I saw a familiar determination and desperation in her eyes that I always see in addicts and I didn't even understand why.
"It's not that simple, Lady Anastasia" I said, with practiced show of sympathy.
"What? Why?" Her voice cracked, defeat washing over her like a tidal wave. "You don't have any left?"
"I do have a few left" I admitted, " but that's not the problem"
Confusion clouded her face, and she leaned in closer, desperation making her voice quiver. "Then what is it? Money? I told you that's not a problem. Sell it to me!"
The atmosphere became tense.
"Whats so special about the new soap--"
"Look at my hands, Karim!" she shouted at the king, showing her arms to him. That's when I noticed she wasn't wearing her elbow-length gloves.
"Oh," King Karim said, his realization dawning upon him.
What a fantastic turn of event. Was the hidden part of her hand infected before? I had been banking on the nobles' need for cssism but I didn't count on a high noble having skin infection. Not when they have temples and priestesses.
"Not even the priestess could do that," Anastasia remarked, almost as if she had read my mind. "How much will it cost?"
I waited for a moment, and then gave a resigned sigh, as if reluctantly revealing the price. " 20 silvers per bar," I decred, and a collective gasp of shock and astonishment rippled through the surrounded group. "It is a special soap that will be made for an exclusive list, and no one from a kingdom where Montreal soap is sold can be on that list."
Hushed conversations began to spread among the gathered group, and I didn't bother to strain my ears to hear what they were saying. If I knew anything about elites, then sooner or ter, they will bite.
Anastasia spoke up, her voice tinged with hope. "Would a city within a kingdom count, please?"
I shook my head regretfully. "I'm sorry, no," I replied, and she looked defted. She then cast a pleading gaze at King Karim, but I didn't want it to come like that.
"It's fine," I reassured her, offering a conciliatory smile. "I'm sure we will have a more progressive talk after I settle my kingdom's conflicts."
She looked at me, her expression a mix of doubt, hope, desperation, and sadness all at once. She nodded somberly to signal her understanding. Slowly, she began to unwrap the soap from the handkerchief, and the sweet fragrance instantly filled the air, once again eliciting astonished reactions and hushed conversations from those around us. She extended the soap toward me, but even in her actions, I could see the sadness and reluctance.
"You keep it." I said to her with a smile. "My gift to you."
Her smile was warm, and her eyes teary in gratitude. She gave me a quick hug, and then walked back to her husband who had been patiently waiting amongst the crowd and they left together, arms locked.
The crowds began to disperse too. It was a bit disappointing because I thought one or two would come to me to see if they can garner favor to get on the list in case their kingdom did as I said, but none did. They just casually went back to the party, discussing and ughing softly amongst themselves. I will have to worry about that ter. Right now I am disturbed on making it back home. No matter how fast I travel I don't think I can make it back in time before Ulric's army reaches the capital. If he can make a move now, even though I'm at King Karim's party then ying a heavy ambush on my way back won't be out of question too. Another big time waster.
Mustapha came to me but Vojnka was no where to be seen.
"Well pyed, Son of Dragonhart," the man said as he approached me. Patches of grey in his hair and a balbo beard gave him the appearance of being around the same age as King Karim, and they both shared simir builds. He exuded an air of superiority and regal acknowledgement. He is accompanied by one of the men I first saw when I came into this world. The one with a stupid grin. "I see now why you ignored my letters"
King of Montreal?
[Name : Cedric Vogelhut]
[Css : Warrior]
[Level : 68]
[Strength : 440]
[Attack : 396]
[Defense : 327]
[Agility : 229]
[Stamina : 322]
[Swordmanship ; Shield mastery; Insight sword art; Whirlwind ;Counterstrike; Battle Tactics; Bde Dance; Weapon Throw; Paragon's Fury; Awareness]
Hmmm. He is weaker than I thought he would be. I doubt he survives Mustapha, or Vojnka. While engrossed in checking out his skills, he said something that I didn't quite hear but made me raise my head up. Just then I would have sworn I saw the merchant, far in the distance, just go behind a twin pilr. I fixed my gaze there to see if he would come out the otherside of the massive double pilr but he didn't.
King Cedric noticed my intense focus on something and turned to see what had captured my attention.
"If you would excuse me" I said with a fake apologetic smile and walked past him.
Surely that's not him, I thought as I began approaching the pilr, eyes never leaving the pilr, and almost colliding with noble guests a couple times.
I reached the pilr and went round it, and certainly it was him. Alone.
"I greet your majesty," the merchant stammered, his voice trembling slightly as he executed a nervous bow.
I stared at him like it made no sense for him to be here. I had previously invited him to accompany me to Mittelreich but I forgot or probably thought it unnecessary to cancel the invitation because Mittelreich is more than 2 weeks far from Drakoria and he is not awakened so he can't use the portals, so how is he here?
"How are you here? " I asked with a serious tone.
"It wasn't my intention to hi--" the merchant began to expin.
"That's not what I'm asking," I cut him off impatiently. "How did you manage to reach Mittelreich?"
"Oh," he responded, his relief evident. "I had a druid help me."
As I was about to inquire further about the specifics, a memory clicked into pce. I recalled the druids' innate skill—shape-shifting.
"How fast?"
The merchant didn't understand what was going on but he knew he had to answer anyway.
"Under 6 days" he said
That's significantly less than half the time it would normally take to travel such a distance.
I turned to Mustapha.
"Did you know about this?" I asked, unable to keep the disappointment out of my tone.
"I assumed you knew, Your Majesty" he replied, his voice showing no emotion. "I apologize"
Fucking hell, i cussed silently. "Find Vojnka" I said, and as he was leaving my eyes was searching for King Karim.
Found him far ahead, discussing casually with some men. I began rushing towards him. He turned when he sensed someone approaching him fast.
"Is there a problem, King Daran?" he asked, no doubt surprised I'm still around.
"No, " I said, "But I need a favor"