Hours passed as they explored, Lady Z pointing out details and explaining dynamics that would take Rey months to discover on his own.
She introduced him to key players beyond the Red House—independent operators worth knowing, representatives from other Houses who might be useful contacts, even a few Category C Guards who'd accepted bribes and served as unofficial security for certain establishments.
By the time they finally surfaced back into Elkrim's legitimate districts, night had fully fallen and Rey's mind was overflowing with information.
"That's the foundation," Lady Z said as they prepared to part ways. "The rest you'll learn through experience. Start tomorrow—visit the stores, review their operations in detail, begin identifying what needs improvement."
"Understood," Rey replied. "And thank you for the comprehensive introduction. It would have taken me weeks to learn what you showed me tonight."
