"You're affecting the market."
The voice came from behind.
Andres turned slowly.
A man stood there, well-dressed, posture confident, eyes sharp with quiet irritation.
Not a customer.
A merchant.
"I've been in this district for five years," the man continued. "And suddenly, in two days, demand shifts."
Kael stepped slightly forward.
"…Problem?"
The man ignored him, focusing only on Andres.
"You're new. Unknown. Yet your supply is consistent beyond normal limits."
A pause.
"…That creates imbalance."
Andres met his gaze calmly.
"Is that a complaint?"
"It's a warning."
Silence stretched between them.
The man stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"Velmora rewards competition. But it punishes disruption."
"…So what do you suggest?" Andres asked.
The man smiled faintly.
"Reduce your supply. Raise your prices. Blend in."
Andres considered the words carefully.
Then—
"No."
Simple.
Direct.
Final.
The man's expression hardened slightly.
"…Then you'll learn the hard way."
He turned and walked away.
Kael exhaled.
"…Well, that went about as expected."
Andres looked toward the direction the man left.
"…He's not the real problem," he said quietly.
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"No?"
Andres shook his head slightly.
"He's reacting."
A pause.
"…Which means someone else is watching the results."
And that—
Was far more dangerous.