A Background Character’s Path to Power

{What do you mean?}

Cassandra asked.

{Well... From what I heard, the crown prince is only around 19. Even if he is a genius, there's almost no chance that he is acting alone. And their plans had already started. Maybe that man from the auction is also acting under his orders. That item must be needed for their plan.}

I explained my theory.

{...That's true.} Cassandra agreed after giving it a thought. {But we can't be certain yet. We don't know almost anything after all. Without more info, we shouldn't make a move.}

Well, I knew something else, but it was best not to mention it.

{By the way, when are you going to leave?} I decided it was time to ask this question.

{...What? Are you trying to shoo me away?} Cassandra glared at me.

{No, I am just worried that you will get caught up in it.} I replied honestly. {Besides, you should return to the Empire, no?}

{...}

Cassandra didn't answer right away.

{Don't worry, I'm not the type to leave my friends behind when they are in trouble.}

Well... That's exactly why I wanted her to leave.

{...And, it's not like I'm gonna fight or anything. Even if a troublesome situation arises, I have a way of safely escaping. If not, why would I travel all alone till now. Besides I have my own way of helping you. Or did you already forget who I am?} Cassandra smirked while crossing her arms.

An involuntary smile escaped from my lips.

{How could I forget about it? You're the future Merchant Queen.}

{It's good that you remember.}

"So, you are planning to stay for a while then?" I asked out loud.

"Mm..." She smiled. "I can't leave my husband alone after not being together for so long after all."

I continued smiling, stopping my lips from twitching. She really likes to tease people, huh.

"Right, dear. I already created a business plan."

{It will be enough for your family to recover their financial strength and gain a stable source of income.} She finished the rest via the link.

"Oh, what kind of business is it?" I asked curiously.

But I already had a hunch.

{Is it perhaps about those herbs the Guild of Menders has been searching for?}

I was planning to search for them too.

"It's about rare medicinal herbs," Cassandra confirmed my guess. "But here's the brilliant part - instead of just finding and selling those rare herbs, we're going to cultivate them."

She leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with entrepreneurial excitement.

"Think about it, the Guild of Menders is searching for these herbs because they're becoming scarce in the other regions of the kingdom, and demand is high. But what if we could grow them in controlled environments? We could guarantee consistent supply, better quality, and year-round production."

I blinked, immediately grasping the genius of it. "You want to create a medicinal herb farm in here?"

"Exactly!" She clapped her hands together. "Since I'm gonna stay with you till spring, I thought it would be a good idea to establish this business."

"But you don't have-"

"Don't worry, we can negotiate it with the barony - they provide us with workers, land, and facilities, while we share the income based on investment ratios."

{Don't worry, I will give your family more than 50%.}

I understood the concept immediately. {It's like being shareholders in a joint venture.}

{Precisely.} She smiled approvingly, her voice sounding a little happy. "The barony gets a steady income stream without needing to understand herb cultivation complexities, while we get the infrastructure and manpower we need."

"That's indeed an amazing idea, but..." I frowned, a concern crossing my mind. "It's a rare herb, as you said. Is it even possible to cultivate them manually? I mean, there must be a reason they're so scarce."

Cassandra's expression grew serious. "That's... the challenging part. But I have a few acquaintances to solve this problem. They are very knowledgeable about herbs. And I've already contacted one of them. The response should be coming soon."

"I see, however..." I continued, recalling what I'd heard. "It is said that they only grow around the Hollowlands or inside it. So the risks are much higher."

"Hollowlands..." Cassandra's voice grew cautious. "That does explain the scarcity issue. Not many are willing to venture into such dangerous territory just for herbs, no matter how valuable."

"And even if we figure out how to cultivate them, we'd either need to replicate those specific environmental conditions artificially, or..." I trailed off, not liking the alternative.

"Or establish operations near the Hollowlands' border," Cassandra finished grimly. "Which would make this business considerably more dangerous than a typical farming operation."

The room fell quiet as we both contemplated the implications. High and fast profit potential, yes - but potentially at a very high cost.

It might also draw unwanted attention - both from the guild and whoever pulling the strings.

"Well, we'll think about it later," Cassandra said after a while. "First, I need to know whether the idea is feasible with my friend. If not, I have another idea in mind. Although it's less profitable, it's still good enough."

"Oh, can you tell me about it?"

"No, you're gonna steal it." She scoffed. "Then, there won't be profit left for me."

"Huh? Steal?" I squinted with a 'serious' face. "What's there to steal between husband and wife?"

Cassandra rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh please, you'd probably find a way to make it even more profitable and leave me in the dust. I know how that brilliant mind of yours works."

{Besides,} she added mentally, {it's always good to have backup plans. Especially with everything that's happening in the kingdom right now.}

I chuckled at her mock suspicion. "Fair enough. I suppose a good merchant never reveals all their cards at once. Even to their partners~"

"Don't start a fight." She stood up and stretched, looking suddenly tired. "Anyway, it's been a long day."

{Between dealing with that b*tch, meeting your childhood friends, delivering the news, talking about you, and planning our first business...}

She yawned. "I think it's time we both got some rest, too."

"You're right. We should sleep. Tomorrow might be even more eventful."

"I'm going then, you going?"

"No, I have a few more things to take care of. You don't have to wait for me."

"Alright, don't wake me up then." She winked at me playfully.

"Good night."

I waved my hand as she left the room, leaving me alone.

...Or not.

"You can come out now."