Chapter Twenty-seven: A New Alliance and Conditions of Hope
Not every treasure is buried. Some knock politely on your door with a contract in hand.
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Author's Note:
Ah, negotiations! Where secrets simmer under smiles and contracts could build empires—or blow them up. In this chapter, we move from chaos to chessboard as Pepito and the town of Sarimanook face a proposition that could shift everything. And yes, someone finally appreciates our boy's lighters.
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The metaphorical dust from Tina's ecstatic, floor-pounding acceptance had barely settled when Lakanbini Susan Sumilang, ever the pragmatist, gracefully steered Agent Perla Corales toward a more formal discussion at the Town Hall.
As we walked through the heart of Sarimanook—its salty breeze and the distant crash of waves folding into each footstep—Susan turned to me, her voice low and thoughtful.
> "Pepito, that was… quite something. The Whispering Seagulls Guild. What do you make of Agent Corales and her… rather timely proposition?"
Why is she asking me? my internal panic alarm beeped. I was just the lighter guy.
> "Well, Lakanbini," I said, trying to sound much calmer than I felt, "Agent Corales's approach is certainly a world away from Mr. Torente's. How about we hear her full proposal before deciding anything?"
Susan nodded, the tension easing from her shoulders.
> "A sound idea, Pepito."
She turned to Perla as we reached the old stone steps of the Town Hall, a colonial relic now scented with salt air and a stubborn little sprig of sampaguita by the door.
> "Agent Corales, I believe a more detailed discussion would be best conducted in my office."
> "Thank you kindly, Lakanbini Sumilang," Perla said with a respectful nod.
Then Susan turned back to me.
> "Pepito… could you come along too? Your perspective might be invaluable."
> "I would also appreciate your presence, Mr. Espiritu," Perla added smoothly. "Our guild may wish to request your particular assistance, should our proposal be accepted."
My help? I had a sinking suspicion they were after the exclusive rights to my lighters. Here we go again.
> "All right," I sighed. "I'll tag along."
I called out to the shop we'd passed on the way:
> "Marikit! Can you run the store a bit longer?"
> "Of course, Kuya Pepito!" she chirped from the doorway. "I am your esteemed Assistant Manager, after all!"
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Inside the Lakanbini's office, the scent of paper, ink, and sea breeze lingered. A vase of sampaguita sat by the window like a proud guardian of civility.
> "All right, Agent Corales," Susan said once we were seated. "Could you outline your guild's proposal?"
> "Yes, certainly," Perla began. "We are extremely interested in the Forest of Amihan. It's rich with unique monsters and rare herbs."
She spoke of value to enchanters, alchemists, and scholars—but then, her tone changed.
> "A few days ago, one of our scouting parties found an ancient map—remarkably intact. It depicts this continent during the golden age of magic civilization."
> "A map of the ancient world?" I asked, my brain shifting from panic to nerdy glee.
> "Exactly. And according to it, there are ruins—labyrinths, temples, perhaps even whole cities—scattered along the eastern edge of the continent. That means… they're likely here, within or bordering the Forest of Amihan."
Susan stood, hand to mouth.
> "Ancient ruins? Lost cities… here?"
> "Yes. And Dehin's Goli-dos clearly caught wind of it. That's why they pushed so aggressively for exclusive access."
She gave a sharp laugh.
> "They probably tried to bully you into submission. Typical Dehin's tactics."
> "The Maniniyut Guild," she continued, "intends to explore these ruins ethically, with Sarimanook as our base of operations."
> "Why Sarimanook?" I asked.
> "Two reasons. First, if we integrate the Whispering Seagulls Guild into our local operations, we won't have to build from scratch. Second…" she turned to me, "Your shop. Your… wares. I believe they could be vital to our expeditions."
Susan raised a brow.
> "So Pepito was the deciding factor?"
My stomach twisted.
> "What exactly do you want from him?" she asked.
> "Simply put," Perla replied, "we'd like to request Mr. Espiritu to open an official branch of Pepito's Wonders & Wares inside the new Guild Hall."
My brain short-circuited. I was expecting a dragon's demand. This was… a polite sugar request?
> "A branch store? Inside your hall?"
> "Naturally, you don't need to decide now," she added.
Then she stood, bowed deeply.
> "Lakanbini Sumilang, may we formally request to establish a branch of the Maniniyut Guild here in Sarimanook?"
Susan leaned forward, smile blooming.
> "After hearing your proposal, Guildswoman Corales, I almost feel like I should be begging you instead. But I do have one final question… What are your conditions?"
> "Conditions?"
I stepped in.
> "Dehin's Goli-dos had a list of demands. Tax exemption, exclusive rights to my lighters, and they even tried to make the town pay for their hall."
Perla's jaw dropped.
> "They what? That's… absurd. Insulting."
> "He also called me an idiot," Susan added. "And tried to… get handsy."
> "Utterly disgraceful. Rest assured, our Guild will do no such thing."
> "We will renovate the current hall at our expense, pay all taxes, and hire local workers for fair pay. The only thing we humbly ask is your help finding workers and land to lease at market value."
> "How does that sound to you, Lakanbini?"
Susan stood, offering her hand.
> "It would be our great pleasure to welcome the Maniniyut Adventurers' Guild to Sarimanook."
> "Thank you most kindly," Perla said as their handshake sealed the pact.
And just like that, the Whispering Seagulls Guild was reborn. A sleepy coastal town was about to become the gateway to legends.
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Mini Glossary:
Lakanbini – A title similar to 'Lady Mayor' or 'Matriarch' in this setting.
Maniniyut Guild – An adventurer's guild focused on responsible exploration and preservation.
Forest of Amihan – A mystical forest with hidden ruins and rare resources.
Dehin's Goli-dos – A rival guild known for cutthroat tactics.
Pepito's Wonders & Wares – Our hero's unique gadget and magical item shop.
Whispering Seagulls Guild – Formerly struggling local guild now absorbed into a larger alliance.