I claim nothing of this story, all credit and thanks to Sunjinjo.

An Overlady's Audiences Part 17

To her great relief, the next one was far from an Imperial senator. This was a simple, unshaven man in dull brown clothing, a leather overcoat hanging loosely from his shoulders. She smiled. "Welcome. What have you come for?"

"Greetings, Milady. I'm John, a… merchant." The way he said it made her think of Diego, as he'd introduced himself as a captain. She leant forward slightly. "A merchant of the illegal persuasion?"

"I confess, Milady." John slightly straightened out and bared messy dentures in a grin. "I hope to get better treatment here than where I came from."

"The Empire?"

"Oh, everywhere and nowhere really, but mainly the Empire, yes. I smuggled food from Arcadiopolis to the far countryside no one had eyes for, weapons to northern villages that wanted to be part of Nordberg again, that sort of thing. And seeing as the war's over… and everything's cooling down a bit… I was wondering if I could maybe be welcome here from time to time." John folded his hands. "You know, with you being so evil and all…"

"You want to shorten your traveling times by using my gates for smuggling, don't you?" Jinx chuckled. "Clever. The gates give every Overlord a great advantage over his enemies, but that's a great purpose for them too. Fun idea. You have my permission."

John bowed. "Thank you, Milady. Also to store things here sometime?"

"We have more than enough room. As long as you don't mind us taking a bit of your things sometimes."

"Small enough price."

"Did you come as an envoy?"

John licked his lips. "Do I have friends in the trade, you mean? Eh… yes. I'm not naming anyone." He nervously looked around at all the Minions scattered throughout the great hall, and it was clear his thoughts went to the prospect of torture already. "But I'm not the only one who'd like to make use of your magnificent domain, Milady."

Jinx leant back and toyed with her claws. "Oh, that's not a problem. But if the smuggling trade becomes more successful than other forms, there could be a risk of Minions at the gates, doing what Minions love best. I have more to watch over than just you smugglers."

John fidgeted. "What they love best… would that be looting or murder, Milady?"

"I haven't figured that out myself, really," Jinx grinned. "So be careful how much we notice of you. Of course I wouldn't hurt you, John, no worries. As long as you're willing to do a little something for me personally, that is."

"Whatever you say, Milady… I think."

"Do you know your way around the Arcadiopolan slums?"

The smuggler nodded nervously.

"In the neighbourhood of the sewers leading into the Arena there's a house with a purple star on the door. Somewhere around that house, you'll find a tabby cat prowling, covered in scars and with just an ear and a half. If you manage to get that cat down here, I'll reward you handsomely."

John nodded quickly. "I'll do my best, Milady."

"He will attack you, but my blue Minions are able to heal the worst of your injuries. If you lose any fingers, do try to bring them with you, they can be reattached."

The smuggler paled, but nodded again. Jinx smiled. "Thank you, John. This is the start of a great trading relation and friendship, I can feel it." And with a light gesture she sent him back up again. She turned to Gnarl. "I hope they can also keep me updated on what happens in this growing domain of mine. And perhaps bring me some real news about Sayron."

"They're probably a great deal more honest than the nobles that come here. But the nobles can get closer to him."

"Hm, maybe I should send some greens to the Empire to spy after all." She turned away. "First let's finish this. Let them come."