Chapter 1:
Journey to the Unknown Continent
AFTER ABOUT TWO DAYS OF TRAVEL BY HORSE-DRAWN carriage, they arrived in Estina. It was a coastal nation with thriving trade and fishing industries. And, thanks to the multitude of ships constantly coming and going, it was where they’d try their luck at infiltrating the investigation team.
“That’s…incredible.”
Siasha gasped in astonishment at a sturdy-looking ship that loomed over all the others in the port.
“That’s the main ship for the investigation team, the one for all the VIPs. What we’re trying to board is that foreign vessel over there.” Zig pointed at a ship that was about half the size of the one next to it.
The witch’s eyes narrowed at the sight.
“Are you disappointed we have to take the small one?” he asked.
“What do you think I am, a child?” she retorted. “That’s not it…” As she shook her head in disgust, her tone became wistful. “I was just wondering why humans spend all their energy on fighting when they have such amazing technology.”
“Because it’s easier to take someone else’s success than to succeed on your own. A lot of conflicts start for that reason alone.”
“What a harsh and petty world we live in.”
“Some people have an insatiable desire to innovate, others have an insatiable desire for depravity.”
“So, those driven by greed are revolutionizing the world, despite going about it in completely different directions.”
“You’ve pretty much hit the nail on the head,” Zig said. “Anyway, let’s head into town and get a room. We can start preparing for our journey after that.”
“All right,” Siasha agreed.
Rations, camping supplies… The list of things they needed to buy seemed endless. Since Zig’s protective gear was completely in tatters, it needed replacing as well. To make matters worse, the influx of people arriving in the city for duties related to the investigation team made securing a room even more difficult. The only opening they could find was at an upper-class establishment, and thanks to all the commotion, the rates were higher than usual.
“S-seriously?” Zig stammered. “One hundred and thirty thousand for a double room per night?!”
“Calm down, Zig. Keep your cool.”
Siasha tried to placate Zig after the huge blow to his wallet left him trembling, but she couldn’t help but giggle. The man who came at her wildly flourishing his sword without even a hint of fear was shaking in his boots like a new recruit!
It took a little while for him to recover from the shock, but once he had his bearings back, Zig started to go over what items they would need.
“So that’s all of it?” Siasha asked. “Okay, let’s go shopping.”
“Not yet,” he said. “We’ve got to exchange those gems for cash. We don’t have any money.”
“Oh…right.”
With the gems being their only chance of recouping what they’d spent on the room, the pair headed out to look for a jeweler. Since many merchants frequented the city, they were soon able to find a relatively large establishment.
As Siasha was about to enter, Zig stepped back.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“You’re going to be the one to exchange the gems,” he said.
“What? But I’ve never done anything like that before!”
“Think about how it’ll look if a mercenary randomly shows up with a bunch of gems. I’ll probably be arrested on the spot for suspected theft.” He tried to look reassuring. “You’ll be okay. A large establishment like this isn’t going to be too ruthless since it might mar their dignity and reputation. Besides, they’re not going to just be looking at the gems; they’ll take the client into account too.”
“The…client?”
“The way someone behaves reveals their status and prestige. Clients that possess those qualities get better treatment…apparently.”
“Hey!” she said in indignation. “You’re going to spring that unsettling information on me at the last minute?!”
“It’s just something I heard from a merchant I shared drinks with once. Well, I don’t think it’s too off the mark…probably.” He pushed Siasha, who was still squealing her displeasure, into the shop.
All eyes were on them the moment they stepped into the quiet interior. The merchants passed over Zig, thinking he was just Siasha’s bodyguard. Instead, their attention locked onto the beautiful black-haired witch.
The barrage of stares made her flinch.
“Think of them as your enemies,” Zig whispered. “Treat them like you would as a witch. Just don’t overdo it, okay?”
“All right.” Siasha squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath before slowly opening them.
Suddenly, her demeanor was completely different, a shift so dramatic that it felt like the temperature inside the shop dropped. All the staff and even the other customers were transfixed on Siasha as she smiled captivatingly.
It may not have been deadly, but no one could deny the witch’s overwhelming presence.
“May I help you with something, Miss?”
Snapping back from the shock and remembering that they were proud professionals who needed to conduct themselves as such, one of the shop’s clerks approached her.
“I have some items I’d like to sell.” Siasha produced the gems, impressed by the clerk’s quick recovery.
“An appraisal, is it?” they asked politely. “Please allow me to take the items.”
The clerk placed the gems on a tray and headed toward the back of the shop. Though their face didn’t betray any emotion, they were surprised at the size and luster of the jewels. After some time, they returned to where Zig and Siasha were waiting.
“They’re all in excellent condition, so we would be willing to purchase the lot. How does three million orth sound?”
That sum was well beyond what Zig expected they would offer, though he tried to hide his amazement.
“That’s fine.” Siasha, having no awareness of the market rate, accepted without hesitation.
Her ignorance was becoming an advantage. Her demeanor, fine features, and cavalier attitude toward money told everyone in the shop one thing: She was, without a doubt, someone of high status.
After completing the transaction, they left the shop.
Siasha stretched out her arms and sighed. “Phew, that made my shoulders so tense. How did I do?”
“Very well.” Zig was sporting a large grin at their unexpected luck. “I figured those gems were quality items, but I never imagined they’d fetch that price.”
The steep price he’d paid at the inn was a drop in the bucket compared to three million orth! Despite all the expenses that lay ahead, that amount was a very tidy sum. And they even still had one of the gems, just in case they needed it later.
“How much money is it, exactly?” she asked.
“Let’s see…” He tried to mentally work out the numbers. “If a regular soldier worked around the clock for a year without taking time to even eat or drink, they would probably make about this amount. If you wanted to save up while living in moderation, it would take maybe four to five years.”
“Wow, that’s great!” Siasha grinned and clapped excitedly. “So, will this do as an advance payment?”
“What are you talking about? This amount is enough to pay for an escort with all the bells and whistles attached and then some.”
“No, no. This can just be the advance payment.”
“…Pardon?”
Zig’s good mood was suddenly overcast with dark clouds of doubt. Being offered too good of a commission automatically triggered his danger senses, especially in his line of work.
“Just what are you expecting of me?” he asked.
“I was thinking I’d keep you on as my bodyguard and advisor once we reach the other continent.”
“Your advisor?”
Siasha scanned the vicinity as they walked. “I’ve been thinking about it ever since we got here, but I know far too little about living in society. I don’t know what sort of food that stall is selling, for instance, or even how to go up and buy it.” She pointed at a stall selling chicken skewers. “I want to try that.”
Zig approached the elderly vendor. “We’ll take two, Gramps. Plus whatever drinks you happen to have on hand.”
“Coming right up!”
The stall owner got their orders ready in a flash, and they continued to walk as Zig started to eat his portion. He took a big bite out of his skewer, showing Siasha—who looked confused on how to eat her own—what to do.
She followed his example, albeit a little more daintily. A smile spread across her face as she savored the taste of the chicken before continuing to speak.
“Basically, I’d like you to teach me various things until I’ve acquired enough common sense.”
“You do know the place we’re going is just as unfamiliar to me, right?” he said.
“Still, I’m sure you have a leg up on me,” she insisted.
“Probably, but wouldn’t it be easier to hire a local guide once you get there?”
“It’s a matter of trust.”
Siasha took a sip of her fruit water, the tart liquid making for a perfect palate cleanser.
“Trust, huh… What have I done to earn yours so much?”
“At the very least, I know you’re a man who loves money enough that he’s willing to offer his services to a witch. As long as you see me as a worthy meal ticket, I’m confident you won’t betray me.”
“Interesting logic,” he said with a nod. “But you’re right, I do love money.”
Siasha nodded approvingly and held out the money bag. “I’ll pay your commission in installments. This amount will be for your advance payment and to cover all the necessary expenses, okay?”
“Sounds good.” Zig took the hefty bag from her.
“I’ll make sure you get your money’s worth,” she assured him.
“I’d expect nothing less.”