"Tyton and Kadia are truly excelling at their roles!" Logan noted with a hint of pride mixed with surprise. He had anticipated an increase in production, but the rapid surge to 30,000 kilograms was beyond his expectations.
As he pondered this achievement, the werewolf warrior added more news. "However, Lord, just five or six days ago, a group of wine merchants approached Lords Tyton and Kadia, seeking exclusive rights to distribute our wines."
"And?" Logan urged him to continue.
"They were turned away by Lord Tyton. He rejected their offer outright," the warrior explained. "Since then, those merchants haven't returned. But, curiously, both Fisher and David, our regular clients, have also ceased their orders."
"What?" Logan exclaimed, his brow furrowing. "You're saying Fisher has stopped placing orders too? This is unexpected."
He pondered the situation. Was Fisher colluding with the wine merchants? It seemed unlikely; Fisher was not only a seasoned businessman but also his brother-in-law. Surely, he wouldn't betray family ties so easily. "Has Tyton reached out to Fisher about this?"
"Lord Tyton did try, sir, but returned empty-handed. According to what David relayed, the major wine merchants might be blocking our trade routes. The details are unclear," the warrior informed him.
"Thus, Lord Tyton sent me back to report to you directly," the warrior finished.
Logan absorbed this troubling news, then managed a reassuring smile for his loyal messenger. "I appreciate this update. Go see your family while you can. We might need to head back to Canyon City sooner than expected."
The warrior nodded, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, chief!" With a respectful salute, he exited the council hall, leaving Logan to his thoughts.
Logan turned to his nephew, Lotte, who had been quietly listening. "This is a significant problem, isn't it?" Lotte asked, sensing the gravity of the situation.
"It appears so," Logan replied, his voice tinged with concern. "Fisher has been in business for over a decade, a major player in the grain market. If even he's being silenced, these wine merchants wield considerable influence."
Determination set in his features, Logan stood decisively. "I must go to Canyon City and handle this personally. Uncle, I'll need you to oversee things here."
Lotte nodded, his expression serious. "Don't worry about the tribe. We have enough provisions."
With a quick nod, Logan gathered his cloak. "Then I'll head back and take a closer look. We can't afford to let this situation escalate." With those parting words, he strode out, ready to face whatever challenges awaited in Canyon City.
"What, you're planning to head to Canyon City now?" Jane asked, her eyebrows raised in mild surprise as she watched Logan pacing the room, clearly unsettled.
"Yes, Your Highness," the other replied, bowing slightly, the weight of the information they carried clear in their solemn tone.
"The origin of this exquisite wine has been traced to the DC area, on Wardle Street at the Kasha Hotel," announced the high elf advisor, standing to the side.
His Highness, a young elf prince, stroked his chiseled jaw thoughtfully. "I never imagined such a premium wine could emerge from Canyon City. It baffles me why a vintner of such caliber would choose such a remote setting for his craft."
"Have we reached out to them yet?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Not as yet, Your Highness," the advisor replied, shaking his head. "However, I've gathered some intriguing details. The proprietor of Kasha Hotel is a wolf beastmen who settled in Canyon City just six weeks ago."
"Reliable sources suggest that he might be the master brewer himself. To confirm, I've dispatched agents to cross-verify with several business owners who frequently interact with Kasha Hotel. We expect to have a definitive answer shortly."
"Excellent work," commended the Elf Prince, nodding in approval. "Once we have confirmation, proceed cautiously. We must approach this brewmaster with all the respect due to an artisan of his standing."
"Certainly, Your Highness," the advisor affirmed, before hesitating slightly. "There's more to report concerning the brewmaster."
"Go on," the Elf Prince urged, his interest deepening as he lifted a wine glass from the nearby coffee table, savoring its contents.
"The situation is thus: Recently, the major grain merchants allied with Kasha Hotel, and David, a lion-man wine merchant known for his influential connections, have abruptly ceased their orders."
"They've been cut off by several powerful wine distributors who have effectively blockaded the trade routes."
"Blocked the trade routes?" The prince's eyes widened, and a flicker of anger crossed his features. The wine glass, now empty, shattered in his tightening grip. Read today on m,v,l,e,mpyr
"These merchants are audacious and ruthless. It seems they disregard all notions of commerce decency and ethics just to fulfill their own agendas."
The advisor allowed himself a wry smile. "Rules and ethics? In the wilds of trade, such terms are often unvalued. The wilderness of the market is rife with darkness, cruelty, and malice."
"That reminds me," the prince said, collecting himself and brushing away the shards of glass. "The Fisher family, significant players in the grain market and known for their extensive influence, have they not retaliated?"
His query hung in the air, a reflection of the complex interplay of power and trade that wove through their conversation.