Chapter 37 Merchant Summit First Day

The Merchant Summit was exactly what Amos had imagined—utterly absurd, and all the better for it. Sprawling across a district-sized complex on the Empire’s ocean coast, crystal towers pierced the clouds while floating platforms drifted overhead, linked by shimmering mana bridges. Flags from dozens of nations rippled in the breeze, marking seven full days of commerce, politics, scheming, rare treasures, and politely executed scams. Amos was already in his element. Dressed in the familiar garb of Eoghan Rise, he strolled alone through the lively streets.

A dark coat, silver armor, and a weathered cloak. After three years of adventuring, each gold coin earned had gone into his body, making him probably worth more than a minor noble house. Karos had insisted on secretly tailing him, but he hadn’t been able to spot her once. Every attempt to catch her failed—and that was mildly terrifying.

"Karos."

Silence.

"I know you're nearby."

"..."

A passing merchant gave him a strange look.

Amos sighed.

There was no point. If Karos wanted to stay hidden, even he couldn’t track her down. So he kept walking. The summit was crowded with every race imaginable. Beastkin merchants haggled fiercely with dwarven craftsmen, while elven traders showed off enchanted fabrics that shifted colors with emotion. A massive reptilian race Amos had never seen before was selling crystallized monster organs the size of carriages. One stall was run entirely by fairies—real fairies—tiny winged creatures darting through the air, shouting at customers.

"NO TOUCHING!"

"HE'S STEALING!"

"HE'S NOT STEALING!"

"THEN WHY IS HE RUNNING!?"

A human man sprinted away carrying a glowing mushroom.

The fairies chased him with tiny crossbows.

Amos watched them disappear into the crowd.

"Peak fantasy."

The summit was incredible, with every corner offering something unexpected—living plants doubling as furniture, books etched on metal pages, mana-powered vehicles, a fish said to be able to predict the weather, and even a chicken worth more than a house. Amos didn’t ask; some mysteries were better left alone. Hours slipped by, the first day far from over, and he was having the time of his life—until disaster struck. Or rather, someone walked straight into him.

Thump.

Amos came to a halt as a smaller figure stumbled back—a young girl, probably close to his own age. She had long, faint pink hair, pale skin, and delicate features, looking remarkably fragile amid the bustling summit. The moment their eyes met, she quickly lowered her head, as if bracing for a scolding. Amos blinked in surprise.

"Oh."

He scratched his cheek.

"Sorry."

The girl froze, slowly lifting her gaze. Her big eyes met his for a moment before darting away.

"..."

"..."

"Are you okay?"

The girl paused, then gave a slight nod—so small it was almost missed. Amos waited, but no words followed. Maybe she was just shy.

"Did you get hurt?"

Another small shake of her head.

"..."

"..."

Something felt wrong. The girl stayed silent, not saying a word. Amos gave it another try.

"Can you talk?"

The girl paused, then slowly shook her head. Ah—mute. That made sense. A twinge of guilt hit Amos. The bump hadn’t been serious, but still, he had into her. The least he could do was try to make it right.

"Hmm."

The girl stiffened as Amos gestured toward the lively summit unfolding behind him.

"I'm just wandering around looking at random things."

She blinked.

"If you're free..."

"Want to come with me?"

The girl's eyes widened.

Clearly surprised.

Amos continued.

"I'll buy you snacks."

The girl stared at him in complete silence. For a few moments, she remained still. Then, very slowly, she nodded. Amos smiled.

"Great, got me a new sidekick."

The girl's eyes widened slightly again, as if she wasn't used to people smiling at her. Amos acted as though he hadn't noticed.

"Let's establish some important rules first."

The girl tilted her head.

"Rule number one."

Amos raised a finger.

"If you see something weird, tell me."

The girl stared. "..."

He paused. "Right."

Mute.

"Tug on my sleeve or something."

The girl nodded.

"Excellent."

For the first time, the corners of her lips twitched ever slightly. Not quite a smile, but close enough. Amos instantly pointed at her.

"There."

The girl froze.

"That smile."

He grinned. "Do that more."

Her face instantly turned red.

Amid the distant crowd, Karos was hit with a sudden, uneasy feeling. It was all too familiar—the same sensation that always crept in whenever Amos happened to find another girl.

***

Amos stole a glance at the girl walking beside him. Then another. And another. With each look, his suspicion deepened. Rich. No doubt about it. The kind of rich that’s almost frightening—the sort that lasts for generations, ten or more, without ever fading. At first, her clothes seemed plain enough.

Everything fit so naturally that most people would overlook it entirely.

Amos had a knack for noticing things. He knew exactly what he was seeing. The truly wealthy didn’t flaunt their riches with flashy displays. As she walked, her sleeve shifted just enough for him to catch sight of a bracelet—small, elegant, almost unnoticeable. eyes narrowed. A mana crystal. Very pure. Not large, but crafted with astonishing refinement.

The girl caught him staring and tilted her head in a questioning manner. Amos quickly looked away, choosing not to address it. Moments later, they passed a stall filled with enchanted jewelry, where the merchant eagerly stepped forward.

"Young miss! Young master! Interested in—" His voice stopped.

The moment he saw the pink-haired girl, something unusual happened. The merchant’s smile faltered for just half a second before he straightened up, almost instinctively, like he’d suddenly realized he was in the presence of someone important. The girl didn’t spare him a glance and simply kept walking.

The merchant immediately stepped aside.

"..."

Amos noticed.

The girl seemed completely unaware, or maybe just used to it. Amos watched her with curiosity until she noticed his gaze again. She pointed at herself with a questioning look. Amos rubbed his chin, then pointed back at her.

"You are definitely a rich girl."

The girl froze.

"..."

Amos pointed again.

"Very rich too."

The girl gazed at him for a moment, then slowly turned her eyes away.

"Aha." Amos grinned. "I knew it."

The girl immediately shook her head.

"That wasn't a bit tad too late."

She paused, puffing her cheeks reluctantly. Amos nearly burst out laughing—it was adorable. The girl tried to glare at him, though the effect was less intimidating than a. Then something else caught her eye: a dessert stall. Her gaze froze entirely, and Amos followed it.

"..."

The girl continued staring.

"..."

A towering creation of pink cream piled high with fruits, chocolate, and delicate edible flowers. The dessert looked outrageously expensive. The girl studied it with the focus of a scholar poring over forbidden magic. Amos glanced at her, then at the dessert then back again. The answer was clear.

"Want one?"

The girl’s head whipped toward him in an instant, and Amos almost laughed—it was the quickest reaction she’d had all day. She paused, then gave a slow nod, prompting Amos to let out a dramatic sigh.

"Your rich family has failed you."

She blinked.

"Imagine being rich and still looking at desserts like you couldn't afford it"

The girl looked genuinely offended.

Which only confirmed Amos's theory.

Yes.

Definitely rich.