With Trevik Territory stabilized, trade flourished.
Caravans moved day and night between Blackridge, Trevik City, and neighboring regions. Warehouses filled. Markets grew louder. Gold flowed steadily into Arin's treasury.
But prosperity attracted attention.
One morning, Kelsin entered Arin's office with an unusual expression.
"My lord, representatives from five major merchant guilds have arrived."
Arin looked up. "Together?"
"Yes," Kelsin replied. "They formed a temporary alliance."
"That means pressure," Selene said calmly.
Arin nodded. "Let them in."
In the reception hall, five well-dressed merchants waited.
Each represented a powerful guild.
Silver Road Guild.
Golden Anchor Consortium.
Red Banner Traders.
Moonleaf Exchange.
Iron Coin Union.
Their leader, a plump man named Lorian, bowed politely.
"Your Highness, we admire your management."
Arin gestured for them to sit.
"Speak plainly."
Lorian smiled. "We wish for exclusive trade rights."
Kelsin stiffened.
Selene narrowed her eyes.
Exclusive rights meant monopoly.
Higher prices.
Less control.
Arin leaned back slightly.
"And what do I gain?"
"Guaranteed taxes. Military supplies. Political support," Lorian replied smoothly.
Arin studied them quietly.
Then he spoke.
"No."
The hall fell silent.
Lorian blinked. "Your Highness?"
"I won't sell my people for convenience," Arin said evenly. "Competition stays open."
Some merchants looked offended.
Others thoughtful.
Lorian tried again. "Perhaps partial—"
"Still no."
Silence.
Then Lady Mira of Moonleaf Exchange chuckled softly.
"He's serious."
She stood.
"Moonleaf withdraws from this proposal."
The others hesitated.
One by one, two more followed.
Only Lorian and Iron Coin's leader remained.
Lorian clenched his jaw.
"We'll remember this."
Arin met his gaze calmly.
"So will I."
After they left, Rynor laughed.
"That was satisfying."
Selene nodded. "You just made enemies… and allies."
That afternoon, Lady Mira requested a private meeting.
"I like honest rulers," she said. "Moonleaf will cooperate fairly."
Arin smiled. "Then we'll prosper together."
The system activated.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Ethical Governance Path Strengthened]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Trade Network Expanded]
Meanwhile, in another province, Lorian met with shadowy figures.
"He refused," Lorian growled.
A masked man replied, "Then we force compliance."
Back in Blackridge, Kael approached Arin.
"My lord, rumors are spreading. Some guilds plan sabotage."
Arin's eyes sharpened.
"Then we prepare."
Trade was becoming another battlefield.
And Arin intended to win it.