Daybreak Garden was the na of the marketplace filled with various craftsn and workers that catered to adventurers, hunters, and rcenaries in the twelfth district that her brother took her to on their first full day in Horizon. It was almost an hour-long horse ride from Lyce to the twelfth district. Axton also made them stop to pick up so bread stuffed with jam to eat on the way.
Going to Daybreak Garden is a good idea, Axton said. Not only in itself, but the surrounding area has nurous workshops that you can source raw materials from.
What do you plan on buying there? Piers asked, half a horse beside them.
If I can, six sets of everything, Tori said in a droll voice. We couldnt find any supplies for the excursion, so I need to find and buy all of them. Do you think the marketplace will have what we need?
Theyll have the ability to make them, but youll have to order them. If they have any stock, itll be low. Most clients put in orders to pick up, Axton said. They made Blue Rivers bridle and reins, and his saddle. It took a month for the saddle.
Tori wanted to groan; refusing to acknowledge the possible delay in orders. She shook her head. Well take what we can get. By the way, why do they call it Daybreak Garden? It was walled from all sides by the extended shops and businesses. The na in general did not match.
The twelfth district used to all be property of a lord directly under the old kings, Piers said. The place where the market sits now was once a garden. Its difficult to notice with all the buildings and the change of landscape, but it was a small hill.
The story goes that the lord liked to go there to watch the sunrise, as it was on the edge of Horizon, before the city sprawled out further and enclosed it in the latest iteration of the city walls, Axton told her. Since the garden couldnt be enjoyed any more, the lords family opened it up to allow for trading so local hunters could sell their goods. Then more services sprung up from there, making it what it is now. Even if you cant get everything you need there, Im sure you can get most of it.
Tori let out a low breath. I really hope so.
They reached the marketplace and Axton took the horses to be corralled nearby while Piers went with her inside. Daybreak Garden opened at dawn, but that early, there were few actual clients. Piers led her to the front counter and lifted his hand to get the attention of a man in a leather apron on the other side.
Good morning! Tori gave him a bright smile. I was wondering if you could help .
Several sentences later and Toris bright smile was wiped off her face. In its place, a look of stunned horror. The grizzled looking man behind the counter gave her an apologetic look.
Im very sorry, Lady Guevera, he said in a hoarse voice. We did have a small ready-made stock available, but....
There are only 180 students going on the excursion. Considering that every store within several blocks of Lyce is out of bedrolls and tents, its impossible that you guys would be sold out, as well. Her voice didnt raise, but the frustration fueled anger it was laced with beca more and more apparent.
The man looked torn and lifted his hands. Im sorry, Lady Guevera. We did have a stock at the beginning of the week of more than thirty bedrolls and twenty tents in preparation for the last hunt, but we didnt expect to be bought out.
Who bought you out? Piers asked.
The man furrowed his brows and seed to try to rember. The owner of a new rchant company ca by to try to source items.
Whats the companys na? Piers continued to press.
Tori could see the beads of sweat on the mans forehead as the first prince seed to interrogate him. The...The Golden Cow, I believe.
Tori sucked in a sharp breath and froze. The Golden Cow. She repeated the na, as if asking if she was right. The man nodded and she narrowed her eyes. What did the owner look like?
The man squinted. He was a rather young fellow. Auburn hair...blue eyes. Slightly taller than average with a lean build. He didn't look like an average rchant. We normally wouldnt sell all our stock at once, but he made a generous offer.
Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She knew that company na and she knew those unique features.
Well, well, well, Tori. Your shit luck keeps on giving.
It looks like shed indirectly stumbled upon the well-connected, genius rchant archetype target, Adrien Rosiek, the secret owner behind the Golden Cow.
If it was purchased by a rchant, the items are going to be resold, Piers said.
Why dont we go find the Golden Cow and see if we can buy so for your group? Axton suggested as he stood on her other side. Tori shook her head.
She already knew that her luck with Adrien would be terrible, if only because of the opposing roles they had in the ga. She wouldnt be surprised if the very last of Adriens stock was given to Alessa and her group for the excursion.
If he bought them at the beginning of the week, its likely that hes already sold them, Tori said. It was the only legitimate excuse she could think of.
Axton frowned and leaned over the counter, his eyes boring into the older man on the other side. Daybreak Garden only accepts specific clients. Why was a rchant allowed to purchase goods?
Items for sale up here in the storefront are open for purchase to anyone, the man said, now looking regretful. As the last hunt is upon us, we had a small stock ready for imdiate purchase.
Tori closed her eyes and lifted her hand to rub the space between her brows. With how cold it was getting at night and with Alpine Valley being a day north of Horizon and having a slightly colder climate in general, she worried most about her groups sleeping situation. It was too cold to just lay on the ground; hypothermia was real.
She didnt just want bedrolls; she wanted tents to keep the heat in and the wind out. Shed heard classmates say they were foregoing tents altogether, as tents in the ga world were heavy pieces theyd have to carry, but after explaining her concerns to her group, they agreed to bring tents, even at the expense of lugging around that much weight.
Noticing her sudden silence and complicated expression, Piers leaned towards her. I can commandeer supplies from ho.
If he were a normal guy from a normal ho, Tori would have agreed in a heartbeat. However, in this case, she lifted her head and narrowed her eyes. The ho he was referring to wasnt his flat near Universit. It was the Imperial Palace.
Who exactly are you commandeering them from? she asked. She highly doubted his parents had spare bedrolls and tents for long, woodland hikes.
We have a warehouse with supplies.
Every sentence that ca from his mouth sounded more and more suspicious. Supplies for whom?
He hesitated and from her other side, Axton sighed. The Imperial Knights.
Tori slamd her hands on the counter and shot Piers a glare. I cant take things from the Imperial Knights! Are you insane? At that mont, he wasnt a prince, but an idiot.
Piers shrugged, appearing blas about the whole thing. Youll return them when youre done.
I am a Lyce student; I have no right to steal-
Borrow.
Fine, borrow the property of the Imperial Knights! Not only that, but her aunt was a purchaser for the Imperial Knights. If she found out that Tori swiped so imperial stock, she could get in trouble.
Then if thats not an option, what are you going to do? Axton asked. He leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest, looking at her expectantly.
Tori reached into her satchel and took out her shopping list. First, Im going to see what I can buy in there, she said, pointing down the hall that led to the yard where all the craftsn were. Second, I need to find so things and I want you to look for them for . She lifted her head and looked at Axton.
He blinked and uncrossed his arms as he stood up straight. What do you need to find?
She lifted her hand and held up one finger. I need a fabric manufacturer. The kind of fabric that is rough and durable, but also light. Good quality is a must, but they also need to have a large stock available.
All right, Axton said, tilting his head up as he thought. What else?
An artisan that can work fast. We have no choice but to commission tents and bedrolls. I'm flexible on the price and will of course pay extra for the rush job as long as quality isn't sacrificed, Tori told him. And lastly, a poultry farm.
A what? Axton jerked his head back.
I need a poultry farm that raises geese and ducks, Tori said. I want to buy their down. Both Axton and Piers stared at her, as if unsure what to make of her madness.
Are you...buying pillows? Piers asked in a quiet voice.
Yeah, Tori said as she took her list and stepped away from the counter. Lets say Im buying lots of pillows. Axton, I leave it to you.
He looked a little bit at a loss, but nodded and looked towards Piers as he turned to leave. Keep an eye on her.
Im not a child! Tori almost snapped as she stord down the hall. Piers shook his head and went after her.
Her first stop was Old da Silva. First, it was to greet him and show him that she was wearing and enjoying the lamb leather cloak he made, as well as had her dagger strapped to her thigh. Second, it was because she didnt know anyone else and asked him for advice.
The old man happily led her around, introducing her to other craftsn as Young Lady Guevera; the Marquis daughter. If there was one thing she learned working in a transnational company, it was that introductions by a mutually known party were extrely beneficial. It automatically eased doubts surrounding the other party, as soone essentially vouched for them, and that pre-established trust made the whole process go smoother.
In this case, as Tori walked around and t new craftsn, she told them what she was there for and they were more than happy to assist her. In this way, she was able to order various tools and cookware for her entire group. She wouldve been satisfied with those, but it seed Daybreak Garden sold more than just tools and hunting equipnt.
In the hall that led to the yard, there were several stores and Tori slowed to a stop as she looked inside. It looked like clothing and accessories for outdoorsn. It kind of fit there. Are these stores open for purchase by anyone?
A young, well-dressed man who looked out of place in the market, was inside. In contrast to the craftsn outside, often caked in sweat, ash, and grease, he was fair with smooth skin and neatly combed, short black hair. There wasn't a speck of dirt on his fitted clothes. He craned his head as he saw her and shook his head, giving her a gentle look of apology. No, miss. Only items at the front can be purchased by anyone. We only sell to specific clientele.
Tori cocked her head, about to ask what kind of clientele, when Piers spoke up.
She is Lady Victoria de Guevera.
The young mans face lit up and Tori wondered if it was because he knew she had money. In that case, she is part of our specific clientele, isnt she? he said with a laugh. Co in, Lady Guevera. May I help you find sothing today?
She had questions, but decided to ask about them another ti. I noticed you sell rucksacks and clothes here. Can I take a look?
Of course! The man bead and stepped aside. My na is Armando. My family has run this store for three generations. We specialize in leather bags of all sizes and durable clothing suitable for hunting and adventuring. Tori stopped beside a mannequin wearing a buttoned up, long sleeve shirt and brown pants. She touched the fabric and her eyes widened.
She looked at Armando. I want a dozen sets of these.
By the ti they ca out to find Axton, Tori already had a look of accomplishnt on her face. Did you find everything you wanted?
Everything except the bedrolls and tents, Tori said. I even found so extra things. Did you find what I was looking for?
Axton nodded his head. There is one place that may be able to et all your requirents. When I was on the field with General von Schwert, he took there to get my bedroll and tent.
Uncle took you there? Piers asked. Tori looked over at him. Piers' mother, Empress Monica, was the daughter of the forr Western Marquis and her younger brother was the current marquis, commonly known as General von Schwert.
Axton nodded. He was very particular about what he wanted, so he got his things custom ordered. Its across the street and I spoke to Madam Midstrom about you.
Perfect. Take to her.
Once more, introductions by a mutual party were invaluable. All Tori had to do was walk up and show a gray-haired NPC lady her drawings and, while both the woman and her husband and daughter who ran the store with her were a bit hesitant, the hiking pole tent and down-quilted sleeping bags Tori put forward intrigued them enough to be willing to give them a try.
Worst case scenario, if they couldnt get her ideas to work, shed take their most generic tents and bedrolls.
They went over the fabrics available and Tori was pleased to find fantasy fabric. It was essentially cotton and wool spun into spider silk that shimred a litte, but the practical effects were more than satisfactory. A bolt of fabric was like air and the silk-cotton proposed tent material was not only difficult to tear, but waterproof, too. The more Tori and the Midstrom family talked, the more interested both Axton and Piers beca about her order.
Madam Midstrom, Toris designs are quite unique, Axton said. Similar to General von Schwert, is it possible to get a privacy and exclusivity contract?
Tori whirled around to face him with stunned, wide eyes. Was he talking about an NDA? You have those here? He raised a brow.
They dont have them in the south?
Because of various docunts, lunch was very delayed and, knowing that Tori had plans to go to see her aunt for dinner, Axton and Piers settled for a relatively filling afternoon coffee with Tori before dropping her off at the di Biancci estate. Auntie Lucia tried to talk the two into staying, and Tori couldve sworn that Piers was going to agree, but Axton dragged him off, citing that they still needed to feed the horses.
Tori was going to be sent back by her aunts carriage after dinner.
Do you have everything you need? Auntie Lucia asked as dinner was brought out to them. Tori nodded.
Just about. I ordered everything and Ill be returning to the artisan's workshop tomorrow to look at the samples theyre putting together before we proceed further, so as far as equipnt were set. Tori dipped her spoon into her bowl of soup and squinted at it. What we need is food.
Ah...cured at, cheese, and day old bread. Uncle Maurizo chuckled from the head of the table. They go fast this ti of year.
Hes right, Tori. Have you put in orders for food yet? Auntie Lucia said. She sat across the table, on the opposite end from her husband. Tori was on her right while Marco and Mateo were on her left, digging into their al without a care in the world.
Tori hesitated and shook her head. Im going to the market tomorrow to see whats available.
We have so cured at here if you need it, Auntie Lucia told her with a firm nod. Dont hesitate. We also have so cheeses and dried pasta.
Toris head snapped up. You have dried pasta? Her aunt nodded and looked towards her husband.
Your uncles grandmother sends it from the peninsula every season.
Tori looked towards her uncle. Before she could ask, he laughed and nodded. You can have as much as you like Tori, but do you know how to prepare it?
She nodded. Yes! I can even give you a sample.
Oh, a sample? Auntie Lucias eyes sparkled. I didnt know you could cook.
I can cook a bit, Tori said. Actually, she could do more than that. She spent so much money in her original world taking cooking classes, if she could only make spaghetti, shed slap herself. I can make it for you next weekend if youll lend your kitchen to prepare my groups food.
Auntie Lucia looked across the table to her husband, pleased. Thats not a problem at all. Have you cooked at ho before? Tori shook her head.
No...I got interested in it while at school. Im sorry for lying, Auntie. I love you.
A devious expression appeared on Auntie Lucia's face as she snickered to herself. Heh...I guess Ill be the first in the family to taste your cooking. I cant wait to tell Gregorio.
Oh, Tori, did you get a chance to look at the dicinal plants book? Uncle Maurizo asked. Alpine Valley has a wide array of dicinal plants if you want to get in so practice. It seems he was still trying to get her interested in dicinal plants.
Not yet, Uncle. I still have to get and review a map of Alpine Valley.
You dont have a map yet? Auntie Lucia frowned.
The librarys maps and books are all checked out and all the bookstores are sold out. Tori shrugged, helpless. Piers said hed try to get a copy of the latest one from the Imperial Cartographers.
The one that ca out last month? Uncle Maurizo asked. He lifted his serviette and dabbed his mouth. You can borrow mine. If you need copies, I have a few.
I thought there were only two copies?
Yes, that the Imperial Cartographers have, but I helped put the map together, Uncle Maurizo told her. He lifted his hand and called over their butler. Prepare the latest Alpine Valley map for my niece in my study.
Yes, sir.
Tori knit her brows together. Youre an Imperial Cartographer, Uncle? I thought you studied dicinal plants.
He does, Auntie Lucia laughed. Its his passion.
Only second to you, my love.
Oh, you.... Her aunt blushed a bit and Tori smiled, but pretended she didn't witness that.
Uncle Maurizo seed to smile to himself, pleased to have flattered his wife. Because of Alpine Valleys location, its a pri place to collect dicinal plants. I spend a week or two there every sumr. This year, the boys went with .
Its kind of boring, though, Marco said with sigh. There are a lot of trees and plants and stuff, but not animals. We didn't even see the snakes Dad told us about.
They're not deadly to humans, but still venomous. It's good we didn't run into them. And I wouldnt let you go if there were dangerous animals, their father told them.
Yes, at least until you can properly defend yourself, their mother said. She looked back at Tori. I dont think anyone knows Alpine Valley as well as your uncle. Ask him any question you have about it. He may look weak and helpless, but he can cross that valley blindfolded.
My love.... Uncle Maurizo looked a bit aggrieved.
Just because you look weak and helpless doesnt an you are. I think Id know that better than anyone. Auntie Lucia threw him a flirty wink, causing his face to turn red, and again, Tori pretended she didnt see it.
Instead, she silently rejoiced that she just hit the jackpot. What was a single map compared to firsthand experience and soone to pretty much help her plan an entire hikes details?
Hehehe...suck it, Gideon.
She looked up and bead. Uncle, Im going to depend on you, then. He looked happy to help and Tori looked back at her aunt. You know, this entire week, my group has been trying to find supplies and a map and everything was sold out. I didnt want to bother anyone since its our first project as first years, but I ended up calling you and Axton and Piers.
Dearest, that is what we are here for, Auntie Lucia said as she stretched out her hand and clasped Toris. Dont ever be afraid to reach out to us for help.
Toris eyes began to redden and she nodded. I know, Auntie. Im glad I did. I got so much done today, I almost dont believe it. Axton and Piers also got into Daybreak Garden. I didnt know that they only served specific clientele. I wouldnt have been able to even get in if they werent with .
Both her aunt and uncle looked taken aback by this. Uncle Maurizo gave her a curious look. Isnt it just the opposite?
Tori furrowed her brows. What do you an?
Axton and His Highness only got in because of you.
? Her head jerked back. I thought they only let in guild mbers or sothing? Or because Piers was the first prince of the empire.
Yes, and of course the owners, her uncle added. Tori remained looking confused and her aunt squeezed her hand once more, drawing Toris gaze back at her.
Didnt your brother tell you when you went? Auntie Lucia said, not bothering to hide her surprise. The land its on is the ancestral property of the Gueveras, Tori. We own Daybreak Garden.
Holy shit.
For the first ti since she transmigrated, Tori ca to the realization that she did have that special power or cheat ability as a transmigrator. It wasnt just money or power or an extensive reach of resources, knowledge, and formidable history. It was all of that put together and it had been right in front of her face, showering her with love and affection since she opened her eyes.
It was her family.
And she almost cackled with glee.
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