Chapter 252 - The Threat Overturned (1/2)

The atmosphere was quiet and tense as Ishta directly bypassed the lower floor of the Blue Jade Restaurant and walked straight up to the private rooms of the third floor. The other patrons and the staff there avoided eye contact with him. If interaction was needed it was always respectful and polite. He may not have owned anything on Charm street, but his business was still the holder of the Golden Trade Token. He was still King on this Island and those here would respect him as such.

He had yet to hear from Illai since her last letter. It didn't concern him much though, she had likely already take care of business and was on her way back to report herself. Ishta smiled with confidence as the doors to the private room were opened and he breezed inside.

Falla Startree and Iah Moonshadow were already seated at the table, quiet as they individually sipped at the tea that they'd ordered. Their silence and lack of aura buffed Ishta's own pride as he took a seat opposite them.

”Good afternoon, ladies, I trust you have called me to negotiate business prospects,” Ishta stated, a smile on his lips as he poured his own tea.

Falla and Iah both paused before looking at each other in silent communication, then back to Ishta.

”Is that what you believe we called this meeting for?” asked Falla.

”Is there another reason?” asked Ishta, ”I am a businessman, one who does not particularly get along with you. I assume this is not a social call”.

”You're right, it is not a social call,” Iah confirmed as she placed her cup down, ”Though I wouldn't exactly call it business either, after all, the only thing we'll be asking of you is for you to leave us alone”.

Ishta scoffed, followed by a chuckle, ”And why, by the gods, would I do such a thing when you have a monopoly on a business never before seen in this world. A business that I would wager can still survive wonderfully without your monopoly”.

Falla put down her own cup then as she glanced at Iah, ”I'm almost positive he doesn't know”.

”I am too,” Iah agreed, ”Though he is an arrogant man the likes of which I have never seen before so I suppose we do need to ask to know for sure”.

Ishta sighed, ”And what is it you wish to ask?”

Falla spoke as Iah took a letter from her pocket and unfolded it, ”We are aware that you sent your Inktress after our Craftsmen. That was quite low of you, you must have been getting desperate”.

”Well, whoever holds the power wins the prize,” Ishta replied.

”Are you sure?” asked Falla, ”Because Iah here received a letter this morning that we thought you might want to read”.

Ishta's eyes narrowed, ”I have no idea why I would be interested in your affairs”.