I was in the back room nursing some injured hands (fell on the newly made paved sidewalks outside my shop, skinned up my hands, it wasn't too painful or lasting an injury but made things like sewing a real pain). I made due by just trying to sew easy stuff, like frills on a jacket (everyone wanted frills that year, I used more lace for mens jackets than I did for ladies underwear truely the saddest year for tailoring ever). In the years since the revolution and my ill concieved adventure to madness (I normally just vacation at madness). I had hired some help around the shop, all shorties if you can believe it (I like hiring shorties, they work hard for the opportunity, fiercely loyal, and I get to feel like a giant). Having employees meant I got to actually rest every once in a while, and the better part, it meant I got to go off on damn fool adventures safe in the knowledge the shop would run without me (not that I particularly like adventuring, but I know it is my nature to be sent out to fight things). So it came as a bit of a surprise when one of my employees called me to the front.
Tabitha was the oldest of my workers, completely self motivated. Even when I'd offer to help her with something she'd shake me off and do it herself no matter how hard the work was. Frankly it was nice for someone like that to be involved here, especially since I was the complete opposite about most things (Tabitha ran my books as well, because I despise accounting more than I despise helping others). So of all people who would ask for my help it would be even rarer for he to do so. Intrigued I came to the front and was confronted by two men in suits standing next to a smaller man in a lavish robe.
"Something I can do for all of you?" I suddenly felt underdressed in my plain white shirt and raggity shorts, I hadn't expected to be needed so I was really just fiddling with some lace next to the fire place. It hadn't gotten really cold in Rolak, but I could sense the cold coming.
"It is I who can help you." Of course the lavishly dressed one in the middle talked, they always do. Suddenly I felt the need for my sword which was underneath the counter, sadly precious feet away from me.
"I'm not really looking to invest in any carnvials, though I'm sure the act is fantastic." Best to blow people off if you don't know who they are. I mean its worked uhh never.
"Cute Mr. Lorentino I'm sure this wit is the reason you are as successful as you are." His voice spoke of never having been poor, all clipped and formal even in a shop that didn't exactly cater to the high class (Rolak wasn't full of poor people, but it was far enough from the capitol and other larger cities to really be more of a lower spectrum rich).
"I do fairly well all things considered, I'm sure you have an offer that can improve that?"
"That I do, my name is Tomas Hanlon of Hanlon arms, I'm sure you've seen my product before?" Hanlon arms was one of the larger private gun manufacturers in Ronerawth. Originally they were an exclusive government contractor, but after the revolution showed that having all that power concentrated in the Empire alone was not a good idea, private gun makers expanded to making public weaponry. Hanlon's business exploded, over the last five years I'd heard a lot of interesting and terrifying things about the man and his group.
"Vaguely aware Mr. Hanlon, as much as a simple tailor could be." Have to play it close to the vest.
"Of course Mr. Lorentino, though I'm sure a person like yourself doesn't just want to be a tailor, or is the curiosities in your shops title just refer to you?"
"You want to put your product in my store? Why? There are other gun dealers in town probably better suited to this."
"Other dealers sure, and they do sell my guns, but you Mr. Lorentino are special."
"Special right, and for this priveldge of selling your merchandise you require a favor." It was always a favor, you never get something for nothing; always a price to pay.
"But of course, I have a factory, they make specialized anti magic weaponry, top of the line stuff, well they did, I've lost contact with them. I petitioned the government to help me and was told the Ronerawth miliatry respects my issue, but could not spare anyone to help."
"And so you want me to figure out what's wrong with your factory, and for this you'll grant me the ability to sell your guns in my store." It sounded easy enough, which meant it most certainly was not.
"Exactly, win win really, you get new product and I get my factory back, I'd even be willing to comp you a couple shipments to see if you really want to sell the product to begin with."
"What's the catch?"
"Factory is on an island and with winter storms you might end up stranded there depending on how bad the storms get." Always a damn catch.
"And you realize I hate the water."
"I've been informed you have an aversion yes, but you also have an amazing ability for survival or so I'm told by my contacts, put simply you are the perfect man for the job." I hate when people appeal to my ego, its always so damn successful.
"You've got a deal, though I want this in writing!" And thus began an another damn fool journey. I tell you I need to add a placard to all of my businesses "No damn fool request denied." Becuase honestly it seems like thats all I ever do!
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