?

Basar, I'll go after Jaiman. You should find out who's trying to undermine Afih.

Will you be alright on your own?

I've told you before, I can take care of myself.

Don't go alone. At least take someone with you.

We don't know who the culprit might be, so I'd prefer not to stand out. I'm thinking of making up a story about being sick at home and quietly leaving at night.

We can't trust anyone at the moment. The culprit might even be a member of my own guild.

But still...

Don't worry. If Jaiman is still with Kawerik, I have no intentions of acting rashly.

I'll ask for the Order of the Shield's assistance if I need to. Kawerik is wanted in Ezera, so if he's there, the Order will gladly help us.

If you need help, try going to the Wild Dog Company. I'll contact them for you.

Thank you.

I'm sure we'll be able to learn more once we capture Jaiman...but still, be careful.

That goes for you too. If Afih's the target, then you might be next.

Are you worried for me? Will you marry me then, Nonori?

No.

As always, an instant rejection.

Is this a proposal or a joke?

I'm always serious.

If you're serious, why don't you ask her properly? Don't propose to her in this run down pub.

It doesn't matter where he proposes. I'll always say no.

You're so cold, Nonori.

Anyways...be careful. Contact me if anything happens.

Alright. I'll see you soon.

So, avoiding any detection, Nonori secretly left Savara.

Now that I've amassed so much capital, I'll be able to leave Savara forever.

...He's as foul as I imagined.

Thanks to Garo's information, I've located Jaiman, and found out he has been involved in human trafficking since arriving in Wetheric Moor..

I found people locked up in the basement of his hideout, but had to quickly hide when he returned.

I can't break them out by myself. I should go to the Order of the Shield and...

Welcome, merchant.

...Merchant? Could they be from the Emporium? I have to see who it is.

You were a great help.

......!

What? ...Is that true?

Yes. The Wild Dog Company contacted us. Cidd and Mordric are currently guarding Nonori.

...

Basar.

...I never should have let her go alone.

Nonori was found unconscious in an abandoned building.

I contacted the Wild Dog Company and asked them to bring Nonori back to Savara immediately.

But while I was waiting, I started asking myself, what happened to her? Was she attacked by Kawerik?

Nonori is a cautious person. If she knew that the situation was dangerous, she wouldn't have risked acting by herself...

I heard the news! Is Nonori alright? What happened?

Well, there aren't any visible injuries, but she's not regaining consciousness.

...

Why can't they help her? Call more healers!

Contact the Holy Order of the Blue Cross.

...

Savara's healers were unable to figure out why Nonori wouldn't wake up.

It's too late to regret sending her alone. My only option is to find a way to help her.

Oh, it's been too long, Basar.

Welcome, High Priestess Angelica. Thank you for coming all the way to Savara.

Where's Nonori?

This way.

I thought Angelica might be able to help Nonori.

She usually don't make long trips, but she's been friends with Nonori for a long time, so she was happy to rush over to Savara.

Hmm. This... hmm. I see.

Did...you figure something out?

Hmm. Hmm. This is it.

...What?

Do you know what's wrong with her?

She's been poisoned.

Poisoned?

Yes, it's a poison made from the Waxing Moon Flower. After just a touch to the skin, the poison slowly takes effect.

It saps the victim's energy and eventually puts them into a deep sleep.

But it's also very weak, so it won't kill someone.

However, if Nonori has been asleep for a long as you say, she must have been exposed to the poison for quite some time.

I'd suggest checking anything she might have been in contact with for an extended period, such as her clothes or any jewelry.

While you do that, I'll begin healing her with my magic.

...Understood.

Thanks to Angelica's treatment, Nonori woke up the next day.

Nonori, are you alright?

Yes. I'm sorry to make you all worry.

What happened? This isn't like you. We were worried.

I had a good enough reason.

What happened in Wetheric Moor?

...

I found Jaiman in Wetheric Moor and also discovered that he was kidnapping people for human trafficking.

I wanted to contact the Order of the Shield for help, because freeing those prisoners took priority, but...

Welcome, merchant.

...Merchant? Could they be from the Emporium? I have to see who it is.

You were a great help.

......!

I saw...

It was nothing. Good work.

...Myra.

Shall we send these people on to Taranor?

Yes. Go to the rendezvous point. Someone will be there to meet you.

But what's going to happen to these people?

They're probably going to be experimented on, but I don't know any specifics. All you have to do worry about is your payment.

Unbelievable. Myra, why would you...

Then, I was hit by a wave of sudden dizziness and felt all the energy leave my body. Back then, I didn't know why.

I knew I had to leave the area immediately, but my body wouldn't move.

Ugh....

......!

Who's there?!

...I have to run, but...my body won't move.

Nonori? What are you doing unconscious in a place like this?

Myra, you...

She must have been following me. She doesn't look too well, though.

She isn't. She's been poisoned.

Poisoned...?

What shall we do? Shall I deal with her?

...

There's no need for that. What a shame. I thought Basar would be the one to come, not Nonori.

Nonori, why didn't you fall asleep while you were still in Savara? Then we never would have met here.

What...is going on? Why...are you...?

Don't worry about that, and just go to sleep.

I wanted to remain cute and lovely, but it's all been exposed. What a shame.

...Myra.

...So it was all Myra's work? We were completely fooled.

Where is Myra now...?

She left a few days ago saying that she had work. She was constantly worrying about you until she left but that was all an act.

Her work must have been an excuse to leave before Angelica got here to heal you.

...I see.

Was...the charm you were holding something that Myra gave you?

Yes. How did you know?

While you were unconscious, I found that the charm had poisoned you.

Myra gave it to me as a gift a while ago.

I knew it.

Marja, let's open a meeting of the Emporium immediately. Begin an investigation of Myra's merchant guild as well. There might not be any evidence left, but...

Understood.

So... that's what happened.

Jaiman was arrested on his way to Taranor, but the story about meeting a smuggler named Noed was a lie.

They created a false person in order to create confusion. I assume it was Myra's doing.

Both Jaiman and Arrow conspired with Myra for the money. Arrow is being hunted down as we speak.

I'll finally be able to restore my tarnished reputation. The trust in my guild has already sunk into the abyss and our losses are monumental.

Do you have any idea why Myra might have targeted you?

Just as Suhard was before, Myra's guild was involved in the drug trade. Not just that, they were even involved in human trafficking.

Jaiman and Arrow were profiting heavily from assisting her in these endeavors.

And after she promised them even greater wealth, they agreed to help her destroy your reputation.

I simply acted as one of the leaders of the Emporium with Myra. We were never close.

If she has a grudge against me, I'd love to find out what it is.

We've requested a lot of mercenary groups to help us look for Myra. We'll find out the truth once we've arrested her.

...*sighing* Is Nonori alright?

Yes. Fortunately, the poison used wasn't lethal.

Myra was close to Nonori. I don't know if their friendship was real, but...

At the very least, it seems that Myra did not wish to kill her.

What a curious person. We didn't know Myra at all.

But why did she attack you? Perhaps she resented you for something that you've forgotten about?

Or perhaps she felt threatened for being the weakest member of the Emporium?

Myra couldn't have planned all this on her own. There must be someone working with her.

It'd be great to find out who that is, but Myra probably destroyed all the evidence when she disappeared.

You were close to her, do you remember any clues from your interactions with her?

I'm not sure. Myra and I only talked about trivial things.

But if she was working with someone, wouldn't she have needed to periodically meet them?

Now that I think about it, a lot of Myra's guild's business was based in Ezera.

They also sold a rather large amount of weapons and other gear to the Order of the Shield Administrative Zone in Wetheric Moor.

Ezera, huh...?

There's a feud for power between the Conclave and the nobles at the moment.

When Queen Diene ascended to the throne of Ezera during the Archdemon War, the Church of the Goddess gained great power and influence, while the nobles lost theirs.

If that's the case, it's likely that the Ezeran nobles are not fond of our Merchant's Union because of our ties to Conclave.

Most likely, but the Order of the Shield is also a part of Conclave...

We should investigate all those left in Myra's guild and find out as much as we can.

I made use of every means at my disposal to investigate Myra and her activities.

And as Nonori had predicted, my investigations discovered that she was working with the nobles, and even had personal friendships with them.

On the other hand, there seemed to be no special connection between Myra and the Order of the Shield.

Her relationship with them was purely business.

Following the investigation, I began to suspect that the Ezeran nobles might have been protecting and concealing Myra.

And I was right. Myra was in Ezera.

You should be getting some rest, so why...

I want to talk to Myra. I have to know why she did it.

No one is going to get in your way but... don't push yourself. It's dangerous.

Don't worry. I know I'm not fully recovered yet.

We've finally found Myra in Ezera.

I've missed you, Nonori. I'm glad you're okay.

Are you kidding me?

I'm so scared, Basar. Why are you so mad?

Your cutesy act makes me sick. Why do you think Nonori's so ill?

You know how I am. And that poison won't kill anyone. But you're already aware of that, right?

You can believe me when I say I was never going to use a lethal poison. I love her.

...

I didn't want to fight with Nonori. I really wanted to continue to get along.

Then why did you do that to Afih? Do you have a grudge against her?

No, not at all. Why makes you say that? Do I need to have a grudge behind my actions?

...What?

I love chaos. Just as much as I love Nonori. Plus, the Merchant Union was dying anyways.

It's best to kill it off and replace it with something new.

Then what about all the people that you hurt?

No change can be made without sacrifice.

There's no point in talking anymore. You're going to have to come with me to Savara.

No way! Do you see that tall building over there? An assassin I've hired is targeting you this very instant.

He's waiting on my signal to shoot. There are more waiting for you all over this street.

I've came out to meet you to say goodbye. So let's leave things on good terms.

You should hurry back to Savara.

...What are you talking about?

I told you, I love chaos.

Who's working with you, Myra? There's no way you could have pulled all this off by yourself. Is it the nobles of Ezera?

Good luck figuring it all out. Bye!

Myra!

If you take one more step, I'm going to have them shoot you. I love you, Nonori, but I love myself more.

It's a shame, but let this go, Nonori. I need to head back to Savara immediately.

We could nothing but watch Myra take off.

Before we reached Savara, we learned that Kawerik attacked my guild.

Basar...

What happened?

Kawerik attacked the guild. There were two fires in our warehouse, we've suffered immense damage...

Was anyone hurt?

A couple of our security personnel suffered minor injuries from the fire, but that's all...

How fortunate...

Was Myra behind this as well? It seems that she wasn't just after Afih's guild.

She's looking to bring down the Emporium... and bring chaos to Savara.

I think she is cooperating with the nobles of Ezera.

If the Merchant Union crumbles, we can't help the Conclave fend off the nobles. That's what she's probably aiming for.

I'm worried about the future...

It'll take some time for Basar's guild to recover, so they're tied down.

Good work. You're amazing, Kawerik. I almost fell in love with you.

...Why am I doing this?

Do you think it's weird that I'm not motivated by revenge? Not everyone thinks like you, hehe.

I just love creating chaos.