"What..? So the SBV is using the Earth Mother's Insignia to cause a cold war between ITS and the merchant associations?" Quinn said, her brows knitting together as she leaned forward, deep in thought.
I could tell she was trying to make sense of it. ITS and merchants... that's not exactly a battlefield you expect war from.
Lydia must've noticed her confusion too, because she sighed softly and explained, "Yes. ITS is a syndicate of merchants formed by the emperor's court. They're the ones who launch new trade schemes and release new products to the public. Anyone in ITS gets first pick when it comes to contracts and business deals."
Quinn frowned. "I see... but doesn't that make the other merchants unhappy when the emperor's side keeps prioritizing ITS?"
