Chapter 101: Merchant Guilds V.I.Ps (2/2)
”...”
The look in Riokar's eyes changed and the air around him became more serious. The male receptionist took it as a sign and excused himself. Riokar then spoke to the pair with a glint in his eyes
.
”If I may ask, where exactly are you both from?”
”We would like to keep that private if you don't mind, but I guess you can say we're from the far east.”
”I see... I didn't mean to pry but to be honest, we were shocked by all the products you brought us today. Most of those herbs can only be found amid dangerous places like the Darknar forest, the Slaze Mountains, and the Vermilion Rain forest in the far east, so I guess you've answered our biggest question.”
The expression on Riokar's face finally softens and he nodded. It was obvious his previous apprehension was due to where those herbs were obtained. Entry to the Darknar forest was strictly forbidden and anyone not from the Great five selling something from there would be label a criminal and the merchant guild would not like to be caught in between something like that.
Naturally, one wouldn't just openly admit to a crime especially not demons. However, Riokar wasn't the merchant guild leader for no reason. He could read auras, even from monsters. He could clearly read the aura of these two and he could even read the aura of the cloaked man and he had judged them for telling the truth.
A faint smile grew on his face and he spoke with a sense of confidence. ”I was told you have no intentions of joining our merchant guild, however, I don't think you understand the importance of the merchant guild to the fullest.”
He reached into his suit and pulled out a glimmering purple card and placed it on the table. ”You see, the merchant guild does more than just trade goods and services with the various cities and regions. We also have certain rights and privileges that most commoners would only dream of.”
He pushed the card in front of the cloaked man and smiled. ”This is a VIP merchant license. Although you would still start as a rank one merchant, the difference between this and the ordinary rank one merchant license is the same as the difference between a lowly commoner and a noble. I can tell that both of you are strong but as subraces, you wouldn't get far in this world without this kind of status from either our guild, the hunter's guild, or the magic institute.”
Riokar leaned back into his chair and continued. ”From the fact that you're not wearing a hunter's bracelet around your wrist means you have no intentions in joining the hunter's guild. Otherwise, the guild itself would've initiated a. trade with us so they could negotiate on your behalf. With that said I reckon your best option is to join the merchant guild. It would be impossible for you to sell those herbs yourselves without a license and with the VIP license, the guild only takes 10% of your revenue unlike the usual 30% for ordinary members and 50% for non-members.”
Riokar smiled confidently, he was sure these two were still new to the battlefield that was the world of business and was still very green even though they were strong enough to explore the Vermilion Rain forest. Of course, he wouldn't cheat such valuable assets. Why antagonize the chicken that could constantly lay you golden eggs over a single golden egg.
The cloaked man chuckled softly at that, which surprised Riokar a little. He then heard him speak. ”You're mostly correct.”
”Mostly.” Riokar frowned, he hesitated for a bit before ultimately opening his mouth again. ”What do you mean?”
The man slowly raised his hands and removed his hood. This move slightly surprised Riokar. He had assumed the man didn't want his figure to be revealed because he was a part of an ostracized species or for a reason similar to that. However, what he saw now couldn't be more furthest from the truth.
The cloaked figure had turned out to be a young man with short black hair that was cut in an unfamiliar style. He had hazel-colored pupils and a slightly thin face. His overall appearance was a little above average and he didn't have any general resemblance to the thousands of people he had seen over the years meaning he was from a rather faraway region.
However, his appearance was still that of an ordinary demon. There were no horns, neither were their tails of any sub species to be found.
His presence was almost non-existent and if one was not looking at him directly, there was a very good chance they wouldn't notice him.
This, however, sent chills down his spine. There was no greater fear than the fear of the unknown. Riokar's eyes moved between the young girl that was obvious of the beastkin species and back at the young man who was clearly not a subsidiary race.
It wasn't rare for demons and subsidiary races to move together, as a matter of fact, most hunter teams were formed of several sub-races and demons, each complimenting the weakness of the other. What was strange here was the fact that the demon of the pair was the one hiding his appearance. This could mean he was a wanted man or maybe even something worse, but then again. Why would he reveal his appearance now?
'An illusion,' Riokar activated his innate ability to perceive the truth. It didn't matter how powerful this man was, his eyes of truth would tell him if there was any foul play going on here.
'Nothing.'
”As I said, you were mostly correct. But I don't really need the VIP license. However, I wouldn't mind joining the guild as a regular member for a single favor.”
”One favor, are you sure!?”
”Yes.”
Riokar as the guild leader was willing to grant any request that was within his powers to perform. Although he wouldn't tell the pair that outright.” He pretended to think for a minute before clearing his throat and he continued.
”Hmm... Are you sure you won't change your mind?”
The young man named Lix just starred at him quietly without a response and he sighed. ”Alright, let's hear your request and if it is something within my power, then I'll consider it.”
”Naturally I wouldn't ask anything outside your range of influence.”
Riokar narrowed his eyes at this man's choice of words and slowly responded.
”I see.”
”Excellent, all I require is your recommendation letter for the magic institute.”
”...”
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