章節 11: 11 - A Way Out

Karl took a sip of his tea, taking a moment to savour the bitter aftertaste. He had always been a connoisseur of tea, especially the ones that imparted the raw taste of nature. The Aether Thorn tea was by far his favourite. The same couldn't be said for his companion.

Sitting across from him was a man of middle age with grey sideburns and chestnut brown hair styled back. He wore loose blue pants and coat underneath his mage cloak. A golden broach in the form of a leaf pinned to his chest area.

"I understand the Aether Thorn doesn't much align with the taste of others," He said. Taking another sip he sat the cup back on the saucer. "Should I have something else delivered for you, Sir Edward?"

The man smiled, resting the cup on the table. "That would be unnecessary."

"It's unfortunate that Sir Edward seem particularly averse to our spices," he commented, "Crimson Vale is known by many as the land of vitality."

"As I have had the pleasure of ascertaining myself," Edward replied. "Though I was hoping to finish my business at the earliest."

Aurelia had mentioned the man was near the Crimson Vale, but had refused to follow her on the pretext that he needed to wrap some business. It was early in the morning when he received a request for audience from his servants. Edward wished for an audience with the Count of Crimson Vale.

"I don't suppose you would be inclined to share the details of your business with me." He spoke with a jest. Diversion was the primary aspect in the art of negotiation. Never reveal your true intentions.

Edward laughed a little. "At times like this I would be obliged to keep the trade secrets," he said, "though keeping in line our current relationship and future prospects, I would be more than happy."

"Oh!" Karl raised a brow. The man spoke formally but his posture and mannerism spoke for his true attitude. While he had been expecting some condescension following his age and circumstances of Crimson Vale, he hadn't been ready to face the cavalier attitude the man was displaying. The utter disregard and sheer confidence, no, arrogance would be more apt.

"I understand that Sir Edward is conversant with the situation of Crimson Vale." Karl specified. "My cousin mentioned of the proposal you speak of, please explain it to me?"

Edward smiled, showing a little of his teeth. His eyes had that shadowy glint in them that Karl found utterly insufferable. It was the face of a man who was confident of his win. He found them particularly pitiable.

"As Lord Bloodthrone already knows, I come from the Golden Leaf Emporium, an affiliate of Light Guild." He explained. "We have a policy of providing help to those in need, like yourself, and only ask for support by expanding our reach. Even the price we ask is ultimately beneficial to anyone, considering the benefits of having a branch of our corporation would bring to your table."

Karl didn't even need to think things through. The way they presented the deal made it seem reassuring, if only you were blind to the underpinnings of their working structure.

Golden Leaf Emporium was a business giant that controlled the production and distribution of about 80% of Guild created products. Despite that their market policies went deeper. Not only did they provide you with goods, but services also. Sometimes these services cost more than just money.

Crimson Vale was weak, but having survived till now could only attributed to their isolation. By not inviting opportunities they also warded off from getting sabotaged. Giving Golden Leaf Emporium access to their lands would be the same as inviting the enemy within their borders. Putting that aside, there was the also the matter of the county full of resources with a negligent lord and opportunists with loads of resources at their beck and call. Honestly, all it would require is a moment of weakness on his part.

"I don't suppose you could enlighten me on these policies of yours?" He narrowed his eyes at the man.

Edward still with that irreverent attitude leaned back. "I am afraid that's beyond my pay scale. But I'm sure the upper body would be happy to explain these details themselves."

"Are you proposing to be my escort, Sir Edward?" He spoke with a deep voice but the man didn't seem to notice.

"I'm just a humble man, but I do take pride in my skills." The man bore a smug expression.

Karl felt a grin stretch across his face. "Your pride befuddles me, as does your ego." A throbbing sensation made the air grow thicker, heavier and ominous. Colour drained from Edward's face as he looked at Karl. "Or do you suppose my territory is just that weak?"

His head lifted higher, a trace of bloody menace etched on his face. The mana screamed, growing hotter still. Edward only grit his teeth in the face of such suppression before his own mana blasted outward.

"What do you mean by this, Lord Bloodthrone?!" His eyes glowing a dangerous light, he looked at Karl with equal parts fear and shame. "Any action against me is a provocation to the entire Guild!"

"I do not take well to threats." Karl narrowed his eyes, the mana within the room groaning under the boundless will tugging it downward. Edward struggled against the mounting pressure. "And please remember that this is my territory, my palace. Do not mistake my silence for weakness."

As if earlier aggression was but an illusion, the pressure of the mana dissipated. Edward felt relief course through his body, but he found little comfort in the sensation. Instead his gaze was that of a man with horror painted on his face. He could hardly believe the Lord of the Crimson Vale before him was a young man who was supposedly not even in his twenties yet.

Karl stood with an impassive expression. "Let me get you something to drink." He spoke as he moved toward the cabinet, pulling a bottle of precious beverage alongside two glasses.

Edward felt a little at loss from the sudden change in attitude and could only go with the flow.

"Crimson Vale isn't in the best of states," Karl spoke, resting the glasses on the table, "so, I would usually keep good stuff like this stashed away. Please don't hesitate to savour your drink, it provides a reliable excuse for me also."

Seeing the smile on his face and the way he filled the glasses while taking the seat himself, Edward found it hard to associate the young man with the imposing figure who'd looked him down.

Suddenly at loss for what to say, he could only pick the glass and take a sip. "Thanks." At least the taste was far better than that tea earlier.

"When is the earliest you could take me to your superior?" Karl asked.

There was still a disconnect from reality for Edward, questions taking longer to process. Each time his mind jumped back to those baleful eyes peering into his soul. He couldn't quite place where the fear originated from, having met his fare share of strong characters. The only unnerving thing was the association between Karl's strength and his age.

"Uh." Hesitating, he took some time to process by downing the entire glass. "If we were to leave today, right now, we can make it before the night falls."

Karl suppressed a reaction but still couldn't hide the widening of his eyes. He was surprised by the estimates presented to him. It would mean the guild, particularly Golden Leaf Emporium had set up closer to the portal on the other side. Suddenly some of the things were starting to make sense, the rumours he had heard given credibility.

What surprised him also was the strength Edward had displayed. He was an Adept mage, and closer to his own strength than anything would suggest. It was also easier to understand the man's changed attitude. Even Karl was surprised by his newfound strength, and he had the context for that kind of progress. To others, he must look like a monster.

Revealing one of his cards like that was not something he particularly enjoyed, but it was something he needed to do. He couldn't waltz in their meeting and expect to be treated seriously. It was the consequence of starting from a weaker position. While his meagre strength wouldn't be of particular notice, but people in his circle barely cared about 'what is'.

When you can live for centuries, your plans would lean more towards the future. In their business, people were more concerned about 'what will be'. That was exactly what he had provided them, a potential. They might not fear a weak ally, but they would surely avoid a potential enemy. At least that's what he was betting on.

"You have everything ready on your side?" He asked.

Edward nodded a bit stiffly. "I finished the preparations yesterday. We can depart whenever you're ready."

Karl nodded. It didn't sit right with him to leave his territory in such dire times. But given the scope of his mission and possible outcome in case of the failure, he had to take every opportunity presented.

"Very well. We will meet in half an hour."