#Outside the Merchant guild
After wrapping up their registration at the Adventurers Guild, Woon and Arth stood before their next destination: the grand and refined Merchant Guild.
The tall building stood out among the cityscape with its elegant architecture, polished marble pillars, and golden emblems of commerce etched into its facade. A pair of finely dressed guards stood at attention near the entrance, and the surrounding area bustled with merchants, delivery wagons, and the constant chatter of deals being struck. The air itself buzzed with ambition and the scent of freshly inked contracts.
Woon stood in awe, staring up at the lavish entrance.
"So this is the Merchant Guild... It looks a lot fancier than the Adventurers Guild," Woon muttered to himself, still taking in the view. 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 a small food business here. Once I make a name for myself in this city's market, I can open a luxury restaurant in the capital, targeting nobles. Nobles have deep pockets and are always looking for unique delicacies. 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.
Even though Arth can handle most physical threats, what if someone targets me directly, in secret? I need to grow stronger, build my own forces, and solidify my foundation before reaching that level."
Woon clenched his fist with determination. "To live a comfortable, rich, and worry-free life... I need to play it smart."
With his thoughts aligned, he turned to Arth. "Alright, let's go."
They stepped through the Merchant Guild's ornate doors. Inside, they were greeted with an atmosphere entirely different from the rugged Adventurers Guild. Shimmering chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting warm light on the velvet-lined walls. Velvet carpets softened each step. Marble counters and brass signs gave off a luxurious vibe. Dozens of clerks worked quietly and efficiently behind carved mahogany desks. Business was done here with a quiet intensity.
"Wow, the interior of Merchant Guild is as amazing as the outside, it's totally different from the adventurers guild." Woon whispered.
Across the room stood a young woman with short dark hair, dressed in a formal uniform, glasses perched on her nose. Spotting them, she greeted with a polite smile.
"Welcome to the Merchant Guild. How may I assist you?"
"We'd like to register with the guild," Woon replied.
#Before coming, Woon changed both his and Arth's clothes, so to look not too high class or too below the average.
The receptionist glanced at their clean but modest clothing and gave a nod of approval. "Certainly. Right this way."
She led them past the main hall into a quiet sitting area at the back. Polished wooden tables and plush chairs filled the space. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.
"Please, have a seat," she offered, laying down a registration form. "Kindly fill this out."
Woon and Arth filled the form swiftly. Woon handed it back. "All done."
She looked over the details. "Lee-soo-Woon, age ten. Guardian: Arth. Everything seems in order. Please ensure you follow guild regulations. Any illegal activity will result in license revocation and penalties." She warns them not to do anything that might gets them into trouble.
She set the form aside. "Do you have any further questions?"
"Yes," Woon said. "Can you help us find a building to rent for our business?"
"Absolutely," she replied, pulling out a thick leather-bound catalog. "These are properties currently available."
They spent the next few minutes browsing. Eventually, Woon pointed to a three-story building in a busy district. It had good foot traffic, low rent, and solid infrastructure.
Seeing his selection, the receptionist raised her eyebrows. "I apologize," she said, her tone changing, "I underestimated you. I thought you were just a child starting out, but you clearly have an eye for opportunity—location, pricing, long-term potential. I have no doubt you'll go far."
Woon blinked. I just picked the one that looked cheapest... but sure, I'll take the compliment.
With the property secured, the receptionist returned with a polished guild card and handed it to Woon.
"Here is your Merchant Guild card. It also serves as your identification."
He read the simple card:
*** ***
Name: Lee-soo-woon
Race: Human
Affiliated with the Merchant Guild
*** ***
"There's no rank listed?"
"That's correct," she explained. "Unlike the Adventurers Guild, the Merchant Guild has no ranking system. You're free to run your business as you please, as long as everything is legal."
"Got it," Woon nodded with satisfaction.
With formalities complete, they exited the guild. The late afternoon sun bathed the cobbled streets of Bahamara in a warm golden hue. Merchants hawked their goods, and the smell of baked bread and spices drifted through the air. Children darted through alleyways, and a bard strummed a lute nearby, filling the atmosphere with a cheerful tune.
"Now then," Woon said with a grin. "Let's go check out our new place."
They wove through the lively crowds, dodging street performers and curious townsfolk, eventually reaching the building they'd selected. It stood proud at a bustling intersection, its stone walls weathered but strong, windows intact, and its wooden signpost waiting for a name to be etched into history.
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 building would not just be a shop. It would be a dream, a sanctuary, a home.
"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 made their way into their new venture—one built not with swords, but with flavor, wit, and ambition.
To be continued...