Crimson Threads ♡Sinbad X Oc♡

Chapter six: Negotiations

"My name is Harun. A merchant from Balbad." The man in the cloak introduced himself. His hood was pulled back, exposing his bright blond hair and beard.  "Balbad? The nation with the second largest trade centre after Reim, right?" Sinbad says as he takes a sip of his drink. The three were inside a tavern, the other patrons loudly enjoying their own meals and company.  "That's right. If you're doing business, do come visit." Harun smiles. "It'll be my pleasure! Please show us around when we do." Sinbad responds. Though the conversation was pleasant, Yunalesca couldn't shake the feeling that Harun was hiding something. She bites into her skewer, eyeing Harun suspiciously.

"I came to Narpolia to expand my knowledge of trading, but I didn't think I'd see you again." Harun remarks. Yunalesca almost chokes on her food. 'So it was him!'  Yunalesca coughs as Sinbad rubs her back, trying to relieve her coughing. "So you were there?" Her words come out strangled, her eyes watering. Sinbad offers her his drink. "Here, drink some it'll help wash down what you were choking on." She takes a sip from the cup before giving it back. Nodding to signal she was okay, she looks back at Harun.
"To answer your question, miss, yes, I was there when you opened a street stall without a permit and got warned by the police."  Harun takes a sip from his cup. "A youngster selling rarities, accompanied by an Imuchakk giant. You caught my attention, but you falling for the resellers trick was quite the letdown. Despite hosting the debut of Imuchakk merchandise, you let someone else take the initiative of deciding the market price, thus lowering the worth of your merchandise. " He eyes sinbad over the rim of his cup, sending shivers up Yunalesca's spine. "Do consider this an even greater los than you first expected." His words sent a jolt of realization through Sinbad. 'He got all of that just from watching that one scene? Come to think of it, his speech, behaviour and the jewellery he wears aren't like any ordinary merchant. I recon he's of a more noble standing..and if my hunch is correct, there's something big about this man!' The thought races through Sinbads mind.

"While we're at it, could you enlighten me as to how you negotiated with the infamous Remetoto for the privilege of trading with Imuchakk?" Harun asks casually. 'So that's what he was after.' Yunalesca's breath catches in her throat.  'No way Sinbad would actually tell him.. come to think of it, even I don't know.' She looks at Sinbad, his face surprisingly neutral.
"I sent a Demarche to Imuchakk multiple times but never received a reply. So, as a foreigner and a youngster, when and where did you get the chance to arrange such a negotiation." Harun's question lingers in the air. Yunalesca stares at Sinbad expectantly.
"You overestimate me. Even though I have the privilege to trade with Imuchakk, I failed as you saw today. Though I may be inexperienced, I won't show my cards so easily. " Sinbads words surprised Yunalesca. His whole demeanour had changed. He was much more serious. "In this realm, which is new to me, I have no one to look to for assistance.  If there is such a friend who would share his knowledge and assistance, I'd happily share mine as well." Sinbad continues crossing his leg over the other. "Let's talk. About everything, including Imuchakk." Sinbad had an inviting smile on his face. Looking between the men, Yunalesca began to sweat. They were staring each other down, each intimidating in his own way.

"I still have a lot to learn about this country, its people, and how business is done here. As an exchange, I'll tell you everything I know. How does that sound Harun, sir?" Harun weighs Sinbads proposition in his mind. "You want me to befriend a child at least a decade younger than me? Usually, you would get rejected right away, but let's talk. I'll decide depending on how well you do." Harun answers, his scrutinising gaze fixed on Sinbad.

                             ~~~~~

"What! You're that famed dungeon conqueror?" Haruns voice calls out in amazement. "Yes, that's me." Sinbad nods, smiling. "I always thought it'll be a hefty fellow, not a kid. Truely surprising.  And you're travelling with an Imuchakk and a beautiful young lady as well!" Harun could barely contain himself.
"I can't blame you for thinking that." Sinbad laughs as he looks over at Yunalesca, who was sleeping on her arms on the table. Despite how loud it was, she passed out not too long ago, the excitement from the day completely tiring her out. Sinbad gently brushes a lock of hair from her eyes, admiring her sleeping face.
"So what were the dungeons like?" Harun continues, his questions full of genuine curiosity. Time flies by as Sinbad tells the stories of adventures, fully capturing Haruns attention.

"Haha! You are most interesting! From fighting dragons, to exploring ancient ruins, these stories made my heart pound! I'm impressed. " Haruns boisterous laughter filled the table, waking Yunalesca. 'Are we still in the tavern?' Yunalesca wonders as she lifts her head from her arms.
"I guess that answered the question of how you got Rametoto to talk to you." Harun takes a sip from his drink, his cheeks a little flushed. "It's like a dream to me. Adventure is something I yearn for. But tell me, what do you want to do with all that power. Why risk your life challenging the dungeons?" Harun asks, piqueing Yunalesca's interest. 'Dungeons?' The word scared her.

"To reform the world." Sinbads voice was clear. "What." Harun and Yunalesca's eyes widen. "My homeland, Parthevia, is on the path of self-destruction. I want to save my fellow citizens, but having the strength of only one man restricts me from doing so." Sinbad continues, Harun and Yunalesca's attention fully on him. "So I thought I needed greater power. And so, I will build a country with the power to reform and move the world. I will become king." Sinbad's vision was clear, his eyes shining. 'King.' His words echoed in Yunalesca's mind.

"Are you saying that.. you want to become a king to realise your dream? " Haruns face clouded over. "To have such a title not only gives you great power, it's a burden heavier than most can carry. Constantly thinking of your people and country... I had no choice but to run. Even if my mind understood, my feet won't step forward." Confused by Harun's frantic words, Yunalesca looked at Sinbad, who was equally as confused.

"Harun.. sir, who are you?" Sinbad  reaches his hand out toward Harun. The door of the tavern flings open, two men stepping inside. Both were dressed in some kind of formal attire, carrying pikes. Their eyes land on the table where Harun is sat. "Here you are! We were most troubled by your leaving without notice, Your majesty,  King Rashid."

Sinbad jumps from his seat, knocking it over. "Harun, sir, are you really.." His question goes unanswered as Harun stares at him and Yunalesca. "Sinbad, our conversation was quite intriguing, but your thinking is still immature. If you want to do business in Reim, you must first establish a firm acknowledged by the merchants guild. And that alone is about 100 gold coins." His eyes narrow, staring Sinbad down.
"That isn't a sum of money, just anyone can aquire. If you are serious about doing business as a foundation for your country. Show me you can earn it."

Harun rises from his seat, taking his sceptre form one of the uniformed men. Yunalesca stares at him in disbelief.
"I'll be going to Remano for diplomatic negotiations. Earn the money by the time I return, and depending on your results, I'll personally write a recommendation letter to the guild." Turning on his heel, Harun exits the tavern, his men following close behind.
"What just happened?" Yunalesca asks, her eyes lingering on the door. "We just got a golden opportunity. " Sinbad answers, smiling. 'I'll make good use of this flow of fate!' He turns to Yunalesca, her mouth a little agape. "Let's get a place to stay for the night. This tavern has an inn right above it." Sinbad gestures with his thumb to the bar.