So-Yeon sat at a roughly-hewn wooden table in the corner of the tavern. The day was at its peak, and soft sunlight poured through the wide windows, casting warm glimmers on the bowl of herbal tea before her. Ellie was seated beside her, intently studying something on the floor, while So-Yeon was lost in thought.
Raymond's offer sounded too good to be true. Help, resources, protection—this could solve all her problems. Yet trusting a stranger, after everything she had endured, felt nearly impossible.
She stole a glance at Raymond, who was sitting a bit further away, chatting with Gromer. His relaxed posture and faint smile seemed casual, but there was a glint in his eyes that So-Yeon couldn't ignore. A person with eyes like that surely had secrets, she thought.
"Auntie So-Yeon, are you alright?" Ellie's soft voice broke her reverie. The girl placed a small hand on her arm, her wide eyes filled with concern.
So-Yeon looked at Ellie and forced a smile.
"I'm fine, sweetheart," she said, though her voice sounded strained, betraying her unease.
Ellie frowned, clearly sensing the lie. Her fingers gently stroked So-Yeon's hand, as if trying to comfort her.
"You seem sad," the girl observed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But that man… he's kind. He saved us, didn't he?"
So-Yeon glanced at Raymond again but remained silent. Her thoughts swirled, and each of Ellie's words added weight to her doubts.
Ellie sighed and leaned against her aunt's shoulder, as if to reassure her with her presence.
"It'll be okay, Auntie So-Yeon," she whispered. "I'm sure of it."
A few minutes later, Gromer approached the table.
"So-Yeon, you look tense. Has Raymond explained everything to you?"
She nodded, trying to mask her apprehension.
"Yes, but… it's all so sudden. I'm not sure if I can trust someone I just met."
Gromer sat across from her, resting his arms on the table. His voice was softer, but his tone carried conviction.
"I've known Raymond for many years," he began. "We've been through a lot together. If there's anyone in this town worth trusting, it's him."
So-Yeon studied him, searching for any hint of insincerity. Gromer rarely spoke of his feelings, and even less frequently gave recommendations. But his certainty didn't sound like mere assurance—it felt like an undeniable truth.
Ellie, noticing So-Yeon's hesitation, chimed in. She raised her head, her voice louder and more confident than usual:
"Auntie So-Yeon, Gromer always helps us, doesn't he? If he says this man can be trusted, then it must be true."
Gromer chuckled, running a hand over his dark beard, slightly amused by the girl's earnestness.
"Raymond? Manipulative? No, he's more interested in honest work than schemes. He sees potential in you, So-Yeon. This is a chance—for both you and Ellie."
Her heart clenched painfully. Potential. She had always felt like she was striving for the impossible—keeping Ellie safe, earning a living, and preserving what little pride she had left. And now, when everything seemed hopeless, a man appeared offering her a way out. But at what cost?
Raymond, noticing the tense atmosphere at the table, decided to intervene. He approached with a cup of ale and sat beside Gromer.
"So-Yeon," he began, meeting her eyes directly. "I see you're uncertain, and that's perfectly natural. I'd feel the same in your place. But I'm not offering just a deal—I'm offering a partnership. You'll have full autonomy over your decisions, and I'll provide the protection and support you need."
"A partnership?" she repeated, her voice trembling slightly. "Why would you do this? What's in it for you?"
Raymond chuckled, leaning back in his chair. His gaze briefly wandered to the side, as if recalling a distant memory.
"You see, So-Yeon, a few years ago, I helped a family in a far worse situation. They'd lost everything to bandits but managed to rebuild their lives. Now, they have their own home and a small business. Maybe I've just grown used to finding people like you."
His words made her pause.
"Miss So-Yeon," he continued, his tone growing more serious. "Rarely do people act out of pure altruism. And I'm no exception. Yes, I'll make a profit. Your medicines aren't just herbs—they're unique. But I also understand what it's like to fight against the odds, to try and survive in a world that seems set against you. You're not the first person I've helped, and I hope you won't be the last."
So-Yeon frowned, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of the table. His words sounded genuine, but trust didn't come easily.
Ellie tugged at So-Yeon's sleeve, her voice soft yet insistent:
"Auntie, if he turns out to be bad, we'll just leave. But so far, he hasn't done anything wrong, has he?" Her eyes glimmered with hope.
Those words stuck in So-Yeon's mind. Despite her age, Ellie always had a way of simplifying complex situations.
"What if something goes wrong?" So-Yeon asked quietly. "What if you decide I'm no longer useful to you?"
Raymond leaned forward, his voice warm but resolute.
"I won't betray your trust. You have Gromer to vouch for me. And besides, I'm not the kind of man who breaks agreements. Give it a try, So-Yeon. If you're unhappy, you're free to walk away."
Her gaze shifted between Raymond and Gromer. She saw in Gromer's eyes a steadfast confidence. He had never put her in harm's way before, so why would this time be any different?
Ellie, sensing her aunt's tension, wrapped her arms around her hand.
"Auntie So-Yeon, let's try," the girl whispered. "This man is kind. He helped us, didn't he?"
Ellie's words became the final push. So-Yeon sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly as the tension in her expression softened.
"Alright," she said at last. "I'll give it a try. But if I see anything suspicious, I'm leaving."
Raymond nodded, his smile widening.
"You won't regret this, So-Yeon. This is the start of something good, trust me."
Gromer clapped his hand on the table, as if to seal the decision.
"Well, then, it's settled. Let's celebrate with a proper meal. So-Yeon, you have nothing to worry about. Raymond doesn't go back on his word."
So-Yeon allowed herself a faint smile, though her thoughts remained heavy. She knew this decision would change their lives—perhaps for the better, or perhaps not. But one thing was clear: for Ellie's sake, she was willing to take the risk.
***So-Yeon's Conditions
So-Yeon fixed her gaze on Raymond, her expression focused and resolute. She allowed no more room for hesitation—if she were to collaborate, it would only be on her terms.
"Before I agree," she began, her voice steady, "I need to establish some conditions."
Raymond, seated across from her, leaned forward slightly, genuine curiosity reflected on his face. He gestured for her to continue.
"First," So-Yeon clasped her hands on the table, "I need assurance that Ellie and I will be safe. No risks, no compromises. If that's not possible, there will be no agreement."
"That's reasonable," Raymond replied with a nod. "Safety will be our top priority. Please, go on."
"Second," she continued, her eyes flashing with determination, "if I decide to end our collaboration, I must be free to walk away without interference. You won't hold me back."
Raymond raised an eyebrow slightly but kept his smile intact.
"You'll have complete freedom. I'm a man of my word, and I value honesty."
Gromer, who had been quietly observing their conversation, nodded approvingly but refrained from interrupting.
"And lastly," So-Yeon leaned in slightly to emphasize her point, "I will decide which medicines we produce and sell. I won't allow anyone to impose their decisions on me."
Raymond drummed his fingers on the table, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, his smile widened.
"All three conditions are accepted. I can assure you there will be no conflicts regarding these terms. You are the expert in this field, and I respect your judgment."
So-Yeon scrutinized him carefully, searching for any hint of deceit in his voice or demeanor. Finding none, she gave a small nod, feeling a slight sense of relief.
"Then we have an agreement," she concluded.
"And this is the beginning of our partnership," Raymond said, extending his hand.
So-Yeon accepted his handshake, though doubts lingered in her heart. Yet for Ellie's sake, she was willing to give it a chance.
***Plans and Logistics
Time flew by as they sat around the round table in the tavern's back room. On the table lay a roughly sketched map of the village and its surrounding areas. Raymond, Gromer, and So-Yeon leaned over it, discussing the details of their upcoming work.
"First, we need to figure out how to organize supplies," Raymond began, pointing to various spots on the map. "I can bring in my people, but logistics will take time. So-Yeon, do you have any suggestions?"
She lifted her gaze, confident in her response. The experience she had gained as a deputy head of logistics in her past life gave her an edge.
"I have a proposal," she began, pulling out a sheet of paper where she had been jotting down notes. "We'll start by sorting the medicines. Each remedy should be clearly classified by its purpose—wounds, fevers, infections, and so on. This will simplify the sales process and minimize errors."
Gromer, seated beside her, frowned.
"You're suggesting we keep records? That's no easy task."
"It's not easy," So-Yeon agreed. "But it's necessary. Without a system, we'll descend into chaos. Back in my previous work, we implemented similar structures, and it saved us a lot of time."
Raymond studied her notes closely, his eyes widening as he realized how detailed her suggestions were.
"This… is impressive," he admitted. "I didn't expect this level of precision. You clearly understand how to build a structure."
So-Yeon smiled faintly, though her tone remained serious.
"One more thing. I suggest creating a network of suppliers. Gromer, you know the forest and its resources better than anyone. You could handle gathering and transporting rare herbs."
Gromer frowned but eventually nodded, acknowledging the practicality of her idea.
"Alright. That makes sense. But I'll need you to explain everything to me in detail—what herbs to look for, where to find them, and how best to store them."
"We'll discuss that later," So-Yeon replied. "For now, the priority is establishing the system."
Raymond raised a hand to draw their attention.
"So-Yeon, you mentioned sorting and a supplier network. But what about distribution? How will we deliver the medicines to clients?"
She quickly marked several key points on the map.
"These villages will be our first clients. Raymond, your people can handle the deliveries. But every shipment must be documented to avoid losses."
Raymond smiled, his voice filled with admiration.
"You think like a strategist. It's impressive."
So-Yeon couldn't help but feel slightly flustered but quickly regained her composure.
"It's just logic. If we want this to work, we need a system. Without it, even the most reliable plan is doomed to fail."
Gromer, who had been quietly listening, finally let out a hearty laugh.
"Who would've thought such a petite woman could lay it all out so clearly. Alright, So-Yeon, I'm in."
"And so am I," added Raymond. "We'll start right away. I'll get in touch with the necessary people to prepare everything."
So-Yeon felt the tension in her chest ease slightly. She still wasn't certain everything would go smoothly, but now she had a goal. And that gave her the strength to move forward.