#difficult!

Hahaha i hate digital drawing

I heard someone sent you tip that simply said 'Bread🍞' and it made me crave bread, so I decided to head out and get myself a nice loaf of bread. Figured I do so before heading over to Brimstone Village, so off I went to the sides of the roads where it looked like market sales were taking place. Then I scanned the stalls for any sign of bread. There were none, but there were many interesting items and knick-knacks for sell and they all were sold under the same guild, judging from their logo as well, the Adamant Syndicate. Magic-imbued gems, clothing, perfume, artifacts- there's so many I don't think I'd be able to fit them into this letter.

One of the merchants approached me and asked if I would like to buy anything. I said 'Not really.' since I still needed bread though he insisted on showing me around his stall and his entire catalogue of gems and precious stones he had in hopes that any of it would catch my eye. So I went along with him, even asked him about every individual piece and he explained away without fail- a bit odd he stumbled and kept correcting himself alot but I didn't mind. He then asked me if I would like to buy anything now that I familiarised myself with his items. I still said 'No' because none of them were bread.

He was starting to look frustrated, I'm not sure why but then I remembered you have an array of magic gem and how you liked collecting them so I told them about you and that you'd probably be more interested in these than me since I figured you'd be the right guy for this. His and the other merchants' faces seemed to drain in color the more I talked about you, and oh yeah- how you even gifted me some magic gems of your own as charms for my glaive that infused elemental power into it. Which were amazing boosters in combat- anywho they asked if I was closely acquainted with you and I said, "Yes, pretty much so." And for some reason they started freaking out, saying somethings about not wanting to 'upset' you and 'messing with the top-dogs' of the Syndicate, I assume.

They started offering me 90% discounts on all their items. Even 100% off, with gifts and goodies too. I was admittedly overwhelmed and told them that it's alright, that I'll just select a handful of things and be on my way. In the end, I walked away with plenty of goods in my sack but still no bread. Which made me a little sad, but it was alright. I persevered until I was graced with the aroma of freshly baked bread and now, I have obtained the delicious bread.

Which brings me to my next question, since you're a top member of the Adamant Syndicate, "Do you have any special perks or advantages that comes with being a top member? Why did you join them anyway? Are you in charge of anything there?" You sound like an important figure of authority in the guild, so it must be quite the luxurious position I take it.

Saluting you,

Dame Anona from the Heroic Order

My dear Dame Anona,

I am pleased to hear that eventually you managed to acquire the delicious bread you were looking for.

On the other hand, I am not so pleased to hear about the merchants of that camp. In their attempt to make sure I would not have a reason to complain, they have inadvertently upset me. Would you please be so kind as to disclose the location of that camp? I fear I must remind them of some basic membership rules.

I have been a supportive member of the guild for many decades now. They have once aided me more than they realized, earning my loyal support since.

The Syndicate is much older, and smaller, than the Mithril Consortium. The latter has absorbed many small merchant guilds in the past two decades, in attempt to monopolize the  market but their approaches towards the Syndicate have always failed.

It provides the much needed competition and variety of goods on the market. Both guilds contribute significantly to the prosperity of the Lightbearer Empire. Due to my long-standing membership, I may now use their services at greatly reduced prizes... which is why these merchants treated you in such a way, despite strict guild rules, I might add.

My authority as supportive member within the guild is limited. You imagine too much. But I do enjoy the small luxurious benefits, I will not deny it.