Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character

I once thought that selling my creations would be the hardest challenge I'd face. While I had a few connections, the trading system in this world was vastly different from what I knew in the modern era. There were no patents, no clear legal contracts. If someone decided to steal my ideas, there would be little I could do about it.

However, my fears gradually subsided when I unexpectedly reconnected with a merchant who had helped me in the past—the one who sold my soap.

The encounter was pure coincidence. I was wandering through the market, trying to understand more about how trade worked in this city, when I spotted a familiar figure speaking with a shopkeeper. He wore simple yet clean clothing and had a disarming smile that made others feel at ease.

Approaching him cautiously, I was relieved when he recognized me immediately.

"Hey, you!" he called out, flashing a wide grin. "Arkan, right? Long time no see."

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease seeing someone I knew, even if we weren't particularly close. "Yes, I'm Arkan. And you are…?"

He chuckled, extending his hand for a handshake. "Oh, apologies. I don't think I ever properly introduced myself last time. Name's Bastian. I'm a traveling merchant, and I owe a lot to your soap—it sold like crazy in the nearby city."

I hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. "It's nice to see you again, Bastian. To be honest, I didn't think the soap would be such a hit."

He laughed heartily, patting my shoulder. "You really don't give yourself enough credit, do you? People love anything that makes their lives easier. Your soap is the perfect example—simple yet incredibly useful."

As the conversation continued, I finally mustered the courage to discuss some of the other products I'd been working on.

"I've been experimenting with a few other things," I said, opening my small bag and showing him the high-quality candles I'd made. "These candles burn longer than the standard ones. I've also crafted some soft cleaning cloths and higher-quality paper."

Bastian examined the items with genuine interest. "Hmm, fascinating. These have potential, especially the paper—merchants and nobles will definitely need something like this."

Hearing his positive assessment brought me some relief. "But to be honest, I have no idea how to sell these widely. I know how to make them, but selling…"

He grinned, shrugging nonchalantly. "Well, you've come to the right person, Arkan. I have connections with some major merchants in this city. If you're interested, I can help market your goods. Of course, we'll come to an agreement that benefits us both."

I hesitated, the thought of entering a partnership weighing on my mind. Working with someone meant splitting profits, and more importantly, placing my trust in them. But in this world, I knew it was nearly impossible to progress alone.

"Alright," I finally agreed. "Let's work together."

Bastian's grin widened. "You won't regret this, Arkan. You've got talent, and I know exactly how to make your goods shine in this market. Let's start small and build from there."

With Bastian's help, I felt like I had taken a much larger step in this world. Still, I knew this was only the beginning.

Two Months Later

Time seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, my life had transformed dramatically. Once, I was just struggling to survive. Now, I could call myself a successful merchant—perhaps even more than that, the proud owner of a budding trading company.

My products continued to be in high demand. Soap, candles, paper, and other items inspired by modern conveniences became staple goods that were consistently sold out. Bastian frequently reported that my creations were even starting to spread to cities beyond this one.

However, maintaining a business proved far more challenging than establishing it.

I had to manage the flow of goods, ensure raw materials were always available, and keep a close eye on potential competitors who might try to imitate or steal my ideas. Fortunately, the system remained my unwavering guide, providing tutorials, strategies for trade management, and even negotiation techniques for dealing with influential figures.

My enterprise now bore a modest yet straightforward name: Arkan Trading Co. Though the name might not be flashy, it had begun to gain recognition among merchants and even nobles.

Success didn't just draw the attention of merchants—it also piqued the interest of the nobility in the Kingdom of Lotheris. I found myself invited to meetings with prominent nobles, their curiosity piqued by my innovative goods.

One of the most memorable invitations came from Baron Harken, a middle-aged man with gray hair and a composed demeanor. He was a key figure in the kingdom, known for overseeing a fertile region near the walled city.

"Arkan, I'm intrigued by your innovations," he said during our first meeting in his expansive drawing room, richly adorned with ornate carpets and grand paintings. "Your products, like the high-quality paper and candles, have greatly improved efficiency in my territory. I'd like to discuss further opportunities for collaboration."

I offered a polite smile, though inwardly I was filled with anxiety. Dealing with nobles was no simple matter. Their way of thinking was entirely different, and even a minor misstep could irreparably damage my reputation.

Still, I accepted his offer, and that meeting marked the beginning of deeper ties with the nobility.

Now, invitations from nobles had become commonplace. Some sought large orders of goods for their estates or courts, while others simply wanted to learn more about me.

While I was pleased to see my business thrive, I couldn't ignore the fact that this world was rife with intrigue. Not every invitation came with noble intentions.

I often found myself questioning:

"How far can I trust them?"

But one thing remained clear—I couldn't afford to stop now. This journey had only just begun, and I still had much to do to secure my position.

Today, I received another invitation from a noble.

This time, the letter came sealed with red wax and penned in exquisite script, inviting me to a banquet at an opulent manor outside the walled city.

I stared at the letter with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Who was this noble, and what did they truly want?