In the capital of Ruthiana, tension filled the air inside a grand office chamber. The messenger stood with his back straight, nervous. In front of him, a man's expression twisted sharply as he absorbed the words he heard.
"What did you say?"
The messenger swallowed. "Sir Steven, the slave transportation from the Duchy of Salvos and surrounding regions has been interrupted."
"Interrupted! How?" Steven's voice cracked like a whip.
"Baron Blank personally acted."
The instant those words left the messenger's mouth, Steven's face darkened. The veins in his neck bulged.
"What? That son of a bitch. He dared to put his hands into our business again!" Steven roared, leaning forward with rage in his eyes.
He was the President of the Merchant Association.
