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𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐢 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐬
The Chamber of Commerce’s mansion was built facing a large hall in the center of the city.
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Upon recognizing Runker, the gatekeeper let them in without a word, and Luke and his party were ushered into the mansion.
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“Amazing, we got a letter of introduction but didn’t even need it. Maybe this is a good sign?”
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Sicily said with excitement in her voice.
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“At this rate, we might land a big contract in one go. That would be a huge step for Sicily Trade!”
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However, Clavi did not appear no matter how long they waited.
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Nearly an hour had passed, and still no one showed up.
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“How long are they going to make us wait? Is the deal really set?”
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Sicily began to grow irritated when the door finally opened.
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“You folks, the merchants who wanted to see me?”
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The man was portly, his shirt buttons seemingly ready to pop.
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He slicked back his thinning hair and had a thin mustache under his nose.
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“Ah, are you Clavi Selfis? Nice to meet you, I’m Sicily Windsor! Today, I came on behalf of the St. Arrogas Chamber of Commerce…”
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“Ah, good, good, that’s fine.”
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Clavi, looking annoyed, stopped Sicily as she hurriedly stood up to greet him, and then plopped down onto the sofa.
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“I’m busy. Make it quick.”
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“U, Understood.”
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Sicily, her morale faltering, pulled herself together and laid out bottles from her bag on the table.
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“These are bottles made in St. Arrogas. The glassworkers there are known for their skill. I thought they might add to the appeal of Mercapolis’s flagship magic potions.”
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“Hmph.”
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Clavi examined the bottles briefly, then rolled them aside as if uninterested.
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“At most, two copper coins per bottle.”
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“Wha-! T, Two copper coins?”
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Sicily gasped.
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“There are plenty of glass bottles in Mercapolis. To deal with an unknown young vendor like you, that’s a fair price. I’ll buy what you brought at that rate. If you don’t like it, pack up and leave.”
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Clavi stood up, indicating the conversation was over.
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“If you want to continue trading with me, next time it will be one copper coin per bottle. I’m giving you double the rate as a service this time. Be grateful.”
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Saying this, he wobbled out of the room.
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“I… I… I…”
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All that was left was a speechless Sicily.
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“What’s with that damn old man!”
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Sicily’s angry voice echoed through the street.
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Sicily stormed out of Clavi’s mansion, walking the streets with heavy footsteps.
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“Hey, Sicily, calm down. Everyone can hear you.”
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“So what! This is ridiculous!”
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Alma’s words of comfort failed to reach the furious Sicily.
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“Coming all the way from St. Arrogas and he dares to undermine us! I refuse to do business with such a man!”
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After venting, Sicily stopped, looked up at the sky, and took a deep breath.
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“Sorry, I didn’t mean to spoil the mood for the three of us.”
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She turned back to the two with a smile returning to her face.
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But, it was clear she was forcing the smile.
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“I understand how you feel, Sicily. I don’t know much about business, but I also thought his attitude was terrible.”
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“Yeah, if it were me, I would have lost my temper. Sicily, you did well to restrain yourself.”
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“Thanks, both of you. Hearing you say that makes me feel a bit better.”
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Sicily smiled sadly.
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“Ah, but now we have to start looking for clients from scratch. We have no other connections, where do we even begin?”
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“Oh, there you are. We’ve been looking for you.”
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Turning around to the voice behind them, they saw the five members of 《Blue Sky Hawk》.
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“We heard you suddenly left the mansion and chased after you. What happened?”
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“What happened? It was a complete waste of time! What’s with that Clavi person!”
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“Let’s not talk about it here. Haven’t you eaten yet? Let me take you to a nice place.”
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Runker was slightly taken aback by Sicily’s intensity.
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“…Right. Honestly, we were also unsure about what to do next. May we join you for a talk?”
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“Of course! This way.”
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The three followed Runker and his group into an alleyway.
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“This city is famous for its large plate dishes. It’s popular for everyone to gather around the dining table. The restaurant we’re going to now is particularly famous in the city, and normally you have to wait in line to get in, but with us, you’ll get in without any hassle.”
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They continue walking through the back alley while having such a conversation.
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Even though there are fewer crowds here compared to the main street, there are still plenty of people passing by, and the hustle and bustle is as lively as ever.
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“Stop! That’s enough!”
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The scream was heard as they were about to cross a narrow crossroad.
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There was a crowd in the extending street.
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The young woman’s scream came from within.
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“What’s that?”
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Luke and the others turned towards the crowd.
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“Ah, where are you going?”
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Runker and his group followed them.
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“Guah.”
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Another cry was heard.
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In the center of the crowd were several beastkin.
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They were receiving merciless kicks and punches from the surrounding people.
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“Heh, stinking beastkin shouldn’t be wandering around here.”
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“Didn’t I tell you I won’t forgive you if I see your dirty face again.”
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Rough-looking men are smirking as they surround the beastkin.
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“Hey! Cut it out! What have we done to you?!”
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A beastkin girl is desperately protesting, but her face is clearly filled with fear.
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The man backhands the beastkin girl.
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“Ouch!”
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The beastkin girl falls to the ground with a cry.
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“Gross. I might catch some disease from these beastkin.”
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The man dramatically wipes his hands, and the surrounding people burst into applause.
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“What did you do? Ask your grandfathers and their grandfathers about that. Ask them what you dirty beastkin did to us humans.”
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“That’s… not true…”
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The girl persists, but her voice lacks its earlier strength, and her frustration is apparent.
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“Shut up, you filthy beastkin, just get out of the city already!”
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The man raises his foot.
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“Ugh.”
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The girl trembles and closes her eyes.
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Just as the man is about to bring his foot down, someone suddenly grabs him by the collar.
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“Whoa!”
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He loses his balance and falls backward.
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“How about stopping there.”
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The person who grabbed him is Luke.