Sinbad, this is Crystal.

Chapter 11

The sun set and the moon rose, a new light shining upon Sinbad and his crew: an Imuchuakk-goods stand on the side of a road in front of a building.

"Wait a minute, what's going on here?" asked Ja'far.

"These are our products," said Vittel.

"Guys, take a look at the prices," Ja'far pointed out. "They're five, no ten times higher."

"We were duped. That jerk took advantage of us," Hina realized.

"He must make his money off of re-selling goods he's already purchased," Sinbad explained. Everyone turned to him. "That said, it looks like he plays it safe and only targets non-Union member merchants. Just like us."

The group sadly sulked to Rurumu as they explained the situation. They were gathering at an alley near the stand.

"How despeciable," Rurumu said.

"It's so unfair," said Ja'far, with his head down. Crystal gently put her arm around him.

"Let me have it, Sin." Hina said. "How much did we lose to him?"

"I'm not sure, but the bottom line is we're gonna have to join the Union if we wanna conduct business in Reim. There's no point arguing about the re-sale."

Sinbad looked at everyone, met their saddened gaze as he crumpled up the contract.

"You're right," Vittel discouragingly gritted out. "I underestimated this business."

"We all did," Rurumu agreed, "But this is a reality of the business world."

"Come on, Rurumu! Don't look so down," Crystal said, "We can fix this!"

"When it comes to trade, we're amateurs," Hinahoho pointed out.

"What are you saying?" Sinbad said excitedly, "Isn't that the thrill of doing this work?"

"But that guy made us look like idiots!" shouted Ja'far.

"But look at the bigger picture. That's why it's fun," Sinbad replied.

"Huh?" 

"I respect merchants a lot. If you ask me, I believe they're the shrewdest people to have ever lived. The world revolves around money, and money is moved by merchants. Merchants hold their fingers in the pulse of the world and that helps them make estude predictions. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to sat merchants move the world. Just think about it, you guys! We get to compete with people of that caliber! It's nothing short of incredible!"

Hinahoho smiled. "I cannot believe I'm letting you talk me into this."

"You said it, Hinahoho," agreed Crystal. "Just how many adventures have we gone on for this guy?"

"Our leader has spoken, now it's our duty to follow him." Ja'far said.

~

"Sinbad, are you sure?" asked Hina.

"Yeah," Sinbad said, "Head back to Imuchuakk as fast as you can and get back here with new goods as soon as possible. By the time you get here, hopefully I've settled things with the Union."

Crystal loudly cleared her throat behind Sinbad. His face paled and he stuttered out, "We...I..uh..meant..we settle things."

"Much better," said Crystal.

"Roger that," Hina said to Sinbad. "We're counting on you guys."

Just like that, the Imuchuakk ship was sailing out to sea, heading to the tribe hidden in the North.

"Hey, Crystal," Sinbad asked once the ship was completely out of view.

"Yeah?"

"You know, you didn't have to stay, right? I mean, I just don't want you getting in trouble or danger."

"Sinbad," Crystal smiled and turned to Sinbad, looking at him directly in the eye. 

They were standing on the dock with the bright moon shining over them. The light was dancing in Crystal's green eyes like a warm flame.

Sinbad blushed and tried to look away. Crystal chuckled to herself slightly, when her insides were jumping up and down in excitement.

"I can handle myself pretty well. You don't have to worry about me."

"But, I do, Crystal. You're someone I will always worry about."

Wow, that sent quite the roller coaster of emotions tumbling straight into her heart.

"You know, Sinbad, when you left for Dungeon Valefor in Imuchuakk, I was so incredibly worried about you and Hinahoho. Pipirika had a tough time sleeping because whenever she closed her eyes, she would see Hinahoho's face."

"Oh. I guess I never asked her about that."

"I wasn't any better though. You had assassins chasing after you and a deadly dungeon to deal with. While you were gone, all I could think about was whether you were okay or not. So this time, I'm staying with you. I can't watch you put yourself on the line alone anymore."

Even though Crystal's words were true, she had left a small detail: she didn't want to be so far away from Sinbad for that long. It took everyone weeks to get to Reim, that was just one trip. This would be twice as long now. Crystal didn't want to leave Sinbad for such a long time.

"Crystal, I am so sorry for worrying you like that."

Sinbad pulled Crystal in for a hug. His arms gently wrapped around her entire body and his head was placed on top of her head. Crystal responded with wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Thank you. Does this mean I'm allowed to stay with you?"

Sinbad chuckled.

"You were always allowed to stay with me, Crystal."

They pulled away. 

"So what's the plan?"

Sinbad sighed.

"I have so much to learn. About the world, this country, its people. Also about business and trade. Whatever I do, I can't waste time and fall behind. 'Cause someday, I'm gonna be king."

Crystal smiled warmly, but Sinbad's stomach growled all of a sudden, popping the sweet bubble of romance they were entrapped in.

Sinbad's face flushed.

"But first, I need to fill my royal stomach."

Crystal laughed and the two walked to the streets.