In Favor of Olive Oil

They went inside the merchant's office and beckoned them to take a seat.

The room was surprisingly comfortable.

A large wooden desk occupied the center.

Several bookshelves lined the walls.

Maps of trade routes hung from wooden frames.

One map showed the western coast of Eldoria while another displayed major shipping lanes crossing the Inner Sea.

The merchant closed the door behind them before taking his seat.

Actually, the moment the door closed, his demeanor changed.

Outside, he had been a market trader.

Inside, he looked like a businessman.

A serious one.

The merchant folded his hands together.

"First, I want to introduce myself."

"My name is Alejandro de Vargas."

"I am the Helmarte representative of House Vargas Trading Company."

He smiled slightly.

"My family operates olive estates, warehouses, and shipping businesses throughout Iberia."