The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 14: Market Mayhem

Yukime strolled through Midgar's bustling shopping district, her large fox ears perked up with curiosity. The townsfolk smiled as she passed, their greetings met with a friendly nod. She couldn't resist peeking at the various goods on display, her tails swaying with excitement.

As Yukime meandered through Midgar's lively shopping district, a cheerful merchant spotted her unique presence. Excitement gleamed in the merchant's eyes as he hurriedly approached, "Yukime! It's always a pleasure to see you! Your charming aura brightens up the whole marketplace."

Yukime beamed in response, her fox ears twitching with delight. The merchant continued, "You won't believe it – the demand for your exquisite products has been soaring lately. Customers can't get enough of what you offer. Your presence here is like a blessing to our sales!"

Yukime smiled gracefully and replied, "As expected, indeed."

The merchant, overcome with enthusiasm, struggled to contain their excitement as they exclaimed, "Yukime, your potions, medicines, and remedies are making quite the buzz! The demand is insatiable. We need more of your extraordinary products to satisfy our eager customers. Can we place a larger order, perhaps?"

Yukime watched with a sly smirk as a customer eagerly selected her potions from the colourful display. The customer, entranced by the allure of her products, handed over a handful of money with a smile.

When the merchant approached with a hopeful gleam in their eyes, Yukime gracefully shook her head, her smirk deepening. "I appreciate the demand, but I'm afraid I must decline."

The merchant's excitement waned, replaced by surprise. "But Yukime, our customers are clamouring for more of your extraordinary goods! We made a deal you know!"

Yukime fixed a serious gaze upon the merchant, her eyes narrowing slightly. "We did make a deal, but it seems one party has been making some rather questionable decisions."

The merchant feigned innocence, "I'm not sure what you mean, Yukime. Our partnership has been mutually beneficial, hasn't it?"

Yukime raised an eyebrow, her tone unwavering. "Beneficial, perhaps, but not exactly as we agreed. I've learned that you've been selling my products at a higher price than we discussed."

The merchant stammered, attempting to maintain composure, "Well, you see, it's just good business strategy. The demand is high, and people are willing to pay more for quality!"

Yukime's expression remained stern as she swiftly snatched the bag of gold from the merchant's hands. "A higher price may be tolerable, but what about our agreed-upon share? I was supposed to receive 40% of the monthly income, yet my earnings have remained stagnant."

The merchant, beads of sweat forming on their forehead, hurriedly attempted to justify their actions. "Yukime, I understand your concern, but you see, the market is ever-changing. I had to adjust the prices to keep up with the demand, and... well, it's just business strategy, you know?"

Before the merchant could continue, Yukime raised her hand, cutting through the excuses. "Enough. Instead of our initial 40%, I believe a fair share would be 70% of the profits."

The merchant's eyes widened in shock, "Seventy percent? That's quite steep, Yukime! It would significantly impact my profits."

Yukime leaned in, her eyes piercing. "Consider this: without my extraordinary products, your business would suffer a considerable blow. The demand is not just for any goods; it's for mine. A fair partnership is in both our interests."

The merchant, still reeling from the unexpected proposition, stammered, "But Yukime, that's... that's too much. I can't agree to such a high percentage."