System in Assassin's Creed

"You do merchandising on the side, right? Help me will ya? I'll pay you."

Solomon nodded slowly. "We should move to another room to talk in private. The boy needs rest and privacy."

Alaric rose from his stool and led Solomon down a narrow corridor. Their footsteps echoed on worn wooden floors. The corridor opened into a small, sparsely furnished room. A table sat in the center, and a couple of chairs were arranged around it.

"Sit," Solomon said as he gestured to a chair and Alaric sat across from him. The atmosphere was calm and businesslike. "So?"

"I want my ointment sold on the market," Alaric began, his voice steady despite his young age. "That ointment I use on the wounds of that young slave."

"Ointment huh?" Solomon leaned forward. "How much are you asking for each unit?"

Alaric met Solomon's gaze and replied, "Ten shillings." (16 Reales)

Solomon frowned. "Ten shillings is a steep price for a small salve. That price might scare off buyers."

Alaric's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered Solomon's words. "It may seem high, but you have to consider what it does. A small cut closes in seconds. A larger wound, if treated with it, heals at a fast rate. And it is not a one-use item if one uses it correctly."

Solomon crossed his arms and tapped a finger on the table. "I see. But what is the name of this product? You need a name that sells."

Alaric smiled, a confident glint in his eye. "Celestial Salve," he said clearly. "It has a ring to it, doesn't it?"

Solomon nodded slowly. "Celestial Salve. It sounds good. But if I am to handle this merchandise, I need some assurance. Business has its risks here in Bristol."

"For every unit sold, you'll earn two shillings," Alaric stated firmly.

Solomon considered this proposal, then said, "Two shillings commission per unit sold. That is acceptable, though I worry the high price might limit demand. Still, quality often comes at a premium. I should know, I've seen the effects of this... Celestial Salve."

Alaric grasped Solomon big hand firmly. The handshake was brief but carried weight.

Once their hands separated, Solomon asked, "Do you need me to purchase any ingredients for the Celestial Salve? We might have to restock or modify the recipe."

Alaric gave a slight nod. "Quality has its cost. When you see how quickly it works, customers will understand its value."

Solomon took a deep breath and then said, "Let us put our agreement in writing."

Reaching into a leather satchel he kept by his side, Solomon withdrew a clean parchment and a quill pen. He spread the parchment on the low table and began to write.

After a few careful strokes, Solomon read aloud, "Celestial Salve Agreement: The product, Celestial Salve, shall be sold at a price of ten shillings per vial. For every unit sold, the merchant, Solomon Al-Rashidi, shall receive a commission of two shillings. The seller, Alaric Kenway, agrees to supply to supply the vials. All transactions will be recorded in a ledger."

He handed the parchment to Alaric. The young boy studied the simple text with clear, focused eyes. After a moment, he nodded and, with a careful hand, signed his name on the document. Solomon then added his own signature below.

They sealed the agreement with a handshake afterward, small hands clasping to a callused hand firmly, signifying that the deal is officially made.

"Do you require me to purchase any ingredients or equipment for your production?" Solomon asked as he carefully rolled up the parchment.

Alaric shook his head, his expression resolute. "Don't worry about the supply. I'll give you ten pieces of the Celestial Salve by tomorrow. Focus on selling it. I have the ingredients and the method under control."

Solomon nodded slowly, still studying the boy. "Very well. I will begin contacting my vendor friends immediately. I have several contacts among the apothecaries and local taverns. I will introduce Celestial Salve at the next market day."

A faint smile crept over Alaric's face. "Good. When people see the results, they will come back for more."

Solomon leaned back, tapping his quill against the table. "I must say, Alaric, you have a clear head and a strong will for someone your age. I have rarely seen such determination. It is not common to see a child set up a business deal in a harsh city like Bristol."

Alaric's tone was steady as he replied, "I have my strengths. I learn quickly and I make sure to work smart. I know what works and what does not. My focus is on making sure my family is safe and that even those who have been oppressed, like the slave here, have a chance at a better life."

Solomon's eyes softened slightly at the mention of the slave. "It is a bold plan, boy. Celestial Salve may be just the beginning. If we manage to build a reputation for it, you could expand your line of products. But for now, our priority is establishing your offer in this market."

The conversation carried on in a measured tone. Solomon detailed his plan for the market stall—a small setup near the busy square of Bristol where foot traffic was high. He explained how he would approach vendors and arrange for a demonstration of the product.

Alaric listened intently. "That is exactly what I had in mind. Once people see the salve in action, word will spread quickly. I want it be shown to them that a wound can close in seconds. Imagine a cut sealing before you even have time to worry about it."

Solomon paused and then asked, "Do you have any samples prepared for demonstration?"

[Buy] [Sell]

[Hyuga Clan Secret Ointment - 1s. 3d.]

[-1s. 3d.]

[Current Balance: £362 17s. 4d.]

Alaric reached into a small pouch at his side and withdrew the now named "Celestial Salve.

"Here, just use this as the sample," he said, holding it out. "Watch."

Alaric takes out a kunai from his kunai pouch and immediately cuts a small wound on his finger. He carefully unscrewed the cap and applied a tiny amount to his wound.

Within seconds, the cut closed, and the skin smoothed over. Solomon's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Remarkable. I have never seen anything like that in all my years. It works almost instantly."

Alaric nodded, his voice even. "That is why it is valuable. It is a premium product, and the price reflects its quality. The effect is not temporary; you can reapply it as needed during the healing process."

Solomon scribbled a few notes on a scrap of paper. "I will craft an advertisement. Something straightforward: 'Celestial Salve – Close wounds in seconds. Heal faster with nature's remedy. Only ten shillings.'"

Alaric smiled, pleased with the simplicity. "No exaggeration. Just the facts. People appreciate plain talk."

After finalizing their plans for marketing, Solomon leaned forward again. "I will contact my vendors immediately. I have several contacts who might be interested in carrying Celestial Salve. I will arrange for a stall at the next market day, which is in three days. There's at least a thousand people that would gather there.That should give us time to prepare enough samples."

Alaric checked his internal plans and nodded. "Three days is fine. I will ensure that ten Celestial Salves are ready for you by tomorrow, use all of them as samples if needed. You must record every sale carefully, as we have agreed. I want a detailed ledger of the transactions."

Solomon gave a small nod. "I will maintain a ledger just as I always have. I know the importance of keeping a proper record."

Alaric smiles and nods, they then walked out of the room and headed downstairs.

----------------------

Bernard, Linette, Leonard, and Eleanor had been waiting in the Grand Hall for almost an hour for Alaric and Solomon to arrive.

They quietly argued about what to do with the young slave, their voices tense with concern. No one knew how Solomon would handle it, the final choice was his, as it was his house.

Bernard and Linette kept pushing for the slave to be sent away, worried he'd put the Kenway family in danger. Their whispers and uneasy looks showed how strongly they felt about the risk.

Leonard and Eleanor stayed mostly quiet. They'd chosen to let Alaric handle things on his own by now. Their silence was a mix of acceptance and cautious hope that Alaric's plan would succeed.

When Alaric and Solomon finally came downstairs, Bernard blurted, "Well? What's the decision?"

Solomon paused. "I'll let the slave stay here for a week. If Alaric can't find a safer spot by then, he leaves."

Alaric nodded. The room relaxed slightly—some relieved, others still uneasy.

Then Alaric spoke calmly, "I won't argue about this anymore."

He hesitated before adding, "Sorry, Linette. Sorry, Uncle, for being stubborn." Glancing down, he said, "And sorry again for hitting you, Bernard."

Bernard sighed, sharing a look with Linette. With a faint grin, he said, "Can't stay angry at you, kid. Just don't knock me out again... my neck hurts."

Alaric gave a small laugh. "No promises."