Crystallis Verdantglass's Arc

Chapter 9 of 18

Crystallis arrived at the hall the next morning to find a stranger leaning against the entrance. The man straightened when he spotted Crystallis, then pulled a folded document from his coat. He introduced himself as a vendor who'd paid for event space six months ago. Crystallis glanced past him. Inside the hall, a heavy display case sat in the first-row stall—the exact spot he'd promised the woman from Thornwick. Above it hung an ornate name plate, all scrollwork and dark metal. The vendor followed his gaze. "I leased it through the competition organizers," he said, tapping the document. "Long before you showed up." Crystallis scanned the paper. The dates checked out. The vendor had a contract, signed and stamped, predating his own lease by half a year. But the venue administrator had promised him exclusive use of the entire hall—no exceptions, no conflicts. Someone had sold the same space twice. Crystallis folded the document and handed it back. "Keep your stall," he said. "Second row. Same visibility, and I'll waive the first week's fee." The vendor frowned, clearly expecting a fight. "The contract says first row." Crystallis pulled out his own lease and held it up. "Mine says exclusive access to the hall. We can spend the next two weeks arguing with the venue, or you can set up tomorrow and start selling when the crowds arrive." The vendor studied him, then glanced at the empty hall behind them. He nodded once. "Second row. No fee." Crystallis walked past him into the hall. He'd lost the woman's stall, but he'd gained a vendor who'd be ready to open on time. He'd have to tell her the first-row spot was gone—and hope she still brought the buyers.