Chapter 45 - 44: Foundations
The mayor reached into another drawer and took out a rolled parchment. "This is a minor trading license. You don’t need it for street stalls, but if you intend to hire people or expand, you’ll need one eventually. I’ve expedited the paperwork."
He took it with quiet gratitude. "...Thank you."
She nodded again, more formally this time. "I expect good things from you, Kael."
He turned toward the door, escorted by the same guards who had brought him in. But this time, he had a different feeling.
...
A few moments later
The building stood on a sloped corner of the southern main street, its wide storefront facing the steady stream of townsfolk and travelers trickling in from the outer gate.
Kael stared at the building for a long moment, taking in its full form.
"Not what you expected?" Officer Marrek asked from beside him.
Kael gave a slow shake of the head. "It’s... bigger."
The shop was massive—easily the size of a warehouse, with a stone foundation and thick timber walls. A row of dusty windows watched the street like tired eyes. The signage was long gone—only the iron brackets remained, rusted and drooping.