Days of searching finally led them to the perfect building. The back room of their soon-to-be shop smelled of freshly hewn wood and dried herbs. So-Yeon stood by a large table, cluttered with scrolls, papers, and herb samples. Raymond and Gromer sat nearby, their faces tense as the discussion grew more heated.
"We're close to opening, but there's a problem," Gromer said, leaning back in his chair. His voice was serious. "Two of our suppliers have backed out. They've stopped responding altogether."
So-Yeon looked up, her brow furrowing.
"Backed out? Did they give a reason?"
Gromer shook his head.
"No. They just disappeared. And that's strange because they were reliable before."
Raymond, sitting across from them, folded his hands on the table and spoke thoughtfully:
"This isn't a coincidence. It's the competitors. They're trying to sabotage us before we even begin. Just like they did with the guards."
So-Yeon narrowed her eyes, processing his words. She had encountered similar situations in her past life. Her experience as a deputy head of logistics had taught her to identify problems quickly and find solutions.
"If it's the competitors," she began, "then we need to act fast. The question is, how did they get to the suppliers? Money? Threats?"
Gromer shrugged.
"Probably both. Some of these people don't want trouble. If someone made them promises, they'd take the easy way out."
Raymond slammed his fist on the table, drawing their attention.
"We need tighter control. If we lose more suppliers, the opening could fall apart. So-Yeon, do you have any ideas?"
She exhaled deeply, her eyes scanning the map spread out on the table. Running her finger over the marked villages where their suppliers were located, she spoke with determination:
"We need to meet with the key suppliers directly," she said firmly. "We'll explain our position in person and offer them terms that outmatch anything the competitors can promise."
Raymond raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her suggestion.
"And what terms would those be?"
So-Yeon looked at him, her voice steady and confident:
"Direct deals. We guarantee timely payments, transparent terms, and their safety. If competitors are threatening them, we must show that we can protect them."
Gromer huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Sounds good. But how do you plan to convince them? Some of these people are already scared."
So-Yeon paused for a moment, then her face lit up with clarity.
"We use examples. Find the ones still working with us and ask them to vouch for us. Show these suppliers that partnering with us is beneficial. People believe in results."
Raymond nodded, a small smile forming on his lips.
"You think strategically. This could work. But we need to move quickly before rumors spread further."
Gromer stood and stretched.
"Fine. I'll talk to our nearby suppliers. These folks know me, and maybe I can win back their trust."
So-Yeon walked to the shelf where the herb samples were stored, selecting a few bundles.
"Take these with you," she said, handing them to Gromer. "Show them the quality of our products. Let them see that we offer more than just words—we offer real results."
Gromer took the bundles and smirked.
"Got it. I'll give them a little demonstration."
Raymond stood as well, his expression serious.
"I'll handle the rumors. If the competitors are behind this, I'll find out who's pulling the strings. So-Yeon, if you need anything, let me know. I'll bring in my people if necessary."
So-Yeon nodded, feeling their support. Despite the challenges, she knew she wasn't alone. Together, they could overcome this threat if they acted in unison.
"Alright," she said, looking at both men. "Let's get to work. We don't have time to waste."
Gromer and Raymond left, each with their own task, while So-Yeon remained in the room, planning her next steps. Her mind raced, calculating options. The competitors were a problem, but she knew that if they overcame this obstacle, their shop wouldn't just succeed—it would become untouchable.
***The First Rumors
That same day, closer to noon, So-Yeon headed to the market with Ellie holding her hand and skipping cheerfully along the way. Despite the tension earlier that morning, the girl seemed to be in high spirits. But So-Yeon couldn't shake the feeling that something unpleasant awaited them.
The market, as always, was bustling and lively. Merchants shouted prices, men and women chattered animatedly, and children ran between stalls, laughing and jostling each other. So-Yeon stopped at a stall to buy fresh bread when her attention was drawn to a group of women whispering nearby. They glanced furtively in her direction before leaning back into their discussion.
"That's her," a hushed voice reached her ears.
Tension began to build in her chest. So-Yeon turned to face the women, but they immediately fell silent and scattered, as if nothing had happened. Ellie noticed the shift in her aunt's demeanor and looked up at her with concern.
"Auntie So-Yeon, are you okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine, Ellie," So-Yeon replied, trying to mask her unease. But her gaze continued to scan the crowd, searching for signs of trouble.
At the next stall, the merchant, usually friendly and talkative, glanced at her with a hint of suspicion. So-Yeon tried to strike up a conversation, but the man responded curtly and turned away, clearly avoiding her.
"Something's wrong," she muttered under her breath.
Ellie, seemingly oblivious to the tension, wandered a few steps away toward a group of children playing nearby. Her joy, however, was short-lived when one of the boys suddenly turned and shouted:
"Witch's helper!"
The other children snickered, and a girl standing nearby added:
"She lives with the one who gathers dark herbs in the forest. They do magic there!"
Ellie froze, her eyes widening. She took a step back, but the boy continued to taunt her:
"I bet you're learning witchcraft too! Maybe you're a witch yourself!"
The words burned like fire. Ellie stared at the children, her lips trembling. Noticing the scene, So-Yeon quickly approached the group with determined strides.
"Stop it," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the laughter. The children immediately fell silent. The boy who had been the loudest lowered his gaze, while his friends scattered, leaving him behind.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," he mumbled, though his tone lacked sincerity.
So-Yeon knelt down in front of Ellie, placing her hands gently on the girl's shoulders.
"It's okay, Ellie," she said softly. "Don't listen to them. They don't understand what they're saying."
Ellie nodded, but her eyes still glistened with hurt. So-Yeon straightened up and looked at the boy.
"Rumors are just words," she said quietly but firmly. "And words can hurt if used recklessly. Remember that."
The boy didn't reply, quickly running off and leaving them alone. So-Yeon scooped Ellie into her arms, shielding her from the stares of onlookers.
When they returned to the stall, the merchant, who had been observing the scene, muttered quietly:
"You've heard what they're saying, haven't you? That your herbs are gathered from places filled with dark magic."
So-Yeon turned to him, her face calm, though inside she seethed.
"That's not true," she said evenly. "I gather herbs in the forest where I live. There's nothing dangerous there."
The merchant shrugged.
"Maybe. But the rumors are already spreading. People are starting to believe them. Who knows what will happen if it keeps up?"
So-Yeon took a deep breath. These rumors weren't a coincidence. It was a deliberate move by competitors to undermine her reputation. She knew she had to act—and act quickly—before the whispers took root.
"We'll handle it," she murmured under her breath, holding Ellie closer. A fight lay ahead, and she couldn't afford to lose.
***The Provocation
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the warehouse was heavy and tense. Gromer moved slowly through the space, inspecting every corner to ensure everything was in order. Something about today felt off—he'd spotted a stranger lurking near the area twice. The shadows cast by the towering shelves, filled with neatly packed herbs, flickered in the glow of the lantern he carried.
A faint rustling sound near the back entrance caught his sharp ears. He froze, muscles taut. Placing the lantern on a nearby table, Gromer drew the knife he always carried and crept silently toward the source of the noise.
A sudden thud, followed by a muffled grunt, echoed through the darkness as Gromer pinned the intruder against the wall. The man—a wiry figure with a dirt-smeared face and ragged clothes—struggled to break free, but the hunter's strength left him no chance.
"Who are you?" Gromer hissed, pressing the blade to the man's throat. "And what are you doing here?"
The man squirmed, his breath coming in quick gasps. Realizing resistance was futile, he stammered:
"I... I just wanted to see what you've got in here."
"Liar," Gromer snapped, his tone icy. His sharp gaze cut into the man. "You were looking for something. Tell me the truth, or you'll regret it."
The man whimpered, his voice trembling:
"Alright, alright! They hired me... They told me to ruin your herbs. I... I didn't want to, I swear! They paid me!"
Gromer pressed him harder against the wall.
"Who are they? Who hired you?"
"I don't know their names," the man blurted, panicking. "Merchants... the ones near the central square. They said you're a threat to their business and needed to be stopped."
Gromer studied the man's face intently, searching for signs of deceit. Then, with a swift motion, he released him, shoving him onto the floor.
"Stay here. Try to run, and you'll regret it," Gromer growled before striding out of the warehouse.
Minutes later, Gromer burst into the tavern where So-Yeon was seated. She sat at a table strewn with papers, attempting to focus, though her thoughts were clouded by the rumors that had plagued her all day.
"So-Yeon," he said sharply, drawing her attention. "We caught one of them. He was trying to sneak into the warehouse."
So-Yeon froze for a moment before standing, her face tense.
"One of the competitors?" she asked, though uncertainty tinged her voice.
"More like one of their lackeys," Gromer replied. "He confessed they hired him to sabotage your herbs. They're clearly trying to undermine your reputation and stop the opening."
So-Yeon ran a hand over her face, feeling the weight of the day press down even harder. She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
"We need to act," she said firmly. "If we let this continue, they'll destroy everything we've worked for."
Gromer nodded, crossing his arms over his chest.
"What do you suggest? We can't just sit and wait for their next move."
So-Yeon walked to the window, her gaze drifting over the dimly lit market below. She knew the rumors were already spreading, and their competitors were intent on exploiting people's fears.
"We need to reinforce the warehouse's security and make our supplies harder to access," she said. "On top of that, we need to prepare proof of the quality of our medicines. If they try to pull something, we'll have evidence to defend ourselves."
Gromer smirked.
"Always the planner. But what about this guy? Do we just let him go?"
"No," So-Yeon replied firmly. "We'll hand him over to the village elder. Let them figure out who he is and why he came. It'll send a message to our competitors."
Later, after the intruder had been handed over to the elder, So-Yeon sat in a small room at the tavern. Rymond and Gromer joined her, strategizing their next steps.
"We know they're working against us," Rymond said, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. "But this was just their first attempt. They'll try again."
"And we'll be ready," So-Yeon replied. "Tomorrow, we'll organize a full inspection of our supplies and ensure the warehouse is secure. Gromer, I want you to create a list of herbs that are most at risk."
Gromer nodded, his expression resolute.
"That's not a problem. What about you?"
So-Yeon smiled faintly, but her gaze was serious.
"I'll focus on the suppliers. We need to convince them that working with us is safe and rebuild their trust. If we can strengthen our network, no amount of rumors will break us."
Rymond chuckled, patting her on the shoulder.
"You're remarkable, So-Yeon. Alright, tomorrow's going to be a long day. Get some rest while you can."
After they left, So-Yeon sat alone, staring at the flickering candlelight in the quiet room. She clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. She knew the fight was just beginning, but she couldn't afford to back down.