Next morning.

In the heart of Eldoria City stood GlitterHills Alley—a convergence point where traders, diplomats, and esteemed figures from distant lands mingled with Eldoria's elite. The alley exuded an air of sophistication, adorned with ornate fountains and a meticulously crafted cobblestone path, a testament to the town's affluence.

Aldeen's office [https://cdn.midjourney.com/acbaa95b-70a9-4961-a9dc-217e80a14460/0_0.webp]

The elected Archon, leader of Eldoria; the self-governed city, stood on the cusp of opening his office—a hybrid space, akin to a combination of a restaurant and a gathering hall. As the biting wind whipped past, Aldeen, still half-roused, fumbled for his keys. Shivering, he turned his face towards the sun, seeking its warmth while focusing on his breathing.

"I hope it’s going to be an easy day" he muttered to himself, perplexed by the chill despite the insulation of his coat.

"What's wrong with me today? It's so cold, I thought the coat would be enough."

His gaze drifted to the illuminated windows of his office, spotting Michaela's silhouette near the bar, prompting a silent wish for the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

As the morning sun bathed Aldeen Wisdoy's features in an ethereal light, a hurried Eldorian scout sprinted towards him, disrupting his tranquil moment.

"Archon, Mr. Aldeen, I have urgent news," the scout gasped for breath, his head down.

“The blue document is a secret letter from the chief scout” he quickly took a glance at the 35 year old man, who was wearing a Blue Navy coat, then he proceeded.

“The white one is a letter from the capital that we received yesterday by the evening” huge exhales and inhales interrupting his speech.

He then proceeded handing over the letters to Aldeen. Letter from a chief scout, and a letter from the capital, Aldeen thought to himself, his hand on his blond beard playing with it, turned his brown eyes to his assistant Michaela, a young poised woman in secretary attire. She overheard the discussion and got outside to check what’s happening.

"Thank you for your dedication. Please, get this young man some water and food" Aldeen remarked with genuine gratitude, recognizing the scout's commitment to Eldoria's safety.

Seeking solace within his office's confines, Aldeen sparked a cigarette and immersed himself in the missive's contents. Michaela, shortly joined him, her curiosity piqued about the unusual scout reports at such hours.

"Morning, Aldeen," she greeted, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and disbelief. "Did you hear? Scout claims he ran 12 miles in just one hour. What's he got hidden in that chest of his? Meanwhile, I struggle to climb a flight of stairs without feeling winded." She handed Aldeen a cup of coffee, a small gesture of camaraderie.

"Hmph! I could cover that distance in 15 minutes," Aldeen boasted, his tone dripping with arrogance. "And you know why people fear us, don't you?" he continued, arching an eyebrow challengingly. "It's the awe-inspiring strength of the Sylvan Vale Forest dwellers." She nodded in agreement, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

Aldeen shook his head, a hint of self-importance evident in his expression. "Sylvan Vale Forest truly benefits from my leadership," he declared with a touch of childish arrogance, struggling to open the letter. "Is it a bit chilly today? Or am I just not feeling my usual invincible self?"

"Aha! Running 12 miles in 15 minutes and yet struggling with a letter," Michaela teased with a playful smirk.

"Give me that," she playfully takes the letter from him. She then easily opens the letter and says "Here you go" with a smile on her face.

Aldeen narrowed his eyes at Michaela's playful comment, then dramatically sighed, "Well, Michaela, running is an art, and opening letters is...uh, a different kind of art, you know? I choose to excel in the more refined skills of life. Besides, it's not about the speed; it's about the finesse, the grace, the...strategic delay in opening letters. Keeps people on their toes!"

Michaela chuckled, shaking her head, "Ah, Aldeen, always finding innovative ways to avoid breaking a sweat!"

Aldeen's playful demeanor swiftly shifted once he managed to read the initial lines of the letter he had received from the capital.

Detecting a shift in his demeanor, Michaela's perceptive gaze intercepted his. "What's troubling you?" she inquired, waving her hand to disperse the cigarette smoke, and briskly opening a window.

Aldeen paused, weighing his words carefully. "Seems two advisors from the capital are arriving earlier than expected," he began, his tone measured.

"Their visit concerns peculiar minerals in our mountains and an upcoming competition in the capital next month. And, they demand that we pay our tribute in advance this month."

Aldeen took a sip from his coffee, his eyes assessing its quality with a subtle horizontal shift, then reclined in his chair—a silent gesture affirming the brew's satisfaction.

"Currently, we're short by a million silver coins to meet the tribute quota," she mentioned, her gestures animated as she spoke, gently playing with her black hair. While conversing, she absentmindedly fiddled with a pen, twirling it between her fingers, alternating between playing with her hair and with the pen.

Michaela interjected, pointing out the pressing concern, "How do you propose acquiring a million silver coins before the advisors arrive?"

"The tribute? That's the least of our concerns," he remarked, his tone confident as he spoke. While his words flowed, he toyed with a C-lighter with the sigil of Eldoria on it; which is just a lighter but uses a liquid made from sand, igniting it and twirling the flame between his fingers.

"I anticipated this scenario. My contacts from nearby self-governed towns alerted me. Whenever the king falls ill, the advisors resort to these tactics, sowing discord." He paused.

"I’m more impressed at the scouts who were able to get the scoop" he explained, his hands deftly manipulating the dancing flame as he elaborated on the situation.

Michaela nodded in agreement with Aldeen, the motion a subtle affirmation. As she conversed, she idly spun a pen between her fingers before eventually letting it fall onto the table's surface. Her curiosity piqued, she leaned slightly forward and inquired,

"And what about the competition?" Her expression mirrored her genuine interest in the topic at hand.

"That is indeed the part that is concerning me, It could hold different meanings, depending on which faction initiated the message. I fear some of the king's advisors—while we dutifully pay our tributes—are not as benevolent as they seem," Aldeen confided, his concern lacing his words with caution.

"I understand your point, but consider this: a war might erupt, or perhaps they're eyeing nearby territories for conquest," she speculated.

Aldeen cast a glance at her, a subtle yet encouraging gesture that silently urged for further elaboration.

Recalling past events, she elaborated, "Previously, they held competitions to spark the spirit of adventure in the youth. I believe they might do the same now to prepare for a rebellion inside the self-governed cities, territorial conquest maybe? or even to access a portal." As she contemplated the possibilities, she reached for a water bottle, poured water in the cup and drank.

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"That's why I value your insight, Michaela. However, I doubt a rebellion would succeed, especially in Eldoria. I think they are trying to unite the youth to look forward; and have the capital and its people, as their role models. And the king is too wise to engage in war with the Kingdom of Vornvegr," he remarked.

Pondering further, he shared, "I believe their aim might be to conquer portals or encourage our youth to explore the mountains and perilous terrains." He ten closed the C-lighter, and in one shrug drank his coffee.

« Though they never succeeded in conquering portals » took his leg of the table, then glanced at Michaela and looked her straight in to the eyes,

« Or it could be that the Chrono-Technology research is not doing too well, so they need to distract the king and the nobles who invested in it ».

He stood, sighed and added « Anyway, we will find out when the advisors come, I hope they will send an arrogant full of himself type of person, those tend to be very incompetent » he laughed.

The alley around them buzzed with activity as traders prepared stalls and diplomats engaged in animated discussions. The air crackled with anticipation, each exchange laden with subtle undertones—a mingling of commerce, diplomacy, and unspoken agendas. Aldeen clenched his fist, extinguishing the smoldering end of his cigarette against his palm with a sharp hiss.

Rising abruptly from his chair, he muttered, "Looks like it's shaping up to be one hectic day," a forced chuckle escaping his lips.

"Leave the affairs out here to me. Go do what you need to," Michaela assured him with a supportive nod.

"Yeah, I'll have to reach out to my son today. He'll want to know about this competition. And please, ensure the security around the laboratory. Those advisors have a habit of poking around" Aldeen requested, an edge of frustration in his tone.

Michaela’s smile was empathetic. "I was just about to bring that up. Don't fret; I'll handle it."

Aldeen paused, reciting his tasks almost mechanically. "Confer with the elder in the forest, gather tribute from John, go to the academy, and then catch up with Elias" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else, the weight of his obligations evident in his voice. He sighed heavily, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him.

Michaela chuckled lightly. "Looks like you've got your hands full today. Whatever the elder says, take it with a pinch of humor. Time to dive into the fray, Ha ha ha" her laughter, tinted with encouragement, recognized the challenges awaiting Aldeen on his path ahead.

He donned his bluecoat, adorned with the emblem of Eldoria at its collar—a faint dragon encircling a white lotus, beneath which rested the crowned Lion, symbol of the kingdom of Faurecia- The Capital.

His destination: Mr. John, the tax collector overseeing Eldoria's bustling trades.

In a flurry of work, Mr. John’s assistants scrambled, their faces fraught with surprise and stress upon Mr. Aldeen's unexpected arrival. The pressure and aura of Aldeen further increased their stress.

Chic, elegant, and determined was the impression he gave.

”Mr. Aldeen, what brings you here unannounced? We were expecting you next week," one of them managed to blurt out.

"The winds blow contrary to what the boats wish," Aldeen calmly remarked, his solemn eyes scanning the room, hinting at a deeper understanding beyond the chaotic facade.

The assistant, shocked by Aldeen's unwavering gaze, attempted to intervene, stuttering, "Mr. John is presently unavailable."

Amid the chaos, Aldeen, sensing an undercurrent of suspicion, swiftly pushed the door of Mr. John, and seated himself, disregarding decorum or apologies.

Seated with a calm yet commanding presence, Aldeen, leaned forward slightly, fixing a steely gaze on the assistant who had attempted to halt him. His voice, though measured, carried an undeniable weight as he addressed the situation.

"Mr. John, I am no fool. You and I go way back, and you were counting on my silence regarding your questionable dealings with the metal collectors from the mountain," Aldeen spoke, his words deliberate and tinged with a hint of disappointment.

"Your indiscretions need to be rectified." The room seemed to hold its breath as Aldeen continued, the gravity of his words hanging heavily in the air.

His tone, firm yet tinged with an air of somber warning, conveyed the seriousness of the situation and the urgency for Mr. John to remedy the impending disaster that loomed over them.

Clad in a crisp white shirt, Mr. John removed his glasses, reclined in his chair, and motioned to his assistants with a subtle gesture, silently indicating for them to vacate the room.

Mr. John calmly and confidently stated, "Aldeen... I prefer not to get involved in drama. Please get to the point quickly and state your business."

Aldeen responded with a laugh, "Ha ha, John... why shy away from a bit of drama? Don't you get tired of drowning in documents and micromanaging your employees?"

John sighed, "You never change, do you? Hmph! I believe the last thing I'd want to indulge in is a discussion with you. Huh! Drama, you say!" said mockingly.

Aldeen admitted, "You know I can be quite entertaining, had I not been an Archon, I think I could see myself becoming an actor or something."

John replied mockingly, "You" while raising an eyebrow, and then he added "Give me a break." He closed his eyes, then took a glance at Aldeen who was smiling, ready to engage in a debate about becoming an actor. "Truly quite the number aren't you."

He then added, "So what is this time? you need more money?"

"Euh! Yeah!" Aldeen replied still smiling.

"I have an idea, why don't you go make a theater scene in the city-Hall, I think you can get it there." said john with mocking face.

"I could, but why thought when I can get it from you, my beloved partner" said Aldeen.

John laughed, then added "I think beside being an actor, you could be a good assertive negotiator, you never fail in making bold requests. "After a brief pause to hydrate, he straightened up and cut to the chase, saying, "Let me know the amount you require. I've got other matters to attend to."

"We require 1 million silver coins to fulfill the tribute owed to the king. You're fully aware of the repercussions if those haughty elites in Faurecia catch wind of our failure to honor that tribute." replied Aldeen.

“We require one million silver coins” repeated John while waving his hand in a mimic way to mock Aldeen.

"The nerve! You're like my wife, only showing up when you need money! I'm not a piggy bank. Do you have any idea how hard it is to procure 1 million silver coins?" John hits the table with his fist.

“Well, Well, relax a bit and hear me out” Aldeen slightly leaned forward and slowed down his voice, his eyes fixated on John.

"Come on john you don't have to hit the table like that. You know me... I have some intel for you, your assistants. Here's the scoop: some of them are playing both sides, spies for the crown and all that intrigue. But let's cut to the chase. Find a way, procure me 1 million silver coins.”

"Hmph! I'd prefer having spies on my team than handing over 1 million silver coins to you. What are you talking about, Aldeen? Don't tell me you came here empty-handed; that's not like you! I thought you were a reasonable man," he said, turning away from Aldeen.

Unfazed Aldeen replied, “Come on John, you know the spies can cut your dealings with the metal collectors if the crown finds out about your dealing. However, because of my friend I came here to give you another gift, you know Elias?”

John slightly glanced back at Aldeen “Of course I do! The salt trader from Vornvegr! Everybody in this city knows him”

“Word on the street is he's got connections in Vornvegr. Maybe he can peddle some salt for a stash of silver coins. Oh, and here's a juicy carrot: score me those coins, and I'll hand over the blueprint for the metal piercer. You can cash in big time with that Chrono-Technology among the mountain traders."

"To be honest, I want nothing to do with those bothersome mountain traders. And imagine the fuss if the crown catches wind of your Chrono-Technology!" He sighed. "You'll have your hands on the 1 million silver coins by evening. Send me documents about the spies in my team. The only good thing you're good at spying." He sighed then added.

"Here it is. I told you I didn't come here empty handed." Aldeen took out a document from his coat and gave it to John.

John glanced over the document, nodding in understanding. "Make sure to confer with Elias," he advised. "Perhaps he can help broaden our trade routes toward Vornvegr. Let's be explicit: without securing a direct trading route to Vornvegr, our city stands to lose substantial funds in the coming months, with heightened scrutiny from the capital. It's uncertain how much longer we can conceal our illicit trades."

As Aldeen casually crossed his legs, he retrieved his C-lighter, idly toying with its flame as he fixed John with a serious gaze. "Rest assured, the moment I became an Archon, victory became inevitable. We've faced hurdles in the past, and this won't be any different." With a relaxed demeanor, he settled back into his seat.

John's retort carried a sharp edge as he leaned in towards Aldeen, his tone laced with skepticism. "What the hell are you talking about? Underestimating the capital is a dangerous game. While you may be invincible in combat and xeno-arcanery..." His voice lowered, a hint of warning in his gaze as he continued, "Aldeen, economy and finances are a different breed of challenge, a different realm altogether, a different kind of monster, a different kind of game."

"how do you think I became Archon? Political games, deceit, lies, decoys, and bribery. I think you're the one who is underestimating me John." Said Aldeen with confident tone.

"Let's hope for your sake that you're correct. But if you ever falter, don't doubt for a moment that I'll have no qualms about walking away. Consider this a friendly reminder," he remarked with a calm demeanor and a steady gaze.

"It's reassuring to know where your loyalties lie." Aldeen remarked before letting out a chuckle.

John reached for a water bottle, poured a glass, rose from his seat, and stretched, releasing a sigh tinged with the ache of growing older. "I swear, I'm getting too old for this!" Pausing, he shifted his gaze towards Aldeen, "Why are you still here?"

Aldeen stood up from his seat. "I mean, can you blame me? I've got quite the day ahead."