A Month for Reflection

The Diary of Meriç Beriş: A month has passed since the doomed exploration of Songül's mine, and the visions of those mechanical construction and the sounds of flesh being rended apart still plagues my mind. Even now, blood leaches from my boots in the springtime rains; how much of their blood also lies on my hands? And Jahangir's employer has disappeared without a trace following one final, drug-induced mania. He is no doubt dead by now. Should I have helped out considering the last I saw of Jahangir, the only other person he seemed to know, was a suicidal dive towards the mine's river? At any rate, Songül's business has now folded, with his rival expanding into his area. Not that I care; I do not wish to return to the mine any time soon.

The factory has performed well this month, much to the annoyance of cousin Tiroş. How I long for those days of childish mischief, rather than his constant vying for our family's favour. I'm sure my lack of interest only elevates his irritation, although I can feel that all this effort is part of a front he maintains. And yet today the workers have ceased to cooperate. At least they are not in active rebellion, and cocoa continues to pile up in the village. I did fear that this would happen if Peridot died. He was insolent, but ultimately useful, and even friendly on occasion. This factory may prove to be a money sink after all, but it is my factory, my pride. The 5000 silver kuruş offered by the Saffron Consortium is fair, but both my father and myself would be disappointed if I let it go without a try. I have hired a scholar to translate their language and offer them glass beads and beer. Hopefully something comes of this. In the mean time,the costs of labour will dent profits, although there are efficiencies that can be enacted. The turbines once powered by people could be linked to mules, water or even wytchfire, and housing the labourers in converted excess rooms with bonuses in luxury chocolate will all help to keep costs down. However, this will all be made more difficult due to the supply lines being plundered, no doubt by privateers under the Martel's employ. I assume they are angered following my rebuff of their envoy, but I cannot ignore their archaic views towards women. Perhaps Sulim will change things if he ever gains power within their dynasty.

Positively, I have decided to set up a scholarship for explorers to discover new ingredients for chocolate. So far I have had responses from a few interesting candidates, including a talented marksman with an impressive combat record, and the strength to swing a weapon too, and another with a name so ridiculous I cannot think that I will be able to do anything but laugh in his presence. I have already accepted a beastman fighter, Marian, who is part of the Gaian cult. Within her application, she even mentioned a interesting opportunity on a nearby isle. I have a feeling we will get along, particularly if we have to engage the Martels hand-to-hand.