Ever since arriving in the capital, Lyria had been busy searching for a factory that could help with the production of her clothing, as well as sourcing favorable and distinctive-quality materials for her fabrics. During this process, she researched extensively on the internet and unexpectedly discovered a village whose lands were covered with a plant that resembled the cotton crop from Earth. However, unlike cotton, this plant was a unique blend of both cotton and silk.
To be certain, Lyria conducted thorough research, and after confirming its authenticity, she decided to make a trip to the village. Due to the distance, she traveled by air and then boarded a local lanecruiser to Sari Village.
Upon arriving, she saw children with tails and ears unique to their species playing around—some still in their animal forms. Adults carried baskets with hoes slung over their shoulders, wearing bamboo hats, while others could be seen drying produce. The overall scene depicted a simple countryside life. Lyria was directed to the village guesthouse, which was quite shabby, and she booked a room for a week-long stay.
After touring the village, she stopped a wolf cub and asked,
"What is your name?"
"Larry."
"Larry, can you show me the way to the village chief's house?"
"Yes, pretty sister. This way."
Lyria smiled at his antics and followed him. Upon reaching the chief's residence, Larry ran into the compound. Seeing a sheep beastwoman seated on a stool, wearing spectacles and writing in a book, he slowed to a walk and greeted her politely.
"Village Chief, you have a visitor."
"Oh, I will be right there."
Before she could finish speaking, Larry ran back outside. Moments later, he returned to Lyria.
"She said she will be here soon, pretty sister."
"Okay. For such a good job, you deserve a treat."
Lyria took out a packet of candy and handed it to him.
"This is for you. You can share it with your friends."
After thanking her, he left. Soon after, Lyria was invited inside by the village chief, Mira. After offering her a seat, Lyria explained the purpose of her visit.
"Madam Mira, my name is Lyria," she said, going straight to the point. "I would like to enter a collaboration with your village for the sale of the Silkra plant."
"Miss Lyria," Madam Mira replied, "if I understand correctly, you want to buy the Silkra plant that grows on our land?"
After Lyria nodded in affirmation, Madam Mira raised a brow and asked, "For what purpose? For as long as I have lived, and from our ancestry, the Silkra plant has been a bane to our land, as it is the only plant that thrives here. Please pardon my inquiry, but I would like an answer."
"Madam Mira, I want to start my clothing line," Lyria explained. "I researched materials suitable for my fabrics, and that was when the Silkra plant caught my eye." She paused, meeting her gaze. "I promise Sari Village will not regret having me as a partner."
Madam Mira sensed her sincerity, though she still felt Lyria might be wasting her time, effort, and money.
"I will inform the elders," she finally said. "After receiving their feedback, I will let you know our decision. Please take your time and enjoy your stay in our village."
Lyria was escorted out by Madam Mira.
"I hope for a positive response," she said, and the two parted ways.
Lyria spent her days peacefully in Sari Village. Sometimes she would go to the ocean side and simply sit, thinking about her next steps; other times, she went there just to enjoy the salty scent of the sea.
While she passed her days in quiet reflection, a discussion was taking place elsewhere—in a compound shaped by time, slightly out of form and clearly showing its owner's poverty. A small group of beastwomen and fecunds sat facing a sheep beastwoman as they talked.
"Mira, since Miss Lyria has stated her need for the plant, you should have agreed on the spot," the fifth elder said.
Another elder, one who was not eager to make quick money, spoke up.
"If she wants to collaborate with us, for how long will she be buying from us?"
Mira quickly caught the direction of his thoughts.
"I did not ask directly," she replied, "but from the way she spoke, it should be a long-term collaboration."
"Mmm," the elder murmured. "I think we should agree. We need provisions for the village."
"Exactly," another elder added. "This year's produce is poorer than the previous ones."
"Besides," a different elder said, emotion creeping into his voice, "this is like a god-sent mercy. The bane of our land has become our treasure."
After much discussion, the council reached a conclusion: the Silkra plant would be sold, and the entire village would begin cultivating it alongside their other produce.
That night, Mira paid Lyria a visit.
"Miss Lyria, I am here to inform you that we have agreed to collaborate with you."
The news brought immense relief to Lyria.
"Since that is the case," she said with a smile, "we will sign the contract tomorrow."
After bidding Mira good night, Lyria retired for the evening.
By the next morning, news had spread throughout the village that the Silkra plant would be purchased by the businesswoman who had been staying among them. After freshening up and having breakfast, Lyria headed to Madam Mira's compound. She was surprised to see a crowd gathered in front of the village chief's house. As soon as they noticed her, they parted to make way for her.
Inside, Madam Mira sat with a group of beastfolk. After exchanging greetings, Lyria was introduced to the elders. She then brought out the contract she had drafted long before coming to Sari Village. Madam Mira and a few of the educated elders read through it carefully before signing. Lyria added her signature as well, and after exchanging handshakes, the deal was sealed.
After leaving the compound, Lyria informed Tessa of the successful agreement. She then departed the village after paying a down payment to put their minds at ease. Madam Mira promised that the Silkra plant would be processed for transportation very soon.
Upon returning to the capital, Lyria was greeted with more news—this time from Tessa.
"A clothing factory just declared bankruptcy," Tessa said. "The owner wants to sell it for one million Elyria."
"One million?" Lyria repeated softly. "That's a huge amount… but we have to get it. It's now or never."
She looked at Tessa with an inquisitive gaze.
"Any ideas on where we can find that amount without wrecking the cafés?"