Chapter 424 Commerce Guild
Archer accepted the paper and discreetly stored it in his Item Box before expressing his gratitude to the couple. "Thank you for this."
They nodded with smiles, brushing it off. However, Osoric inquired, "Why do you want to open a shop? Do you not possess enough wealth?"
He shifted his gaze to the blond man and responded, "Indeed, I do have enough wealth, but my aim is to provide Hecate with something meaningful to occupy her while the rest of us are at college."
Chloe's smile broadened as she heard this, and she remarked, "What a wonderful young man. I'm delighted that you're not merely collecting the girls but genuinely taking care of them."
Osoric nodded in agreement. "Indeed, I'm confident that Leira will be in good hands with you."
Archer couldn't help but wonder about the unexpected question, but he dismissed it with a casual shrug before rising from his seat and excusing himself. "Anyway, I need to go find a shop. It's my last day before classes start."
As he headed for the exit, the couple bid him farewell. Just as he was about to leave the room, he was stopped.
The emperor posed one last question. "Archer, why do you wish to attend college when you already possess great power?"
After a moment of reflection, he answered his Father-in-law. "While I do possess power, there are gaps in my basic knowledge, and I haven't had the chance to experience a normal school life with people my age."
Following their conversation, as he left the room, the emperor and empress were surprised to discover that the empire's guardian was, in reality, just a simple young man who desired a normal life.
Once Archer exited the room he was in, he cast Gate to an alleyway in the city below stepped through it, and made his way to the main street.
He was following the directions that Osoric wrote on the paper and after a twenty-minute walk, he came to the city's trade district which was a large square.
Archer stepped into the lively district, the bustling epicenter of the city's guild enclave. The sight that greeted him was a mosaic of tents and structures, each distinct in shape and size, bordering the square.
A vast array of products were on sale before him, ranging from weaponry to rare potion ingredients, each item captivating Archer's attention.
That's when he decided to send a message to Hecate asking for her to join him so they could look for a shop.
Archer waited patiently for her response, and after a brief pause, she informed him that she was in the midst of getting ready.
So he went to sit down on a bench nearby and started looking around the area. To his left, the Merchant Guild building had set up a tent outside, displaying an array of exotic wares.
Silk fabrics, glistening jewels, and intricate artwork adorned their space. Traders and merchants eagerly peddled their goods, haggling with potential buyers from all walks of life.
On his right, the Adventurers Guild had a makeshift training ground by the side of the building where warriors demonstrated their combat techniques.
While others excitedly shared tales of their quests and adventures. Aspiring adventurers eagerly registered and prepared to embark on their own journeys.
Further down the square, the Arcane Scholars Guild held an open-air lecture. Mages in their distinctive robes engaged in passionate discussions about the intricacies of magic.
Spectators marveled at the magical displays and eagerly absorbed the wisdom shared. The square buzzed with energy, camaraderie, and the exchange of knowledge.
However, amid the bustling activity, his gaze fell upon the Commerce Guild building, standing like a majestic medieval tower with a fantasy twist.
Archer cherished the vibrant scene unfolding before him. After a brief ten-minute wait, Hecate messaged Archer, informing him that she was ready to join him.
In response, Archer summoned her with a snap of his fingers thanks to the dragon tattoo that each girl had.
Hecate's sudden appearance amid the bustling crowd left the bystanders in awe and wondering where she came from.
After a few moments of surprise, the onlookers continued with their day, although the unexpected event had certainly sparked their curiosity.
Hecate took a step forward and embraced Archer warmly, her happiness evident in her bright red eyes.
He returned with an affectionate hug of his own, and for a brief moment, they stood in the midst of the bustling crowd as if no one was around them.
However, the couple soon separated, and Archer took Hecate by the hand, leading her to the Commerce Guild while saying, "Let's go find your potion shop, my moon witch."
She allowed herself to be led by Archer as they entered the building, where they were met with a hive of activity. People rushed about, clutching paperwork in their hands.
Approaching the front desk, the couple found a stern-looking elderly woman seated behind it, her gaze lifting as they approached.
The old woman cleared her throat before addressing Archer, "I'm Irun Vellard. The manager of the Commerce Guild in Starfall City. How can I help you, young man?"
Archer retrieved the paper bearing the emperor's signature and replied, "I'm here to purchase a shop for my wife, who wishes to sell potions."
Upon hearing his words, Irun peered between the two and began to read Archer's paper, muttering to herself, "Likes the exotic ones, this one does."
Upon hearing her words, Archer glanced at Hecate, who was giggling mischievously. Leaning over, she whispered in his ear, "She isn't wrong. You do like exotic girls, just look at me."
Archer chuckled and responded by planting a gentle peck on the elf's cheek, causing her grey complexion to blush a rosy hue.
Hecate playfully grasped his arm and drew closer, leaning gently against him.
Following a momentary pause, Irun halted her reading, her gaze narrowing as she inquired,
"From where did you acquire this young man? This document is an imperial decree granting you the authority to lease or purchase any available property."
Archer responded with an introduction so he could get this over and done with. He spoke, "I'm Archer Wyldheart, also known as the White Prince."
Upon hearing his name, Irun's eyes widened in surprise, and she exclaimed, "Georgios!"
She then turned to Archer with a false smile and addressed him, "My prince, I will have one of my finest students guide you to some of the best vacant shops we have."
Archer nodded, and shortly after, a younger man appeared. He had short brown hair, brown eyes, and a slender build, resembling a typical office worker from Earth.
Irun addressed the man and said, "Guide the White Prince through Celestial Avenue, Merchant's Lane, Market Street, and Alchemist's Alley. The shops on those streets are the best in the city"
Georgios acknowledged Irun with a nod, and then turned to Archer and Hecate, saying, "Please follow me, Your Highness. Celestial Avenue is just around the corner."
The couple followed the young man as they exited the building and strolled along a street heading east.
While they walked, Georgios turned to Archer with a curious tone and inquired, "My Prince, what type of goods do you wish to sell?"
Archer, in turn, looked to Hecate for the answer. She replied to the man, saying, "My husband and I plan to sell potions that I've created."
Georgios nodded with a smile and added, "The first shop we will come across used to be a general store for a while before it turned into a weapon shop. However, the previous tenant couldn't pay the rent and was evicted."
As they stepped into the first empty shop on Celestial Avenue, Archer and Hecate took a moment to assess the space.
It was small, with limited shelves and display areas, but it was clear that this shop didn't align with their vision.
Georgios, keen to assist, explained, "I'm sorry, Your Highness, this shop doesn't seem to have what you're looking for. Let's explore the other empty shops."
One by one, they moved from one empty shop to the next, but none of them had the right atmosphere or setup for selling potions. Archer and Hecate's hopes began to wane.
After visiting several shops, Georgios looked at them with a sympathetic expression. "I'm afraid Celestial Avenue may not have the right fit for your needs. But don't worry, Market Street is just a short walk from here."
With a nod, Archer, Hecate, and Georgios made their way to Market Street as the man explained that not many shops in the capital were for sale unless the emperor allowed it.
As they rounded the corner and entered the bustling thoroughfare, they were greeted by a colorful and lively scene.
Stalls and shops lined the cobbled street, offering a wide variety of products. People were rushing around entering all the different shops.
Georgios gestured toward the bustling street and remarked, "Welcome to Market Street.''
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