Business and Enterprise

The silently operating Thermostatic Magic Array shut out the bleak, cold wind beyond the castle. The decorative shields on the walls had been polished to a gleam, and the magnificent classical tapestries bore symbols of heroes, monsters, and gods. Precious incense crafted by fairies quietly released a pleasant, delicate fragrance from bronze censers. The glow of Magic Crystal Lamps spilled down from the ceiling, falling into gold-rimmed teacups where the bright red liquid shimmered with a warm radiance.

Wenna, the Grey Elf, lifted the teacup before her and gently swirled the richly textured liquid. Specks of light reflected in her pale eyes. "Goods from the Typhon Empire? This... is certainly novel. What exactly are they?"

"Textiles, mainly textiles, along with dyes and white crystals," Baldwin said with a smile. "Excellent quality and ample supply—the friends of the western plain tribes should like them."

"Putting everything else aside, I am indeed interested in the textiles," Wenna said, raising her eyes. "May I see the samples?"

Baldwin rose with a smile and nodded to the attendant beside him. "Of course. They are right here—open them."

The attendant opened the wooden crates containing the samples, and the guests from the Ogre Tribes Nation immediately cast curious looks their way. Duke Baldwin personally stepped forward, took out a piece of white cloth, and handed it to Wenna. "Lady, please examine it."

Wenna accepted the cloth and studied it carefully with anticipation and curiosity. Yet within seconds, her expectant expression turned somewhat stunned and disappointed. After a brief silence, the Grey Elf tribal leader frowned and shook her head. "My friend, just moments ago, I was praising the creativity of human craftsmen in the arts... but now I find myself rather confused."

As she spoke, she looked up at Duke Baldwin curiously. "Forgive my bluntness—but