The latter did result in another visit to the massive Merchant's Guild of Centria once again, though there wasn't much time to exchange pleasantries with Janette or any of the merchants you spoke with before, the most being a few greetings. This was purely a matter of business, and you didn't want to waste the opportunity that Ayane was able to get from her correspondence.

"Ah, welcome! Welcome! Thank you, John Doe! Thank you." The second in command of the Merchant's Guild said with guarded politeness. "I must apologize for the absence of Guildmaster Ryan is not meant as a slight. He is a very busy man, you see."

"It's good to meet you, too." You said neutrally. "I am John Doe and this is my slave-wife, Ayane." Your kitsune bowed politely in response. "Now, seeing how you don't have much time, let's get to business."

"Yes, let's." He said.

Conrad wore a plain brown tunic and always had a kind smile on his face. He had a far more humble appearance than what you'd expected a merchant like him to have. Only the rings with jewels encrusted in them on his fingers tentatively revealed how wealthy he really was.

He was the only one that gave Ayane some trouble when it came to diplomacy— though in the end they both came to an understanding. He asked if you knew the basics of the Centrian Merchant's Guild, generally being very polite and helpful. When you spoke about your plans to patent and sell your high-quality typewriter, he seemed interested in helping you do business.

While he was a person that lacked interesting features, he seemed to at least be wiser than a few others in his actions. But otherwise he was well guarded, and seemed to be a wild card.

"It is much appreciated, John Doe and company! Yes, it is much appreciated!"

"Likewise." You said. "Let's hope this is the start of a mutually beneficial partnership."

"Yes, let's." He said once more.

You both shook hands— there was a coldness to his grasp— and you parted ways.

That wasn't to say these were the only 'people of interest' you met today, but a monotony set in when dealing with what was a constant flow of greedy merchants, arrogant nobles, disrespectful slave-wives, and opportunistic Masters. The only source of sanity was the calm and controlled expression on Ayane's face— neither shifting nor cracking. If you didn't know better, you might've been fooled by her calmness.

She really proved her worth today.

===

A long day was finally over, and you gave your kitsune some some scratches behind the her ears.

"Oooh, Master..." She seemed to enjoy it.

"You deserve a reward for doing such a good job today." You said. "And, since you didn't even get anything for yourself, I wanted to know if you wanted to get something."

"Ah, that reminds me," Ayane said suddenly. "I checked the status of the 10 gold coins you gave me when you first arrived in Centria."

"By how you were acting, I imagined you didn't waste it."

"Indeed I didn't."