The Sin Eater Chronicles

From the crowd emerged a figure slender of build and dressed in a black velvet doublet trimmed with gold filigree at the cuffs and collar. Numerous rings studded with gems adorned his fingers, twinkling under the lamplight. He wore his dark hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and there was an almost feline elegance to his stride. Aiyara recognized him immediately: Lord Davren of the Northern Merchant Consortium. He offered a measured bow, one that seemed practiced to perfection.

"Princess Aiyara," Davren began, his voice low and melodic, "may I congratulate you on this momentous occasion. We in the Northern Consortium have long admired Masan's trade networks and your mother's unparalleled naval prowess. It is a pleasure to finally speak with you directly."

Aiyara offered a nod, mindful that every word she uttered might be parsed for hidden meaning. "Thank you, Lord Davren. I understand your trading vessels frequently call at our port?"

"Indeed, we've established fruitful partnerships with several of your local merchants, but we believe it can go further," Davren replied smoothly. He flicked a gaze around the courtyard, as if acknowledging the assembled watchers. "With the queen's expedition sailing west, new trade opportunities abound. A new continent—just imagine the resources waiting to be discovered. Spices, metals, perhaps even undiscovered goods that could fetch astronomical prices on the world market."

He paused, letting the idea linger seductively. Aiyara noticed how a few nearby onlookers leaned in, their curiosity piqued by the mention of wealth. "For Masan to fully capitalize on such bounty," Davren continued, "it needs robust shipping lanes and financial backing. The Northern Consortium excels in both these fields. I, for instance, can mobilize dozens—no, hundreds—of ships specialized in long-haul voyages, equipped with advanced navigation tools. Our consortium can also infuse gold into the colony's infrastructure, ensuring swift growth."

Kida shifted at Aiyara's side, possibly bristling at how Davren spoke of the new world primarily as a source of profit. The princess could sense her friend's disapproval, but she maintained a neutral expression. "That is quite the offer," Aiyara acknowledged. "However, we must ensure that any settlement in the new world aligns with our principles. We do not wish to exploit the land to ruin, nor do we intend to sow conflict over resources."

Davren dipped his head, an agreeable smile on his lips. "Understood, Your Highness. We have no interest in conflict, either. Peaceful extraction of resources—sustainable harvests, responsible mining—these are not only more ethical but also more profitable in the long run. A stable environment yields steady trade." His words, carefully chosen, struck a chord of pragmatic synergy.

"And what of your own intentions regarding the position of king-consort?" Aiyara asked, deciding to be direct. "Why tie the fate of the Consortium so closely to Masan?"

His smile grew slightly. "Because Masan is the key to unlocking this new continent's economic potential. And I don't just speak of commerce. I speak of forging a new era—where the combined maritime strengths of Masan and the financial networks of the Northern Consortium create a global powerhouse. If I were your consort, Princess, I would dedicate myself to ensuring Masan's prosperity—building fleets, establishing secure trade routes, and funneling wealth into the city's defenses so that no one would ever take advantage of your mother's absence."

A faint flicker of irritation sparked in Aiyara's chest at the mention of her mother's absence once again. It was as though every suitor hammered the point: You'll be vulnerable. You need us. She forced a calm tone. "Your arguments are compelling, Lord Davren. Still, Masan values personal integrity and the well-being of all classes, from fisherfolk to nobles. Wealth alone is not enough to secure our future."

A glimmer of condescension flashed in Davren's eyes before he masked it with a smooth smile. "Certainly, Princess. I would never suggest otherwise. Gold is a tool, after all—one we can use to uplift your realm, not subjugate it." His gaze flicked to the dwarves in the distance, to the elves, then finally settled on Aiyara. "I simply suggest that the new colony could flourish beyond imagination if we harness the synergy of Masan's maritime tradition and our consortium's capital. Together, we could usher in an age of unprecedented prosperity."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the watchers. Some seemed swayed by the vision of wealth that Davren painted. Others exchanged skeptical looks, suspecting the cunning merchant valued profit above all else. Kida observed him with thinly veiled distrust, but she kept silent, letting Aiyara take the lead.

"Thank you for your proposal," Aiyara said at length, striving for balance between courtesy and caution. "I shall consider the merits of a strengthened trade alliance as part of any future arrangement. Please enjoy the festival while I deliberate."

He bowed with a flourish, the gold filigree on his doublet catching the torchlight. "Of course, Princess. The Northern Consortium stands ready whenever you deem fit." With that, he withdrew, rejoining a circle of foreign merchants who welcomed him with nods of approval.

Aiyara exhaled softly. The interplay of power and ambition among these suitors was already exhausting. She could only imagine how many more intended to step forward with grand offers. They speak of cavalry, gold, trade routes, all focusing on what Masan supposedly lacks, she thought, her frustration mounting. Yet they fail to see the true heart of Masan—a unity forged by respect and accountability. Her pride in her city flared briefly. She worried about giving into that feeling too readily, but it also provided the strength she needed to keep facing them.

Kida leaned close, voice barely above a whisper. "I don't trust him. He's too slick, too certain that money can solve every problem."

"Agreed," Aiyara whispered back. "But if his consortium can truly finance the colony, we can't dismiss him outright. I just hope we don't end up beholden to his gold. That's a dangerous path."

Kida's expression tightened, but she gave a short nod. "We'll be vigilant."

Aiyara appreciated her friend's unwavering support. As Davren moved away, she could see a new figure stepping toward the dais—an older gentleman with heavy robes, escorted by a pair of younger aides. A hush fell again as people recognized who this must be: Grand Duke Belthar from the eastern frontiers, rumored to command vast labor forces. Aiyara braced herself.