Evergreen, 18th of Budrise, year 179 BN

Letting out a deep breath, Richard calmed himself. He was oddly nervous and he didn't know why. Tonight was the gathering that Lord Kirk would be hosting, and according to Issac, with whom he had a handful of conversations over the past few days, all of the nobility would be attending. Even generals from the army had permission to come, and with the war with Thornhill in full-blown swing Richard wasn't sure that was the best decision.

It wasn't often that Lord Kirk hosted events, but today was a special occasion. The combined forces of Evergreen and Devilin have quickly captured the large villages in Thornhill territory and getting ready to siege the main city. They were swift, but their actions were also unexpected and caught Thornhill off guard.

Issac hadn't divulged much about the fate of the villagers or the expected duration of the siege. The focus, rather, was on the recent acquisition of two strategic mines—a bronze mine and a granite quarry, both nestled within Thornhill’s lands. This was a significant boon; Evergreen had never owned mines before, and these resources would bolster their war effort considerably.

One was a bronze mine and the other granite located in two different areas within Thorhill's territory. Granite mines were nothing out of the ordinary, but bronze was. The concept of a bronze mine puzzled him. Bronze was an alloy of copper and tin, not a naturally occurring metal. How then, he wondered, were these mines producing bronze directly? It seemed as though the normal rules of metallurgy did not apply here—or perhaps there was something he was missing.

Yet, bronze mining was a thing in the world. It was as if neither tin nor copper was readily available, that or the denizens of this world deemed them worthless, as that did for the graphite. That still would not explain how they managed to merge together to create bronze without someone deliberately doing that.

Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs of confusion, Richard redirected his thoughts to the graphite deposit he had asked Gregor to investigate. Located in a perilous area of Evergreen, known for its beast sightings, the deposit was a potential goldmine. The dwarf Gregor spoke to had stumbled upon the dark ore while scouring the land for valuable resources. He managed to extract some of the graphite before a skirmish with wild beasts forced him to flee.

Evergreen needed to wipe out those creatures, and Richard had an idea. Although it probably would not work, nor receive support. However, he wanted that graphite deposit. Currently, he had enough graphite to start his business, so he was not in a rush.

These developments underpinned the evening's gathering. It was a monumental occasion for Evergreen, celebrating their strategic victories and looking ahead to the secure utilization of the newly acquired mines. Once Thornhill was subdued, the mines would bolster the town's economy, making it a safer and more attractive hub for commerce, less plagued by the wild beasts that roamed more freely elsewhere.

As Richard prepared to join the assembly, he assisted Celeste from his verlpax, Dave. Her blonde hair was tied into a bun with a bronze circlet on top of her head. The circlet, crafted from bronze, was intricately designed with floral patterns and leaf petals, each meticulously detailed. Embedded within the metalwork were amethyst and aquamarine gems, complementing her green eyes. As Richard offered his hand, Celeste placed hers lightly in his, stepping down from the verlpax with a grace that belied the creature's formidable appearance. Her other hand lightly touched the circlet, ensuring it stayed perfectly in place as she moved.

Her midnight blue gown flowed gracefully to her ankles, drawing admiring glances from many attendees. Tonight, her attire was exceptional, a collaboration between her maids and her mother, designed to dazzle even the most battle-hardened guests.

Truthfully, she was a bit embarrassed to have so many eyes glancing her way. Normally she wore a simple dress without the added accessories. Also, because she was always at home, she wasn't used to such a large crowd of people.

"Thank you," she murmured to Richard as she stepped down, her hand light in his.

"Anytime," he responded, adjusting his own attire—a sharp black and white suit, a recent gift from Issac in light of their recent collaborations.

Sadly, his son, Arthur would not be here tonight. Issac wasn't worried since Arthur sent him a letter informing him that he was well and the war was going well, however, someone had to stay behind to command the soldiers. Arthur wasn't the sole commander, but he wasn't a general and had orders to follow.

Richard’s gaze drifted upwards, drawn to the eerie glow of the moon—a deep, ominous crimson that bathed the evening in an otherworldly light. The locals called it the Blood Moon, a rare celestial event steeped in superstition and dark tales. The last one, they said, had shone forty years ago during a brutal siege, its aftermath allegedly turning the Valewater river red with blood. Richard struggled to believe such stories; the logistics of blood coloring a river seemed far-fetched, even in a world as strange as this.

"You're gazing at the moon again?" Celeste’s voice, light and curious, broke his reverie.

He smiled, looking back at her. "Yeah, it’s interesting, don’t you think? The stories they tell about it?"

Celeste nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "I’ve never actually seen a crimson moon except in a painting at my estate. My tutors used it as a backdrop for lessons about ancient wars."

"The people here believe it’s Noctisara, the goddess of night, opening the door to her realm. They say she gathers the life seeped into the earth, welcoming the souls of the departed." Her tone was nonchalant, as if discussing a well-known folk tale.

"Noctisara?" Richard echoed, intrigued. This was the first he had heard of such a deity.

Celeste nodded again, her eyes reflecting the moon’s strange light. "Are you not religious?"

Richard’s gaze returned to the blood-red moon. "Well, I was never a strong believer in a single god or multiple ones. But now," Richard glanced back up at the crimson moon. Something he'd never see on earth, along with all the magical aspects of this world. "Now, I have to say there is an entity out there that has powers beyond my imagination."

That was the only way something like this would be possible. For him to be on Earth one minute and the next moment he was here. If there was not a god behind such an act, then what was?

Celeste smiled slightly, her tone turning educational. "Dualisty teaches us about Noctisara and her twin brother, Vitralis. She reigns over the night, while he governs the day and the passage of time—from our first breath to our last. He watches over our lives, guiding us along our destined paths."

"Dualisty, huh?" Richard mused, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes, it's a widespread belief here. There are many gods, each with their own followers and doctrines. My father has an extensive collection of texts on Dualisty and other beliefs in his library."

Celeste's offer caught his interest. "I'd appreciate that. Maybe I could stop by tomorrow?"

As they spoke, guests continued to flow into the estate, the event gradually gathering momentum. Richard recalled his last visit here for business purposes, contrasting sharply with tonight's social setting. Mingling in large gatherings was far from his preference—he valued solitude. Yet, tonight held a different significance, one he was slowly coming to appreciate.

"Shall we head in?" he proposed, sensing it was time to join the others.

Celeste nodded, her expression brightening as she spotted her mother waving from a short distance, a reassuring smile on her face. Together, they began to make their way toward the entrance.

.....

Inside the grand hall, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Guards lined the walls at strategic intervals, their eyes scanning the crowd. A woman's voice rose above the murmur, her song unfamiliar to Richard, but it was the undertone of conversations that captured his attention. Celeste, observant as ever, noted his interest and followed his gaze.

She leaned closer to Richard, her voice barely above a whisper, "That's Simon. He used to be a business rival of my father's. Now, he's a wealthy merchant with family ties to the slums. Despite his wealth, his ventures haven't been faring well recently, or so my mother tells me."

Richard raised an eyebrow, his eyes flicking back to Simon, who stood a bit shorter than Celeste, his blonde hair cascading to his shoulders as he engaged fervently with two other men. Intrigued by Celeste's insight, especially given her usual seclusion within the estate, he asked, "What sort of businesses did he run?"

"He owns a few clothing stores around the city and mainly traded in iron ore—that was his primary source of income. But he's had some disputes with his father-in-law. The specifics weren't clear, but he's likely here tonight hoping to rebuild some of those lost connections," Celeste replied, her eyes still on Simon, observing his interactions.

Catching their gaze, Simon excused himself from his conversation and approached with a broad smile. "Celeste, you look beautiful tonight. That verlovian you're wearing—this must be your fiancé?" he said, turning to Richard and extending a hand. "Simon. I've known Celeste since she was a child. Issac's a good friend of mine, and if you're engaged to his daughter, I should certainly introduce myself."

Richard shook his hand, responding with a polite, "Richard, a pleasure."

On their ride earlier, Richard had inquired about the ornament Celeste wore—a verlovian, a traditional headpiece signaling a woman's engagement, akin to an engagement ring in its cultural significance. Once married, a woman would wear a Nuptialem, an even more ornate headpiece worn exclusively during the wedding ceremony. The cost of such adornments was prohibitive, a luxury reserved for the affluent, emphasizing the social divide.

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Simon chuckled, a light, probing sound. "So, how did you manage to charm Issac? He’s notoriously selective about his inner circle," he asked, his eyes darting between Richard and Celeste, clearly intrigued by the newcomer who had captured the attention of one of the most influential families.

Simon was well aware of Issac's reputation for discernment, having unsuccessfully proposed an alliance through marriage between their families, which Issac had swiftly declined. Despite the gifts and the potential suitors he presented, Issac remained unswayed.

"I'm not sure what you mean," Richard replied, keeping his tone neutral.

"Oh, come on, no need for secrets here. Is your father someone I might know?" Simon pressed, his curiosity unabated.

This question prompted Celeste to glance at Richard. She realized she knew little about his family background, a topic of considerable importance given their impending union.

"Doubtful," Richard answered smoothly, a hint of amusement in his tone "There's no secret, really. Our interests simply aligned, that’s all."

"And what interests might those be?" Simon persisted, eager for any scrap of information that might reveal more about this enigmatic newcomer.

Richard sensed Simon’s underlying motive, a blend of genuine curiosity and perhaps a hint of business acumen, looking for leverage or insight. "We’re both driven by wealth. Speaking of which, how's your business faring these days?" he deflected, shifting the focus back onto Simon.

Simon’s lip twitched, betraying his irritation at the redirection. "You seem well-informed, so I'll spare you the details. What kind of business do you—or should I say, your family—run?" He emphasized 'family,' insinuating that Richard, due to his youth, was unlikely to be independently successful.

Richard maintained a calm demeanor. "I don’t have a business. I’m a blacksmith, actually."

Simon’s eyebrows shot up, disbelief etched across his face. A blacksmith? Here? This was unexpected. The most renowned smiths were well-known within their own circles, rarely attending such elite events, and seldom mingling with high society.

His gaze flickered to Celeste, incredulous. Could Issac really be considering a blacksmith suitable for his daughter? He chuckled dismissively, assuming it was a jest. "A smith, huh? If you didn’t want to discuss it, you could have just said so."

Richard smiled, a wry twist to his lips, just as Issac approached. "I’m quite serious," he insisted.

Issac joined them, placing a hand on Richard’s shoulder. "Richard, a moment," he said, nodding towards a quieter corner of the room.

Simon muttered under his breath and made a hasty retreat. The presence of Issac made him uncomfortable, especially given the stark contrast between their fortunes. As he walked away, he couldn't help but second-guess the evening’s revelations. Was Richard truly a blacksmith, or was there more to him than met the eye?

Once Simon was out of earshot, Issac turned to Richard, his voice low. "Don’t mind him. He’s not worth your time. His ventures are floundering, and it’s only a matter of time before he's no longer part of the elite here. Best not to get too involved."

Richard nodded in understanding, yet inwardly, he resolved to maintain his independence. He wouldn't let Issac dictate his associations; after all, understanding the nuances of everyone in the room, including Simon's ore dealings, could prove useful.

Issac's attention shifted briefly to Celeste. "Your mother is with Telium’s wife; why don't you join them?" His tone left little room for debate.

Celeste, catching the subtle command, nodded and was about to move when Issac added, "After Lord Kirk arrives, you can rejoin us. That’s when we’ll announce the engagement."

With a second nod, Celeste made her way toward her mother.

Richard, observing the exchange, frowned slightly. "If it was a private matter, why didn’t you just say so? There was no need to send her away like that."

Issac gave a dismissive wave. "Private matter? No, that’s not why I spoke with you. Haven’t you forgotten? I promised to introduce you to some influential figures tonight."

"I just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. We’ve only just arrived, and the main event hasn’t even started," Richard countered.

"You're mistaken on two counts," Issac corrected him as he surveyed the hall, where groups were subtly forming among the bustling crowd. "First, sending Celeste off was strategic. Telium's wife is well-connected; she's often privy to information from Vale that isn’t common knowledge here, thanks to her ties back home. It’s beneficial for Celeste—and by extension, you—to learn from her. Secondly," he gestured around the room, "the main event is merely a facade. Look around; the true leaders are those who command their groups from a single spot, orchestrating the evening’s dynamics. They're the ones who truly wield power here. Someone like Simon is a mere foot soldier in comparison—useful at times but easily replaced."

Richard took a moment to scan the room through this new lens. It appeared chaotic, yet patterns emerged: certain figures stood anchored, radiating authority, while others circulated among the groups, likely spreading influence and forging alliances.

Issac nodded, seeing the realization dawn on Richard. "Your business acumen is sharp, but your understanding of these social dynamics needs refining. Let’s work on that. Follow me," he said, leading the way deeper into the network of Evergreen’s elite.

Politics—inevitably at the heart of any event hosted by a lord, with various factions each pushing their agendas. Richard, preferring to steer clear of such entanglements, found himself being drawn in despite his intentions. He was a straightforward man, unaccustomed and frustrated by the oblique tactics often used in political discourse.

"What kind of groups are we talking about?" Richard asked, walking beside Issac through the bustling hall.

"There are two main factions," Issac explained as they navigated through groups of nobles. "One clings to tradition, preferring things stay as they are. The other advocates for economic change."

"Let me guess, you're with the reformers?"

"I am," Issac nodded. "Opportunity is ripe for the taking, and Evergreen needs to adapt. That's why we initiated the war with Thornhill. Our land is fertile, but overrun with beasts. Past efforts to clear them failed miserably." He paused, glancing at Richard. "And there's more at stake for Lord Kirk. His position is precarious; many on the council blame him for our current troubles and the losses we endured three years ago."

Richard absorbed this information, his understanding of the situation deepening. He had come here to build a business and improve lives, but achieving those goals would evidently require navigating the murky waters of politics.

As they approached a group of influential men, Issac introduced each one. "Telium, Marcus, Highlord Luther—this is the young man I've mentioned before." The men, distinguished by their serious demeanors and signs of aging like Marcus's gray hair, turned their attention to Richard.

Issac’s introduction carried weight, prompting Highlord Luther to extend his hand first. "Issac speaks highly of you, which is rare for him." Luther's handshake was firm, his presence imposing with broad shoulders and a neatly trimmed beard.

"Highlord Luther oversees our defenses here in Evergreen," Issac informed Richard, as they shook hands.

Luther's interest was piqued by Richard's craftsmanship. "The sword you forged—it's exceptional. What material did you use?"

"Which one? I've crafted several since my arrival." Richard queried, his interest in craftsmanship lighting up his expression.

"The ones Lord Kirk and Issac favor," Luther clarified. "They seem to be made of the same material, unless I'm mistaken."

"Those are Damascus steel. Stronger than regular steel, but more labor-intensive to forge," Richard explained.

Luther nodded appreciatively. "Its strength is comparable to obsidian. If you could arm an entire army with it, they'd be unstoppable."

Marcus chimed in, "Although, this steel of yours seems to be resource-intensive from what I've glanced. Issac mentioned your requirements, and without a new trade route, I don’t see it as feasible."

Telium, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "Once we secure Thornhill, we’ll have a direct path to Stormgate."

"If we capture it," Highlord Luther mused with a note of caution. "No one knows what they're up to inside the city. It's been sealed for months. They didn't even open their gates for their own citizens. If it weren't for the archers on the walls, I'd suspect the inhabitants had all passed on."

Issac nodded. "Indeed, we can’t afford a prolonged conflict. Lord Kirk is aware, which is why he advanced our troops so swiftly. We must also consider that Dustwell might invade again, and Lord Sline would need to defend his own territory. I foresee this war lasting no more than three to six months at most. Some council members are already satisfied with the villages and mines we’ve secured; they see no reason to push further."

Turning to Richard, Issac continued, "Telium here oversees our trade operations, securing deals that benefit Evergreen. Capturing Thornhill would open a route to Stormgate, rich in resources and with no current disputes against us. The challenge, however, is the distance."

Issac addressed Richard. "You’ve developed a new transportation method, haven’t you?"

Richard, understanding the interest his project had sparked, replied modestly, "The carriage? It's hardly new technology, but yes, I managed a day’s travel to Disceroa with it."

The group, except for Issac, expressed surprise. Issac himself had already considered Richard’s innovation but regretted not having thought of it sooner. The idea of using a verlpax to pull a carriage had briefly crossed his mind, but he had dismissed it as impractical, envisioning the strong creatures breaking the wagon.

Telium, intrigued, leaned forward. "How did you manage that? Normally, it takes days to make that journey."

Richard explained, a hint of pride in his tone, "I designed a sturdy carriage specifically for the journey. With my verlpax pulling it, travel was swift. They're fast and strong, though the real challenge was avoiding the paths frequented by wild beasts."

Highlord Luther leaned in, his interest clearly piqued. "That's remarkable," he said. "The ability to move troops or supplies that quickly could redefine our military strategies. Have you considered the possibilities of employing your method on a larger scale?"

Telium nodded in agreement, his mind racing with the commercial implications. "And it’s not just military applications. Imagine the boost to trade and resource transportation. Faster routes mean fresher goods, more trades, and better profits. How scalable is your design, Richard?"

Richard sensed their growing interest, but he didn't want to make his carriage the focal point of the conversation. He could see the benefits it would have, which is why he wanted to use it to dominate the transportation industry. He faced a set back which made him shelf the idea until he gathered more money to invest in it.

"The design is scalable, the difficulty would be creating the parts. It needs precise designs that fit well with one another, and a lot of the pieces are made from steel," Richard estimated, gauging the feasibility as he spoke.

"Given the resources you have, could you potentially make one at this stage? If we can demonstrate its effectiveness, especially to Stormgate, it could accelerate our plans." Issac interjected.

"I have some spare pieces from the first build, and with a bit of time I can make another one. Although, it'd be a month at most before it is ready." Richard responded.

Highlord Luther responded with a nod, his mind already on the logistics. "That timeline works well. It gives me enough time to assemble a detail for its escort. Our recent advancements in Thornhill’s lower territory should secure the route."

"And I'll accompany the expedition to negotiate directly with Stormgate. The ability to shorten travel time drastically could transform our trade dynamics. We wouldn’t just rely on external merchants—we'd be in control. Once the carriage is operational, let me know what you need from Stormgate, and I’ll arrange it. Keep in mind, some deals may take time since we're new to them."Telium said.

"You say they are rich in resources. Does that mean they have iron ore?" Richard asked.

"Naturally. They have an entire village that mines ore." Telium replied.

Richard's mind ticked over the possibilities. "Are they rich in resources? Specifically, do they have iron ore?"

"Yes, they have a whole village dedicated to mining ore," Telium confirmed.

"That's perfect," Richard said, his plan forming. "Securing a long-term relationship with the mine owner would be ideal. I'd like to offer steel in exchange for their iron ore. Although, without them knowing what steel is, it might be hard to sell."

Telium rubbed his chin in thought. "Exchanging steel for iron? Give me a steel weapon and some steel to trade, I can make it work. Although, you don't have the ability to produce steel yet, so it might be harder to actually sell to them."

As the group continued discussing the strategic possibilities of Richard's innovations, the atmosphere of the grand hall subtly shifted. The conversations dimmed as two prominent figures entered the room—Lord Kirk of Evergreen and Lord Sline of Devilin, whose presence commanded immediate attention.

"Good evening, everyone," Lord Kirk announced, his voice resonant and carrying through the hall with practiced ease. He stood tall and confident, embodying the authority of his position. Beside him, Lord Sline, slightly smaller in stature but equally imposing, nodded courteously to the assembly.