Ugly Merchant

"Now, my little sweet blossom," his voice carried a gentle warmth that made the little girl feel more comfortable, "couldn't you tell me what your name is?"

"Lina."

"Lina, from today onward, I'll be teaching you how to survive in this world. I want to help you stand on your feet—even if I die one day, you won't be as helpless as you are now."

The little girl nodded eagerly. Knowing what it means to be homeless and powerless.

***

"Now that Ivar is here, let's draw up our plan. First, Lysandra, did you finish the beauty salve?"

"Yes, Master." she replied, her voice carrying the satisfaction of completed work.

"Good." Jasper nodded in approval, "I trust your skills, but we need to test them on someone from this area to see their effectiveness. Once the guys return, tell them to bring any woman. All the women living here suffer from malnutrition, with their skin in a bad state, so anyone will suffice."

"So, what is the next step, Master?" Ivar questioned.

Jasper rose to his full height, his boots clicking against the floor with each step. The fabric of his cloak whispered as he moved, creating an almost hypnotic sound that drew everyone's attention, "Our next step is the most important. We need to secure an appointment with Marquis Steven's wife—Isabella Von Ford."

He paused at the window, peering through the glass at the sprawling poverty beyond. The sight of ramshackle buildings leaning against each other l, their roofs patched with whatever materials their inhabitants could scavenge. "Like her husband, she is the most influential woman among the nobles. If we provide her with top-quality skincare products, she will boast about them all over the kingdom—especially if she gets good results."

Jasper kept explaining his plan to his companions. Together, they refined the plan, and all they were waiting for was the time of execution.

When the gang showed their faces around the slums, Ivar welcomed them with Jasper's order.

A quarter of an hour later, they brought in a miserable-looking woman. She looked scared, as if she had been brought to her demise.

Mina's soft footsteps approached on silent feet, her gentle touch landing on the woman's bony shoulder. The warmth of human contact seemed to startle the captive more than comfort her. With patient movements, Mina guided her to a chair. The aroma of hot soup soon filled the room as Mina heated the food, the savory scent causing the woman's stomach to audibly growl.

As Mina explained their purpose, the woman's trembling gradually subsided. But even as she accepted the offered bowl with shaking hands, fear still clung to her.

The woman—Lisa—couldn't believe how luxurious the food was. The spoon clinked against the ceramic bowl as her hands shook, and the rich broth tasted like heaven compared to the thin gruel she was accustomed to.

Each morning, she awoke to the luxury of clean sheets—a sensation so foreign her skin seemed to tingle with disbelief. The mirror that Lysandra provided showed her a face she barely recognized. Where hollow cheeks had once defined her features, gentle curves now emerged. Her hair, once brittle as autumn leaves, began to shine with an inner vitality that caught the light like spun gold.

The transformation was almost supernatural. Her skin, previously rough as tree bark and gray with malnutrition, gradually took on the smooth texture and healthy glow of polished ivory. The fine lines around her eyes—premature marks of hardship—began to fade.

Yet with each improvement, each meal of tender meat and fresh vegetables, each application of Lysandra's beauty ointment that smelled like nature, Lisa's terror grew. The food tasted too good, the care felt too genuine, and the changes were too dramatic. She was certain she was being fattened up only to be slaughtered afterward, like livestock prepared for market, "Well, the life of a livestock isn't bad either." shaking her head, "No, no no. I can't accept that."

One day, She heard Ivar and Jasper speaking, "I Think she is ready, she got fat enough." Ivar said with a happy tone.

"Yeah, but let's wait for another couple of days, the more beautiful and healthier she gets the more money we can ask for." an evil laugh escaped Jasper and Ivar's mouths.

The woman couldn't actually believe what she heard, fear pierced through her bones. When Mina noticed her discomfort she brought her a delicious meal. Lisa pretended that she had no appetite, but when the scent of the meal grabbed her by the nose, she could no longer resist, "Sniff" tears falling, "Sh! I can't resist even though I know it's a trap." She saw herself growing more and more beautiful each day—from good meals to skincare. She thought she was being fattened up only to be slaughtered afterward.

Exactly a month after she stood in front of everyone, Jasper said, "Thank you for your cooperation, Lisa. Now, you can go back home. Your family must be scared to death, not knowing what happened to you."

Lisa's eyes widened, as if she hadn't expected such words. Every day, she had feared that tomorrow would be the day they killed her, sold her, or did whatever they pleased. Her illusions all shattered. 'What? Is he serious? If I knew I would have been more relaxed, no!!!' she thought.

"Sir Jasper, can you please let me stay here? I'll do whatever you want. Just please don't make me go back to that pit."

Jasper frowned (despite lacking eyebrows) and sighed, knowing something like this would happen. "I understand that after living here for a month, it's hard for anyone to return to their old, poor environment after living in luxury. But I can't accept your request."

'Even being a livestock is more than welcome.' She happily thought.

"Please, I'll do whatever you ask. I'll never refuse any order you give me."

"Hmm, what a bold claim. " Jasper's voice dropped to a dangerous purr that seemed to reverberate through the very bones of the building. The temperature seemed to drop several degrees as an ominous presence filled the space

"Well, I really took pity on you by letting you go." With deliberate slowness, his hands reached up and grasped the edges of his hood. The fabric whispered against itself as he pulled it back, revealing his monstrous visage to the light of day. Lisa's scream tore through the air, sharp and piercing, echoing off every surface until it seemed the very walls cried out in sympathy. He continued, rubbing his hands, "Excellent reaction, Lisa. As you can see, I'm a monster in human clothing. Humans are my favorite food. I usually eat the evil ones—I'm addicted to their stinky flavor—but a fine lady like you is more than welcome."

Lisa's body trembled, but she couldn't speak, chained by fear.

"I'll offer you a deal: each limb will grant you a week of luxurious life here. How about that?"

"M-M-Master Jasper… sniff… you said you prefer eating evil people. I'm a good person—I'd taste terrible for you."

Pfft!

Mina instantly pinched Ivar to keep him from laughing and ruining Jasper's act.

Breeze watched with a shocked expression.

"I'm not a picky eater, Lisa. Even if you taste bad, I'm willing to try."

"No, please!" Lisa cried, her head darting around as if searching for an escape. Her eyes fixed on Ivar, who was jumping from Mina's painful pinch.

"Sir, look!" Her voice cracked with desperate inspiration as she pointed a trembling finger at the hapless man. "Ivar looks so evil—and much meatier than me!"

"What?!" Ivar's ears nearly fell off from shock. The carefully maintained silence shattered like glass as Mina and the others collapsed to the ground, tears filling their eyes as they struggled not to burst into laughter.

Jasper was stunned by Lisa's unexpected answer. "Huh?" For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

"Master! You're mistaken this time. This girl is purely evil—how could she shamelessly ask you to sacrifice your loyal right hand like that?"

Jasper quickly composed himself. "Ahem, just glancing at Ivar makes me feel full—that's how evil he is. So, I don't need to sacrifice him. Now that I've looked at him, I really am full, so you're excused, Lisa. You can go home. And don't worry—the slums will slowly improve."

"Thank you for sparing my life, sir. I'm deeply grateful." Lisa said, stepping backward with every word until she reached the exit. Then, she fled like the wind.

"Hahahaha! How evil are you for her to target you like that, Ivar?" Lysandra said, tears streaming down her face.

Ivar turned to them, unsure how to react, then sighed in surrender.

Once they calmed down, Lysandra asked, "By the way, Master, why didn't you let her stay? She looked so pitiful, begging you."

"I have my reasons for sending her back. I can't let just anyone stay here. If I did, many others would force their way in once they found out. I need to craft an image of a monster in their minds. The people here aren't that innocent—don't let the false peace blind you."

Then Jasper turned to Ivar. "Hey, Ivar, I have a mission for you. Bla bla bla…"

"Leave it to me, Master!"

Lisa ran from the huge building, sprinting through the streets straight toward her home.

Some of the Unified Gang members, who had been sitting peacefully, spotted the beautiful woman running. Their eyes nearly popped out as they watched her.

"Where did such a fine woman come from?"

"Did you notice how scared she was?"

"It's our chance to comfort her. Let's follow her. Tonight, we'll sleep well."

…

Stopping by a tailor, Jasper and the others intended to request high-quality outfits. Luckily, they found a canceled order that fit Breeze perfectly. Usually, it was nearly impossible to find high-quality pre-made clothing, but this time, the noble who ordered it refused to pay because the tailor took too long.

This gave Jasper an idea to start such a business, but he quickly dismissed it. Only peasants or commoners bought ready-made clothes—for nobles, it was an insult. Starting such a venture would ruin one's reputation and wealth.

From there, they sent a message to Marchioness Isabella via a trading company. The message would take about ten days to reach its destination and another ten days for reply.

On their way back to the guild, they found the Unified Gang gathered in front of the gate. Mina, Lysandra, and Breeze were confused. "What's going on, master?"

"Stay hidden in the carriage. You'll find out what's happening soon enough," Jasper said as he guided the horse toward the gate.

"Move aside and open the gate!" he shouted.

Hearing him, Ivar and Tertius quickly obeyed, while the others stared at Jasper. Many members had never seen his face, so their expressions were uneasy as they tried to see through his hood. Lisa was among those who had witnessed Jasper's nightmarish face, trembling violently when she spotted him.

Jasper stopped the carriage at the back of the building. He didn't want anyone to know about Mina, Lysandra, or Breeze. Even Tertius believed Breeze was dead—Ivar had told him so. He never entered the building, staying in his small room outside.

Lisa was the only one who knew of their existence, and she had been threatened with death if she revealed it. Jasper had his reasons.

Entering through the back and exiting at the front, Jasper stood before the crowd behind the gate, hooded.

"What's going on, Ivar?"

"Master, I went out with Tertius to familiarize myself with the slums when I saw these troublemakers attempting to… to…" He glanced at Lisa, who was crying.

Jasper raised a hand, stopping him.

"So, these horny dogs can't control their little sticks at the sight of beauty, huh?"

The crowd watched, waiting. Nearly all of them felt their lives were now controlled by the monster before them.

"Hmm, should we castrate them? No, I don't think I need to be quite that ruthless to my followers." Jasper feigned deep thought, but his voice was loud enough for all to hear. In truth, he wanted to instill fear—so that even a lighter punishment would be met with ear-to-ear smiles.

"Flog them thirty times. Each of you will strike one of them once before passing the whip to the next—this way, you won't hold a grudge against each other. And remember: you can't hit with full force. We're not enemies, but discipline must be engraved in your bones."

Everyone saw Jasper in a new light. They never expected a monster to be so wise.

"Why harm such pitiful women? If you Sunken Slum people don't stand for each other, who will? You must treasure every person here. Look at Lisa—when she first came here, she was like a mummy. But with care, see how beautiful she's become. All you women here are just as beautiful—you just need proper care."

The gang members felt Jasper's genuine concern. They stayed silent, realizing how miserable they truly were.

"Today, I showed mercy. Next time, don't expect such leniency! Ivar! Tertius! Witness their punishment."

Ivar and Tertius nodded.

"Thank you for your generosity, Boss!" the guilty members said, smiling in relief.

"Lisa!"

She shivered at Jasper's call. "Y-Yes, Master?" Her voice trembled.

"I hope you live happily. If you ever need help, you're welcome to return."

Lisa felt her fear melt away. "I'm deeply thankful, Master!"

Jasper returned inside, leaving the others to carry out his orders.

As they gathered in the sitting area, Lysandra asked,

"Master, did you expect this when you refused Lisa's request to stay?"

"Precisely. I forced her to leave, betting there was a 90% chance this would happen. I wanted to show them that rules and discipline must be established here."

"But why spare those trash? Keeping them alive does no good."

"Hey now, that's a bit ruthless, Lysandra. While I despise their actions, it's hard for men to resist beauty. That's just how their minds work. You can't change people's mentality overnight, but by showing consequences, crimes will decrease."

"I agree with Jasper," Breeze said. "Excessive ruthlessness leads to rebellion, while moderation makes life easier. But what Jasper did wasn't ruthlessness—not even moderation. It was justice. Lisa, or any woman, should feel safe where justice exists. Besides, we can't just kill them without offering alternatives. My suggestion? Bind each man to a wife. If they still assault women, then the death penalty is justified."

"Clever! That would eliminate trouble and give them a sense of belonging. A man's duty grows with family."

"But we'd need a lot of money for that," Mina said.

Jasper smirked. "That's Breeze's responsibility. He must impress Marchioness Isabella with our product's potential."

Breeze forced a smile. Every instinct screamed against this, but what choice did he have? If he refused, his sister's disappointed face would haunt him—and that was unbearable.

As they spoke, Ivar entered.

"Oh, Ivar, how was—" Jasper began, but Ivar interrupted.

"Master, Falcon wishes to see you."

"Falcon? Hmm… Bring him to my desk. The rest of you, stay here."

…

Falcon entered cautiously, a young girl beside him. He wondered if bringing a child to a monster had been wise. When Ivar led him to Jasper's desk, he saw the hooded figure and sighed in relief—at least Lina wouldn't see his face.

"Falcon, right? This is our first meeting. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Falcon glanced at the girl.

"Oh, what a cute little thing," Jasper said, laughing softly—"Hmhmhm."

Falcon broke into a sweat, his gut twisting. He shielded Lina, who hid behind his leg.

"Boss, I witnessed today's events and believe you're a reasonable mons—person. So, I'm here to ask a favor."

"Oh ho? Go ahead. I'm listening."

"Boss… I'd like you to take this girl in. Let her work here until the slums improve."

"Hmm… And why do you think the slums will improve?"

"Under your leadership and wealth, it's possible—at least, I believe so. At first, I thought of having her gather information while pretending to sell flowers. But after seeing how you acted earlier, I took the chance to ask."

"Suppose I do make the slums better. What's in it for me to care for this child?"

"My loyalty! I'll never betray you—not for life."

"Falcon, I've heard of you. You led the Deep West Street gang and were wiser than the others. For someone like you, your word is your life. So, I'll trust that. Now, tell me—who is she to you?"

"Thank you, Boss. Though we've only just met, she's like a daughter to me."

Jasper nodded, impressed. "I won't pry further. I'll take good care of her—you have my word. Even monsters value their promises."

Falcon smiled brightly and knelt to hug Lina. "My sweet little blossom, you can live here now. You won't starve or be afraid—you'll even have a warm bed."

"But I don't want to leave you, Falcon," Lina said, her hands shaking.

"Don't worry. I'll visit every day—unless I'm gone or dead. Otherwise, I'll see you daily." He held her hand firmly.

"I hate to interrupt," Jasper said, "but I must warn you, Falcon. Now that you've sworn loyalty, remember—Lina is young and may not keep secrets well. Whatever she hears or sees here must never leave. I know she might tell you, accidentally or not. That's why children annoy me. But with your loyalty, I'll trust you. If you betray me, you'll lose Lina, your life, and the entire Sunken Slums."

Falcon's eyes hardened. "Don't worry, Master. Even in death, my lips stay sealed."

"Good. You're dismissed."

…

A month later, Breeze entered Marquis von Ford's mansion to meet Marchioness Isabella.

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Marchioness Isabella."

"Oh my, what a charming visitor! Please, tell me why you've sought an audience. I hope you haven't fallen for me—that would be troublesome. Ha ha ha!"

"My reason for requesting an audience will make not just me, but every man and woman in the Zoliland Kingdom, fall for you, Marchioness," Breeze said with a charming yet crafty smile.