Ava left the palace early that morning, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement as she made her way toward Zarpha's bustling marketplace.

The palace had been stifling—full of politics and posturing—but here in the market, she could feel the pulse of the kingdom, the raw energy of commerce and trade. This was where true power lay—not in council meetings, but in the exchange of goods and wealth.

She had spent some time wandering the market the previous evening, getting a feel for the layout, the merchants, and the flow of business.

But today, she had a purpose.

Ava wasn't just here to observe—she was here to profit.

As she moved through the crowded streets, she pulled her cloak tight around her to avoid unnecessary attention.

The scent of freshly baked bread, spices from far-off lands, and the distinct aroma of grilled meats from the food vendors filled the air. The chatter of merchants haggling with customers filled the air, creating a symphony of commerce that made her heart race.

"This is where the real action is," she muttered under her breath, a sly smile curling on her lips.

She stopped in front of a stall selling rare silks and fabrics, her eyes drawn to the rich colors and intricate patterns. The merchant, a middle-aged man with a thick beard, was haggling with a customer over the price of a bolt of crimson silk.

Ava watched the interaction for a moment, sizing up the merchant.

He was good, but she could tell he was desperate. There was a slight tremor in his hand as he counted the coins the customer handed over, and his eyes darted nervously around the marketplace as if he were looking for someone.

Perfect.

After the customer left, Ava approached the merchant with a calm expression but her eyes calculating. "You seem to have fine silks here," she remarked smoothly. "But I couldn't help noticing that you seem… troubled."

The merchant looked up, his eyes widening slightly as he took in Ava's striking appearance. "Troubled? No, no… business is fine," he said quickly, though the tightness in his voice betrayed him.

Ava raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Come now, there's no need to lie to me. I've been around markets like this long enough to recognize when a merchant is under pressure. Perhaps I can help."

The merchant hesitated, glancing around the marketplace again before leaning in slightly. "It's true… business has been difficult lately. I've had trouble getting new shipments in, and the competition is fierce. If I don't make enough profit soon, I'll be out of business by the end of the month."

Ava's smile deepened. "Then perhaps we can help each other. I have a talent for turning businesses around—and I'm willing to make an investment if the terms are right."

The merchant's eyes narrowed. "An investment? What are you offering?"

Ava leaned in confidently. "I'll provide the coin to secure your next shipment of silks. In return, I take 30% of your profits for the next month. If you do well, I'll lower my percentage to 20% after that. And trust me, with my help, you'll be doing very well indeed."

The merchant hesitated, clearly weighing his options. "30% is steep."

"It is," Ava agreed with a light tone. "But it's better than losing everything, isn't it? And I'm not just offering coin—I'm offering my expertise. I'll help you position your goods, target the right customers, and raise your prices without losing buyers. Think of it as more than an investment—think of it as a partnership."

The merchant's eyes flicked over the silks on display, then back to Ava. After a long moment, he nodded slowly. "Alright. You have a deal."

Ava smiled, extending her hand. "Excellent. Let's get started."

Over the next few hours, Ava worked with the merchant, observing how he interacted with customers, how he set his prices, and how he displayed his goods. It didn't take long for her to make a few key changes—subtle but effective.

First, she had him rearrange his stall, bringing the more vibrant and expensive silks to the front, where they would catch the eye of passing customers. She then advised him to raise his prices slightly, creating the illusion of scarcity and exclusivity.

People always want what they think they can't afford, she mused.

"Make them feel like they're getting something special," Ava instructed. "Offer a small discount if they hesitate, but never start low. Let them think they're negotiating a deal when really, they're still paying more than they would at any other stall."

The merchant followed her advice, and soon, customers were flocking to the stall, drawn in by the allure of the rich silks and the promise of exclusivity.

Within an hour, he had sold more than he had in the past two days combined.

Ava watched with satisfaction as the merchant pocketed the coins, his earlier anxiety replaced with a confident grin. "You were right," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I've never seen business like this. You're a natural."

"I know," Ava replied with a wink. "But we're just getting started."

As the day went on, the profits continued to roll in. The merchant was selling out of his stock faster than he could keep up, and Ava made sure to keep the flow of customers steady by chatting with passersby, using her charm to lure them in.

She knew how to read people, how to play to their desires—and it was paying off.

By the end of the day, the merchant's stall was nearly empty, and he was beaming with gratitude. "I don't know how to thank you," he said, handing Ava her share of the profits—a hefty sum of coins that weighed down her pouch.

"Consider this just the beginning," Ava said, pocketing the coins with a satisfied smile. "Remember our deal—30% for the next month. And if you keep following my advice, you'll be the most successful merchant in this market by the end of it."

The merchant nodded eagerly, clearly eager to continue the partnership. "Absolutely. I'll do whatever you say."

Ava patted him on the shoulder, her smile turning slightly predatory. "Good. I'll be checking in on you."

As she left the market, the weight of the coin pouch at her side felt satisfying. She had always loved the thrill of making a profit, of outsmarting the competition and coming out on top. Money was power, and Ava had always known how to wield it.

But as she walked back toward the palace, her mind wandered to the bigger picture. This was just a small taste of what she could accomplish in Zarpha.

If she could turn a struggling merchant's business around in a single day, imagine what she could do with more resources, more influence.

She made a plan to scout out more struggling merchants, make an investment and get a good deal from them. It would only be a matter of time and she'll be swimming in gold without doing anything.

Zarpha was ripe for the taking—and Ava intended to take full advantage of it.

She paused, looking out at the town she had left behind and allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. This was just the beginning.

She would find a way to climb higher, to seize more power—and when she did, the riches of Zarpha would be hers for the taking.

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