The Merchant and Tavern Master

Special Corps -Artemis-

Not long after the examiner departed, the chamber door swung open, revealing a commanding figure. Stepping in was a woman, her sharp eyes reminiscent of an eagle's piercing gaze, her caramel-hued skin emanating a warmth akin to sun-kissed earth. Brown waves of hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing her visage with an air of both strength and elegance. While her frame held a sense of petite stature, her presence exuded an undeniable authority, sending a shiver of intimidation down my spine. With every step, she moved with a confident grace until she halted beside my seat, casting her gaze upon me in a way that felt like a keen evaluation.

Anticipating our introduction, I rose to my feet, ready to offer my name, but she swiftly seized the initiative. "I am Laria Dawnheart, the leader of the King's dedicated corps, known as 'Artemis'," she declared, her voice resonating with a tone of unquestionable authority. Despite her smaller stature, her aura of command loomed large, standing as a testament to her remarkable presence. Her height only reached my chest, and she stood just a bit taller than Sofia.

With a mixture of respect and a touch of nervousness, I extended my own introduction. "My name is Takahiko, a traveling merchant. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Milady Dawnheart," I conveyed, punctuating my greeting with a gesture of deep respect.

She then took position to the seat in front of me. "Be seated." she commanded, I obliged.

"Sir Elandriel has told me that you're willing to be our insider to find a certain young girl that you suspect has been grasped by the underworld brothel ring. Is that correct?" She opened with a question.

"Yes, Milady. I'm aware of the danger that can befall me and my family and loved ones, thus I have made preparation to remind them to be prepared and aware of such risk that can befall them."

"You're such a selfish person, aren't you Takahiko?" she seemingly mocked my answer.

"I am aware." I understood what she meant, and I don't intend to deny that fact.

"Who is this girl to you?" she posed a valid question, one that had been gnawing at me since the previous night. Who is Isabelle to me? She's a friend of Sofia, my cherished sister. We're not particularly close, but can I justify turning my back on her based solely on that? No, absolutely not.

"She's a friend of someone I care about. We're only known each other for a bit of time, but she's someone important to that person. That's all."

"We are facing a syndicate that is most likely bigger than our kingdom. Their atrocities know no boundaries. You're saying that you're willing to risk yourself and your family, all to rescue a girl that is not even your close friend?" She continued to pressure me, as if she wanted to know how prepared I am to embark the journey to the depth of the darkness.

"I have considered it all night. I don't have grand aspirations such as to fight evil and change this world into a better place or something honorable like that. I'm just a humble merchant after all. The reason for my involvement is personal. Even though our connection is not that deep, she's not someone I can turn away from when I have the means to help," I responded thoughtfully.

Miss Dawnheart's gaze remained fixed on me, her eyes seemingly delving into the depths of my intentions. "What do you seek in exchange for your assistance?"

"I am committed to this endeavor until I locate the missing girl and reunite her with her family. That is my sole objective. After all, I am the only one who can recognize her. Throughout this journey, I pledge to provide any information regarding the underground brothels, the individuals involved, and any pertinent details the king's unit might require," I stated firmly, my words an attempt to persuade her. "Furthermore, if feasible, I request measures be taken to ensure my family's safety."

"Fair enough," she said, her gaze unwavering as she provided me with a blank parchment and a quill. "Write down the names of people you wish to be protected and their exact location," she commanded.

I took the quill in hand and proceeded to pen down the names of those I wished to protect – my mother, madam, Sofia, Guinevere, Wakahiko, and Kunihiko. Each name was accompanied by their current location. Once I finished, I returned the parchment to her. She picked it up, her fingers brushing against the surface briefly before she cast a chantless fire spell. In an instant, the parchment ignited and turned to ash, leaving no trace of her involvement.

"I have memorized the names and the locations you've provided. I shall assign Shadow Guards to watch over each of their residences. Now, do you have a plan for your own investigation?" she inquired.

"I intend to start in Harbour City. My acquaintance suggested that it's the location where new girls are often transferred," I replied.

"Harbour City? Great! The place proves to be rather challenging to investigate through legal means due to its intricate structure for issuing orders to the knights. The underworld has managed to exploit the gaps in this legal security loophole effectively. Having an insider like you is a valuable advantage, but I must emphasize the inherent danger to both you and your family," she warned, providing me with insight into the city's current state.

"Is your usual residence at the guild's lodging?" she inquired further.

"Yes," I confirmed.

"Cease using that location henceforth. Instead, avail yourself of the 'Lighthouse Lodge' Inn. You shall be provided with a new persona while you're in that city. A devoted shadow guard shall be assigned to vigilantly monitor your every endeavor. Under no circumstances should you attempt to establish contact with this sentinel, for their response shall remain forever elusive. Maintain a journal on parchment detailing your daily visits, locations, and any observations you can make. Record the number of personnel, courtesans, and any peculiarities you encounter, leaving these entries at your room's desk each day. Other shadow guards will peruse and dispose of them. The manner of your investigation is at your discretion. You shall be provided with daily fund for you to use entering the establishments, shall you need to increase the funds, inscribe your needs on parchment, and the requested amount will be provided the following day. Any inquiries?"

"Yes, Mam. In the event that I locate the girl I am seeking, what should be my course of action?"

"Detail the location as usual in your journal and indicate that you've located her. Depending on the circumstances, we will execute a covert operation to dismantle the establishment. This could involve staged accidents or other strategic means to free the captives and neutralize those involved. The king's authorization empowers us to capture or eliminate as needed. Is there anything else?"

"No. Two days later, I'll set off and anticipate arriving in Harbour City in about three days."

"Excellent." With that, she rose from her seat and extended her hand in a handshake – a gesture sealing our newfound partnership as merchants. "From this point until the culmination of our agreement, you are a partner of the Artemis Corps, Takahiko."

"Understood."

"And, Takahiko, remain here for a few hours after my departure. I prefer you not to be seen ever close or speak to me for your own safety. We must remain vigilant for prying eyes and ears."

"I understand. Thank you for your time."

With that, she moved toward the door, pausing momentarily as if assessing her surroundings. Then, without a backward glance, she opened the door and stepped out, leaving no trace of her presence behind.