He remembered Ford, the manager of Four Seas General Goods, from their brief encounter at the town's east gate.
Ford came hurrying down the stairs. Now he was gripping the handrail, panting.
"Thank fortune." He patted his chest. "I thought you'd already left."
Looking for me? He Xi felt a flicker of confusion.
"Good day, Mr. Ford." He nodded politely. "May I ask what this is about?"
Ford gestured invitingly. "I wonder if Mister Galen is available at the moment. Please come with me to the parlor, and we can discuss things in more detail."
Though he had no idea what this was about, He Xi nodded.
It never hurt to get on good terms with the manager of a large business.
"Please."
Ford immediately led the way, while giving instructions to Mandy, the shop assistant who had returned to the entrance. "Go prepare our finest tea and snacks."
Mandy was taken aback. She hadn't expected this ordinary-looking young mage to know Manager Ford.
For a moment, she felt even more regretful. She should have dressed up more today.
Thinking this, she gathered her skirt and hurried upstairs.
Before long, He Xi followed Ford into a parlor.
The room wasn't large, but it had its own unique charm.
Just inside the door, a rug woven from thick nautical ropes covered the floor.
In the middle stood a heavy solid-wood table, surrounded by several armchairs that looked quite comfortable.
The most striking feature was the detailed hand-drawn sea chart hanging on the wall, crisscrossed with countless marked routes.
Everything in the room spoke of the Tidal Trade Union's unusual history, built on maritime trade.
At Ford's gesture, He Xi sat down on the sofa.
Bruce quietly sat by his feet, curiously examining the unfamiliar surroundings.
Soon, Mandy brought in freshly brewed