Chapter 119. Back to the Beginning
Their trip back was short. Lira descended into the streams, and Rhys and Mouse walked back. They had to pause for an Empire patrol to pass by, but Mouse easily hid their presences, and the patrol passed them without noticing a thing. This time, Rhys paid close attention to her technique. He wasn’t quite sure how she did it, yet, but he was getting closer to understanding. It was something like pulling in all her mana, while at the same time exuding a weak aura that was so regular it simply passed below anyone’s notice. Not ‘no one’s here,’ but instead, ‘there’s nothing here worth paying attention to.’
They returned to the hideout to find Lira already there, and Korii and the others gathered around, waiting for him. Rhys beamed. “I’ve solved all our problems. Are you ready?”
“All of them?” Korii asked.
He waggled his hand. “Alright, I’ll admit, the Empire is still a work in progress, but the rest of them. Listen up. Here’s what we’re going to do…”
Everyone listened. At some points, they smiled; at others, they frowned deeply, but everyone listened. At last, Rhys finished, and they all stared in amazed silence, totally on board with his plan.
As if. Rhys chuckled to himself at the disbelief flickering from one face to the next. That was fine, though. They didn’t have to all understand now. They’d see the light as things progressed, and the money started flowing in.
Korii raised her hand. “We’re wanted men. Won’t the Empire recognize us when we go to sell our goods?”
“That’s what you’re asking about?” Blake muttered.
Rhys snapped, pointing at her. “Don’t worry. I’ve got the Disguise skill and the skills to match. We’ll have to engage in a little thievery to get the makeup, but I can source the clothes from right here. When I’m done with you, the Empire won’t know you from one of their very own citizens.”
“What about our auras?” another mage asked.
“That’s what the tomes are for. If you can’t figure it out, you’ll be in the kitchen instead, or working logistics. We’re starting with potato chips, but I’ve got big money in my sights. Once we lock down a source of sugar, oh boy. You’re printing money, at that point.”
One more mage raised their hand. “And we’re selling food… to mages?”