Koyuki, the Necromancing Foxkin

CHAPTER 293: Derrick

Douglas showed us the way to a large hall. It had rather high ceilings supported with round marble pillars. The large windows weren't enough to provide light everywhere but the ceiling was filled with crystal lights. The hall was quite busy as numerous people were setting up stalls.

"Um, do we need to bring our own stall?" I asked.

"We can offer some basic furniture, for a fee. However, Sir Edward might be willing to accommodate you." Douglas replied.

I looked around some more. Some people were building a small store front showcasing goods, others settled for a table and chairs. Everyone seemed to have some kind of sign to advertise something.

"I believe your reputation will draw people without an elaborate setup." Kaito said.

"Cassie has brought some potions to sell but I am not sure if she wants to display them. Maybe she can leave them in her trunk." Hatsumi said.

I guess my main contribution was knowledge. Should I have written a flyer? Did Gronir?

"We do need a few chairs." I mused. "Other than that, a large table might be enough. And an area to store things."

"Perhaps a simple tent?" Douglas suggested.

"Why a tent? We are indoors." I wondered.

"It allows you to mark your space to store things. If you just placed your trunks, boxes and other things on the floor, theft would be easier. It also stops people from approaching you from all sides and forces them to queue properly. Some even build wooden stalls." Douglas replied.

I looked around and spotted someone setting up a tent. It was a lot larger than what we had used for camping in the past. It did not have a floor and was tall enough to stand in.

"A tent would work." Kaito replied. "We can store things in the back, including refreshments, and have a desk at the front where people can queue up."

Douglas nodded. "A simple setup would cost you one gold per day, however I do believe Sir Edward would waive the fee."

"Let's do it." I decided.

"Do you have anything to store here? We can also provide secure storage for goods." Douglas offered.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"I think we will keep them at the hotel." I replied, then I remembered something. "The corpses! Wait, did someone keep them cold overnight?"

"Yes, mistress. It has been taken care of." Hatsumi assured me.

"Do you intend to sell those corpses?" Douglas asked.

"I am not sure what we will do with them. I might use them for a demonstration." I replied.

"If you require special storage I would have to inquire with our water magic department. They maintain any ice boxes we have." He said.

"I believe we can manage on our own. Currently Chariot is making sure the corpses stay cold." Kaito replied.

"That explains why Nyx is actually walking for once." I muttered.

Nyx looked at me, then jumped on my head.

"Really?" I asked.

"Meow." She responded smugly.

Douglas led us to a storage room where we collected a tent and I signed for it. We got a simple black one. We also borrowed a table and four chairs. The whole setup looked like a market stall with a rectangular tent covering three sides and a table at the front. There was enough room next to it to walk into the tent and we would have space to store Cassie's trunk and the corpses, if we wanted them here.

"I think we should get some cushions for the corner. If someone is exhausted talking to people they can retreat into the tent and lounge there." Hatsumi suggested.

"That sounds like a Nyx idea." I commented. "However, it does sound nice. Where do we get cushions?"

"We might have to bring them ourselves. Acquiring them in a city this large should be no problem." Kaito said.

"There you are!" I heard Helena's voice and turned around.

She was not alone, her brother was with her. While she was smiling he looked… exhausted? Concerned?

"Hello Derrick." I greeted him.

He was about to answer when Helena just grabbed me and gave me a kiss. I was surprised but I did not mind.

"Really? You had to do that right here, in public?" Derrick complained.

I blushed. "Um, what was that about?"

"Derrick suggested that keeping our relationship a secret would be beneficial. If the nobles think we are still looking for someone to marry it would make them more open to negotiations." Helena replied.

"Hello Koyuki. I did not suggest you stop your relationship, just to think politically about the matter." Derrick clarified.

I put my arm around Helena. "I really don't want marriage proposals and enough people know about our relationship anyway."

"Look, enough nobles play around. This does not stop them from marrying politically, usually. If you want people in your political faction you have to give them something." Derrick replied.

"I do believe you are underestimating Koyuki's power." Kaito said.

Derrick looked at the dullahan. "Kaito, right? Helena told me about you. Sorry, my manners are lacking. Greetings Kaito and Hatsumi."

"Meow."

"And Nyx."

"Greetings, young Frost." Kaito said. "My point is, this conference will reveal Koyuki's power, or a part of it. She is a senior mage now, and will have the mana of a grand mage by the end of the year, I am certain. It should be clear for everyone that she will end up being an archmage in time. While she is lacking experience, her power is unquestionable. She can use this opportunity to forge a stronger bond with the crown."

"You see, her power is an asset, or a threat." Hatsumi added. "She is indebted to the crown, but they will be interested to keep her on their side. We do not want them questioning her loyalty. Asking for help with Christa gives them another opportunity to earn Koyuki's gratitude."

"If Koyuki were interested in other nobles, ones less loyal to the crown, it would be problematic. Her relationship with Helena could be quite beneficial." Kaito added.

I looked between my scheming undead. Politics were not an interest of mine. It was good to know that I had support navigating this mess. But where did their knowledge come from? Did they stay up all night to read about politics? Was it just natural for them? Did they actually enjoy this? Now that was a scary thought.

"You really think she is that powerful?" Derrick asked, looking doubtful.

Hatsumi gave him a sinister smile and the runes along her arms glowed faintly. Derrick's eyes widened as he noticed them.

"What is that?" He asked.