章 30: Aldwyn hates the Rich
Lord Adrian was a man of average height, but his presence was undeniably commanding. His raven hair was slicked back, framing a sharp jaw and piercing blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing. He was dressed in the finest silks and velvets, the colors a subtle blend blue and gold. The silver at his temples spoke of his wisdom and experience, a stark contrast to the youthfulness of his face. His eyes narrowed as he took in the group.
"Roxanne, you've arrived," he said, his voice a mix of relief and wariness. "But why have you brought these... strangers?"
Her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword, "Lord Adrian, these are not mere strangers. They were my escorts to guarantee, that I had a safe journey. There were a few problems on the trip, but thanks to them they were quickly resolved."
Lord Adrian's gaze shifted to Aldwyn, his eyes lingering on his unassuming attire, the twin blades at his side, and the revolver holstered low on his hip.
"And what is your name, traveler?" he asked, his tone cool and measured.
"Aldwyn," he replied, his voice a low growl.
Lord Adrian's gaze grew more intense, "For Lady Roxanne's sake, I shall grant you entry."
Lila stood beside Aldwyn quietly and unobtrusively, listening to their conversation. She had the feeling, that she was simply being ignored.
The manor was a labyrinth of opulence, with gold-gilded trim and rich tapestries adorning the walls. The grand hall had a high ceiling with chandeliers that hung like crystalline stalactites, casting a soft, warm glow over the polished floor. The air was thick with the scent of beeswax and incense, and the distant sound of a harpist played a mournful tune, the melody weaving through the corridors like a ghostly presence.
As they walked through the manor, Lila couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The stares from the servants were furtive, their whispers following her like a chilling breeze. It was clear that she and Aldwyn were outsiders in this world of luxury and political maneuvering. They were led to a chamber that was as grand as the rest of the manor, with a roaring fireplace that fought against the encroaching shadows of the evening.
"Welcome to my home," Lord Adrian said, his tone still laced with skepticism.
The room grew silent as all eyes turned to the man who held the fate of their alliance in his hands. The firelight played across his features, highlighting the lines of authority etched into his brow.
"I am Lord Adrian," he began, his voice carrying the weight of generations of power. "Son of the late Merchant Prince, Lord Alaric, and soon-to-be husband to Lady Roxanne." His hand rested on the pommel of his sword, a gesture that was both welcoming and a subtle reminder of his position.
Lord Adrian offered the group a single night's respite in the opulent manor, his gaze lingering on Aldwyn, the unknown element in their midst. The tension was palpable as they accepted, the air thick with unspoken suspicion. The manor's grandeur was a stark contrast to the grim reality of their journey, and for a brief moment, the weariness etched on their faces softened.
The evening meal was a grand affair, with an endless procession of dishes that reflected the exotic tastes of Vellaris. The conversation was stilted, the air heavy with the unspoken questions that hung between the nobility and their guests. Lila, ever observant, noted the subtle power plays and shifts in allegiance among the dinner guests, their words as sharp as the knives that sliced through the succulent meats and gleaming silverware that chimed against fine china.
Aldwyn sat rigidly at the table, his silver eyes flicking from one face to the next, his mind racing with the information they had gathered. His hand tightened around the stem of his wine glass, the coolness of the crystal a stark contrast to the warmth of the liquid that danced within it.
„I will say it again, I really hate the rich..." Aldwyn thought to himself as he faked a smile.
After nearly an hour, both Lila and Aldwyn went to their rooms.
Aldwyn's room was opulent, with a large four-poster bed adorned with silk sheets, a roaring fireplace, and a balcony overlooking the bustling streets of Vellaris.
"I don't suppose this comes with a complimentary back-alley escape route?" Aldwyn quipped to the attending servant, his sarcasm a thin veil over the tension that had wrapped itself around him like a serpent since they entered the manor.
The servant's eyes widened slightly before he composed himself with a forced smile, "Of course, sir. The manor's layout is quite... intricate. I'm sure you'll find the exits quite satisfactory."
„I hate it here... They can't even take a joke."
As the servant closed the door behind him, Aldwyn walked over to the balcony, the cool evening breeze caressing his face as he gazed upon the city below. The sounds of revelry from the distant taverns and the distant toll of the bells from the grand cathedral served as a stark reminder of the disparity between the lives of the powerful and the powerless.
"Should I ever have that much money, I'll do everything to avoid being that stuffy." Aldwyn made one last comment before going to sleep.
The following morning, Aldwyn awoke to the sound of distant bells chiming the hour of dawn. The city's rhythm had already picked up, and the streets below buzzed with the early-morning activity.
As Aldwyn rose from the plush bed, a soft knock echoed through the chamber door. "Enter," he called out, his voice still thick with sleep. The door cracked open, and a servant, no more than a silhouette against the light spilling in from the hallway, slipped inside. He approached the bed, extending an envelope with trembling hands.
"A letter for you, sir," the servant murmured, his eyes downcast. "From Lady Roxanne."
Aldwyn took the envelope, his curiosity piqued. The paper felt heavy and expensive beneath his fingers, the wax seal embossed with the crest of House Tremblay. He broke it open with a flick of his thumb, his eyes scanning the neat, flowing script within.
The letter was indeed from Lady Roxanne, her words a delicate dance of gratitude and formality. She expressed her appreciation for their service and for ensuring her safe passage through the treacherous Darkwood Forest. The ink was still faintly damp, as if she had penned the words in haste, the urgency of her message seeping into the very fibers of the paper.
The coin purse the servant had handed him was a small, leather pouch that felt surprisingly heavy. He loosened the drawstrings, the clink of coins within a soft reminder of the tangible rewards of their journey. His eyes widened as he dumped the contents onto the nightstand. Golden coins with the phoenix emblem spilled out, glinting in the candlelight.
The servant added, "Lady Roxanne has told me to give you the coins. Twenty-two gold and five silver to be exact."
Aldwyn looked him in the eye before looking at the purse again. „She even thought to include the guild's deductions in the calculation."
Aldwyn nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of their next move. He knew that the money was a significant amount. He tucked the coins into his pocket and thanked the servant.
The servant's expression remained stoic as he spoke, "And one more thing, sir. Lady Roxanne also requested that I inform you that Miss Lila has already taken her leave."
Aldwyn's eyes narrowed, "When? And why?"
"She left before the first light," the servant replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Her ladyship did not wish to disturb you."
He thought for a few seconds before continuing. "You should also leave now, sir. Lord Adrian has invited you for the night, beyond that would insult his hospitality."
Aldwyn nodded curtly, understanding the urgency in the servant's voice.
"Thank you," He quickly dressed and then left the property.
The city streets of Vellaris were already bustling with activity, the clatter of horse hooves and the shouts of merchants melding into a cacophony of sound.
„Before I go back to Helgarde, I might have a look around here, maybe I'll find something interesting. At least I've earned some money now." Aldwyn thought as he walked through the streets of Vellaris.
He came across a newspaper stall, its owner, a grizzled old man with a nose that looked like it had been broken more than once, hawked the latest edition.
He got one for 5 bronze, it was more than twice as expensive in Vellaris than in Helgarde, which annoyed Aldwyn a little.
The article was about the situation in Helgarde. Aldwyn was in shock for a few seconds before he took a closer look at the article.
"Most of the members of House Valthorne have died or fled, among the dead is their leader Deole Mitchell. The Baron and his people took over House Valthorne and renamed it New Genisis. They put pressure on Houses Phainslill, Brarnsaiph and The Church of the Silent Night, demanding complete control of Helgarde."
"The major guilds are currently keeping their distance from the situation. According to some sources, The Church of the Silent Night is willing to form an alliance with New Genisis."
"The elections in Helgarde will not take place for another seven months, but the current situation could change that. Two of the five great houses have been overthrown, which has slightly tipped the balance of Helgarde. The situation is said to be very tense."
The once vibrant Helgarde he had left was now a city on the brink of chaos. „When I arrived in Helgarde I already said that I wasn't interested in the politics there... However, it is worrying. I'd like to just move on, but unfortunately the pact with the guild doesn't allow that..."
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