Reborn As A Beastman With A System

His initial shock gave way to a slight easing of tension as the group settled in. Notably, among the merchants, only David bore the unmistakable air of a seasoned wine trader. The others were unfamiliar, their presence an enigma in the closely-knit circles of Canyon City's business district, a place both expansive and insular, where faces were known, and alliances remembered.

Could there be outsiders? Fisher pondered the possibility but dismissed it almost immediately. The commercial territories were well-established, with each merchant staunchly defending their turf against outsiders. An influx of foreign traders would certainly have stirred up a tempest among the local vintners, yet there had been no such upheaval.

"Master Logan!" the newcomers chorused in greeting, their voices a blend of respect and eagerness.

David the Lion, Gando the fox man, and their companions hastened to greet Logan as they entered the grand hall.

"Logan, welcome! Please, make yourselves comfortable," Logan urged, gesturing for the group to be seated without formality.

As they settled into their chairs, Fisher, with a look of astonishment, turned to David. "Boss David, it is indeed you! For a moment, I thought I was mistaken!" he exclaimed.

"It's been too long, Fisher," David replied with a warm grin. "I wouldn't have guessed you'd be acquainted with Logan."

The room filled with the soft clinking of glasses and low murmurs of gathered businessmen and women. David's gaze lingered on Fisher. Despite his friendly demeanor, his mind churned with questions. Fisher was a prominent figure in the grain trade, known more for his silos than his cellars. Why then was he mingling among wine merchants, is he planing to steal my business?

David's business instincts tingled with suspicion. Fisher, though a major grain merchant who occasionally joined the joint caravan, usually stayed clear of the wine industry circles.

"Isn't it peculiar for a grain merchant like Fisher to delve into the wine business?" David mused aloud, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Spotting Fisher's familiar figure, David couldn't help but frown slightly. The possibility of Fisher expanding into wine was not just unexpected but potentially disruptive.

Fisher, catching the slight furrow in David's brow, responded with an easy smile. "Logan is actually my brother-in-law," he revealed casually.

At this, the room seemed to pulse with a new energy, as the implications of Fisher's words sank in. In the competitive landscape of commerce, where every market share was fiercely guarded, the lines between allies and competitors were distinctly drawn.

David processed this information, his expression hardening slightly. If Fisher was venturing into wine through familial ties, it could signify a new challenge for traditional wine merchants like himself.

Understanding the stakes, Fisher quickly added, "Our industries might overlap, but family is family, David."

In this dance of commerce and familial bonds, David knew that new alliances could reshape the competitive terrain overnight.

If Fisher were not well-protected, David the Lion and other wine merchants would surely have found ways to undermine him.

There are numerous tactics for such sabotage: perhaps colluding with bandits to ambush and rob his shipments, or more directly, persuading Logan to sever business ties with him. Being targeted in the industry could be overwhelmingly detrimental, often resulting in severe financial losses, even if one manages to endure through the attacks.

However, Fisher's revelation that he was Logan' brother-in-law dramatically altered the dynamics. This familial connection granted him a distinct edge over competitors, including David the Lion, who feared Fisher might leverage his relationship to usurp his position in the market.

Logan was more than a renowned winemaker; he was a central figure in the wine industry, a primary source of wealth and influence who presented them with a unique wine. Upon hearing Fisher's connection to Logan, David's demeanor shifted; the air thickened with tension before he managed a strategic smile.

"I must admit, I hadn't realized Master Logan was your brother-in-law, Boss Fisher. Now that you're stepping into our sphere, it seems we'll be seeing much more of each other in business," David said, his voice carrying a mix of cordiality and caution.

David glanced at Fisher with a hint of envy. Fisher's new-found relation to Logan meant that henceforth, any wine merchant wishing to collaborate with Logan would have to consider Fisher's influence. Indeed, Fisher's close ties could make or break deals within the canyon's wine circle.

The potential for rivalry or backlash was palpable, yet Fisher responded with a loud laughter, "Hahaha... Absolutely, David! If there's profit to be shared, why not aim for a win-win through collaboration?"

His jovial response masked the underlying power dynamics, making it clear he understood the advantage his position now afforded him. Fisher had effectively instilled a sense of caution in David the Lion, signaling a new era of interactions in their trade community.

Upon learning that, apart from David the Lion, the gathering was comprised mostly of small wine shop owners, Fisher felt a wave of relief wash over him. He regarded these proprietors with mild condescension, thinking to himself, "They're just small-timers. How much impact can they really have in the grand scheme of things?"

Logan, for his part, was not particularly surprised to find Fisher and David acquainted. In a place as bustling yet confined as Canyon City's business district, it was common for paths to cross. Yet, he couldn't help but observe the strategic verbal dance between the two, noting how Fisher, his brother-in-law, seemed to don the mantle of influence with ease.

As introductions wound down, the conversation naturally pivoted to the main event of the evening, rice liquor.

The deal was as follows: Fisher, leveraging his familial ties, managed to secure five thousand kilograms of Logan's famed rice liquor, handing over two hundred gold coins at a rate of four silver coins per kilogram.

David the Lion, ever the major player, took a substantial share as well, 3,500 kilograms, but at a slightly higher price of five silver coins per kilogram, totaling 175 gold coins.

Gando the fox man opted for a modest two hundred kilograms of the rice white wine, costing him eight gold coins at three silver coins per kilogram.

The remaining 1,400 kilograms of liquor were evenly distributed among the other nine shop owners. They collectively paid seventy gold coins, each kilogram costing five silver coins.

All told, Logan's ledger that evening boasted an impressive 453 gold coins for 10,000 kilograms of rice and liquor, a striking markup considering the production cost was under 30 gold coins. The profit was immense, a testament to Logan's astuteness in the thriving liquor trade of Canyon City.

Of course, one shouldn't underestimate the value added by labor and technological innovation. Indeed, those who possess unique skills and advanced techniques rightly deserve their profits, as these are the engines of true value creation in any industry.

Once all the transactions were settled, David the Lion saw an opportunity to further cement relationships and extend his hospitality. He invited Logan to a dinner celebration. Initially hesitant because he planned to return to his tribe the next day, Logan considered his agenda.

He realized it was the perfect moment to introduce everyone to his deputies, Tyton and Cardia, who would oversee operations in his absence. With this in mind, he graciously accepted the invitation.

Fisher was quick to show his enthusiasm, clapping his hands in approval. Gando and the other attendees also expressed their eagerness to join. It was an invitation none could afford to decline, not just out of respect for David but also to maintain good standing with Logan.

Moreover, attending such gatherings was crucial for strengthening ties within the community. Missing out could mean being left out of future opportunities.

During the dinner, Logan formally introduced Tyton and Cardia to the group. He reassured everyone that though he would be away, the production of wine would not only continue but was slated to increase. This news was met with nods of approval from David and Fisher, who felt reassured about the stability and growth of their trade relationships.

The following morning brought a scene of dramatic departure in front of the Kasha Hotel. Fifty-six wargs, led by the formidable Fenrir, lined the street, drawing curious and somewhat alarmed looks from passersby.

The beastmmen and quilboars, armored and ready, were preparing for their journey back to the tribe. In the midst of this, Logan, in full regalia, turned to Tyton and Cadia with a stern but trusting gaze. "I'll leave it to you here," he said firmly.

"I'll return for a contest in perhaps half a month, or maybe a month. Regardless, I'll make time to come back," Logan continued, outlining his expectations. "If any major issues arise, consult Fisher first. For Jean's sake, he won't let you down.

If that fails, send someone to the tribe to notify me immediately," he instructed, setting the stage for his departure and ensuring that his legacy of leadership would continue even in his absence.

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