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moment, I was reminded of how quickly the situation shifted.

The owner of the voice was a man.

“Hmm.”

He wore a suit made of luxurious fabric, with a deep brown cane embedded with a red jewel. His flawless brown skin and golden eyes caught the light, and a silk hat perched atop his head.

He was the very embodiment of a typical British gentleman.

Yet, a glance at his pointed ears and the golden hue of his eyes made it clear—this man was not human; he was an Elf.

“…Dark Elf.”

At the sound of Pereyti’s voice beside me, the Dark Elf let out a sniff, his golden eyes gleaming.

“…What is going on right now?”

“…….”

“Is there anyone here who can explain?”

As his gaze fell upon them, the goblins, who looked ready to pounce, jumped in fright, filled with confusion as they cast nervous glances at one another.

With silence hanging thick in the air, I could hear a faint flick of a tongue. Our polite gentleman regarded the goblins with a look of disdain and beckoned one of them over.

“Deputy Guild Master.”

“Yes, Guild Master,”

Though no detailed orders were given, the Deputy bowed his head low. The goblin, referred to as the Deputy, swaggered down the stairs and hurriedly brought a stack of papers from the desk, handing them to the gentleman. It was the very paperwork that the goblin handling the appraisal had been scribbling on just moments ago.

The gentleman with golden eyes scanned the paper diligently, maintaining his composure despite the intense atmosphere suggesting a fight could break out any second.

After a long period of inspecting the documents, he suddenly let out a heavy sigh.

“…Deputy.”

“Command me.”

The goblin assigned to guide us bowed deeply. The gentleman thrust the paper towards the goblin, tossing a brief statement.

“The amount is incorrect.”

The goblin’s eyebrows twitched. The previously polite façade fell away, revealing a monster-like countenance as he raised his head.

As a grotesque expression enveloped the Deputy’s features, the other goblins, wielding their tools, began to tremble like they were having a seizure. Ignoring his subordinates, the Deputy clumsily hoisted up a goblin that lay sprawled on the floor.

That poor goblin was forcibly dragged to the front of the gentleman in the blink of an eye.

“…H-hiik…!”

The goblin, cradling its broken nose with trembling hands, knelt on the dirty floor, showing no intent of wiping away the blood that trickled down.

The gentleman’s cold gaze lingered on the goblin, who bowed its head like a traitor.

“You deceived the appraiser. You set your own commission without consent.”

“…….”

The gentleman regarded the goblin with eyes full of pity. To express his hurt feelings, he placed his hand over his chest.

“I care little about whatever plans you concoct. Whether you inflate the commission or accept bribes. This applies to all employees of the guild, not just you.”

“…….”

“But I can’t forgive you for deceiving the appraiser. What do you think we should do about this?”

In that instant, the gentleman’s expression shifted.

His golden eyes turned frostily towards the cowering goblin.

“A merchant who cannot recognize the value of goods is unfit to live as a merchant.”

“S-guild Master.”

The words died unfinished.

-Boom!

The goblin’s head exploded.

Red fragments splattered everywhere, and the body crumpled as if desiring to disintegrate. The remnants of its brain oozed onto the floor.

As everyone held their breath in shock, the gentleman, having splattered blood on his face, casually wiped it away with his finger, leaving a streak on his brown skin.

“I sincerely apologize for the disturbance, dear guests. I beg your pardon for my failure to manage my staff.”

“…….”

With a flourish of his silk hat, the gentleman bowed with a beaming smile. It was an exceedingly courteous gesture.

“I am Hormoz, Guild Master of the Palm Tree Trade Guild.”

Episode 11 – Northern Front Without Issues

Just like the bizarre incident that occurred in a flash, the situation was settled just as quickly.

The goblin, referred to as the Deputy, mobilized the other employees to clean the shop’s interior. The goblins who had grabbed tools hurriedly removed the corpse of their colleague and tidied up the disheveled desk and floor.

With the goblins moving busily, dust began to fill the air, making proper conversation or service inside nearly impossible.

While the staff tidied up, we moved to another room.

To the Guild Master’s office.

“…….”

The marble floors and furniture of solid wood. A desk laden with lapis lazuli. The Guild Master’s office was filled with more luxurious items than one would find in a wealthy person’s mansion.

“Please, have a seat.”

The Dark Elf, introducing himself as the Guild Master of the Palm Tree Trade Guild, greeted us with a smile.

“I wish to personally apologize for the unpleasant incident. As the owner of the guild, it’s only fitting that I take responsibility for what occurred.”

“It’s alright.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Magician. Please, relax and take a seat.”

Hormoz, the Dark Elf who owned the Palm Tree Guild, gestured for us to sit with a polite gesture befitting a gentleman.

Francesca and Pereyti reacted as if they were used to such situations, behaving naturally, while I took care of the bewildered Camila and tried to find my own seat. Fortunately, there were five guest chairs, so everyone could take one without issue.

Up until this point, everything seemed fine.

But then, there was—

“Meow.”

“…….”

A strikingly fluffy white cat was in the Guild Master’s office.

I could have passed it off as just a pet, but the cat was sitting on the most luxurious chair in the office, complete with a cushion, and in front of it sat a half-finished cup of tea.

Seeing a beast taking up residence next to where I was supposed to sit felt somewhat strange. Is it because this is a fantasy world? A cat being treated like a person?

“…Uh, um.”

“Ah.”

Hormoz smiled warmly, his Dark Elf golden eyes softening.

“You needn’t worry about that cat.”

“I have a fur allergy…”

“Ahaha.”

The mention of a fur allergy made the Dark Elf chuckle in amusement.

Just as I was about to ask him to move the fluffy creature away, the white-furred cat looked at me with its blue eyes, leaped off the chair, and hopped over to the window. Its actions made it seem like it understood human instructions. I was momentarily at a loss for words.

What the heck? Is it a spirit?

While I gazed at the cat stretching with an incredulous expression, the Deputy returned with tea and snacks.

The goblin, following the Guild Master’s orders, set the teacups and cookies before us, then took a step back.

“Please enjoy. This is a small token for the distinguished guests who have taken the time to visit our guild.”

As I lifted my teacup for a sniff, I caught a familiar aroma. Jasmine tea.

Hormoz took a sip first, then Francesca and Pereyti followed suit. Just as I was about to bring the cup to my lips.

“Wait a moment.”

Camila, who had been sitting blankly, interrupted sharply, her voice laced with urgency. Blocking my hand that held the cup, she whispered as quietly as possible.

“…Is it safe to drink this?”

“You can drink it without worry, Lady.”

That wasn’t my response.

At that moment, Hormoz spoke with a voice that wormed into our ears, causing Camila to jump like she had been scalded.

Seeing her reaction, Hormoz added kindly.

“Our Palm Tree Guild serves tea brewed from the same teapot as the Guild Master when entertaining guests. Also, while I am a merchant, being a Dark Elf, I wouldn’t dream of inconveniencing or harming our guests. That’s simply our Dark Elf custom.”

“Uh, um, yes…”

Camila, still gazing awkwardly at the smiling Dark Elf, rolled her eyes at me, silently asking for help.

I took a sip of the jasmine tea and spoke up.

“The Dark Elves are a nomadic people. This is true of most people from the Mauritania continent, but no ethnic group has a richer history than the Dark Elves. That’s why they always treat guests lavishly under any circumstance—a cultural norm of nomads.”

In essence, it was a custom of hospitality.

“Hooh…”

Hormoz’s eyes narrowed gently. His gaze was filled with curiosity as it landed on me.

“That’s right. Our kind does have a long-standing nomadic tradition. Serving beverages and snacks follows our customs.”

“The aroma is splendid.”

“Thank you.”

With a smile still gracing his face, the Dark Elf bowed slightly in appreciation. Meanwhile, I poked Camila in the side to hurry up and drink the tea.

Rejecting refreshments given by a nomadic tribe when they are offered is akin to insulting the host. I didn’t want to recount the harrowing experiences I had in the Middle East long ago.

Considering what ensued after I turned down tea back then still haunted me, I pressed her to take at least a sip. Reluctantly, Camila munched on a cookie while sipping the tea. Why was she eating so many cookies instead of sipping the tea…?

“Is the tea to your liking?”

“It’s wonderful. The flavor is subtle.”

Francesca’s compliments brought a broad smile to Hormoz’s face. Compliments from guests pleased the host, after all.

As Francesca emptied her cup and requested a refill, the Deputy goblin dutifully filled it again.

As the freshly filled tea cup neared halfway empty, the Guild Master of the Palm Tree Guild, Hormoz, kindly opened the floor for conversation.

“I’m relieved to hear the hospitality isn’t lacking. If I had neglected our guests, the elders of the tribe would have scolded me. If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask what brings you to our guild?”

Since it was nothing extraordinary, Francesca replied lightly to Hormoz’s inquiry.

“We came to exchange currency. We also have some things to buy and inquiries to make.”

“Currency exchange? Currency exchange, you say?”

Hormoz quietly closed his eyes to meditate on her words.

“I was trying to dispose of the alchemical gems, but the price was unappealing, and an unexpected disturbance arose.”

“That part is largely the guild’s responsibility, and I apologize once more. However, there’s something strange from a merchant’s perspective.”

“What might the Guild Master be curious about?”

Hormoz, the owner of the Palm Tree Trade Guild, glimmered with golden eyes.

“It’s unusual for someone who’s not in need of money to suddenly visit the guild to sell gems.”

A peculiar look flickered in his golden eyes.

“It’s nearly been five years since the conflict began, and for over three years, the impact of martial law has led to complete access restrictions. It has been a long time since the cash held by the northern Empire’s citizens has dried up.”

“…….”

“Most have disposed of anything that could be of monetary value. Isn’t it strange for someone to suddenly try to sell alchemical gems? Especially since they require special management for use in alchemy.”

“…….”

Hormoz tilted his head slightly. Curious expressions filled his face, but his eyes were filled with conviction.

“Are you perhaps outsiders?”

Francesca raised her hands in a gesture of surrender. Though she looked as if she were giving up, her eyes suggested she had expected this situation to arise.

The dirt on her body was merely to avoid becoming the target of plunder. However, if she paid for the gems with the trading funds, anyone with common sense would have to realize that Francesca was not just an average refugee.

Thus, this was a scenario that could be easily anticipated, and we visited the black market prepared for a potential conflict.

However, it seemed that our nationality or the value of the gems mattered little to Hormoz.

“I see. That makes sense; something felt off. I didn’t intend any malice by asking. I simply had no other way to satiate my curiosity, so I took the liberty to inquire.”

“Unresolved questions are like thirst.”

“Quite true.”

Watching Francesca speak in such a pedantic manner with the Guild Master made a sigh escape my lips.

The gentleman who had kidnapped me in a vehicle in the past now spoke as if he were a detached sage, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this really was the same person.

Back then, he was an alchemist and a replica of a drug cartel boss from a Netflix drama. It was quite absurd.

Regardless of whether I despised Francesca inwardly or not, the duo—well, one human and one Dark Elf—engaged in conversation amidst a harmonious atmosphere.

“The exchange can be done immediately. May I ask what value you expect, esteemed Magician?”

“Well, I think this amount would be appropriate.”

Francesca handed over a piece of paper with a clear smile, and the amount she proposed was three times higher than what the goblin had originally appraised.

Camila, upon seeing the amount, gasped in surprise.

“Is that the correct amount?”

“Yes, it reflects the standard market price for alchemical gems at the Magic Tower.”

In truth, that was the real value of the gems. The goblins had slashed the price considering the circumstances of the isolated northern region.

If it were an ordinary black market dealer, they would have ripped up the paper Francesca presented.

“Hoh.”

Hormoz gazed at the paper with an intrigued look.

Just as goblins have the trait of being obsessed with wealth, Dark Elves share a characteristic: the ability to determine the exact value of items.

Be it a person or a gem, Dark Elves always assess everything. And they engage in trades primarily with items that have accurately determined prices, considering those who lack the discernment of an object’s worth as uncivilized folk with no taste.

Thus, Dark Elves typically engage in loan sharking or businesses. While it’s influenced by the tenets of their unique religion, considering their keen sense of financial matters, there’s really no other profession more befitting them than lending and commerce.

Of course, due to issues like criminal usury rates and smuggling, Dark Elves have been designated by various governments as subjects of scrutiny. My older brother Jerry, who works in the Ministry of Finance, often expresses disdain for them, so I know well enough.

But that’s not my concern. In the midst of espionage, what matters is usury or smuggling.

“Alright. Let’s finalize the trade at this price.”

Hormoz stamped the contract as if he had just experienced something fun after a long time. The smile on his face resembled a child’s innocent grin.

Francesca, seated across from the Dark Elf, collected the money handed over by the Deputy Guild Master with a mischievous smile.

“I have something I’d like to procure. Is it possible to trade right now?”

“Of course. What do you desire?”

“Alcohol and tobacco.”

Francesca proceeded to trade the supplies sought by Pereyti, a knight of the Order.

As soon as Hormoz gave the order, goblin employees waiting outside came bustling into the office with boxes in hand.

“We have a variety of products ranging from cigarettes from the Kien Empire to those of the Kingdom of Abas, Lushan Federal Kingdom, and Republic of Patalia.”

“And the alcohol?”

“Local specialties, as well as items brought from the Mauritania Continent and the East, are all available.”

The goods owned by the Palm Tree Trade Guild were diverse. Pereyti personally selected the alcohol and tobacco to be delivered to the Order members.

Given the characteristics of the black market, the prices were definitely higher than market value, but the funds of the Order of Saint Andrew were rich enough to cover the costs.

At this point, I couldn’t help but grow curious about who these people really were. It’s the north under martial law where not even an ant can pass through.

I couldn’t hold back my curiosity and subtly asked Hormoz,

“How did you obtain these items?”

“Ah, that’s a trade secret, so I can’t go into details.”

Hormoz’s gaze drifted toward the window.

There, a cat lazily stretched and yawned.

“I’ll only tell you that a benefactor has greatly assisted the guild.”

“A benefactor, huh.”

“A remarkable person. Even the Emperor of the Empire wouldn’t dare treat him frivolously. That much, I can assure you.”

What a grandiose nonsense. If anyone uttered such words in the heart of the Empire, they could be captured without a trace.

If the Imperial Guard HQ caught wind of that, they would prepare for war against the Dark Elf nation just to apprehend him and execute him on the spot. In fact, just engaging in smuggling in the northern regions itself could constitute grounds for execution.

The cat perched by the window let out a threatening growl, as if reflecting my own mood.

“Meow!”

“…….”

I just wish it would stay quiet and not cause my fur to fly everywhere.

Despite the endless stream of goods flowing in, Hormoz remained unruffled. Francesca and Pereyti relentlessly questioned him about whether there were any other items available for trade and what the prices were.

And finally, it seemed that even the great Dark Elf had reached his limit.

For the first time, a negative comment came from Hormoz’s lips.

“There’s no market price.”

“Are you saying there’s no market price?”

“That’s correct, Adventurer.”

Hormoz’s answer left Pereyti unable to hide his bewilderment. Similarly, Hormoz, facing Pereyti, also wore a troubled expression.

“There’s no market price in the guild? How does that even make sense?”

“Of course, the Palm Tree Trade Guild does deal with market prices. But this is the north, isn’t it?”

He meant to imply that in a place where no one could afford to buy canned goods, what business did luxury items like market prices have?

Considering this, it wasn’t entirely absurd reasoning. Given the meticulous care required to preserve cigars, and the fact that if humidity control failed, they would all be lost, what means would there be to sell such items in a barren land? It was questionable if anyone capable of purchasing them even existed.

Seeing Hormoz finally show troubled expressions for the first time, Pereyti gazed at the Dark Elf with horrified eyes. It was as if he were silently reprimanding him, questioning how he could run a guild without even being able to procure such a thing.

“If you need cigars, I could fetch some, but it might take some time.”

“…….”

As I watched Pereyti wearing a lost expression, I found myself momentarily recalling the past.

When I visited the container owned by the Ministry of Finance’s Magic Tower Secretariat’s Economic Management Department (a paper company), introduced by Saint Veronica, I distinctly remembered seeing an enormous quantity of cigars stored there. And they were preserved with magic.

If my memory served right, there were probably not only cigars but also a variety of tobaccos, liquors, clothes, and foods in that container. I wondered if Francesca could access that by virtue of her authority?

Once this thought crossed my mind, I naturally began searching for Francesca.

“Camila, where’s Francesca?”

“Not sure? She went out to look at something a while ago…”

Camila tilted her head in confusion.

Should I go out and search for her now? But that seemed a hassle I could do without. Just then, Francesca walked in on her own accord, finding her way to the Guild Master’s office.

Upon arriving at the office, Francesca discreetly handed some bills as tips to the goblins and sent them all away, stating she had matters to discuss with the Guild Master.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave for now. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

“Yes!”

The rather fierce-looking goblin bowed repeatedly as he exited the office.

With the door shut, the office soon held only Hormoz and our quartet. Including the cat, that made six of us.

“Hmm…”

After surveying the office briefly, Francesca approached Guild Master Hormoz.

“Guild Master.”

“Yes, esteemed Magician.”

“I hear that the Palm Tree Trade Guild also doubles as an information broker. Is that correct?”

Upon the alchemist’s inquiry, the owner of the Palm Tree Trade Guild smiled—a merchant’s smile, one reflecting delight at a valued customer.

“What piques your curiosity?”

Francesca’s prompt reply cut right to the chase.

“Dark magic.”

“…….”

“Have you ever witnessed goods related to dark magic being traded in the north?”

In that moment, the Dark Elf’s eyes narrowed.

His frosty golden gaze turned toward Francesca.

“Why do you ask such a thing?”

 

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