Chapter 726: Prestige and Predators
Adam followed Yann through the forest, shadows of pines’ branches coiling around his fluttering coat. With each echo of their steps, the mist intensified, robbing them of a few more meters of clear vision until all he could see were the arabesques of grey wisps against the even greyer forest.
Amidst the deepening silence, however, a sly grin tugged at the corner of his lips. Yann only served his interests. He knew questions would only meet more demands for wine or items from the arcanist. As if he would let anyone take advantage of his ignorance—he never had, and never would.
Instead, he was merely waiting for the hooked fish to exhaust itself and rise to the surface, information flowing out of its gaping mouth. After all, his crafting show was not entirely innocent. And just as expected, Yann’s discreet glances at his coat began to turn into focused glares.
The time had come.
With a sharp turn, Yann took a deep exhale, then spoke. "We’ll cross villages and cities on our way to the capital, and if something never changes, it’s the need for money—or prestige in this archipelago. At least to make our stay comfortable."
He paused, his gaze locked onto the impressive behemoth embroidered on Adam’s coat. The swelled muscles, ebony fur, and its thrown back head, maw wide open into a roar he could imagine, made him rub his hands like merchant assessing jewels rather than fabric.
Adam leaned forward, hand finding his chin. It was the second time Yann mentioned prestige. Was it more than public acknowledgement, possessing intrinsic value like the sect points from the Jin Long sect? Time to solve this mystery.
"I guess you’re not wrong. So, how do we earn prestige?"
"Nothing hard for you." Yann caressed his moustache, hiding his broadening smile. Then, he stretched his hand. "You craft and I sell—fifty-fifty on the revenue."
Adam scrutinised the hand for a moment before he shook his head. "I have no clue about prestige, you know? And do your beautiful eyes warrant half the revenue, or are you trying to swindle me?"