I was still a devil, so other races looked the other way when they saw me. This was the Abyss. Devils were the rulers of society. But as a clanless devil, I did not have n.o.ble rights. I was like Baron Mefino, who served by Jaffil's side.
Mefino did not meet a pleasant end. He died without even knowing how by offending me. I had to be careful in my interactions from now on.
I knew nothing of the Zagell Empire. They were on neutral standing with my Rez'gal Empire, so I faced no difficulties crossing the border.
~~~
Constructed on the light side of a ca.n.a.l, the city of Coalfell is home to halfling's led by Sea Merchant Osmin.
This city wasn't built by a ca.n.a.l by accident, as it has healing properties, which is of great importance to the people of Coalfell and its success.
The city itself looks elegant. With its cypress wood rooftops, slate tile walls, and the everclear night sky, Coalfell has a pleasant atmosphere.
The main attraction is the watermill, which was built 45 years ago and designed by blood elves.
Coalfell has a mending economy, which is mainly supported by farming, mining, and jewel crafting. But their biggest strength is alchemy.
However, Coalfell lacked people skilled in blacksmithing.
Despite its strengths and weaknesses, Coalfell is most likely headed towards a delightful future under the leadership of Sea Merchant Osmin. But this remains to be seen.
Halflings are perhaps the friendliest kind you will come across. They're known for their n.o.ble spirits even in the direst of circ.u.mstances. They're carefree, brave, and curious, but most of them are content with a life full of simple pleasures.
As long as they have great company and the freedom to pursue their dreams, a halfling will be happy as can be. Their curiosity and bravery can make them great adventurers, but they do tend to avoid risky situations.
Their small size often helps them avoid such situations, but they don't like being judged purely based on their height. As one may find out, halflings are capable of impressive feats, no matter their size.
~~~
I started my journey in Coalfell.
As a Devil Baron Smith, I could open a shop here to maintain my livelihood. Fel shards were scarce. I left all my resources to [Libra] so they could develop well. I would need to work as a commoner to survive.
The purpose of my journey was to take me out of my comfort zone. Working for a living would be an excellent start. Surveying the town, I scouted for a place to set up shop.
Eventually, I found a two-story shop for rent. This would do, I could live on the upper floor and have my shop in the lower one. The city hadn't had a resident blacksmith in years. I would be a significant addition to this town.
The Sea Merchant Osmin owned the shop. From asking around, I learned he was a local tyc.o.o.n. Osmin lead a Sea Merchant Empire, owning many lands in the city. He was not your average halfling; he had a knack for business.
"Osmin, I would like to rent your two-story shop on Main Street," I said.
"What do you plan to do with my shop devil?" Osmin said, looking up from his desk.
"This town is lacking a blacksmith, I hope to fulfill that role," I said.
"That sounds helpful to our minor city. Are you a n.o.ble devil of the Zagell Empire?"
"No, I am a commoner adept at blacksmithing. I have no n.o.ble ties to the Zagell Empire," I said.
"I can rent that place to you for 250 low-grade fel shards a month," said Osmin.
"That's highway robbery that place is worth no more than 150 fel shards. Are you testing this young devil lord's patience, halfling?" I said.
"You are not a n.o.ble devil of the Zagell Empire. I am backed by the Viscount Mira of the Xanoth clan. Watch your words devil!" said Osmin.
This halfling was arrogant, attempting to raise the price since I wasn't a n.o.ble devil from this Empire.
I released my u003cHollow Aurau003e, gathered a u003cFireballu003e in my hand, and stare him right in the eyes.
"You would be wise to hold your tongue in front of this young devil lord little halfling," I said.
The halfling's face filled with shock. This was a madman, he thought. He could feel all the creatures this devil had slaughtered. Fear gripped his very soul.
"150 fel shards will do! Here's the deed, please leave." Osmin said as he handed me the deed and shooed me away.
"Know your place when addressing this young devil lord from now on halfling," I said.
"Halflings wouldn't be the first race I have cleansed," I said as I walked away scorching the papers on his desk to a crisp.
~~~
As Soulless exited the halfling's office, the halfling went to change his pants. s.h.i.t filled his trousers. That devil must not be offended. I have to spread the word to my dark mistress. An untamed devil is poor for business!
The halfling used an emergency talisman to get word to Viscount Mira of what had transpired.
"A ferocious devil came to rent a building on Main Street from me dark mistress. I gave him a fair price of 250 fel shards. But he was unrestrained. He released a b.l.o.o.d.y aura and forced me to take 150!" said Osmin.
"That devil had no home training! He even burnt up all my paperwork after taking the deed dark mistress!"
"Sounds like you met a devil that has cultivated Slaughter Dao. If he has cultivated Slaughter Dao as a Baron he is from a n.o.ble clan," said Viscount Mira.
She was experienced, unlike the ignorant halfling.
"Do not be alarmed little halfling. The rent you negotiated is fair. You should know better than to offend a devil over a few fel shards. A blacksmith will add value to my city."
"Treat him well and make sure you meet his needs. When I find time to visit the city, I will ensure you have no further issues."
"Yes, dark mistress!" said Osmin.
