Chapter 3: The Carp Smiles
I don't own L5R or Rwby: they go to their rightful owners
After a few days of long overtime hours, Ruby's boss gave her several days off to recover and relax. To the young woman it felt like the god's mercy upon her. The only dampener on her plans was the fact Azura and Yang decided to spend some "quality time" with each other during this same time period. Regardless she decided to check out the market to see what was new in town. Being a center for trade exotic goods and strange people from all over could be seen and heard haggling and bartering for their goods.
'Sometimes I wish those two didn't run off so damn much. Makes it harder for me to find things to do. Last thing I need to do is go home and do random chores dad thinks up to pass the time.' Ruby thought as she weaved her thin frame through the crowds
As she continued, she saw a large crowd forming and compacting around a recently set up stall. Behind this stall was a massive wagon overflowing with all sorts of exotic and strange goods. Various helpers and servants were ferrying goods of various sizes and shapes to the stall in a never-ending stream. At the center of this commotion of commerce stood a familiar face with a familiar smooth smile, Cao.
"I would advise everyone to remain calm! We have plenty of goods from the shipment. All of the highest quality and well worth the price." Cao said from on top of a box, trying to direct people and control the crowd like a maestro
"Keep it up Cao. We're killing it on profits right now." One Ronin said under him as he counted Ryu and put in a large lock box
"You focus on counting it. Last thing I need is the Yasuki on my ass because you didn't count it right." Cao snapped back quickly, trying to keep his voice down so the crow didn't hear him
"I've counted more coin than this. Just relax and keep working that silver tongue of yours." The counter Ronin simply replied as he kept counting
"Alright people next up I would like to bring your attention to these exotic charms we have from the burning sands. Built by various peoples the craftsmanship and styles are exquisite pieces to start up conversation. We have everything from good luck charms to warding charms here. Prices are posted as usual. Remember all payments must be made upfront, but haggling is permitted as always." Cao said with a smile as he directed people in and out
Ruby entered the mass of people, waiting her turn while also trying to get a look at the goods. Though living in a trade city had allowed her to see many strange and exotic things, this was a level above the normal for the city. Ivory, rare woods, jewels, costly herbs and spices were just to name a few of the items on display. Every time space opened in the front, more of what sold out or something new was hauled up by peasant laborers. What shocked Ruby was that despite the steep costs for the goods, they were selling faster than any other stall in the market.
"Hello there Ms. Rose. I didn't expect to see you show up here today." Cao said as he jumped off his box and took an open position in the space in front of her
"I-I had a day off and I saw this commotion…" Ruby stammered, blushing a bit as Cao circled her a bit
"I do admit it is busy, but I believe in spending the proper amount of time with a customer. To ensure you leave satisfied and happy with everything you wanted, and everything you didn't know you wanted." Cao replied with pride and cheer in his voice, words leaving his lips like they were smoothed in oil
"Well I don't know if I have the money to afford anything…" Ruby tried to say, but Cao put a finger gently on her lips to cut her off
"Not to worry Ms. Rose, no worry at all. That is where I am here to help." Cao smile and got a bit closer
"Help?" Ruby asked sheepishly, blushing as her eyes tried to avoid jewel like blue eyes
"Yes Ms. Rose. Help." Cao calmly replied, his finger moving down her face from lips to chin
"B-But…" Ruby stammered, but Cao cut her off again with his thumb this time
"Relax Ms. Rose. Everything will be fine." Cao said smoothly as he used his gently grip on her to lead her to a stand of good
"But I don't know if I want anything." Ruby said as Cao moves to the other side of the stand
"That is the duty of a proper and experienced merchant." Cao replied with a smile
Ruby then looked at the stand, and over the variety of goods. Such variety that it made the choice difficult. Eventually one thing did cross her eye, a silver locket studded with an expertly cut Ruby in the middle. Cao noticed this change in her well before Ruby could and smiled, knowing he has her. Now it was time to work his magic.
"Find something you like Ms. Rose?" Cao asked
"No no… I'm just looking." Ruby said to try and brush him off
"Oh really? I don't want to dishonor your intentions, but I believe I saw you looking at this fine example of jeweled locket here." Cao said as he ran his finger gently through the silver chain
"No… I mean yes… It does look…" Ruby stammered and muddled her words, becoming nervous and flustered being put on the spot
"There is nothing to be ashamed or afraid about Ms. Rose. Desire is a natural emotion." Cao calmly and softly said to try and relax her
At that Ruby's eyes looked upon the piece of jewelry again, this time looking at it more carefully. It was made of pure silver and engraved in symbols and delicate carvings in forms she's never scene before. Swirling lines and pictures of exotic beast populate the space given to the artisan. At the center is clasped by a decent sized cut ruby, of a quality she's never seen before. Whoever cut it was clearly a master, and was cut in ways no one in the region would ever do.
"Where did you get that locket from?" Ruby asked curiously
"From beyond the burning sands fair lady, crafted by what many would call a Gaijin." Cao replied witfully
"How could a Gaijin make something so… beautiful… I thought such a thing would be impossible to make from them." Ruby said in awe of this news
"As controversial as it would be to say to you fair lady, but skill knows no bounds, or people. Anywhere you go on this vast earth we find ourselves on, wherever there is civilization, there are skilled people in any craft. It is all about the form that it takes." Cao said as he then slowly picked it up and handed it to Ruby so she can look at it better
"I'm sorry, there's no way I could possibly afford this…" Ruby said, but Cao then cut her off again with a finger to her lips
"Never say that Ms. Rose. We are not unreasonable and not understanding of the varying economic strata of people. Seeing as you clearly have a strong desire for it, we can come to terms on its price, or potentially alternate forms of payment if necessary." Cao explained calmly and rationally to her to get her stay relaxed
"You can?" Ruby asked surprised at this news
"Of course. How else would I become so successful at my commercial ventures?" Cao said with a smile, but ruby couldn't shake the feeling there was more to him than meets the eye at that
"Okay… Let's talk then." Ruby said after a deep breath
"Splendid Ms. Rose. To be fair to a lady such as yourself and not being knowledgeable in mercantile ways, I will not haggle or be unreasonable to you. That would simply be unsporting of me." Cao said with a slight bow of his head in respect to her
"H-how much is it going to cost them?" Ruby asked nervously
"For such a fair and innocent woman such as yourself I will be generous and say half a ryu. Now I know that sounds like it is steep, but I have sold similar craft for 4-5 Ryu before Ms. Rose. This is a once in a lifetime deal." Cao said firmly and carefully
Ruby then paused to think about this. Half a ryu was a lot, but it was a bargain compared to the price he told her about. She couldn't deny its beauty and craftsmanship. One side of her told her to take the deal, but another felt like it was warning her. Something is off here and Cao while nice and respectful seemed to be keeping something very close to himself. Likely something, he didn't want anyone to know about. With a sigh she ran her fingers gently through her hair before coming to a decision.
"I'll take it." Ruby said solemnly, finally working the courage to look him in the eye
"Splendid decision Ms. Rose. By my honor I swear you will not regret this decision." Cao said with a smile and good cheer
At that ruby took out of her purse the necessary amount of money, and though a bargain it was a hefty price for her. Cao then took the money gently and counted it. Once ensuring it was the proper amount, he gave it to the counter Ronin and then picked up the locket. Slowly and carefully he put it around her neck. He then smiled as he looked her over, it complements her beauty in her eyes perfectly.
"It fits you perfectly Ms. Rose." Cao said to her kindly
"R-really?" Ruby asked with a slight blush
"Very much so. You have a fantastic taste in jewelry." Cao replied warmly
"T-thank you Cao-san." Ruby answered nervously
"May your cup always be full, and your hands never be empty." Cao said as a goodbye and Ruby bows to him in respect before leaving
As she walked away, she ran her thumb around the jewel and looked at the locket as she walked. She was wearing something she never imagined she would ever be wearing. This was something samurai-ko wore, or imperials. Not some lowly barmaid like her. It did drain her of most of her personal money, but in the end she had it. However, as she got a bit away from the stand, a man stopped her and pulled out a knife.
"Hand it over lady, or you're going to be as red as the cloak your wearing." The man said sternly, readying the knife
"No, please don't hurt me." Ruby said, about to back up
"You back up and your dead lead." He said, gritting his teeth and raring to go
Her flight mode kicked in and turned to run away. However, in her hurry she tripped and fell as she tried to run. The mugger then charges forward, but in a blur he stopped. Ruby lifted her head and turned to see Cao standing in front of her, katana readied in a defensive stance. The man then had to make a choice, to try and beat a samurai or flee. He decided against it and ran away as fast as his legs could carry him.
"Are you okay Ms. Rose?" Cao asked
"Yes Cao-san…" Ruby replied, her heart pounding
"I am terribly sorry that one of my goods almost caused you to be attacked. If theirs one thing I hate is theft and piracy. It is terrible for business." Cao said as he helped her up
"It's okay Cao-san. I'll be fine." Ruby replied as she dusted herself off
"Stay safe Ms. Rose." Cao says and bows lightly to her
Ruby bows and then heads for home. Cao smiled and returned to the stand. After a long day they finally closed shop for the night and locked everything down. Cao sat by a fire with others as they cooked food for the evening. The counter Ronin then walked up with a bottle of sake and sat next to Cao
"Great job today Cao as always." The Ronin said, voice filled with good cheer
"Thank you. You going to share that sake or pig out on it yourself?" Cao replied
"Its for both of us. Think of it as a reward for a good day." The counter replied as he poured him a cup
"When's the next shipment in?" Cao asked as he took the cup
"It's going be in tomorrow, but the guy who was supposed to replace you got injured by a wyvern. He fought it off though and the shipment is intact." The counter answered solemnly
"Looks like I'm going to be here for a while longer then." Cao replied before taking a sip
"Not that the bosses care. If you keep making them money like you are, they might station you here." He said
"I would prefer that not to be the case. I want to be able to see the Crane lands one of these days. I sympathize with Ms. Rose, living here would drive someone crazy." Cao said, reflecting upon the day
"Speaking of that Rose chick, why did you give her such a bargain and save her from that guy?" The counter asked confused
"Its bad business to have people be attacked in front of your stand, and one bargain price isn't going to kill us. I owed her for the service she gave me yesterday." Cao said before taking another sip
"Are you sure its not cause she's hot?" the counter asked with intent
"I will not deny that she is quite beautiful. Surprisingly so for a peasant. However, there is something about her that I can't put my finger on. When I first saw her, I was speechless, and I don't know why." Cao said puzzled
"Then I guess you have another mission while being here in Beacon then." The counter replied before finally taking a sip from his cup
"I guess so. I guess so." Cao mused quietly before finishing his cup, then setting it down to think
I'm going to be frank; I am shocked at getting no reviews by this point. Usually I get 1 review every chapter or every other chapter, but the RWBY Fandom is silent on this one. I get it, it's an AU fic and doesn't have a popular ship. However, I really would like to know what you guys think. I hate doing this, but please review if you got anything for me, be it praise, criticism, or questions. And may you all have a great day.