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alpindale

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light-novels

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“Oh…?”

The Aria Trading Company’s guild master, a man named Tully, was due to arrive in a few hours.

This was the merchant company that had given Rishe a helping hand in her very first life. Everything she learned about commerce, she learned from Tully. The value of goods, strategies for judging a trading partner. He taught her to spend money to make more of it, warning her against get-rich-quick schemes. Rishe owed her apprenticeship to Tully, without a doubt.

With the Aria Trading Company on her side, Rishe would greatly expand her pool of allies. They could assist her if she needed a quick escape from Galkhein, fleeing divorce or banishment. They could shore up a supply route for a war. Or course, Rishe had to make it worth their while.

If I can make this deal, we’ll have a connection. Now, how do I snag Tully on my hook? Rishe climbed out of the bath, pondering the question as she dried off and put on her fanciest gown. It’s early enough in the timeline that they haven’t been long established; any ordinary company would be champing at the bit to nab an imperial wedding. But with Tully I’m not so sure.

Rishe ruminated on this as Elsie did her hair. When at last she was ready, she blinked her way out of her fugue and looked in the mirror. Her hair was done in soft curls, her gown a stunning blood red. This time she did wear jewelry—lots of it—and carried a feathered fan.

Hmm… Hard to decide what vibe to go for. A tasteless, gaudy spendthrift, and therefore an easy mark? Or a noblewoman so high in the instep she’ll spare no expense?

Elsie looked at her dubiously. “My lady, I tried my best to put your hair up to match the dress, with a few loose pieces to complete the look, but…” She trailed off. Elsie was exceptional at picking outfits and coordinating styles—she’d been dressing her own little sisters for years.

Rishe squared her shoulders. If she was scaring her own lady’s maid, that must mean her ploy was working. “I appreciate it, Elsie. But today I’m dressed for battle.”

Leaving her baffled maid behind, Rishe went to meet the Aria Trading Company. Escorted by two guards, she made her way to the main palace. Her own villa was not yet equipped with a suitable receiving room for guests. The footman bowed her into the parlor, allowing the guards to step inside first to ensure the room was secure.

A handsome, brown-skinned man stood waiting for her. “Your Highness, I am Kaine Tully, chairman of the Aria Trading Company.” He smiled amiably and bowed. “May I congratulate you on your upcoming wedding?”

Tully had combed back his famously unkempt hair and shaved far closer than she’d ever seen him bother. He also did not appear to be hungover, which made for an equally large change.

“Rishe Irmgard Weitzner. I appreciate you taking the time; I imagine it was a journey of some distance. Please, sit.”

He thanked her and sat. Rishe lowered herself into her own chair with great dignity. She felt him gauging her, watching her with the dark, hooded eyes that tavern girls across the continent swooned over.

It feels like he can see through me with a single glance. And I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Not that he was ogling; his gaze was perfectly correct. But he’d been watching her since she came in.

“I say, this is a lovely time of year, isn’t it?” Tully began. “I believe your wedding is planned for halfway through the eighth month, is that right? A summer bride. How marvelous!” Tully grinned. “The citizens of Galkhein must be overjoyed to have such a lovely woman as their future empress.”

“You flatter me.” Rishe smiled at the empty compliments, mind fixed on the past.

“Mwa ha ha! I knew he wouldn’t know a fake sapphire when he saw one. Idiot! We took bets on whether you could dupe that intermediary, and I had my money on you, Rishe. Thanks for helping me fleece my birdbrained staff.”

“Rishe! Here’s your final examination. We took a loss of five million in gold due to negligence. Not yours, someone else’s, but you are the one who’s going to make it back. Oh, and by the way, you’ve got one week, so get cracking.”

“Please, Rishe, I’m begging you! Tell Aria that woman I had over last night was just a friend!”

She had a faraway look in her eyes. That was fine. Let Tully think she was dreaming of her bright future.

“The white of a wedding dress will complement your features, if I might be so bold. Perhaps a gown of layered silk?” With that, Tully smoothly shifted from small talk to business. Rishe was relieved to have passed his assessment.

“That sounds superb, Mr. Tully. As I’m sure you’ve been told, I wish to engage the Aria Trading Company to assist me in assembling everything we will need for the ceremony. I’ve heard great things about you.”

“Have you? How kind.”

“To cut to the chase, have you brought anything to show me today? I’d love to see my options.”

The messenger had been instructed to tell them Rishe was considering their company for everything. She imagined Tully had brought a whole legion of carts weighed down with fripperies to sell her.

If I make this deal, we’ll have an established connection. I just need to close this.

“Unfortunately, I cannot sell to you, my lady.” At this, Rishe froze. Tully shrugged, his smile still in place. “Or rather, I will not sell to you.”

“What? Why?” The Aria Trading Company was essential for her future plans. She needed them.

Over the next few years, Tully would expand his personal connections and trade routes. He would be a main supplier of future inventions. His company would grow to a global scale. Without them, Rishe’s easy link to the levers of power in every nation evaporated.

Tully continued to smile at her blandly, “My lady, quite frankly, your insistence doesn’t match my offerings.”

“My insistence?”

“You appear ready to stake your life on this deal. Am I wrong?”

Rishe nearly lost her composure then. With a huge effort, she willed her expression into one of polite confusion. His deep, long-lashed eyes were openly searching her now. It seemed they were past pretense.

“Let’s speak plainly, my lady,” Tully said. “We’re discussing wedding preparations. I know that for a crown princess, your wedding will be your crowning jewel. However…” His eyes narrowed. “You have the look of a woman staring down death. Whatever you’re after, it isn’t a flawless marriage ceremony or a well-heeled soirée. And I don’t like complications.”

With a gasp, Rishe remembered something Tully had said to her a long time ago: “Become an easy choice for the customer. Offer them goods and value they won’t find anywhere else. And once you’re established, you pick the customers.”

Tully already had reliable trade. He wouldn’t risk a deal with an unknown entity who might incur losses down the line, no matter how high-ranking they were. Rishe had been thoroughly screened out of Tully’s customer base.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Rishe took care not to betray any dismay. “I’m sorry if I appeared overeager. I don’t have any event-planning experience.”

Tully let out a good-natured laugh. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect business partner. Unfortunately, my company will not be it.” Tully stood up and executed a bow so elegant she knew it was meant to mock her. “It was an honor to be invited to speak with you. Now, if you’d please excuse me.”

“Mr. Tully—”

“Galkhein is a lovely country.” Tully cut her off roundly. “I believe we may spend a few days here to relax and take in the sights. One of your attendants even steered us to a suitable inn.”

“Please, wait. Let us discuss things a bit—”

“Farewell, my lovely future majesty.”

Tully left before Rishe could mount a protest.

***

I had no chance back there, Rishe thought, idly sipping a cup of tea. She’d shed the ridiculous jewels and changed into a plain, serviceable gown that was easier to move in. She was sitting in her parlor in the detached wing with a plate of fresh-baked cookies in front of her, but she couldn’t even summon up the energy to try one.

I admit, I was nervous, but I thought I maintained my composure well enough. Yet he still saw through me. I lost that round, no doubt about it.

The truth was, she’d never beaten Tully. Not even in her subsequent lives, when she knew what to expect.

Around her, her maids chattered among themselves.

“He finally proposed!”

“Wow, I’m so happy for you!”

The girls had finished their studies for the day, and they too were clustered around drinking tea. On most days, Rishe would join in. Today she barely heard them.

“Aww, I hope I meet a man that wonderful someday!”

Maybe he was simply being cautious? He doesn’t jump into deals that look too good to be true. Still, did he really read the desperation in my face? He’s a gambler at heart. This isn’t like him.

After much thinking, she only had one conclusion: He didn’t choose me, and that’s a fact.

Rishe sat in quiet dejection. Without the trading company’s connections, she couldn’t appeal to powerful people, and she couldn’t prevent the war. Without that, her happy life wouldn’t last. And as loath as she was to admit it…Rishe hated being met with Tully’s disapproval. She’d wanted to take her old boss for everything he had.

Also, something he said was still bothering her. That couldn’t have been an accident…could it?

“Speaking of weddings, what about you, my lady?” one of the maids cried. “How did His Highness propose to you?”

“Oh, I’ve been wondering too!” chirped another. “All the girls in the city are dying to know!”

He said specifically that he’d be staying in Galkhein over the next couple of days. He even told me how to find the name of the inn.

“My lady?”

The maids gave her concerned looks as Rishe began to smile. “I’m so sorry. I’m feeling a bit indisposed. I think I’ll retire for the night.”

The maids all chimed in with concern. Rishe waved them off.

“No need. I’ll join you for tea another day. I won’t require dinner this evening either.”

“As you wish, my lady. We’ll be sure to let you rest.”

“And we’ll have plenty of tea ready tomorrow morning!”

Rishe thanked the girls for their understanding, then went to her chambers and locked the door. In her hands were a few packets of herbs.

***

“You’re in fine form tonight, sir.”

Kaine Tully strode down the streets of Galkhein’s capital, flanked by his employees, who commended him on his festive enjoyment of the local spirits.

He was in a good mood, his shirt half-unbuttoned, nearly humming with pleasure as he said, “Galkhein has wonderful liquor. We should buy up the whole store to sell up north.”

“Why would we do that, sir? You’d just drink our profits down before we even got them in the wagons!”

“Yes, yes, hilarious. Not wrong, though.” He laughed with his men as they made their way back to the inn. He’d have preferred to bring a woman or two back with him, but he had his reasons. “Say, I’m still thirsty. Another round? I’m sure the tavern floor can pull a decent pint.” Indeed, raucous voices floated from the taproom. The mood seemed to be good tonight.

“Sir, I’ve been thinking…” One of his employees was so drunk he could barely stand. “That was the Galkhein crown princess! I can’t believe you just blew her off!”

“Working with royals is bad business, you dolt. Believe me, I know.”

“Isn’t she fifteen? What did she do to you?”

Tully snorted, swinging open the door to the inn. “Listen, that little girl is—”

“Welcome back, Mr. Tully.”

That voice sobered him instantly. Tully forced a stiff smile. Sitting poised at a table was Lady Rishe, the future crown princess.

“Thank you for your invitation,” Rishe purred. “So very kind of you.”

It took a lot to surprise Tully, but the sight in front of him caught him completely off guard. He’d predicted she would come, but not so soon. He thought she’d disguise herself, but he truthfully had not anticipated the mousy brown of freshly dyed hair.

No, that wasn’t what surprised him. What drew him up short was the score of unconscious men seated around her, half-full mugs still gripped in their hands.

“Would you care to join me for a drink, Mr. Tully?”

Tully had to clear his throat several times before he managed to ask, “What happened to those guys?”

“Oh, we bet on who could hold their liquor, and they lost.” Rishe grinned and tilted her glass. “Don’t worry, I’m not here for drinking games. I was hoping we could continue our discussion.”

***

The inn Rishe sat in was near the imperial palace. She’d asked the innkeeper to clear out everyone who’d passed out. The onlookers of the drinking game were gathered around excitedly.

“Ya sure can hold your liquor, missy! I couldn’t challenge ya since I don’t drink, but lemme treat you anyway for putting on such a good show.”

“Why, thank you,” Rishe said.

“Here, try this! The chicken with melted cheese goes great paired with wine.”

“This is delicious!” Rishe said. “Thank you.”

Rishe looked with satisfaction at the food and drink piled on the table. She wished she could relish her victory, but her adversary sat across from her, watching her coolly.

When their eyes met, Tully offered a crooked smile. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t have anticipated that you’d drink my men under the table while you waited. What a fool I was.”