You're not the only one getting confused =). I've (I think?) greatly improved the initial hints/tips/etc to help with people getting stuck, you can check out the latest version here, (I'll put it live on Itch as soon as the rating period is over ^_^), I'd be curious to hear if you're able to figure it out in that case =). Maybe the only (seemingly obvious to me ^_^) thing not explained is that you'll want to buy a bunch of trade goods in one town and sell them in another to make some money if you want to progress =).