As soon as I disembarked at Guillaume City's port, Mayor Guillaume was there to greet me with an unguarded smile.

"I expected that after buying up so much cotton and wool, you wouldn't be back for months. I didn't think you'd return in less than a fortnight. Is something going on?"

I bantered back, "Does there have to be a reason for us to meet, Mayor? Don’t be so distant."

"Enough with the jokes. Even though we're close, your domain is still a two-day journey by ship. It can't be easy for you to travel here."

"I've produced some wool …