#Outside the Merchant guild
After wrapping up their registration at the Adventurers Guild, Woon and Arth found themselves standing before their next destination—the grand and refined Merchant Guild.
Unlike the rugged, rowdy ambiance of the Adventurers Guild, this building stood as a symbol of wealth, order, and calculated ambition. It towered over the nearby structures with dignified grace, its walls built from pristine white marble, pillars carved with flowing patterns of trade winds and currency motifs, and golden emblems of commerce gleaming proudly on its facade. The structure gave off an aura of prosperity, precision, and silent power.
Two well-dressed guards stood motionless at the entrance, adorned in navy uniforms trimmed with gold thread, their polished halberds gleaming under the sun. All around, the area buzzed with constant movement—merchants shouting their deals, porters unloading crates from wagons, messengers darting back and forth, and street hawkers peddling ledgers, inks, and magical contract scrolls.
The air was thick with the scent of ink, parchment, leather, and faint hints of perfume used by well-groomed traders. Even the breeze carried ambition.
Woon tilted his head back, eyes widening as he gazed at the grandeur before him.
"So this is the Merchant Guild... It looks a lot fancier than the Adventurers Guild," he muttered, half in awe and half in amusement.
He adjusted his posture and took a deep breath.
"Since my plan of becoming an adventurer is postponed, I guess it's time to move forward with Plan B."
He began mentally laying out the strategy as they stepped closer.
"I'll start with something manageable—a small food business here. Once I make a name for myself in this city's market, I can expand—open a luxury restaurant in the capital. That's where the real gold is. Nobles there spend recklessly on new delicacies, especially if they come with a bit of flair or foreign mystery." But rushing into the capital now would be reckless. With no influence, no allies, and limited resources, I'd just be putting myself in danger—rival businesses, jealous nobles, shady politics, spies... too risky.
He glanced sideways at Arth, who remained ever calm and stoic.
"Even though Arth can handle almost any physical threat, what if someone targets me from the shadows? Poison, manipulation, or political traps... I need more than muscle—I need knowledge, leverage, and loyal people. I need to grow stronger and lay a solid foundation."
Woon clenched his small fist with quiet determination.
"To live a comfortable, rich, and worry-free life… I need to play it smart."
He turned to Arth, a subtle grin forming on his face.
"Alright, let's go."
◆ ◆ ◆
They stepped through the Merchant Guild's ornate double doors, entering a realm where elegance replaced grit.
Inside, a completely different atmosphere awaited them. Grand chandeliers made of crystal hung from the vaulted ceilings, reflecting warm golden light that danced across the velvet-lined walls. The floors were covered in thick carpets, muffling every step and giving a sense of calm control. Marble counters shimmered beneath brass signs, each station manned by impeccably dressed clerks who moved with quiet efficiency.
The entire hall exuded a sense of silent competition—ambition and calculation rather than brute strength.
"Wow," Woon whispered, his voice barely audible. "The interior of the Merchant Guild is just as stunning as the outside. It gives off a completely different vibe compared to the Adventurers Guild…"
Near one of the desks stood a young woman with short, neatly cut dark hair, her glasses resting firmly on her nose. She wore a crisp formal uniform with the Merchant Guild insignia embroidered over her heart. Spotting them, she offered a welcoming smile.
"Welcome to the Merchant Guild. How may I assist you?"
"I would like to register with the guild," Woon replied politely.
#Before arriving, Woon had taken the precaution of changing both his and Arth's clothing. He intentionally selected outfits that wouldn't stand out too much—not too luxurious to raise questions, yet not too plain to seem out of place.
The receptionist gave their outfits a subtle glance and nodded approvingly, sensing they belonged to neither the struggling poor nor the flaunting rich.
"Certainly. Right this way."
She led them through the main hall into a quieter lounge space tucked behind a series of polished wooden screens. The area was elegantly furnished with cushioned chairs, small round tables, and soft lighting. A faint trace of sandalwood incense hung in the air.
She laid a neatly prepared parchment on the table.
"Please, have a seat. You'll need to fill out this registration form and pay a one-time guild membership fee of 5 gold coins."
Woon took the form without hesitation, smoothly filling it out with clear, practiced handwriting. He slid it back to her along with a pouch containing the exact amount.
"All done," he said confidently.
She reviewed the form quickly, then looked back up.
"Lee Soo-Woon, age ten. Everything appears to be in order. Please be reminded: the Merchant Guild maintains a strict code of conduct. Any involvement in illegal dealings or breach of trust will result in immediate revocation of your license and potential legal penalties." She warns them not to do anything that might gets them into trouble.
"Understood," Woon nodded.
"Do you have any other questions?"
"Yes," Woon said. "Can you help us find a property to start a business?"
"Certainly," she replied without hesitation.
She reached behind her desk and pulled out a large, leather-bound catalog, placing it carefully on the table. The book was thick, filled with maps, sketches, and listings of properties currently available for purchase or lease.
They spent several minutes flipping through pages. Woon remained focused, asking questions about location, foot traffic, and surrounding businesses. Eventually, his eyes settled on a three-story building situated in a lively merchant district.
"I like this one. How much does it cost?" he asked, tapping the page.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow.
"That's an excellent choice," she said, her tone mildly impressed. "It's 2 platinum coins."
Woon paused, then smiled internally.
"That's quite the price tag... but thanks to Diana's generosity, I've got more than enough to spare."
To her astonishment, Woon calmly reached into his pouch and produced the required coins.
"Here you go. Two platinum coins."
The receptionist blinked in surprise, her composure faltering for a brief second.
"I-I will go and prepare the necessary documents right away," she said, then quickly walked off.
A short while later, she returned carrying a slim folder, a silver-trimmed card, and a rolled-up parchment sealed with the guild's wax emblem.
"Here is your Merchant Guild card and the official property documents for your new building," she announced, handing them over respectfully. "With this, you are now officially recognized as a registered merchant under the Bahamara branch of the guild."
Woon examined the card.
*** ***
Name: Soo-woon
Race: Human
Status: Affiliated with the Merchant Guild
*** ***
"There's no rank listed?" he asked curiously.
"That's correct," she explained. "Unlike the Adventurers Guild, we don't operate on a ranking system. You are free to run your business however you like, provided you comply with all legal regulations and guild rules."
"Got it." Woon nodded, satisfied.
With the formalities completed, Woon and Arth stepped back out into the city. The late afternoon sun painted the cobblestone streets of Bahamara in hues of gold and amber. The sounds of a thriving town welcomed them—vendors calling out prices, the clatter of cart wheels, the aroma of roasted meat and sweet pastries filling the air. Children laughed and played in the alleys, while a bard nearby plucked a light tune on his lute, adding a touch of melody to the vibrant scene.
"Now then," Woon said with a grin. "Let's go check out our new place."
They navigated through the crowd with ease, weaving between merchants and curious townsfolk. Eventually, they arrived at the chosen location—a proud, sturdy building standing at a lively intersection. Its stone walls showed signs of age, but the structure was sound. Large windows offered a glimpse of its spacious interior, and a blank wooden sign hung overhead, waiting for a name that would one day become known across the kingdom.
Woon stepped forward and ran a hand along the doorframe, imagining the future that would unfold here—steaming bowls of food, satisfied customers, laughter echoing through the halls, the smell of roasted meats and spices drifting out to tempt passersby.
"This is where it all begins!" he murmured, eyes sparkling.
Arth stood beside him silently, as if sensing the weight of the moment.
And so, the two stepped into the building that would become the heart of their new life. A place not built by war or weapons—but by ambition, flavor, and a dream too delicious to ignore.
To be continued...
# how currency works:
1 platinum = 100 gold = 10,000,000 Yen
1 gold = 100 silver = 100,000 Yen
1 silver = 100 copper = 1,000 Yen
1 copper = 10 Yen