The third building of the 4-Leaf Guild possessed a peaceful silence, completely isolated from the chaotic hum of Yellow City. Unlike the commotion in the front buildings, this building was reserved only for the Guild's most elite guests. The office of Branch Leader Wugui was on the top floor, a sanctuary blending elegance and authority that overlooked the city skyline.
The office was filled with furniture carved from dark ebony and ancient calligraphy scrolls decorating the walls. It was not surprising that Wugui had an interest in such things. He had more than enough money to purchase such items. Furthermore, he was not originally from here. He was born into a family interested in history and was quite elderly himself. He enjoyed objects that held memories.
The faint scent of expensive incense, which cleared the mind, hung in the air. In a corner of the room stood a jade teapot from which a thin wisp of steam drifted. Mais sat at a low table in front of the large window, sipping this rare spiritual tea with Wugui, who sat opposite him.
"I congratulate you on reaching the Sage Realm, Mr. Wugui," Mais said, placing his cup gracefully on the table. His tone was more like the appreciation of an equal than the admiration of a child. Moreover, even this was excessive for Mais. There was no doubt he was barely suppressing his sense of disdain. He was starting to get used to this, and he did not like it at all. "In this branch of a massive structure like the 4-Leaf Guild, you are now not just a manager, but also a center of power."
Wugui smiled slightly, tracing his fingers along the warm surface of the teacup. His gaze was sharp yet professional. "Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Mais. But as you know, for a merchant, raising one's realm is merely a tool to stand taller at the bargaining table. Power is fine, but profit is always more attractive."
Without making a move, Mais gave a cold snort. Although he did not agree with Wugui's thought, he did not object. "I heard that a large auction will be organized in Yellow City. It is not hard to guess that the Guild is at the heart of this. Have the details been finalized?"
Wugui leaned forward a bit, as if sharing a secret. Despite this, he still appeared to be a serious person. "The planning is still in its infancy. Most pieces haven't fallen into place; which treasures will be displayed or which great clans will be invited is still a matter of debate. Still, I can say that this auction will be one of the greatest events in the city's history. I suggest you be prepared."
He paused for a moment. Then a smile appeared on his face, and he continued to add one more thing.
"I hear there is a possibility that the princess will come to the city. It could be said that this is a good chance to catch her eye."
Mais paused for a moment at these words. He could tell Wugui was watching him, and this information... if Mais hadn't noticed something at that point, he wouldn't be known for his incredible intelligence.
The disappearance of the 3rd prince... it had come to light.
And someone suspected he was in the Forgotten Kingdom.
Wugui might have seemed to put this information forward casually, but Mais had heard the way he straightened in his seat. Nothing had changed in his breathing, and this man wasn't actually excited about the princess's arrival. He was simply... curious about Mais's reaction.
Mais was always skeptical about the possibility of being sought. His method of escape was not secret information. So why wouldn't he be in the Forgotten Kingdom?
The atmosphere of the conversation grew a bit more serious with the change in tone in Wugui's voice. "Another new Sage has emerged in the city; you must have heard. Commander Tenma. Though, we should now call him 'Sage Tenma'."
Mais's expression did not change. Wugui continued: "He was once a senior soldier in Wur's army, fighting against the kingdoms in the West. When he retired and withdrew to his corner, I thought what awaited him was death, not the Sage Realm."
Wugui looked at Mais carefully as he gave this information, as if wanting to gauge his reaction. The enmity between Mais and Baro, and the fact that Tenma was once part of Wur's—and thus Baro's—allied structure, could create political tension. Wugui was essentially taking Mais's pulse; was this new Sage a threat to Mais, or just a variable?
Sage Wugui was displaying all these attitudes toward Mais because, despite his talent, he viewed Mais as a child and a chest of information. He felt he could open the chest and take the information whenever he pleased. However, it was quite obvious that he did not have much information about Mais. He did not know him.
Mais remained silent, as if watching the tea leaves filtering in his cup. He showed no sign of interest or hostility. To him, Tenma was just a name. "An interesting past," Mais said dismissively. "However, my reason for coming here is a more concrete matter."
Wugui immediately grasped Mais's desire to close the subject and returned to his merchant identity. "The matter of the formation, right?"
"Yes," Mais said seriously. "I want to purchase a formation that can unite a group of three hundred people, carrying its effect up to the middle stages of the Sage Realm. If possible, I would also like to look at higher-level formations. You can be sure you will receive your money."
Wugui's eyebrows rose slightly. "Middle stage of the Sage Realm... That is the highest class we are permitted to sell externally, Young Master. Per the agreement between the Guild and the Royal Family, higher-level formations are not open to the public. Because unless you have many high-level soldiers, no one wants barbarian tribes to unite and topple city administrations with these formations. Even if that seems like a rather low probability."
Mais understood instantly. The problem was actually to prevent the rise of rebel armies. Even if a group of people tried to unite in any city or region, they could at most take over a town. What would it matter if they attacked a city? There were Sages protecting the cities.
Yet Mais did not want to give up easily.
"Come now, Mr. Wugui. I am sure selling such a formation wouldn't be difficult for you."
"You must want me to be executed. Absolutely not. If the Lords come after me, I wonder if you will be the one to protect me?"
"If I protect you, will you sell me the formation?"
Though Mais pushed his luck for something of a slightly higher level, Wugui's firmness on this matter was like a wall. The Guild's security protocols were too clear to be bypassed even with gold. In the end, Mais paid the price for the three-hundred-man formation restricted to the middle stage of the Sage Realm. Mais was not sure if the price he paid was low or high, but he knew it would make Kasuur's jaw drop.
At this point, Wugui rested his chin on his hand and sank into thought to mention something else. It was not easy to tell how happy he was about the money he had received, but his eyes seemed even brighter.
"To be honest... a large auction will soon take place in Plain City. I've heard some rumors regarding the formation you're looking for there, but I'm not entirely sure about it."
Plain City was near the western border of the Golden Province. It wasn't extremely far from here. Mais laughed.
'Are you telling me all this only after selling the formation?'
Mais felt cheated, but at least he had gained some information for a larger formation.
"Thanks, Sage Wugui."
Thus, Mais completed his business for the day. He would have liked to buy something interesting, but it would be difficult for him to examine it with these eyes.
As he stood up to leave the office, Mais stopped at the threshold and asked without turning back: "It seems this tension in the city will continue for a while. The 4-Leaf Guild and you yourself, Sage Wugui... which side are you on in this chess game?"
Wugui took one last sip of his tea and slowly placed the cup on the table. His voice resonated with the most sincere honesty a merchant could possess:
"My side is always the same, Young Master. I am only after money, profit, and the growth of the Guild. Spilled blood or changing thrones do not concern me; as long as the gold still flows into our coffers after the change."
Mais smiled slightly; this answer was exactly what he expected. Sage Wugui was as honest as only a merchant could be. And that told a lot about him. As Mais left, the door closed silently behind him.