Chapter 713: The Price of Keeping It
"You'll lose part of that deposit before it reaches your boxes," the woman said.
Leon glanced at Lu Pei, who had just set a chisel against a blue-white seam.
"Wait a moment."
The collector lifted his hand.
Their visitor stood outside the pegs, her short sword still sheathed. Up close, Leon could see pale marks along her fingers and an old burn disappearing beneath one cuff. Her coat had been repaired at both elbows.
"Captain Hale Orrin," she said. "Vessian Company."
"Leon. Jade Moon Palace." He indicated the seam. "What are we going to lose?"
"The part you probably came here for." Orrin looked toward her own collectors. "May I bring someone over?"
"One person," Leon said.
She beckoned to an older man carrying a shallow ceramic case. While they waited, the banner expedition turned away from the contested belt. Its bearers followed a leader toward the southern workings, keeping their weapons lowered.
