The Merchant Who Would be King

The Belleville Merchants Guild

The Belleville Merchants Guild was not—quite—ostentatious. After all, this was merely a town, not a city. However, it was immaculate and everything inside seemed to be working like a perfectly well-oiled machine.

On Hadiin's left were three teller windows that were guarded by enchanted suits of armour, their glowing blue eyes watching all. The sign overhead read, in fine and stylized letters:

Belleville Magical Holding & Finance

Three tellers sat ready to deal with short lines of customers while behind them stood three vaults with massively thick, round doors. As the doors were open, one could see inside the vaults, revealing many steel safe deposit boxes.

As Hadiin watched, one teller's helper brought a box out of a vault and placed it in front of a customer. A quick flip of the lid on top revealed a pitch-black space. The customer drew a sword from their waist, scabbard and all, a weapon that glowed with magic. They only had to touch it to the opening of the box and it vanished within. Magical boxes of holding, apparently.

Another teller dealt with a man in stained overalls and a straw hat who seemed to be haggling and explaining a very emotional tale from the way that he gestured with his arms. A bored goat stood at his side on a leash, chewing a potted plant. The teller held up a hand and looked apologetic as he said something. The farmer's face fell. The goat left some pellets on the floor and a uniformed staff member came running with a broom and dustpan in hand.

On Hadiin's right side was a trade floor. High-level merchants stood on circular platforms that elevated them head and shoulders above everyone else, and there was a small crowd here. Traders haggled with farmers, ranchers, brewers and more. This was likely the place where one sold an entire crop harvest or a herd of cattle all at once. And where shopkeepers could buy in bulk from merchants travelling from the city or farther away.

Above the trade floor was an open balcony to the second floor. A wide, curving staircase of white stone led up to a tavern there. From the location and the fine decor, and the upscale manner of dress of those few in view, it was likely a place where wealthier citizens gathered to strike deals over a tankard of ale or a few glasses of imported wine. A server languidly walked by a table, wearing a cute server uniform with a very short skirt.

In front of Hadiin was a long counter, staffed by six individuals. A sign hung above them in polished bronze.

MERCHANTS GUILD

~ MEMBER SERVICES ~

The grand room was loud but in a busy and productive way, not an obnoxious one. While the floor was not marble, only granite, it was buffed and waxed and shone. Plenty of staff milled about, running on one errand or another in tailored white-and-yellow uniforms with a red rose on the breast, hair perfect, and always poised as they moved about. Banners hung from the two-story ceiling, all yellow with white symbols for different industries, much like the front doors had. They swayed in what must be a magical breeze, looking a bit like sun and clouds.

Hadiin stepped forwards, Marian at his side. They approached one of the free guild receptionists. He was a solemn man with a dour expression that didn't go at all with the cheery yellow on his uniform.

His long face barely moved as he spoke. "May I help you, sir?"

Hadiin flashed a smile. "I certainly hope so, my good man. I'm new in town and I have a wagonload of leather to sell. I was informed that I may acquire a license here and a stall for the street outside."

"Of course, sir. May I have your registration card, please?" he put a hand out.

"My what?"

"Are you registered with the Merchants Guild, sir?"