Sebastian who just heard Ains words coughed loudly, I turned my head in his direction but he avoided my gaze.
"Lord Ains, Please get to the point... Your words may cause misunderstanding."
"Ah, right my bad I haven't died yet."
Ains nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"So, my number of questions just increased by twice... let's start with simple ones first. Do you mind?"
I asked keeping my gaze on the kid in front of me.
Albert looked at both Asher and Ains nervously, their words already going out of his head.
'Wasn't this supposed to be a business deal? Why is it getting so heated all of a sudden?' He thought to himself while scratching his head in frustration.
"Yes, please go ahead it will speed up our talk this way." Ains nodded in approval.
I narrowed my eyes and pointed toward the butler currently blocking the door.
"What's the purpose of your butler blocking the door? How can he know someone is listening to our conversation... Unless he is an awakener."
Both the butler and his master blinked simultaneously dumbfounded by my words.
Ains smiled wavering for a moment and he asked cautiously. "Can I ask why you are asking about this?"
I leaned back and crossed my arms.
"Your guard just attacked me outside and if your butler is an awakener I need to be ready to fight him... Life is no joke you know, one can never be less cautious?"
"Ahaha, that's some insightful word you said there... Um, but yes Sebastian is an awakener but please be at ease we have no intention of harming you... He has sensory or more like sound-related abilities that enhance his hearing and let him block sound. So our talk will not go outside of this room."
"A sound-related ability, so he basically makes this room soundproof you mean?"
I asked skeptical at his words, Ains face lit up as he nodded.
"Yes, soundproofing does explain a lot, doesn't it? But anyway please keep this information to yourself... Think of it as us showing our trust."
"That's an incredible ability to have... any team of awakener would wish to have Mr. Sebastian with them." I didn't hide my amazement.
The potential for such an ability was immense, not only could he hear the incoming enemy from afar, easing the scouting duties, but he could also block the sound of battle from going outside!
He was the perfect tool for creating traps!
"Thank you, I can proudly say that one of the biggest achievements my late father has accomplished was recruiting him."
Ains smiled, making Sebastian bashful in return, it was like watching a grandson showing off his grandparents to the others in pride.
"Your praises are all I could ever wish for..." The butler nodded happily but maintained his professional etiquette.
"I see, my next question why did your guard stop and attack us?"
Ains cheeky smile vanished in an instant, he took a deep breath then said without hesitation. "He is not my guard... We never appointed him here. He is working for my uncle and other relatives."
Hearing that my eyebrows shot up. "Your uncle? Why would he do such a thing?"
Ains remained thoughtful then looked down, his hands strongly clenched.
"Haaa... It's a long story, but his motives are simple he wants to get what belongs rightfully to me. That's why he has been stopping us from doing any business."
"I am still young so I have not gained any trust in the market yet, whereas many believe him to do just the right thing. So, he has been slowly trying to take over my family's business to usurp it completely."
Anis added without giving me any chance to speak, he didn't look like a child of his age, rather he seemed to carry the burden of a mountainous weight over his shoulders.
"Why did you let him appoint a guard here anyway?"
'If you are aware of what he has been doing, why not stop him?' This was my original question but I had managed to ask it respectfully.
Ains looked up and met my gaze with a seriousness that was uncommon for his young age.
"It's a political play, a way for him to keep an eye on me. If I were to oppose his guard, it would cause a scene, and I'm not yet ready to confront him directly. But make no mistake, I'm aware of his intentions, and I won't let him take what is rightfully mine."
"There is also the merchant guild, a small gathering of wealthy people of this city... And he probably plans to get them on his side."
Ains voice grew darker as he spoke of his uncle's schemes.
"I see," I murmured, contemplating the situation. "So, you're essentially being held hostage by your own family's name and power?"
He smiled weakly and nodded.
"That's somewhat correct but not entirely, no one is on anyone's side. Everyone just wants a piece in this confrontation... And If they can take a profit out of this, then why not?"
Ains shrugged, his voice carrying the weight of his world.
Sigh...
"I am sad to hear all of that but... it doesn't answer much, how does it make you die and why are you telling this to us?" I asked shaking my head at his words.
He had told his story, his goal almost out in the open. Nothing was told up straight, but concluding by using earlier hints was easy.
"My parents died a week ago, not by monsters of that horrendous night but rather they have been assassinated."
The room grew tense as Ains spoke in a hollow tone.
"Someone made sure to take full advantage of this situation and with how things are going who do you think will have the most profitable experience?" He smiled and tapped his head, taunting us to think.
"...Your uncle," I mumbled out loud, his intentions got cleared way more easily than I had previously imagined.
"Correct," Ains snapped his fingers, the clicking sound made me frown but nod.
"I see, so you need my help, is that why you told us this much?"
Not wasting any time I asked directly taking both Ains and Sebastian by surprise.
I leaned forward, my elbows resting on the desk, my gaze unwavering from the young lord.
"If you want my help, you need to be more specific. What can I, a mere merchant, do against someone like your uncle?"
I asked, trying to keep my skepticism in check. Ains leaned back in his chair, his gaze shrewd as he studied me.
"Mere merchants, huh... Beating such a strong awakener to a pulp is nowhere being mere merchants. But you are right, I need your help and I will in return give all the help you will need for your business in the future."
Ains eyes gleamed with determination as he spoke, the weight of his words echoed in the room.
"Hmm, how can I help? My own work might get at risk if I try to interfere between big fishes like you?"
I leaned back in my chair, stroking my chin as if in deep thought, though the gears in my mind were already turning. The situation was delicate, and I knew that if I played my cards right, I could gain a powerful ally.
"What exactly do you propose, young lord?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral. "How do you intend to use me to counter your uncle's moves?"
Ains leaned in, his eyes bright with excitement. "I need someone who can move in the shadows, someone who can get information and maybe, just maybe, influence the decisions of others without them knowing."
My smile wavered, as I felt my throat go dry.
"Your expectations are high, *ahem* I am not an expert in hiding in shadows" I knew my limits and one of my cons was that even though I don't have any flashy skills I still ended up gaining attention.
"...But influencing the decisions of others just might be possible." I smiled.
Ains' eyes lit up, and he leaned forward eagerly.
"Exactly, I know it's a lot to ask, but I believe in your capabilities. You see, the merchant guild is like a chessboard. Each member has their own agenda, and if we can predict their moves, we can control the game."
I needed to be precise with my words, not wanting to get caught up in something that could potentially ruin my reputation or my business.
"What information are you looking for, exactly?"
Ains leaned back in his chair, his gaze calculating. "Anything that could give us an advantage over my uncle. Business deals he's trying to make, alliances he's forming, or even his personal weaknesses. Anything that could help me to win over the support of the merchant guild or even better, make him slip up."
"Got it... But I can't give you a guarantee that I will do it, I might just abandon it in the middle please keep this in mind." Saying that I stood up.
"Don't worry, I understand the risks involved. If you decide to help, I'll compensate you well. And if you need to pull out, I'll respect your decision," Ains assured me, his voice firm and determined.
"What's your uncle's name?"
I threw the question at Ains, as I knew knowing the enemy was crucial for any battle, even a shadowy one like this.
"His name is Lord Elric. He's quite the charmer and is known to be shrewd in his dealings. Many of the merchants are fooled by his words," Ains replied, his voice laced with contempt.
He thought for a moment then softly added.
"Sorry Mr. Asher, we were unable to discuss any business-related issue you originally came for."
Ains voice was filled with regret, but his eyes told a different story.
"I see, do you have any recommendations for where we can buy the materials for at least a month... I would like to continue my work meanwhile as well."
I said, keeping the conversation on the track of business. Ains nodded his head understanding my position.
"Take this card, my uncle also sells them so just buy it from there... This way he will also not get suspicious of you since you came here."
Handing me a card with business details written over it, I held it gently feeling the softness of the paper in my hand.
"Thanks, We will take our leave now."
"Albert let's go" I turned to look at him, he was sitting in a daze out of his mind.
"Ah, yes!"
Coming out of his thoughts he stood up immediately and followed me back.
*****
Asher and his subordinate Albert soon left, Ains looked at the door as it opened again.
This time Sebastian entered alone.
"I was unable to follow them as suddenly they started to walk at an unnatural speed." He said solemnly his eyes scanning the room and landing on his lord's small figure.
Ains sighed.
"That was to be expected... I informed them about your ability after all."
"Lord Ains are you sure you didn't tell them too much? Giving so much information can be harmful to us in the long run."
"I was taken aback as well but my instincts were screaming that I need to do this, but half of the information came from speculation and Mr. Asher was too smart to let it go."
"He indeed was smart, he also didn't pressure you to answer things you avoided... Was it out of respect? I truly wonder."
Sebastian spoke with a hint of curiosity in his voice, his gaze never leaving his lord.
Ains smiled and shook his head.
"I was not the only one who gave vague answers, he also didn't say anything directly and didn't make any promises to help us."
"...I see, and here I thought 90% of awakeners were simple brutes... Lord Asher seems to be in that 10%."
"Ah, No I am sure he is somewhere in the middle."
Ains laughed at his butler's words, his laughter soon made him lie down on the sofa as he closed his eyes.
Taming a deep breath he solemnly declared.
"Everyone is a liar."