Riche first visited Koyor in her life as a merchant.
There was a short summer in Koyor. It was in such a season that terrible thunderstorms surge in the evening. Tully and Rishe reached Koyor Castle, which stood on the shore of the sea, half in distress.
The downpour was so hard that they almost gave up, and their protective cloaks were useless against the rain.
After being let in the back door, she remembered being handed a towel by the attendant who greeted them, and they were finally given a break.
“Hahahaha! We were told it was going to rain heavily, but it was more downpour than I expected.”
Her boss, Tully, burst into laughter and wiped his sopping wet bangs.
“Rishe, that’s why I told you you didn’t have to follow me. I was the one who made the decision not to postpone the negotiation time. You should have stayed at the inn with the rest of the guys.”
“Forget about that, Chairman Tully!”
Rishe excitedly responded as she dried her hair.
“If it rains this much in the summer, won’t rainproof cloaks sell well? Something thinner, lighter, brighter and cooler looking for snow!”
“That’s a fantastic idea, but shouldn’t you take care of yourself first? Your hair and dress are a mess, yet you protected the merchandise.”
“Because people can get dry when wiped.”
“Hahaha!”
Tully laughed briefly and then looked at Rishe.
“Well, well, I’m glad you’re starting out on the right foot. A person with that kind of spirit is a favorite of the valued clients here.”
“Valued clients?”
Would that be the servants of this castle, etc.?
“In any case, it would be rude to stay at the castle dressed like this. The delivery was made in time, so we’re free now ……”
Tully raised the corners of his mouth in a grin, despite Rishe’s attempts to say so.
“It’s been a while, Your Highness Kyle.”
“!”
Tully spoke suddenly and gave a gentlemanly bow right then and there.
Rishe also moved on the spur of the moment, and she plucked the hem of her dress and bowed her head.
“Your Highness” is, could it be…?
The sound of shoes echoed steadily and stopped in front of Rishe.
“It’s been a long time, Tully. I’m sorry for rushing you through the stormy weather.”
“I am delighted to be here, but I do beg your pardon for our unflattering appearance.”
“It was my father, the king, who asked for it as soon as possible. I’ll have them get you a change of clothes and hot water as soon as possible. And this lady?”
“My subordinate, Wertsner.”
“Then I must say hello.”
It was an imposing voice.
Could it be that a royalty appeared? He went all the way to the back door to welcome a mere merchant.
“— It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Rishe Ilmgard Wertsner.”
Rishe introduced herself with her head down. Drops dripped from her hair, wetting the floor.
“Kyle Morgan Cleverley. We sincerely welcome your visit.”
A surprise came shortly afterwards.
“Your Highness Kyle!”
Kyle knelt before Rishe.
The prince of a country didn’t hesitate to kneel to the apprentice merchant.
Could this be the custom of ‘Koyor men respecting women’?
It took only a moment for Rishe to figure it out, and she soon found out his true intentions.
“It must have been arduous on the road in the rain, protecting the horses and carriage. Even if that wasn’t the case, you have done well for the ship journey and risked all to get here. This is a country where supplies are scarce. With the support of merchants like you, we’re able to protect our people’s lives.”
The prince with light blue eyes looked straight into Rishe’s eyes and added, “– I give you, merchants, my respect and gratitude.”
This was their first encounter.
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