As the morning sun painted the sky with shades of amber and gold, the group prepared to leave the Imuchakk village. Their journey was to continue on an impressive Imuchakk boat, a vessel that dwarfed most other ships with its sheer size and imposing structure.
Rurumu, having taken on the role of their teacher and mentor, stood before Sinbad, Reana, and Ja'far. They were lined up in front of her, wooden boxes serving as their tables for a makeshift classroom.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," Ja'far began, his tone a complete departure from his usual demeanor. "I am called 'Ja'far,' a trader as well. It would be our pleasure if you find our merchandise suitable for your store."
Sinbad and Reana turned their heads towards him, their expressions a blend of shock and amusement. This was certainly a side of Ja'far that they hadn't expected to see – one of formal politeness and respect.
Ja'far, however, couldn't keep up the act any longer. His lips curled into a scowl, and he voiced his inner protest. "Like this?" he asked, slamming his fist down on the wooden box before him. "I'm gonna puke!" He huffed and muttered, "Like hell will I talk this way! You hag!"
Rurumu, unfazed by Ja'far's outburst, responded in her usual calm and measured tone. "Hag?"
She then delivered a swift but not-too-forceful chop to the top of Ja'far's head. Sinbad and Reana exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the lesson learned. They quickly returned their attention to the wooden boxes and continued their writing exercises.
Rurumu addressed the kid sternly, using the moment as a teaching opportunity. "Ja'far, haven't I told you over and over again? You shouldn't use foul language like that. Address a woman senior as ma'am or mistress. Please refrain from using indecent vocabulary. Am I making myself clear? From now on, we are part of the crew of Lord Sinbad's fleet. A fleet certified by Imuchakk. Sinbad is our Lord. We vassals should never do anything that stains the Lord's reputation. Speech is the root of etiquette. Therefore, the choice of words is the most important. Everything we say and do affects how people trust our Lord."
As their journey continued, Rurumu offered comprehensive lessons in various subjects: general education, culture, geography, social studies, mathematics, and reading and writing. Sinbad and Ja'far found the experience to be quite challenging, while Reana seemed to take to her studies with ease, her innate aptitude shining through.
One day, during a brief moment of respite, the group engaged in casual conversation. As Sinbad observed Reana's comfort with the subjects, he couldn't help but comment, "You know, seeing how easy it is for you, don't you think you already knew all of this? Maybe... maybe you were born into some kind of noble family."
Reana, thoughtful and introspective, gazed into the distance. "Maybe you're right, Sin. I still don't remember anything," she admitted.
Ja'far, who had been listening to their conversation, offered his perspective. "But if that's the case, don't you think they may be searching for her?" he asked.
Reana's posture tensed. "I... I don't think I want to return to a life I don't know about... to relatives I don't remember. As far as I'm concerned, my family is here," she declared, her smile reflecting the deep affection she held for her companions.
Ja'far seemed surprised at her words, and as she noticed it, she closed in and hugged him.
"Wha-" he said, embarassed.
Reana chuckled warmly, her voice a soothing presence. "I'm talking about you too, Ja'far. You see... you're like a little brother to me."
Ja'far's surprise deepened at her words, and he seemed at a loss for how to react. The notion of having a family, even a chosen one, was a comforting thought that warmed his heart.
Sinbad, never one to be left out of a conversation, playfully pointed a finger at himself. "And me?"
Ja'far's reaction was a mixture of surprise and curiosity, his eyes shifting between the two of them as if seeking answers hidden beneath the surface. "Aren't you two siblings?" he asked. "Even if you don't ressemble each other. But I saw you sleeping next to each other in Imuchakk. That or..." He left the implication hanging, suggesting a deeper and more intimate relationship between the two.
Sinbad and Reana exchanged a furtive glance, then awkwardly averted their eyes, their faces flushing with embarrassment. They hadn't expected Ja'far to draw such a conclusion. As they tried to formulate a response, their words tumbled out in a jumble.
Ja'far grinned playfully as he drew out the moment. "Oh, I see..."
"No, it's not like that..." Reana began, but her voice trailed off as she glanced at Sinbad for support.
Sinbad stammered, "We were all sleeping together in Imuchakk, and there were other people there, like Hinahoho and Pipirika... and their younger siblings too... so it doesn't really count..."
Ja'far, seemingly unimpressed with their explanations, approached Sinbad and spoke in a low tone. "I've been observing you, you know. Back when I was on a mission to kill you. I saw you hitting on random women, countless times. Do you think I'll believe you if you said you didn't try anything with her?"
"Hey! It's different!" Sinbad protested, his face reddening even further.
"Different? How?" Ja'far teased, grinning up at him impishly.
"You... little brat!" Sinbad muttered, his cheeks still flushed.
Rurumu, who had been standing spectator to the last part of their discussion, couldn't help but laugh at their exchange.
"That's enough, Ja'far," she said, stepping in to mediate the situation. "You're teasing them too much."
Ja'far shrugged with a mischievous grin. "I was just having some fun."
"Well, now that the fun is over, maybe we should get back to work," Rurumu suggested. "You all still have a lot to learn."
They all froze upon hearing her words, especially Ja'far, who tended to receive a lot of Rurumu chops due to his attitude.
----
Sinbad and Ja'far lay sprawled on the floor in comical misery. Their faces twisted into grotesque expressions, they moaned dramatically.
As they bemoaned their mental fatigue, Hinahoho ambled by, eyeing the duo with an amused grin. He couldn't help but tease them, crouching down with a chuckle. "Are you two alive?"
Vittel and Mahad joined Hinahoho. "Chief... I mean, Ja'far, hang in there," Vittel quipped.
"Yep yep" added Mahad.
Sinbad and Ja'far, their faces contorted in agony, managed to speak in unison, their voices strained. "My brain is fried."
The group couldn't help but laugh at their expense, all understanding the toll that Rurumu's training had taken on them.
Hinahoho, grinning, patted them on their backs in a rather ungentlemanly manner. "Rurumu is playing the role of a strict mentor for your sake. Hold out a little longer! Besides..."
His words were interrupted by the sweet sound of Rurumu's voice, announcing that lunch was ready. They all turned toward her, expressions brightening when they saw her and Reana approaching, carrying an array of mouthwatering dishes.
Hinahoho and his companions settled around the makeshift dining area, ready to enjoy a well-deserved meal. Rurumu, with her towering presence and a warm smile, began to instruct the less-refined members of the group in the art of table manners.
"Let's work on table manners," she encouraged, her tone kindly authoritative.
Sinbad and Ja'far nodded, their movements as stiff as soldiers as they desperately tried not to make a sound while eating. Their faces conveyed the struggle of trying to balance the newfound lessons with their deep appreciation for the delicious food before them. Their eyes darted anxiously between their plates and Rurumu's expectant gaze.
Hinahoho couldn't help but admire the spread before them. "Those look so tasty!" he commented, making the duo's struggle all the more amusing. "Rurumu, the most talented woman of Imuchakk, can handle all housework perfectly."
Rurumu accepted the compliment with a modest smile. "I have to say that Reana already has some solid knowledge on cooking. She even helped me," she added with a chuckle.
Reana blushed, her smile a mix of pride and melancholy, the latter triggered by the memory of Sinbad's mother teaching her. Her mood shifted as she watched Sinbad and Ja'far, tears streaming down their cheeks as they continued their valiant yet absurd quest to avoid Rurumu's discipline.
The rigorous training routine continued unabated for a full month as they worked to improve their skills and prepare for the adventures that lay ahead. Finally, they reached the bustling port of Narpolia, located in the grand Reim Empire.
----
The weight of the bags filled with goods from Imuchakk hung heavy from their arms, but it was a welcomed burden. Sinbad, Reana, Ja'far, Hinahoho, Rurumu, Vittel and Mahad found themselves standing at the heart of a bustling street in the city of Narpolia, their expressions filled with wonder and anticipation.
Sinbad couldn't help but wear a broad grin, his eyes darting from one exciting sight to another. "This... is the Reim Empire," he exclaimed, the words laced with awe and exhilaration.
The streets teemed with life, and the air was thick with the hustle and bustle of the city's residents going about their daily lives.
Reana, too, was mesmerized by the city's vibrancy. "Amazing," she whispered, unable to take her eyes off the spectacle before her. Turning to Sinbad, she was surprised to find him uncharacteristically quiet.
"What is it, Sin?" she inquired, curiosity in her voice.
Sinbad, his gaze still fixed on the bustling streets, replied, his tone more subdued than usual, "Um. I was just thinking, I finally stepped into the realm of Reim."
Ja'far, standing beside Reana, couldn't resist making a teasing remark. "What's that?" he chuckled, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "How come a dork like you suddenly got so sentimental?"
Reana, catching the playful tone, laughed, albeit nervously, and took a discreet step away from the mischievous boy. Moments later, Rurumu's hand shot out, her palm connecting with Ja'far's head as a reprimand.
Sinbad, paying no heed to Ja'far's teasing, raised his clenched fist, determination shining in his eyes. "Alright! Time to open for business!" he declared, ready to take on the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead in this bustling empire.
----
"Come have a look! Don't miss it!" Sinbad bellowed, drawing the attention of passersby. He held up one of their unique items, showcasing it to the crowd. "We've got lots of rarities directly imported from the mysterious lands of Imuchakk! Now's your only chance to get them!"
The people in the marketplace turned, their curiosity piqued by the exotic wares on display. Soon, they began to gather, forming a small crowd around the enthusiastic merchants.
"What's this?" someone in the crowd wondered aloud.
"Imuchakk? Those uncivilized barbarians?" remarked another.
"Oh my! I've never seen handiwork like this before," said a third, studying an intricate piece.
"Is this genuine?" a man asked, a note of skepticism in his voice.
Reana, with a polite smile, stepped forward, proudly confirming, "Of course."
Ja'far, joining her side, continued "Authentic Imuchakk products. We are the first in the world to be authorized with a monopoly on commerce with Imuchakk. Here's the certificate."
Reana's heart swelled with pride at Ja'far's confident and fluent speech, and it was clear that the people in the crowd were impressed by their credentials.
However, her smile wavered when she noticed Sinbad, the consummate charmer, gently taking a woman's hand in his. His voice oozed charm as he spoke to her. "Please put your mind at ease, miss. You won't regret it. This is my promise to you."
The woman blushed profusely, and the enchanting scene wasn't lost on the crowd. Suddenly, all the women clamored for attention, shouting requests for different items.
Ja'far and Vittel, standing nearby with blank expressions, exchanged a knowing glance. Reana, seemingly unaffected by the situation, turned her attention to another customer.
a'far and Vittel, bewildered by Sinbad's way of business, stared with blank expressions. Reana swiftly turned her attention to another customer, avoiding the sight of Sinbad's antics. Ja'far noticed her subtle shift and couldn't help a faint grin, though he soon returned to his composed expression.
"The merchandise is genuine, so it's not fake... I suppose," Ja'far muttered to Vittel, still skeptical.
As their business seemed to be taking off smoothly, an unknown voice abruptly echoed through the crowd, disrupting the lively atmosphere. "Hold it! You there! Who gave you permission to do business here?"
----
The guards had finally managed to disperse the disappointed crowd, explaining the rules of business in Reim to the onlookers. Just as the group was about to pack their merchandise and leave, a merchant approached Sinbad. He expressed a strong interest in their goods and offered to buy the entire inventory at a reasonable price. Sinbad, eager to cut their losses and move forward, accepted the offer.
Soon, the merchant returned with his men, ready to transport the purchased merchandise. They handed over a hefty sum of money, and the group, initially relieved by the transaction, felt a sense of accomplishment.
However, their elation was short-lived. As they wandered the streets of Narpolia, they stumbled upon a shop filled with their merchandise, marked with significantly higher prices.
"We've been cheated!" Hinahoho exclaimed, his anger evident. "He said he had ways to get around the issues we faced. But he's simply reselling our items at inflated prices! Isn't this outright fraud?"
"I'm afraid he's a cunning merchant, exploiting traders like us who can't do business legally," Sinbad explained. "By merely reselling our merchandise, he makes substantial profits."
"Sin..." whispered Reana.
"Did you notice this already?" asked Ja'far.
"Yeah. I knew it when signing the contract."
Hinahoho fumed, "Why didn't you tell us before, Sin?"
Sinbad's expression was serious as he replied, "Without any proper introductions to the trading guild here, we couldn't do business legally. If we'd held onto our merchandise, we would've suffered more substantial losses, with goods that might even rot. To minimize our losses, we had no choice but to accept his offer. Sadly, we won't make significant profits here. Accumulating funds to build a country would remain a distant dream if we keep experiencing losses like this."
"How vexing... It's because we didn't know. Living in a big city really isn't that simple" said Vittel.
Sinbad noticed how they all seemed depressed. "What's wrong, everyone?"
"Nah. It's just that we underestimated doing business. We never had experiences like this back in the organization either..." said Ja'far.
"That's right. I also learned business only from deskwork. So this is fieldwork." said Rurumu.
"We're totally amateurs" added Hinahoho.
Reana, though, remained unfazed, wearing a warm smile. She already knew what Sinbad was about to say next.
And, just as expected, Sinbad's next words echoed with enthusiasm, "Why the long faces? This is where it gets interesting, you see."
"What are you talking about? We got cheated!" Ja'far exclaimed, frustration etched on his face.
Sinbad, undeterred, explained, "Ja'far, that's the point. That's why it's so fascinating. Don't you feel like merchants are some of the most influential individuals in the world? The world revolves around money, and merchants are the ones who move it. They stand at the forefront, analyzing societal trends and constantly calculating. In a way, merchants hold the power to shape the world. We're competing against formidable opponents, and as we learn more, doing business becomes increasingly captivating. Isn't it exhilarating?"
Reana giggled as she gazed at her comrades' bewildered expressions. Her eyes then shifted to Sinbad, who was beaming with his characteristic optimism. At the sight of his heartfelt smile, she felt her heart skipping a beat.
After a brief silence, the group began to smile in return. They realized that Sinbad's infectious enthusiasm had a point, even if they didn't fully grasp it.
"Sometimes I don't understand your way of thinking," Hinahoho admitted.
"But if our Lord says so, we have no choice but to follow," Ja'far sighed, though he couldn't hide a faint smile.
----
Sinbad stood on the dock, his gaze fixed on the ship that was slowly preparing to depart for Imuchakk, his friends on board, ready to rush back to replenish their stock of merchandise. Hinahoho, a giant figure amongst the crowd, called out to his friend from the deck.
"Sinbad, is this really alright?" he shouted, his voice carrying over in the night.
Sinbad met his friend's gaze. "Yes," he replied with conviction. "Hinahoho and the others will rush back to Imuchakk to stock new merchandise. I will stay here and look for a way out."
"A way out? What exactly do you have in mind?" Hinahoho inquired, genuine curiosity in his eyes.
"It takes months for you to come back here, right?" Sinbad said. "During this time, I'll look into this guild and the business firm."
Hinahoho's expression shifted from curiosity to concern. "All by yourself?"
Sinbad's grin widened, and he reassured his friend, "Nope. Reana will stay here with me."
Reana, who had been standing nearby, couldn't hide her surprise at Sinbad's statement. "You want me to stay here? I'm not sure I'll be of great help..."
Sinbad turned his attention to her and gently replied, "Don't worry about that! Or are you telling me you don't want to stay?"
Reana's response was swift and resolute. "Of course, I want to!" Her cheeks puffed out with determination, and she turned away to search for her bag in her cabin. She didn't voice it, but deep inside, she felt a surge of relief. The thought of being separated from Sinbad for an extended period was not something she relished.
Sinbad's smile grew more. "So, it's okay. We'll come up with something! I signed the contract with that reseller, so the responsibility is on me. What I lost were the hard-earned goods from Imuchakk, which everyone went through the hardship to carry here. I'll make up for it. And I won't be alone."
"Sinbad..." Hinahoho said. "I see. We'll leave everything to you."
With those final words, they exchanged warm smiles and parted ways. The ship slowly eased away from the bustling dock, setting sail northward, leaving Sinbad and Reana behind to confront the challenges that lay ahead.
A/N: Hello everyone! I'm sorry for the delay, I rewrote the first part of the chapter many times before being satisfied with it! As always, I hope you enjoy it, and don't hesitate to leave a comment, tell me what you think :)