The south sea turned out to be several days away from Mulapin. A trip one could not take lightly even for business. In all likelihood, the purchase was made over phone and then simply delivered to Mulapin. Roko could not preform a proper interrogation over the phone yet he also could not afford to disappear for several days to visit this salesman. So he pulled some strings. Or rather he pulled the strings of someone very familiar.
"You need my help?" Lichas said.
"Yeah, we figured the cheapest way to go about this was to use some local merchant connections."
"Do you not have a merchant friend right there?"
"Melia is a skilled merchant but she's not local. She doesn't have the connections you do. Particularly to Sirius."
"Ever at war are we? Can we not all exist peacefully together?"
"Sirius is literally manipulating the weather."
"You have no proof of that."
"That's what I'm trying to get."
"And why should I help you?"
"Well, we did rescue you from the flood."
"Was it not your fault I was there to begin with?"
"Do you want to return to Muldingirmus? To your bombed out factory and bruised reputation? You're lucky the people still don't know who exactly were supplying those poisoned materials."
"You need not remind me. I shall do as you ask. Not because you forced me but because I want to."
"Okay, what's going on here?" Roko sighed, "What's with all...this?"
"I have seen God." Lichas said, turning his gaze upward to what ever invisible deity he had made contact with as he sat cross legged on a mat in a monk robe and a shaven head, "I feel His presence everywhere after surviving the ordeals that have been placed upon me. And His light has shown me how truly shameful my actions were."
"Uh huh..." Roko said, "And by ordeals, you mean..."
"Call them my 'just desserts'." Lichas said with a peaceful smile, "The deathly state that I returned from had left me with my directionless and disgraced life. There may be no glory left for me to claim but I can yet restart my life with humility and earnestness to live a proper life. If I could leave my old skills behind, I would. But for the chances you have given me, I have no qualms using them once more."
"...Okay...what about Kaguya?"
"DO NOT SPEAK THE NAME OF THE DEVIL TO ME!"
Roko balked as the man's face suddenly filled with dread and terror, "Okay...you know you were never poisoned right? We wouldn't feed poison to you."
"Lies! I've felt the poison burning my flesh as I ate! The devil and her demon eyes spoke all the truth I needed to hear! Only by the love of God have I survived!"
…
"So..." Melia said, "You wanna call your friend now?"
"Oh yes, please excuse me."
The changed man turned around and pulled out a fancy looking phone, dialing it and placing it up to his ear as he waited for the call to connect. Then when it seemed to finally connect, he began talking,
"Yo, Piscium! How you doing buddy? Been a while. Yeah? Yeah? Business doing good? Ah. Yeah, that happens man, don't worry about it. Me? Ah, I'm doing well. Lotta change but you just gotta roll with it, you know? Yeah. Hey man, it's been a while since you've been to Mulapin right? Wanna swing by and grab a drink with me? ...Yeah it's a long trip but check it, I've got some sweet inside info that'll get you here in less than a day. Don't believe me? Come on, when have I ever lied to you? ...Okay, that time didn't count. Come on, it was a fun time wasn't it? Got you your wife too. Oh she left you? My bad man. Didn't know. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I don't get women either. But like check it, I got something that'll cheer you right up. ...Yeah it's a woman. Aw come on, don't be like that. I'm not talking about love, I'm talking about a life time chance to get a feast for your eyes. Okay you ready? Corissa's in the Earthbounds' base. Yeah from Cordis. You want a picture? Aight, hang on, I'll send you one."
"How'd he get a picture of Corissa?" Roko hissed, "I thought that was illegal!"
"Did you think Corissa wasn't getting pictured at every angle at this point?" Melia chuckled.
"Aight, you get it? Yeah it's legit. You want to know how I got it? Took it myself. Yeah, stuff happened and I'm crashing at the Earthbounds' base now. Nah, they've been good to me. New management really stepping up. Yeah, I didn't like the rebellion either but hey, they're kinda chill...mostly. I mean, they brought Corissa here so they can't be that bad right?"
"That's the metric for ethics we're using?" Roko rubbed his temples.
"Don't ask me, this doesn't make sense for me either." Melia shrugged.
"Yeah, I know you're not looking for love right now but let's be so real right now, Corissa's way out of your league anyway so who cares? ...No bro you can't just ignore women for the rest of your life, you gotta get back out there eventually! You're still young man, you still got your entire future in front of you! Yeah me too and look where I am! Sharing a home with Corissa. What you got over there? ...Damn, she took your prized girl? But you loved that horse! Man fuck that bitch, but look you can't just sit there sad all the time. You fell but now it's time to rebound and I'm telling you, Corissa is- ...no man it's not just looking at her! Bro what do you think she's doing at this base?! She ain't a hooker I'll tell you that much! No dude, she's COOKING. Yeah, for FREE. And if you thought her body was fire you haven't tasted these samosas. You want to know what we're having tonight? Chicken karaage with fried rice. Yeah for errybody. I'm telling you, that girl built different. Like did you see that pic I sent you? Not a hint of revealing skin yet oozes innocence and sex appeal at the same time. The poets weren't exaggerating enough!"
"How long is this call going to take?" Roko shook his head.
"Patience is a virtue." Melia chuckled.
"What, the business? You've got employees don't you? Just let them handle it while you go on a business trip. Nah, it doesn't have to be a lie. ...Hey you never know, the rebellion might buy from you. ...Yeah I know you already sold to Sirius but who's counting?"
"I am." Roko's ears perked up.
"If only this conversation was being recorded." Melia smirked.
"Bro, you have no idea what these rebels have been doing since they got here. They've been pushing back against Kajou of all people. I mean, I don't know if they'll succeed but it's turning the tables. Yeah I know you don't sell weapons but what does that matter? ...No no no, just imagine it. Corissa...could be buying from you. And you know what that means? ...Yeah I think she'd like a nice Sealith. Bring the best you got. ...Oh finally convinced you have I? I'm telling you, it's- ...you want me to break out my best wine when you arrive? Deal. I got a cask of amontillado that's been aging quite nicely for such an occasion. Just get here as soon as you can! Rebellion's always busy and all. Aight, see you."
With the call finally over, Lichas stowed away his phone and turned back around, his peaceful enlightened face peering calmly over to his peers, "The deed is done."
"You really just gonna switch back just like that?"
"I know not what you speak of."
"Whatever." Roko sighed, "At least you got our suspect to come over. Questionable methods aside."
"What have I done that warrants any scrutiny?"
"Does your god let you lust after women?"
"All men are fallible. One just has to make sure they don't fall too far."
"Are you gonna be like this with your friend the entire time?"
"What's it matter to you?"
"Nothing. Just touch base with him later and give us an estimation of when he'll arrive."
"Will do. I mean, understood."
Roko was ready to wait several days for this seller to arrive. The rush to salvage supplies had left them with little to work with so they'll need to ration for a few days. Was what Roko would have said a few days ago. However, with the word of Corissa's arrival at the Earthbounds' base, their allies at Muldingirmus was suddenly very generous, offering more supplies at higher quality. They still didn't have as much as their original base but they weren't in need for more supplies, at least for survival purposes. They had the time but Roko couldn't think that this was the end of Sirius' plan. The rebellion was still alive so surely he was planning some way of finishing them off. The longer they waited, the more time it gave Sirius to make his next move. So Roko ideally wanted this Piscium to arrive in the next three days at least. He arrived the next day.
"Lichas!"
"Piscium! Good to see you!"
The two merchant friends gave each other a hug inside the M83's stables.
"Yo man, it's been a while."
"It has! You haven't changed a bit!"
"You look hella different! You shaved your head?! You're not sick are you?"
"Nah, I'm good. Just found a bit of religion is all."
"The rebellion's a cult now?"
"No, it doesn't have anything to do with them. Speaking of though, this is the rebellion's new leader."
"Hello." Roko waved, "I'm Roko. I'm hoping to do some business with you later."
"Well then it's good that I bought some of my best stock with me." Piscium smiled politely, "We can talk shop tomorrow. For now I need to settle in and spend some time with my friend here."
"Of course. We'll introduce you to a special room."
"Much obliged. Now Lichas, what are we going to do now?"
"Now? Why beat around the bush? Let's go grab lunch!"
"Already?! Is Corissa there?"
"You bet she is! She's handing out today's food personally so you'll even get to speak to her!"
"God, do I look alright? Should I put on some deodorant?"
"You look fine, friend. Like a very mysterious and very successful businessman. Let's go!"
"Let's go!"
Roko didn't have a good feeling about this so he followed them just in case.
"Here! One Seared Salmon Lunch Set!" Corissa smiled as she handed a rebel a tray of food, "Please enjoy!"
The rebel mumbled incomplete words and sentences, utterly staggered by Corissa's charisma and just quietly walked away trying not to stare too much at her. Corissa just waited patiently for the next customer, oblivious...or too absorbed in her work to notice the effect she had on people, "Next!"
"Good afternoon Corissa."
"Good afternoon Lichas." Corissa smiled a pleasant smile that struck the man's heart with overwhelming charm, "What will you be having today?"
"I-I'll take today's special." Lichas replied.
"Okay! That's one Hamburger Steak Set! Please enjoy!"
"T-Thank you!" Lichas said, completely smitten.
"And you, sir?" Corissa turned to Piscium who was already struck speechless.
"H-H-Hello!" Piscium replied, tipping his hat in greeting, "I'm Piscium. I'm Lichas' friend and I'll be staying here for a...few days..."
"Welcome to our little home!" Corissa replied with a warm smile, "I hope you enjoy yourself! Everyone here is real nice!"
"Ha-haha-hawawawawa..." Piscium face grew beet red as he tried and failed to keep his eyes from looking all over Corissa's amazing figure.
"...So...what do you want for lunch?" Corissa asked.
"W-What do you recommend?"
"Today's special is the Hamburger Steak Set but we have a special Spicy Curry Set that most people are too afraid to take..."
"I'll take it!" Piscium shouted enthusiastically.
"Thank you for your help!" Corissa grinned, "One Spicy Curry Set for you then!"
The two merchants left the line still in the afterglow of talking to a pretty girl.
"By the way, do you like spicy foods?"
"I uh...actually can't handle spice that well..."
With those two out of the way, Roko made his way up to the counter as well.
"Hello Roko!" Corissa smiled.
"Did I spot you turning up the charm there for a moment?" Roko said.
"Well, he is an important customer isn't he?" Corissa winked, "I just wanted to make him feel welcome."
"Who knew everyone's idol could be so devious?" Roko smirked.
"I just wanted to help." Corissa hummed.
"By handing him spicy curry?"
"That was a suggestion from the other girls. Something about 'abbreviated antics'."
"Well, at least he had the chance to refuse."
"I'm surprised he didn't."
"I think he just wanted to show off."
"Think he'll finish it?"
"Depends on how much he wants to show off."
"Why do you men always want to show off all the time?" Corissa frowned.
"Well...that depends on who we're trying to impress."
"It's a bit weird."
"I'm not saying it's not."
A brief silence floated between the two for a moment.
"So what's for lunch?" Roko asked.
"Well, if you've been listening you probably know the full menu already." Corissa said, "What do you want? Do you want to try the spicy curry challenge too?"
"How spicy is it?"
"Helena and Momo couldn't finish it."
"What about Kaguya?"
"She seemed to eat it just fine."
"Uh huh. And you?"
"I...was too scared after watching Helena and Momo." Corissa twirled a strand of her hair, slightly embarrassed.
"Didn't you make it though?"
"Well I had Kaguya help out."
"That makes sense." Roko sighed.
"Do you want the Hamburger Steak Set then?"
"Isn't Hamburger Steak usually for children?"
"Well yeah but I tried to spice it up a bit!" Corissa frowned, "A few more spices and some gravy. I just wanted Aranea to try something every kid should enjoy."
"Did she like it?"
"I would say so!" Corissa said with a beaming smile.
"Well if it's made by you it's bound to be good."
"Oh stop it." Corissa said with a slight blush, "Anyway, If you want anything special, I can go cook it up right now. Might take a while depending on the request."
"I'll just take the leftover Karaage and fried rice."
"You don't have to take the leftovers you know." Corissa pouted.
"It's fine. Your food is good even when reheated."
"Flattery will get you nowhere." Corissa humphed.
"I promise to try something new at dinner okay?"
While Corissa still didn't seem satisfied with his answer, Roko left before anybody in line could complain. And as Roko left, he heard the next customer walk up to Corissa and say, "I-I'll take the spicy curry please!"
"Now then, good sir. What kind of business have you been thinking of?"
Roko sat across from Piscium on the sofas that had been set up in the middle of his office for such meetings. The merchant looking quite happy and satisfied with his time here so far. It was almost a shame what he had to do now but then Roko remembered he didn't actually care.
"I hear you make a unique kind of Sealith?"
"Ah yes, my specialty product." Piscium rubbed his hands eagerly, "I see you're quite well informed."
"Not quite enough I'm afraid." Roko feigned ignorance, "Can you tell me about your product?"
"Certainly. The Sealiths I sell originate from the south sea which gives them a nice large crest line. That is the line of white foam-ish quality in the middle of the stone. South Sea Sealiths are said to provide prosperity and health but I assume you're not quite interested in all the symbolism and perceived meanings of them."
Roko remained quiet. He could string the man along even further but it didn't seem like he was going to need quite that much effort make him speak as he continued with a dramatic flourish to his voice,
"Indeed, Sealiths are known to make for excellent material for water based enchantments! South Seas in particular are capable of producing quite a bit of water! Mine in particular are quite salty given the specific sea I source them from but I sell a special instrument that can separate them, creating nice drinkable water and a nice bit of salt ready to be used in cooking! How long this lasts depends on the enchantment and while there are more skilled mages who could make more complex and persistent enchantments for you, the basic enchantment I offer lasts for a month of consistent use. I do offer higher level enchantments but they'll have to be done elsewhere by my specialists. The highest tier enchantment I offer lasts for six months for 890,000 gold. This is for a simple water production enchantment of course."
"I see." Roko said, "Lichas told me there are some special traits to your brand of Sealiths that you sell."
"Lichas knows me quite well." Piscium grinned, "Yes I sell special 'Fossil Sealiths'. A Sealith with a small fish trapped inside it. It's quite a novelty item, popular with tourists and while it doesn't really affect any enchantments it makes for an exception piece to look at."
"Can you show me one?"
"Of course."
Piscium took out a briefcase and opened it to a grid of foam and silk nestling glittering Sealiths between each space. The salesman passed his hands carefully over a few of them before picking one out and handing it to Roko. The stone he had given him was truly beautiful with a very detailed foam "crest" and salt crystals of various sizes making it glitter like a night sky. A small fish was peeking out from under the crest that seemed like it might've been bio-luminescent with scales and organs that seemed like they glowed.
"Impressive." Roko placed the stone on the table, "How do you get a fish trapped in the stone like that?"
"Ah ah ah." Pisciusm waved his finger playfully, "That, my friend, is a trade secret."
"So only you can make Sealiths like this?"
"That's right my friend."
Roko reached into his pocket and pulled out the Sealith he had found in the sewers, placing it besides the one Piscium had handed him, making sure to show the fish that was trapped in this 'fossil' as well. Piscium's face dropped like a boulder in water, his complexion growing white as a moonstone as he realized what was happening.
"Let's talk." Roko said.