WREN WAS HARVESTINGfresh bread from the breadfruit tree when she heard hoofbeats approaching.She looked up, shading her eyes against the afternoon sun.
Viktor rode through her gate on a beautiful black horse, dressed impeccably as always.He carried a leather satchel and wore that easy, confident smile.
The dandelions immediately took defensive positions, golden eyes fixed on him.
"It's alright," Wren called to them.They relaxed slightly but stayed alert.
Viktor dismounted smoothly."Good afternoon, Wren.I hope I'm not intruding?"
"Not at all.Just doing some harvesting."She set down her basket."What brings you out here?"
"A few things, actually.Business and pleasure both."He gestured around at her property."I've been meaning to see your operation properly.The rumors don't do it justice.This is impressive."He walked slowly through her organized sections, genuinely examining everything.The kitchen garden, the trade goods area, the decorative pond with its water lilies were pretty, glowing with sunlight."You've created something remarkable here," he said."Functional, beautiful, and profitable.That's rare."
"Thank you."
"I brought something for you."He opened his satchel and pulled out a leather-bound book."Property management guide.I've made notes in the margins on techniques that work for this region, seasonal considerations, that sort of thing."
Wren took it carefully.The book was well-used, clearly Viktor's own copy, filled with annotations in neat handwriting."This is generous."
"I'd rather see you succeed than struggle unnecessarily."He smiled."Neighboring properties do better when we all do well.Your success raises land values for everyone in the area."It was a practical argument, delivered without pretension.
"I also wanted to discuss something."Viktor leaned against the fence near her pond, relaxed and non-threatening."I've been thinking about your shield situation."
Wren tensed slightly."What about it?"
"The cursed land puts extra strain on it.You're replacing bulbs every two weeks, yes?"
"Yes."
"That's expensive and dangerous.Even with your dandelions helping, it's a constant drain on resources."He pulled out a folded paper."I had my engineer draw up estimates for a shield upgrade.Self-repair enchantments, reinforced structure, more efficient power distribution."
He handed her the paper.The plans were detailed, professional.And the cost made her eyebrows rise.
"Fifty gold for basic reinforcement," Viktor said before she could ask."One hundred twenty-five for the full upgrade with self-repair.I know that's significant."
"It's more than I have."
"Of course.You've been here three weeks."His tone was understanding, not condescending."But I wanted you to see the options.Plan for the future."He paused, choosing his words carefully."I also wanted to propose a partnership.Purely business, mutually beneficial."
"What kind of partnership?"
"You have unique products that command premium prices.I have established distribution networks, business connections, and resources."He gestured at her trees."Your silk, for example.Madame Lin sells everything you bring her within days.But she's one shop in one town.I have contacts in three other cities who would pay even more."
"So you'd...what, broker trades for me?"
"Essentially.I'd handle the business side, like negotiations, transportation, expanding your market reach.You'd focus on production.We'd split profits sixty-forty, with you taking the larger share since you're providing the goods."
It sounded reasonable.Generous, even."You'd be taking a smaller cut?"Wren asked with a frown.That seemed suspect.
"Initially, yes.But volume makes up for margin.If I can sell your products in four cities instead of one, we both make more money."He smiled."I'm not being altruistic, just smart.Your magic is unique.Partnering with you now, while you're establishing yourself, is good business."
"And what do you get out of it besides money?"
Viktor's smile widened slightly."Direct answer?A stake in the most interesting agricultural development in the region.Goodwill with a talented magic user.And..."He paused."The pleasure of helping someone I find genuinely impressive succeed."
The compliment was delivered smoothly but felt sincere.
"You don't have to decide now," he continued."Think about it.Talk to other merchants if you want; Mei will tell you my reputation is solid.My father's business has been established for thirty years, no scandals, no cheating."He straightened."I'm offering because I think we'd both benefit.But there's no pressure."
