Just a few minutes ago, Garet was hoping he’d have enough money for the cheapest room. However, he would hardly have decided to spend 300 shield coins on one night; it was too much. If it weren’t for the lean man and the paynt from Franz earlier, Garet wouldn’t even have that.
However, sotis eting the right person can change everything in an instant.
"Here, please, relax and don’t worry about anything," the administrator said, showing Garet one of their best rooms with a big smile on her face.
It wasn’t that she had mistreated Garet before, she just thought he was another poor guy who ca to the Purple Lantern just to cause trouble, but after he showed her the purple card from Franz himself, everything changed.
Before going in, Garet looked at her.
"Hey, this tavern is quite a luxurious place. Does Franz really own all of this?"
"Of course!" She replied imdiately. "It seems you are his new friend, and this is your first ti in our city, so it’s no surprise that you’re amazed. Please follow and I’ll tell you all about it."
They entered not just a room, but a real hotel suite, with a separate living room, bedroom, kitchen, and tall windows offering a view of the backyard of the Purple Lantern, which was quite close to the sheer wall of the peak looming above.
Without Garet’s request, the woman quickly prepared tea from expensive tea leaves and sat down opposite him on a soft sofa.
"Try it, we only offer this tea to our most important guests." She pointed enthusiastically to a cup of dark amber tea.
Garet shrugged and carefully picked up the small cup with both hands.
’First wine from Xir, then beer from Ragon, I hope at least the tea from Franz will be to my liking and not bitter.
However, as soon as Garet took his first sip, his face contorted from the overly strong taste. He struggled to finish it and set the cup of tea aside.
Seeing his reaction, the woman touched her lips thoughtfully.
"Didn’t you like it? That doesn’t usually happen."
"This... Ahem." He coughed. "I’m just not used to such drinks. So, what about Franz?"
"Oh, sure! As you guessed, the Purple Lantern belongs to Mr. Franz. He said that his friend, an Awakened, would be arriving soon, but you arrived a little later than I expected and turned out to be much younger."
"And, I take it, Franz isn’t here, right?" Garet guessed.
She nodded, clearly taking advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the expensive tea.
"Yes, I don’t think you’ll be surprised to learn that Mr. Franz has many properties in the Iron Gate, including a luxurious mansion where he is most likely staying, unless he has decided to stay with one of his many friends."
Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.
Garet scratched the back of his head. He knew Franz was a wealthy man, but he didn’t think he was that wealthy. Moreover, if one night in the Purple Lantern could cost 1,000 coins, then the entire tavern was worth far more than 100K, which was a huge amount of money for Garet and most ordinary people.
"Damn, being a rchant is pretty profitable, right?"
She shrugged. "Many people dislike rchants because of this, but I disagree with them. For example, Mr. Franz is from the Obsidian Tower."
"The Obsidian Tower?" Garet asked cautiously, taking another sip of tea in the hope that this ti it would taste better.
Everything turned out fine, at least Garet’s face didn’t contort, which was a success in itself.
"The Obsidian Tower is a distant region that connects the Iron Gate and several of the Silver Wings, from the First Wing to the Third Wing. Thus, Mr. Franz, as a rchant from those dangerous lands, makes trade possible between two influential territories.
"Sure, the Obsidian Tower is connected not only to the Iron Gate and Silver Wings, but also to several other towns along narrow paths and villages, but this is not as significant as these two points."
After a few monts, Garet nodded deeply.
"Got it, the Obsidian Tower is sothing of a link without which trade would be too slow and expensive, right?"
In response, she shook her head.
"Not exactly. That would be impossible. Unlike the Iron Gate and the Silver Wings, the Obsidian Tower is in complete chaos, well, in most parts of it. People like Franz establish control over several trails, opening up trade opportunities for themselves and others, while keeping rogues and rcenaries who fill the lands of the Obsidian Tower at bay."
"I see, so if it weren’t for people like Franz, any rchant would be under constant attack and unable to cross the path from the Silver Wings to the Iron Gate."
The administrator nodded and took another sip.
"Pretty much, yes. However, sotis it does happen, but not with Mr. Franz’s caravans. As you understand, he has a reputation that protects him from attacks in most cases."
Garet leaned forward, thinking about his eting with Franz. He wasn’t the type to pass up a profit, but he wasn’t greedy either, since he had paid Garet for simple work, at least that’s what Garet thought at first.
’200 coins...’ He muttered to himself. ’That was the price not for escorting to Thornspire, but for getting to know , an Awakened, which could bring him much more profit in the future than these 200 coins and this luxurious suit.’
Then, he smiled bitterly.
’Well, it’s not that I’m against it. There’s nothing wrong with a mutually beneficial partnership. Just... I have to remain vigilant.’
Their conversation continued for about ten minutes until the tea was finished and the won had to return to their work duties.
"It’s nice to relax! Dawn will be breaking soon, but you can sleep as long as you like. This suite is yours for the whole day, not just for the night."
Before leaving, she paused and looked toward the backyard.
"By the way, if you feel like it, you can visit the training ground. It’s suitable not only for ordinary people but also for the Awakened!" She said and left.
Garet approached the window and looked at the massive area that was divided into two zones. Even now, there were several people there, so waving swords and others using their energy to control flas.
’Hmm, training wouldn’t hurt. If I can control my abilities better, I’ll beco stronger. I have to do this.’
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