Chapter 184: Preparations

    For the next few days, everyone spent their time together, catching up. Derek took Rayna to the Adventurers Guild to both train her new skills, and get her a Gold Adventurers Badge. She easily completed her testing missions to obtain the rank.

    Normally, Jacks would be the one to help Rayna, but he was busy with his son. They had a lot of catching up to do. Derek knew Jacks had let Jake know about everything that had transpired and was glad to see that the two of them ended up having a decent relationship.

    Prince Edgar was a bit of an oddball. He mostly just sat around, listening and giving his two cents on topics that interested him. More than anything, the man seemed to be happy to be where he was, and not where he obviously should have been. The Prince turned out to be a very patient man, as well. There was a never-ending stream of questions flowing out of Thomass mouth about the Academy.

    Derek also found time to take Malorie to the bank and set everything up. She would be the manager at their shop, so he gave her access to everything, including his finances. He wasnt worried about money. If he need it personally, he could just go on a hunt for something big. He also wasnt worried about her stealing. He trusted her and trusted that she wouldnt do anything to jeopardize Brandis future.

    Rudy finally got over his excitement and decided that his business didnt need a flamboyant name. He was in the contract business. It was better to be straightforward. Eventually, he settled on Contracts by Rudy. Derek helped with the slogan, Always get it in writing! After a short conversation with Geoffrey, the sign and slogan was mounted above the entrance to his part of the building.

    Finally, Derek talked with Stella about the Void Beast materials, and was able to get everything within two days. Apparently, Alanah had made an official announcement and was beginning to prepare for the auction, which would be the first of two, and be held in Savannah. Thus, the Void Beasts were already in the process of being prepared when he made the request.

    Roman was ecstatic when Derek delivered the materials, as was Rudy. It was the first contract he made under his new business. Overall, the contract was in Dereks favor, but Roman couldnt complain. He would not only being making an absurd amount of money, but the experience he would get for crafting the potions would be no joke. He even redoubled his efforts in teaching Brandi when she went over for lessons.

    As for Sabrina Elras, f everything was as Edgar said, then she didnt have anything to do with it. He did see the elf around, though. He even caught her staring in his direction a couple of times when he was in the central part of the city. She would quickly turn her head and act as if nothing happened.

    He still heard nothing about or from Natalie Savannah. Apparently, the incident with the ambush didnt warrant her involvement, as everything was settled without death. A prince being there probably helped the matters, as well.

    Which led Derek to today. He was standing outside the Crown Restaurant waiting for one last meeting with Stella before he left for a dungeon. In his storage bracelet, sat one vial of the Potion of Physical Permanence.

    The auction was a month away, and he was looking to add an extra layer to it. He hadnt planned on rushing out the product so fast, but with the auction happening sooner than he originally thought it would, he decided to show off his new product.

    I dont know why were here. I have more than enough clout to advertise the potion for myself. Roman clicked his tongue.

    I trust Alanahs clientele much more than I trust yours. Hers is very selective, yours not so much. Derek said. Plus, it may be better for you to keep your name hidden. You may attract some unsavory characters once it becomes known that you can create such a potion.

    Roman spat on the street. I already attract unsavory characters. They pay the best.

    Yeah, but none of your previous potions would be worth killing for, and I dont think youre as strong as Alanah is. I dont think Shaes backing would be enough to keep you safe after announcing something like this, and my reputation isnt high enough yet. It will be one day, possibly soon, but for now, I think its best to rely on Alanah and the Crown. Derek said.

    Whatever well try it your way. But the costs are coming out of your half. Roman said.

    Derek chuckled and led Roman into the Crown Restaurant. They were quickly ushered upstairs to Stellas office. She was waiting for their arrival.

    Stella! Derek walked in and grabbed a seat.

    Roman followed his lead and hopped in a chair of his own.

    Stella turned to Roman with a glint in her eyes and smiled. We do have a few extra sets of Void Beast materials that weve accumulated or havent sold over the years. Would you be interested?

    Derek snapped his fingers in front of Stellas face. Hey Im still here.

    Stella snapped back. Oh sorry about that. I got ahead of myself. We may not even have all the correct materials needed, anyway. I dont know if we have any claws left in our stock, as they make for great smiting materials hides as well.

    So, what do you say? Can we work with you? Derek asked.

    Im sure we can work something out. Ill contact my Mistress about it later. Stella answered and held the potion out for Derek to take.

    Keep it. Youll need to test it to verify its worth. Just remember. Derek said. Weve provided the entirety of the product. You will only be advertising and selling it to your clients a product that doesnt necessarily need your advertising or selling. Only your backing if that.

    I am well aware. Stella said.

    Thats good. Derek said. Call me on the communication crystal once you figure something out. I may be out for a couple of weeks, but we will be able to work something out before the auction.

    Oh? Where are you going? Stella asked.

    Derek shrugged. Around. He said. Anyway, we need to get going.

    Derek stood, as did Roman.

    Its been a pleasure doing business with you again. Derek reached out and shook Stellas hand.

    Always. Stella said.

    After that, the two left the Crown and began their trip back to Romans shop.

    You sure were quiet in there. Derek said.

    I dont like doing business with business minded people. I like to set a price, then they pay it or leave. Negotiations make my skin crawl.

    So thats why you didnt put up much of a fight with our contract? Derek said.

    They werent bad terms, either. You didnt seem like the type to rip me off. Roman said.

    Indeed.