"How interesting.” Ken reached up to his forehead, throwing his head back. He grinned wider, and was glad his mask was covering his face. “So, what offers do the various families have for this crippled one, and what offers do the various families have for the other great Alchemist?"
"You would be willing to join a family?” The Town Lord’s eyes suddenly filled with greed, and the others all straightened, wondering if Ken would commit to that.
"Temporarily. I'll remain here for some time, though I already have a contract with the Commerce Head. Once that ends, I’m sure I’ll be able to stay at a family for a month.” He winked to the Commerce Head, letting him know that he still hasn’t forgotten.
"How many pills would you be willing to make?" Town Lord Firewind asked, brushing his beard carefully.
"If you provide the materials, either a hundred low grade earth pills, or ten middle grade earth pills, or a single high grade earth pill, every single day.” He made sure to emphasise the daily creation of pills. “I will also take all the leftover materials.”
"What?"
“Daily pills?”
"Can he even do that?"
"Then what about market price for each pill, and a fee of ten gold coins?" The Town Lord asked. For a single month, it wasn’t a bad deal, though it wasn’t a good one.
"It's quite the fair offer, though I'd like to hear if there are any others?" Ken remained silent and still, not giving anyone any inclination of what he thought about the deal truly.
"The Redwind family would be willing to offer a fee of twenty gold.” The First Elder bowed his head slightly to the Alchemist.
"A fair offer.” He wondered if he should give them some advice. “I should say that I am not lacking for gold, if it assists other families in joining the bidding."
"We of the Newblade family can't pay so much, but if it's a hundred low grade earth pills every few days, then what about market price and an item from our vault?"
Ken's ears perked up. "Oh?” He looked to the Newblade who had spoken, a worried, middle aged man, with long hair and a small beard. He was quite thin as well, and carried a sword at his side. “Would I be free in moving on the days I do not work?"
"That is more than acceptable." The thin man said. "I heard that you have a wolf girl guard? We could assign you a few guards from our family instead.”
"No. I wish to keep those who have treated me well close by. It just so happens I have another companion besides her as well." Ken’s eyes darkened slightly, no longer interested in the man.
"Ah, well, we can provide housing for them too."
"That's a good offer. It benefits greatly not to hold such prejudices." Ken nodded, accepting his apology. He was also someone who offered him an item from his family’s vault, which was a great offer.
"Then what if I offer a trip to my vault?" Town Lord Firewind asked. Since it had already come to this, he may as well offer something of greater value. "Market rate for your pills, ten gold coins, and a trip to my family’s vault.”
"The vault of a Town Lord?" Ken asked to confirm. "Since the Town Lord is willing to go so far, I'd like to accept." Very few could offer him a greater deal than that, and it was a good idea to cut it here quickly in order to gain the Town Lord’s good grace.
"You haven't even heard my offer yet!" Bluewind huffed. His father would be angry if he didn't at least make an offer. Though they had an issue, Alchemists were quite greedy.
"There's no need. No matter what you can offer me, I won't accept. I've already said that no Bluewind will be able to purchase my wares, and that includes my ability."
"You!" Bluewind grit his teeth. To be shamed in front of so many people, it was something he couldn’t allow. He stepped forward, only to be cut off by Ken’s words.
"However, Town Lord, what if there was a second Alchemist here, one greater than myself? For example, the Alchemist who had created the pills for the commerce auctions? Would you offer the same deal to them?”
"I would," the Town Lord carefully replied, brushing his beard gently again.
"Then would you accept the pair of us?" Ken’s eyes met the Town Lord’s. He was being judged, each and every word, as well as his actions.
"If they are also wishing to only work for a month under the same conditions, then it can only benefit the Firewinds to have two Alchemists."
"If you are willing, I'll discuss it with the other Alchemist. I can all but guarantee they will agree.”
"You know the other Alchemist?" Bluewind asked, unable to conceive that it could have been possible.
"I have some relations with them. In fact, aren't they also here at this party?" Ken was unable to hide his smile.
"What? That's impossible! Such a coincidence can't be real!" Bluewind gasped. "I'll offer the second Alchemist two treasures."
"Three!" The Redwinds said, throwing a look to their distant relatives.
"I'll convince them to accept the Town Lord's offer, if I am also able to assist the Newblade family. Since they were willing to put up with my companions and offer their treasure vault first to this cripple, I believe they should be treated well.”
“If you are still able to keep up to the demand, then I do not mind,” the Town Lord replied, smiling. “If you are unable to, I hope that you will be able to compensate our Firewind family.”
"Great. Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Arrayist Ken, who just so happens to have alchemy as a hobby.” He raised his hands and clasped them respectfully. “Should I introduce you to the second Alchemist as well?"
"Please.” The Town Lord glanced between the two women who had come with him. He assumed the tall, and well built woman, was a guard, though perhaps she was an Alchemist too. Or was it the woman who pushed his wheelchair?
The crowd gasped, muttering between one another. Did he truly know the other Alchemist.
Ken raised a hand and took Emerald's hand in his. He kissed the back of her hand. "This is Emerald, my sweet. She just so happens to be the Alchemist who created all those pills for the commerce pavilion. Her skills are far greater than my own, hence the additional effects of her pills."
Emerald bowed. "If sir wishes for me to accept the deal, I will."
"Won’t you consider the offers from the other families?” First Elder Redwind asked, his eyes glued to Emerald’s, ignoring Ken for the moment.
"I will only accept the offer which the sir has accepted on my behalf." Emerald stood beside Ken.
"It just so happens that we're a pair. I brought her along since I assumed someone would be interested in meeting her."
"Impossible!" Bluewind shook with anger. He had offended Ken so eagerly and was hoping to befriend the second Alchemist. To think they were part of the same group. How could he have known? “I'll offer you the position of Guest Elder! I don't believe I can't offer you something great enough that will change your mind!"
"The sir has said it before. I will refuse any and all offers by the Bluewind family. I can only trust those who have treated him well."
Ken smiled. "After all, we’re both so worried for one another. I can’t possibly allow her to be in the hands of a family who does not have base manners.”
"That's right." She looked down at him and he could feel her smile.
"You've shamed me enough!" Bluewind drew his sword, but in the next moment, there was a Martial Master beside him. He hadn't drawn his own blade, but his presence alone was enough to stop any more rash behaviour.
"Young Master Bluewind, perhaps you should leave to cool off. It appears that the party atmosphere is a little too much for you to handle." The Town Lord spoke dryly.
"D-damn it! Brat! I'll definitely teach you a lesson!" Young Master Bluewind growled at him.
"I don't believe you have anything worthwhile to teach me." Ken tilted his head and smirked.
Bluewind stormed out and the party continued. Many people walked up to Ken to try and speak with him, but he turned to the Town Lord. "I must apologise, Town Lord, but the days events have caused me to tire. I must retire for the night."
"If that's the case, allow me to send someone to escort you back to your inn."
"Thank you." Since he had revealed himself and Emerald, everyone would know where the pair would be staying. That would be awkward, but what else could he do now?
A Martial Master escorted them out, though Ken waved to the Newblade. "I'll speak with you later. Prepare the materials and the money, as well as your vault." Ken chuckled.
"Thank you once again!" The man bowed deeply to Ken, who left immediately after.
"How interesting.” Ken reached up to his forehead, throwing his head back. He grinned wider, and was glad his mask was covering his face. “So, what offers do the various families have for this crippled one, and what offers do the various families have for the other great Alchemist?"
"You would be willing to join a family?” The Town Lord’s eyes suddenly filled with greed, and the others all straightened, wondering if Ken would commit to that.
"Temporarily. I'll remain here for some time, though I already have a contract with the Commerce Head. Once that ends, I’m sure I’ll be able to stay at a family for a month.” He winked to the Commerce Head, letting him know that he still hasn’t forgotten.
"How many pills would you be willing to make?" Town Lord Firewind asked, brushing his beard carefully.
"If you provide the materials, either a hundred low grade earth pills, or ten middle grade earth pills, or a single high grade earth pill, every single day.” He made sure to emphasise the daily creation of pills. “I will also take all the leftover materials.”
"What?"
“Daily pills?”
"Can he even do that?"
"Then what about market price for each pill, and a fee of ten gold coins?" The Town Lord asked. For a single month, it wasn’t a bad deal, though it wasn’t a good one.
"It's quite the fair offer, though I'd like to hear if there are any others?" Ken remained silent and still, not giving anyone any inclination of what he thought about the deal truly.
"The Redwind family would be willing to offer a fee of twenty gold.” The First Elder bowed his head slightly to the Alchemist.
"A fair offer.” He wondered if he should give them some advice. “I should say that I am not lacking for gold, if it assists other families in joining the bidding."
"We of the Newblade family can't pay so much, but if it's a hundred low grade earth pills every few days, then what about market price and an item from our vault?"
Ken's ears perked up. "Oh?” He looked to the Newblade who had spoken, a worried, middle aged man, with long hair and a small beard. He was quite thin as well, and carried a sword at his side. “Would I be free in moving on the days I do not work?"
"That is more than acceptable." The thin man said. "I heard that you have a wolf girl guard? We could assign you a few guards from our family instead.”
"No. I wish to keep those who have treated me well close by. It just so happens I have another companion besides her as well." Ken’s eyes darkened slightly, no longer interested in the man.
"Ah, well, we can provide housing for them too."
"That's a good offer. It benefits greatly not to hold such prejudices." Ken nodded, accepting his apology. He was also someone who offered him an item from his family’s vault, which was a great offer.
"Then what if I offer a trip to my vault?" Town Lord Firewind asked. Since it had already come to this, he may as well offer something of greater value. "Market rate for your pills, ten gold coins, and a trip to my family’s vault.”
"The vault of a Town Lord?" Ken asked to confirm. "Since the Town Lord is willing to go so far, I'd like to accept." Very few could offer him a greater deal than that, and it was a good idea to cut it here quickly in order to gain the Town Lord’s good grace.
"You haven't even heard my offer yet!" Bluewind huffed. His father would be angry if he didn't at least make an offer. Though they had an issue, Alchemists were quite greedy.
"There's no need. No matter what you can offer me, I won't accept. I've already said that no Bluewind will be able to purchase my wares, and that includes my ability."
"You!" Bluewind grit his teeth. To be shamed in front of so many people, it was something he couldn’t allow. He stepped forward, only to be cut off by Ken’s words.
"However, Town Lord, what if there was a second Alchemist here, one greater than myself? For example, the Alchemist who had created the pills for the commerce auctions? Would you offer the same deal to them?”
"I would," the Town Lord carefully replied, brushing his beard gently again.
"Then would you accept the pair of us?" Ken’s eyes met the Town Lord’s. He was being judged, each and every word, as well as his actions.
"If they are also wishing to only work for a month under the same conditions, then it can only benefit the Firewinds to have two Alchemists."
"If you are willing, I'll discuss it with the other Alchemist. I can all but guarantee they will agree.”
"You know the other Alchemist?" Bluewind asked, unable to conceive that it could have been possible.
"I have some relations with them. In fact, aren't they also here at this party?" Ken was unable to hide his smile.
"What? That's impossible! Such a coincidence can't be real!" Bluewind gasped. "I'll offer the second Alchemist two treasures."
"Three!" The Redwinds said, throwing a look to their distant relatives.
"I'll convince them to accept the Town Lord's offer, if I am also able to assist the Newblade family. Since they were willing to put up with my companions and offer their treasure vault first to this cripple, I believe they should be treated well.”
“If you are still able to keep up to the demand, then I do not mind,” the Town Lord replied, smiling. “If you are unable to, I hope that you will be able to compensate our Firewind family.”
"Great. Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Arrayist Ken, who just so happens to have alchemy as a hobby.” He raised his hands and clasped them respectfully. “Should I introduce you to the second Alchemist as well?"
"Please.” The Town Lord glanced between the two women who had come with him. He assumed the tall, and well built woman, was a guard, though perhaps she was an Alchemist too. Or was it the woman who pushed his wheelchair?
The crowd gasped, muttering between one another. Did he truly know the other Alchemist.
Ken raised a hand and took Emerald's hand in his. He kissed the back of her hand. "This is Emerald, my sweet. She just so happens to be the Alchemist who created all those pills for the commerce pavilion. Her skills are far greater than my own, hence the additional effects of her pills."
Emerald bowed. "If sir wishes for me to accept the deal, I will."
"Won’t you consider the offers from the other families?” First Elder Redwind asked, his eyes glued to Emerald’s, ignoring Ken for the moment.
"I will only accept the offer which the sir has accepted on my behalf." Emerald stood beside Ken.
"It just so happens that we're a pair. I brought her along since I assumed someone would be interested in meeting her."
"Impossible!" Bluewind shook with anger. He had offended Ken so eagerly and was hoping to befriend the second Alchemist. To think they were part of the same group. How could he have known? “I'll offer you the position of Guest Elder! I don't believe I can't offer you something great enough that will change your mind!"
"The sir has said it before. I will refuse any and all offers by the Bluewind family. I can only trust those who have treated him well."
Ken smiled. "After all, we’re both so worried for one another. I can’t possibly allow her to be in the hands of a family who does not have base manners.”
"That's right." She looked down at him and he could feel her smile.
"You've shamed me enough!" Bluewind drew his sword, but in the next moment, there was a Martial Master beside him. He hadn't drawn his own blade, but his presence alone was enough to stop any more rash behaviour.
"Young Master Bluewind, perhaps you should leave to cool off. It appears that the party atmosphere is a little too much for you to handle." The Town Lord spoke dryly.
"D-damn it! Brat! I'll definitely teach you a lesson!" Young Master Bluewind growled at him.
"I don't believe you have anything worthwhile to teach me." Ken tilted his head and smirked.
Bluewind stormed out and the party continued. Many people walked up to Ken to try and speak with him, but he turned to the Town Lord. "I must apologise, Town Lord, but the days events have caused me to tire. I must retire for the night."
"If that's the case, allow me to send someone to escort you back to your inn."
"Thank you." Since he had revealed himself and Emerald, everyone would know where the pair would be staying. That would be awkward, but what else could he do now?
A Martial Master escorted them out, though Ken waved to the Newblade. "I'll speak with you later. Prepare the materials and the money, as well as your vault." Ken chuckled.
"Thank you once again!" The man bowed deeply to Ken, who left immediately after.
