抖阴社区

Chapter twelve: The Sindria trading company

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"I see the port!" Vittel yells from the edge of the ship, excited to see dry land again. The weather had warmed up significantly, compared to the frigid waters of Imuchakk, bringing relief to everyone on the ship. "Four full months huh, that's quite a while. I wonder how Sinbad and Yunalesca are doing." Hinahoho smiles as he steers the ship into the harbour, eager to see his friends again.

Walking onto the pier, Hinahoho sighs, relieved to finally be in Reim after the long voyage. "Finally, we've arrived. Now, all that's left is to find Sinbad and Yunalesca." Turning back to the ship, a familiar voice catches his attention, and he whips back around. Scanning through the crowd, Hinahoho frowns. "What's wrong dear?" Rurumu asks as she walks onto the pier to join her husband. "I thought I heard Yunalesca just now, but I can't see her." Hinahoho says perplexed. Tilting her head in confusion, Rurumu also scans through the crowd but, like Hinahoho, doesn't see Yunalesca. Noticing two girls walking by, Rurumu flags them down.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for a friend of mine. Do you know where I can find a girl with green eyes and honey-brown hair? She's about this tall." Rurumu gestures with her hand to the height of her thighs. A little startled, the two girls look at each other before they start to giggle. "Are you looking for Lady Yunalesca?" One asks. Surprised, Rurumu nodded as Vittel and Mahad joined her and Hinahoho on the pier.
"She was here a few moments ago but went back to the market district." The other girl continues as she points toward an arched entrance leading to a plaza of stalls and buildings. Thanking the girls, Rurumu turns to Hinahoho, who shrugs. "Might as well since there's no one here." "Let's get going then." She smiles as she leads the expedition to find Yunalesca and Sinbad.

"What the?!" Hinahoho stares at the huge building in front of him, his mouth agape. "Did Sinbad and Yunalesca do this?" He couldn't believe his eyes as he, alongside Rurumu, Vittel, and Mahad stare at the brilliant marble building, its ivory pillars standing out among the surrounding buildings. But it wasn't the gigantic white edifice that held their attention. But rather what was engraved above the entrance.
"Sindria Trading Company"
The words were carved out in bold letters on the face of the building, proudly telling everyone that passed by about itself. It felt so surreal for Hinahoho, as if blinking would make everything disappear in an instant.
"Oh? Hey everyone!" Sinbads casual greeting, startling them.

Still a little dazed, the group turns around to greet Sinbad only to be floored again. A few steps away stood Sinbad, adorned to an almost ridiculous degree, in gold and silver jewellery. Every piece he wore was decorated with all kinds of precious stones. Behind him stood a girl dressed in fine silk with a blond haired man, both of them sporting the same fed up expression as they watched Sinbad parade his trinkets and adornments.
Pulling her gaze away from Sinbad, Rurumu looks at the girl. "Yunalesca.." She said softly. She didn't recognise her at all. Her wild hair was parted neatly at her right temple, creating a swooping side-bang, while the rest hung free, cut short just below her shoulders. Her face was full, and her bones didn't show at all. "It's wonderful to see you all again, Miss Rurumu." Yunalesca beams as she walks over to hug her companions, her lavender dress swishing with each step. Contrary to Sinbad, Yunalesca wore minimal jewellery, a thin bangle on her right wrist, and a thick golden band around her left bicep, both decorated in a flower and vine motif. Gently hugging Yunalesca, Rurumu couldn't help but think how dignified she looked, like Reim nobility.

"What happened here? Did you do all this while we were away?" Hinahoho still couldn't wrap his head around everything. "Yeap. We're a licensed company now, which means we can trade in Reim as well as other countries." Sinbad smiles, placing his hands on his hips, making his trinkets klink together in a strange sounding cacophony. "That's going to get old quickly." Vittel and Hinahoho share a though. Clearing his throat, the man behind Sinbad steps forward and places his hand on the boys shoulder. "Sinbad, you did a great job getting this far on your own."
"Not at all! It's all thanks to you master! If you weren't here, I wouldn't have come so far." Sinbad says, shaking his head. "Master?" The word caught Hinahoho and the others off guard, and they turn to Yunalesca, who just shrugs.
"Your gratitude is unnecessary. I enjoyed watching you and Lady Yunalesca partake in your dazzling activities. Keep on making an effort to do business, as both a merchant and an adventurer." The man smiles as he continues. "My official business is over in Reim, so I must return to Balbad, though I don't want to part ways yet. If you ever visit Balbad, please come by the Royal Palace. This is for trade negotiations between my kingdom and yours, of course." The man laughs as Sinbad nods, his eyes sparkling. "Yes master!"
Walking back to his ship, the man turns around, sceptre in hand. "Take care, Sinbad, Lady Yunalesca. I look forward to seeing you both again."

Watching the man sail away, Yunalesca and Sinbad wave one final goodbye. When the ship was out of earshot, Hinahoho grabbed Sinbad by the shoulders. "Who's that guy? He's not some ordinary person, right?" Patting Hinahoho on his arm, Yunalesca signals him to let Sinbad go.
"From establishing the business till today, the one who taught me about commerce.. was the king of Balbad." Sinbad says sheepishly. "King!" Hinahoho couldn't believe his ears. "He just casually met and befriended a king?" Hinahoho let go of Sinbad in sheer shock.
"That aside. You brought back the cargo from Imuchakk, right? We can't afford to get stuck here. Let's take back the time we lost by persistently doing business for foundation money. After all, our goal is to establish our own country!" Sinbad clenched his fist, his conviction inspiring his friends. "There he goes again, talking about establishing a country.." Yunalesca couldn't help but wonder what went through his head when he said that.
"It's the Sindria trading companys new beginning!" Sinbad yells, snapping Hinahoho out of his daze. "Yeah!" The group answers in unison, raising their fists. Glancing around, Sinbad turns to Hinahoho. "By the way, where's Ja'far?"
"Ah.. Ja'far huh.." Hinahoho scratches the back of his head.

The sudden shift in everyone's mood made Yunalesca's heart drop into her stomach. "What happened?" She asks, worried. "Thay guy.. he's.." Hinahoho starts hesitantly. An ominous feeling bubbles from Yunalescas chest as Hinahoho continues. "My sons babysitter."
"Huh?" Yunalesca and Sinbad just stare at Hinahoho dumbfounded, as the sound of baby laughter mixed with Ja'fars muffled voice draws near. Turning around, they see a boy dressed in Imuchakk clothing playing with a limp version of Ja'far. "Co..con..congratulations, Hinahoho!" Sinbad says, regaining his composure as Yunalesca still stares at the sight, completely flabbergasted. "Aww, you're making me blush." Hinahoho says in a tittering voice as he scratches his cheek. "Our son, Kikiriku, completely adores his big brother Ja'far! In the course of a day, he became so attached to him that he didn't want to part from him. It's proof of their brotherly bond." Rurumu comments sweetly as she giggles. Snapping out of her daze induced trance, Yunalesca congratulates Rurumu, her surprise melting into genuine happiness for her friend.

"Let's do our very best for our growing family too!" Sinbad says, smiling as he watches baby Kikiriku play. It's been a long time since he'd gotten such a happy surprise. "Yeah." Eveyone exclaims excitedly as they laugh.
Hearing a muffled groan through the groups laughter, Yunalesca rushes to Ja'far, kneeling beside him. "Hey, you okay? Of course you're not. You look like a limp noodle." Yunalesca whispers as she pats Ja'fars head. Looking at her with pleading eyes, Ja'far tries to speak, but nothing comes out. "He really needs some rest." Yunalesca mumbles to herself, trying to think of a way to separate Ja'far and the baby. Suddenly, an idea hit her. "How about we all head back to the inn, and Sinbad and I introduce ourselves to Kikiriku?" She blurts out, turning to Rurumu. "Wonderful! Then you two and Ja'far can watch him while we unload the cargo." Rurumu smiles delighted as Ja'fars pleading groans fall on deaf ears.
Reaching out a feeble hand, Ja'far touches Yunalesca's arm, and she turns her attention back to him. "Thank you." He mouths before being subjected to another wave of vigorous involuntary stretching.

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