Essine said nothing for some time, mildly startled by Coin’s declaration. “A mercantile company?” she eventually asked. “Like the one Elijah once had?”

  “Right. I want to make something that can carry his legacy. The one he founded? It’s in the hands of that Ashur creep. I can’t stomach that, I just can’t. So I need to do something that can overtake the Venture Company, and become the new cornerstone of trade in Arcadia.”

  “It certainly sounds like you have given this much thought.”

  “A bit. Ashur really got under my skin at the funeral. But it’s not like I can just bite his head off in broad daylight.”

  Essine opened her mouth, briefly wondering if he meant that in a literal or figurative way, but then ultimately decided she was better off not knowing. “You wish to defeat the Venture Company, then. But that is no easy feat, from what this one knows. There are many companies across Arcadia, but few could compete with what Elijah built.”

  “Right. But Elijah didn’t get his company that big overnight. I read about it in his old ledgers and journals, some of the challenges he faced early on. But do you know what let him grow exponentially?” Coin lifted one ledger and tapped a passage he had circled earlier in the day.

  ‘It was a long day of negotiations, but I finally talked Tuber Greengrass to my way of thinking. With the way things were looking for his company, they’d be lucky to make it to the end of the year. And with what I offered to pay him, he seemed content to sell off his assets. Tuber’s Traders may be gone, but its wagons and employees are now proud assets of the Venture Company.’

  Essine hummed. “He bought out his rivals, yes?”

  “More than once. I didn’t know that kind of thing was possible before now, but it makes so much sense. A perfect tactic to grow your business.” Coin grinned wolfishly. “The business is like... like a mimic itself. It eats smaller, weaker things, and grows stronger as a result.”

  “That is... one way to consider it.”

  “And if I can do that to the Venture Company, totally surpass it and take all the business from it, then we can buy it out. A chance to take Elijah’s legacy out of Ashur’s hands.”

  “But, should you fail...” Essine did not want to say as much out loud, but they both understood how ruinous things could be if Coin’s inheritance was wasted on a failed business venture.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Coin nodded in understanding. “Of course,” he said. “But it’s a good thing I don’t plan on failing. We should start small, build things up. Then, once things are stable, we can expand.”

  He flicked through a few more pages, coming to a halt on the most recent one: A row of objects, with a monetary value placed beside each one. The cost of a wagon, the cost of a beast of burden, the weekly wage of a clerk, the wage of book keepers and accountants. The price of a small building in the Spokes to act as an office. The most basic, fundamental things a trading company would need to function.

  “Wouldn’t cost too much. Not at first, at least. Only...” Coin scratched his jaw. “We’d want to start turning a profit quickly. The cost would start chewing into my coffers very quickly if we don’t.”

  Essine nodded slowly. “And you are largely an unknown element in this world. You are Elijah’s apprentice and successor, true, but you have not done much in the eyes of most. At last, that it what this one believes. Yes we have been through much, but notmuch oof it relates to trade and business.”

  She had a point, Coin knew. Their jaunt in Charnyll would not impress most. But being Elijah’s apprentice had to count for something.

  “Well, we need to appeal to the people who trusted and worked with Elijah.” He tapped another ledger. “Folks he collaborated and dealt on behalf of. If they trusted his judgement in business, they might trust his judgement with me.”

  “There is some logic to what you say. But it is still risky. Still...” Essine glanced out the window, to the city beyond. No doubt things were different now than they were in Elijah’s day. It would probably be even harder to make a start in the trading business.

  Yet, ultimately, she had faith in Coin’s abilities and determination. And, certainly, she didn’t fault his desire to strike back at Ashur Clyde.

  “This one does not know how much help she may be. But...” She made her way to the window, leaning her modest weight against the frame. “This one shall aid you. In whatever way possible.”

  Coin smiled and approached her. “Thank you, Essine. I owe you a lot.”

  “This one owes you more. After all, you chose to spare this one when we first met.” Their eyes met, joy shining in her eyes as a warm smile broken out across her face. “And since that day, you have made life for this one all the sweeter. Being at your side is the least this one can do to repay you.”

  Coin chuckled, a nervous lilt in the sound. “I’m glad you feel that way,” he said. “I never thought I’d have friends. I never thought a lot of things about my life would come to pass like this. But, here we are.”

  “Well, it is good that you are happy. And this one is sure your business ventures shall do well. But, be cautious. The world is still a dangerous place, yes?”

  “The Brotherhood.” Coin nodded grimly. They were tied to Elijah’s death, albeit indirectly. And he had no doubt they would cause more trouble down the line, perhaps even send more assassins his way. It would be nice to deal with them, but Coin felt he would be out of his depth if he tied. As an organisation they were vast and powerful, skulking in the shadows.

  Could he ever track them to the root, and cut the head off the serpent? He had his doubts. Coin hoped Velasco and his ilk would be able to halt them, but it was a slim hope.

  “We’ll... deal with that as it comes up,” he said, folding his hands in his trouser pocket. “Because no doubt they’ll make trouble for us.”

  “No doubt,” Essine said.

  “But.. it’ll be fine. No matter what comes at us, I plan on winning.” His smile broadened as he stared out the window. “I’m not just gonna become a merchant, Essine. I’m gonna become a merchant king.”