One year after…
A maroon grand stagecoach, decked in golden rimmed tires and fabulous green tiles, made its way across the ever bustling streets of ShanWei. The four pulling horses galloped with speed, faster than passersby rickshaws and domestically-made red horse carriages. Turning tight around a junction, scratching past the edges of cramped vendor stalls and hawkers, the driver entered an alleyway; crossing over minor drain bridges and making a final route to a large stone pavement, several stagecoaches wide.
This street was parted into two by a line of trees, with bricked shops filling every spot upon the edge. From where the stagecoach was, it was just a third up from the total length of this lane. Looking far into the distance, two large pagodas and fortifications could be seen, serving as entrances to this segregated part of the city, encapsulating the entire specialized region into a irregularly shaped 13 sided polygon, walled off to a nearby tributary waterway that was just several kilometers away from the mouth of the sea.
And at one of the main centers of this zone, an enormously sized 6 story venue was built. It was shaped like a bird’s nest, with spiraling wooden beams and metal frames, winding and overlaying one another in fabulous chaos.
The magnificent feat of engineering overlooked the street upon which the stagecoach was present at; and as the sun finally set for the day to come, a blonde gentleman drew apart the red window curtains, to witness the descending sun over the blackened walls of the walled segregation zone.
And without a moment’s breather after dusk, the crowded streets were lit up in starry fashion. Victorian lamp posts with striking crosses were burning with flame, illuminating the hung signboards of every store which were of a multitude of different writing systems and languages. However, while people were still going about shopping and exploring, at this time of night, the majority of the influx of the masses were being drawn relentlessly into the main center, which was dazzling with the contrasting rosy lights of huge red paper lanterns and the ambient orange core, snuggling deep within the building, outlined by the numerous twigs, dirt and stone. Its beams shone brightly into the black night sky.
The stagecoach carefully made its way among the swarms of customers, tagging behind a line of like minded vehicles. Shortly after an intense wait, it was finally time for the gentleman’s turn to disembark his vessel. Readjusting his olive green long coat and his holster, the man was escorted to an upper class shortcut towards the top floor of the facility. The corridor upon which he walked through was just as jungle-like as ever, featuring a variety of gaps and holes between the nest frames and branches, to which the gentleman took his time to view the wide backdrop beyond. His hard-soled boots creaked upon wooden tiles, adding to the high paced rhythmic Sino Opera instrumental being played on the large stage at the ground floor that was opened from within up towards the top . This was followed by regular applause and cheer from the crowds, spectating across the multiple protruding balconies and theater seats from all floors. In a way, one may recognise the spacious interior, familiar to the coiling of an aggressive snake strangling the central open air, shaped like a bird’s egg.
Meanwhile, darkness around all corners was played with the skillful lighting from the staff. Moving inward, red tablecloth tables were scattered like stones on soil. Hundreds were occupied, consisting of only those that indulge in all forms of entertainment and hunger.
Despite this, the gentleman was not here for the desires of common man and higher class individuals. As a member of the dominant generation of the top echelon of all the foreigners that immigrated to the Middle Kingdom, he was invited for a special reunion celebration and welcoming party, hosted by a familiar acquaintance back home upon the top floor.
This ring of grandiose diner halls and rooftop lounges are reserved for those of such positions. And as the potential patriarch for the Kiefrurpez family, the eldest son, it came to no question on whether he could and should attend. It was certain that he would do so for the sake of the family, and of his close friend.
Dismissing the servants with a gentle gesture of appreciation, Hamilton sighed and pushed the jade engraved bronze double doors open. In response to that sound, everyone turned their heads to the entrance. Thus, Hamilton was greeted with their dumbfounded, yet joyful gazes.
He was in a lounge that had a structure of a hollowed out gourd seed. Its walls were patterned and lit artistically with atmospheric candles. A watercolor scroll painting was hung over a length of cabinets and plant vases, and a western style chandelier hung from its wooden ceiling. Outside, a pair of glass doors would lead out to a terrace platform, not obstructed by the framework of the exterior nest’s design. In the center, there was a round black marble table, with 4 participants seated evenly from each other, while only another chair was left empty.
Grinning back, Hamilton approached all of them. The 4 gentlemen did the same and they all did their respective salutations to him. With a final slap on the back by one, Hamilton assured them to take their seats.
“Dreis, I’m shocked to hear that you didn’t go for the SwallowView Opera spectator hall downstairs. What’s with this sudden change to routine?” Hamilton commented to the man. He had his cravat left to the side and was only in his purple waistcoat and lavender shirt. His brown hair was tied into two bushy braids, tied by an ocean blue ribbon.
“Well, I can’t allow Terredylid to be overwhelmed with all these stimuli. At some point, you have to admit their high pitched voices can get pretty irritating, the more you hear them. Apart from that, Terredylid had a blast out on the balcony when you were on your way here. He very much loves the top view.” Dreis stroked his short beard.
“Goodness, Dreis, you can never know when to keep things classified, do you?” came an embarrassed voice from Hamilton’s left. Terredylid, with his white hair forming three rows of fluffy curls at the ends, wore a blue tie and yellowish-cream shirt with noticeable gigot sleeves. His short sandy tailcoat was hung behind his wooden chair.
The remaining two sneered at the reply.
“Tell, Hamilton, for what must one be so late to such a long awaited gathering?” teased a man, dressed in a gray fur-collared short coat and sported springy nape-long dark auburn hair that parted at the right, as he swiftly took a bottle of wine from the center and rolled it over to Hamilton with a spin. And he successfully caught it and poured himself a glass.
“Jar-Qienre’s right, Hamilton. Don’t go off beyond sober first!” The last of the group to speak added. The man had his shiny black hair slicked back into a ponytail, donning a large-lapel pink long coat and frilly chalk white shirt sleeve endings.
“Corrections, Mav, I do NOT have a weak alcohol tolerance. I’ve trained since our last meeting 5 months back.”
“Alright, Hamil, stay on topic.” Dreis whined.
“I had to inspect last minute inventory. Our goods are currently selling faster than how much we can resupply. After all, we only have 2 steamships and to establish our local factory, the Mayor dismissed us. It was godsent that this shipment arrived on time.”
Jar-Qienre added, “You are not alone on that matter. A similar thing happened that was reported to me by my accountant. Our subsidiary had a previously signed contract revoked by those bastards.”
“Listen, the two of you, I think it’s a matter of how much you are willing to go and the speed at which one proceeds. Just point out some firearms and there’s your clearance.” Mav spinned his pistol around his index finger.
But as he playfully aimed it up towards the chandelier, Dreis blocked the barrel with his stretched out palm. “Not everyone here is a warmongering fanatic, Mav. Otherwise, the status quo we have maintained for decades would crumble.”
“Still a docile dog to the Forefathers?” He replied, retracting his pistol, revealing blank cartridges.
“Ahem...Anyhow, let us head back to the main agenda,” Dreis raised his glass, “For Terredylid’s first day in Sinae, and for all our prosperous ventures to come into fruition, cheers!”
“Let’s!”
The gentleman clicked their glasses in unison.
Their night was just starting.
---
“Terredylid, my lad, here’s a gift of welcome! It’s splendid to hear they sent you as a representative.”
As a result of being late, Hamilton was the last to present. In a small box, it was a dried block of black ink. “It’s the latest of the Sinae-Kiefrurpez fusion. A trailblazer, if you will!”
“You are too kind, Hamilton.”
As they returned to their seats, Dreis smelt his wine sample, before taking a large mouthful. “So, what does the Duke’s Mind Child need for his next mission?”
Giving a considerate gaze, Terredylid answered bluntly, “It’s a long term precaution…And a possible route of ease for the international market. I am here to oversee the negotiations and installation for a new railway spider network throughout the entire city of ShanWei. If the Sinae government approves the construction of the infrastructure, Father’s company will start immediately.”
“Negotiations? Terredylid, for the past several years, they built this fort. Besides Mav, they would turn a blind eye to your family’s position in Erebu. Are you alright with our people planning on doing that disgusting head slam whenever a Royal Court official is on the table? This is outrageous!” Jar-Qienre retorted.
“I sympathize as well. How long did we take before we started calling them trains from iron horses? And they are just as stubborn?!” Dreis injected.
To their opposition, Terredylid raised 4 fingers.
“We have several offers. Firstly, there will be the donation of outdated armaments such as firearms and cannons. For all that I was informed, they are very much just a more civilized Green Jurks, back in the Meso Unity. Second, an extra amount of silver will be paid back to their Treasury for the next 6 consecutive months. Father has already convinced Her Majesty for a loan. An extremely long-term generational loan, I divulged. Third, an increase in the maximum number of Sinae exchange students to Erebu and our universities. Lastly, and this is if we have permission to expand that rail route to the other port hubs and finally to their Northern Capital, the lease of the nearby Rochosa island to their national sovereignty.”
There was a sudden slam on the table.
“Hold your horses, Ter! What in God’s Grace made the Duke give off land? OUR land that we put up a relatively large army to colonize,” Mav growled.
“Brawny doofus, he said he would lease it to them. Either way, nothing of importance would be wasted. Your battalion of 900 riflemen alone annexed most of the major communities with little back up from the mages and little casualties.
Terredylid, if I can see your plan, the bet you’re placing on is-”
“Yes, even if the Sinae would go against the return of ownership or they forgot the deal entirely, the Notatum Trade Federation would just steamroll their stationed forces with little resistance,” Terredylid interrupted Dreis.
“The predicted stagnation of their military…It’s truly non-existent, their modernisation that is,” Dreis concluded.
“Thus, when would the meeting go forth?” Jar-Qienre questioned, opening another bottle of brandy. Terredylid swirled his glass.
“A month from now. I got to inspect the land first with the upcoming engineers and draw the logistics. We are gonna do most of the groundwork with the Capital sending all the labor force needed.”
“Are we seeing another Wild West saga?” Mav suggested.
“Well dear friend, it’s not gonna be as blistering as that event, and that saga is still ongoing. How is your gold gain?” Jar-Qienre sneered.
“Hmph…Satisfactory.” Mav replied.
“I have more than enough gold.”
“It’s quite the struggle. Cash crops are a more profitable export,” Dreis scratched his opened neck.
“I am pretty occupied at the moment with the rail system so I am not updated. Though, I did leave it to my brother and a talented Hsirl immigrant as a proxy.”
“It’s going very well with our contracted gold extractor firms.” Hamilton answered, “But, you may best not underestimate their potency, Terredylid. I had numerous encounters with a highly claimed and respected Sinae martial artist and if they do not falter under a threat of being shot, they may as well have people with some magical powers or supernatural abilities like we do.”
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“Hamilton, although I truly appreciate the observation and precaution, basing off on what our Magick users would do, such elementary spells such as a simple fireball would still burn a person’s hand,” He replied with confidence, “However, if we were to hypothesize a greater nature of power from the named ‘Martial Artists’, we got plenty in numbers, the contract of proof for violation of the code and trust between the Sinae and Erebu, and the Mages Association. There is no need to worry.”
“...Fine, just be careful. I do not want unnecessary conflict, Terredylid. Even to you.”
“...”
“Oh so somber in tone, I have such distaste for that mentality.” Mav interjected.
“...”
With that, a small silence filled the air.
Dreis called for a servant to bring in snacks and cakes, to which plates of a large variety came in rapid succession. He then signaled to take some by eating a handful of peanuts for himself.
Hamilton took out his glove and grabbed a boiled rice cake.
“What would happen if the negotiations went distant from your terms? Or they ignored any foreign presence?” He contemplated.
“Then, we will show aggression by parking our trading fleet right on their doorstep, aimed at their coastal forts.”
“Is there no other way around this?”
“Hamilton, our families are, by choice, businessmen. Our strong influences are built on money, compared to those blessed warrior clans who fight off magical beasts and gain status. I will never back down until we get a deal that works for our country’s favor. We need a train’s productivity and efficiency. The…Xie dynasty…has a large population to make use of and profit from. Certainly, you benefited from this.”
“I play to all the clean rules by the book and so no bloodshed was made.”
“Therefore, if the Sinae disregard our most generous offer ever since the overturning of the Bharata Empire, it would be their fault to instigate a dispute and you should blame them instead. The modernisation of the Sinae’s kingdom would not only benefit us but themselves in the long run.”
“...”
“Well well well, you speak as though you are one of them sandy squinted eyes. I have never cared for the outcome of like minded circumstances, Terrredylid.” Mav side eyed Hamilton, “Just say the word and the Jurpakurts will draw their swords.”
Hamilton, still unsatisfied by Terredylid’s stance and logic, said his last regarding this, “Send me a pigeon if things are going for the worst.”
And as Hamilton poured himself another glass of wine, Dreis clapped his hands for attention. “Now now, gentlemen, we are here to celebrate a wonderful night. There’s no purpose when we are all down like this. Shall we change course?”
“...”
“...”
They all looked at each other with questionable looks before Mav turned to Jar-Qienre.
“I’ll be the devil’s advocate then.” He raised his hand, “Hamilton, considering that some of us were here way before you spread your wings over ShanWei, how is it that the Kiefrurpez are gaining more and more in about a year than what we had for three. It’s frustrating me and the Head back home. Tell us of your secrets?”
And in that moment, Dreis and Mav’s attention was grabbed tight, in anticipation for Hamilton’s response. Rightfully so, since the three of them all lost to the amount he was pumping out of this city. Combined, he made half of all of theirs.
Hamilton knew this question was inevitably coming and despite him telling them the reason, it would ultimately never be of help to progress their growth. Even still, he spoke the truth.
“I could never have done all I did in the past year without the fantastic aid by our local venture partner. They are the reason our sales are huge.”
“Who’s organization do you refer to? And…joint venture partner? Since when do we collaborate with those foreigners on equal footing?” Dreis prived.
“Have you ever heard of the White Ink?”
“...Sounds familiar, and very oxymoronic.”
“Wait a second, is that that one new rookie on the block? The one whom the Wen Shipping Company is a major shareholder of and the other co-founder out of two.” Jar-Qienre elaborated.
“Yes, Jar-Quienre! And the actual founder who initialized this trade, a wonderfully splendid lady by the name of Xu TianXing, proposed a contract with me. To which after I read its details, it was thoughtless to dismiss it.” Hamilton expressed with shining eyes.
“But Hamilton, to my knowledge, they are primarily a poor man’s letter writer, so how-” Jar-Qienre doubted.
“Jar-Qienre, you may be a close friend of mine, but I must forbid you from downplaying Lady Xu’s brilliance and the institution she built from scratch to such lengths.”
“Calm, Hamilton. Calm yourself. But it is the truth that her company serves mostly commoners.”
“And that’s where you’re foolish, Jar-Qienre. It’s because she provided most of the marketing and promotion via a close connection to the public,” Hamilton held three fingers out, “ Through the word of mouth, well placed posters all over their service centers and deals in correlation to the number of letters made, our expenses reduced. Moreover, it was due to her contribution to market research that we were able to launch the right products at the right prices for the mass market segment in assessment of cotton tunics and pants and desired iron panels. Months later, her group pinpointed specific age groups with niche needs such as medicine and translated picture books. Finally, for the average woman, her knowledge of botany and natural remedies is vastly superior.”
“What a leap of logic, Hamilton. We tried such products, especially cotton, but we only managed with meager results. Tobacco, however, is a rising commodity but the difference of scale doesn’t make up for yours.” Dreis objected.
“Your analysis is never wrong, Dreis. Among the Sinae populace, Lady Xu also commented on how they ignore the minor quality differences between our cotton products and their inland farmers. But, because we generally cost more, even more so with the foreigner’s import tax, there was no chance to pierce through their market without a massive reduction of prices per individual product sold.”
“So what you are saying is…No way!”
“We did just that.”
“So… in exchange for per product losses, Kiefrurpez makes up for it by performing drastically steeper economies of scale, and due to the sheer number of customers in ShanWei, the overall revenue makes up for it…and this is all because that Lady has a greater vantage point to view the calculated risks. Impressive.”
“Well, shoot my ear, that’s a gambler right there!” Mav complimented.
Terrendylid watched on, soon catching up with the context of their conversation.
“And she is your primary Mandarin translator, isn't she?” Jar-Qienre confirmed.
“Yes, and a cherished one at that!”
“You sure are one lucky bastard, Hamiton! I would employ her services in a heartbeat. Is she open for further collaboration?” Mav teased.
“Nope. Not to my knowledge. Try to find other unpolished gems throughout ShanWei instead.”
“Well, that’s no fun. I accept…” he whined in the end.
“Jar-Qienre, didn’t you mentioned that a majority of White Ink’s clients are peasants?” Dreis held his wine glass close.
Checking his golden pocket watch, he replied, “Yes, generally all those who are illiterate.”
“Hmm, how about we install a delegate to oversee a similar undergoing back home?” Dreis recommended.
“...It will be pretty risky.”
“I can see that, and if the people may see through the covers, our image as nobles may get tarnished.”
“Well, that makes me more interested in the White Ink now.” Jar-Qienre concluded, to which this alerted Hamilton.
“I would rather advise not too, Jar-Qienre. We are business rivals, after all, and as payment for my answer, I want all of you to leave Lady Xu alone.”
“...” Dreis and Jar-Qienre looked back at him, giving the gentleman suspicious gazes.
Bewildered, Hamilton’s eyes exchanged glances with the duo multiple times. His shiny icy blue eyes darkened as he felt the awkwardness between the three of them grew, and finally, Hamilton queried them at last.
“Fellas, is this your jealousy-”
“Hamilton, my dear friend, do you perhaps fancy Lady Xu?” Jar-Qienre said monotonously.
“W-what…” Suddenly, the four of them could slowly easily see his hesitant, embarrassed face, “Was…Were my feelings very profound?”
Dreis facepalmed himself in deep exasperation and disbelief.
“Hot! This is hot news, everyone! The gentleman, known for his impenetrable chastity and austerity, has finally gotten the libido of a raging bull! And towards an outsider chick no less. This is the turn of the century!” Mav teased with grandeur.
“Mav! Do not lump me in with lustful playboys such as yourself. My affections are of the genuine kind, and I will respect the Lady’s boundaries. Currently, my feelings are unbeknownst to her and I am conflicted on whether to pursue the relationship further, but for now, the fleeting moments of intense heartbeats shall suffice whenever I meet her up close.”
Side eyeing Hamilton, Dreis scowled at him, “Hamilton Claure von Kiefrurpez, do you know what this bold claim entails, don’t you?”
“...well…”
“It truly is a mess,” added Terredylid.
“Oh for Maxiltaleih’s sake, Hamilton, you are already a married man! With already three, THREE sons and daughters. What would Grandma think of this news?! For a man of your respect, this is truly immoral! It’s adultery!” Dreis raged in flames. His hands pressed hard on the table beneath. Fortunately, Jar-Qienre reached out for his shoulders, loosening the tensing of Dreis muscles.
“Now, now, Dreis. You have already heard from Hamilton that this is just unreciprocated love and Lady Xu has not consented to his advances…If any from what we normally expect of him. Calling it unfaithful adultery is a leap too far.”
But Dreis was no longer having it and shrugged off his grip.
“So, what now, Hamilton?” Dreis chugged full mouthfuls of wine.
“...”
“I’d say, we just see how this develops. If there’s anything, we can judge from there. That way, it’ll be more fun that way!” Mav proposed.
But everyone ignored his choice.
“Seriously Hamilton, what would happen if Clementine hears about this? I can imagine her running this very hallway with a kitchen knife in hand, ” said Jar-Qienre.
“It doesn’t really matter to the selfish me anyway. It was an arranged engagement by our parents and I had no say in it at that time. I just accepted it.” He nonchalantly answered.
“What about the twins and the youngest?”
“Both Lakcron and Maacron are already seven, they should understand. While Judeline is still a newborn.” Hamilton drank another glass.
“Although you don’t matter, it’s clear as day that Clementine loves you back.” Dries objected.
“Honestly, Clementine herself has quite the hot figure amongst her group. What’s better about that Lady compared to her?” Mav was dumbfounded.
“Lady Xu is an equally refined and intelligent woman. I love her sleek black hair that fell to her waist and unlike Clementine, she doesn’t apply such excessive makeup and whitener, till the degree one might compare her to a primordial vampire. Surely, Lady Xu’s true beauty lies in her natural facial talents.
Moreover, far from the poetic scholarship of Clementine, Lady Xu, as proven earlier, is a pragmatic realist with such ambition in her fiery, yet sometimes childish, eyes. She has the medicinal knowledge that rivals a city specialist clerk and the managerial smarts to build up this highly-functional company that benefits the masses with its conveniency.
Finally, Clementine’s devotion causes her to be extra clingy whenever I’m around. Having a woman who doesn’t fall over you upon first contact would certainly make me fawn all over them. It’s a matter of saturation.”
Hamilton spoke out his praises with pride, with a face full of flush tomato red.
“...”
Right afterwards, a short silence filled the room. No one could believe the wholehearted sincerity in Hamilton’s words. Never have they heard such admiration, ever since the time when he was made to speak during his mother’s mourning day. And not long later, his father insisted on using the opportunity to establish another outer familial bond. One between the previously turned 16-year old, Clementine Le Arsenault, and the eldest son of the household, Hamilton Claure Von Kiefrurpez.
That was until Mav tried to brighten up the mood.
“A busy man-woman was your type all this time? Not so far off when I was starting to believe you were initially gay.”
“Thus, Hamil, would Lady Xu return your feelings eventually?”
‘Please, I beg Nazarenus Maxiltaleih, please say no.’ Dreis thought to himself. He gripped his empty glass tighter.
“Well, about that…during our routined walks through the temple parks, we always had a good chatter about all topics; will it be societal, economic or political. But, I guarantee you, that in every chance of the occasion, the Lady would always try her best to include her beloved stepbrother into the conversation.
Even now I know what her brother’s opinions are and what type of person he is. His skills, favorite past times, daily schedule and the type of spectacles he prefers and their individual eye power. I have never met him but I feel like I already know him.”
Dreis buried his head between his palms while Mav felt his stomach crashing from within. Terridylid remained neutral throughout.
“Aaaand that woman who captured this guy’s heart seemingly also has a deep brother complex. Seriously, how could this night get any worse?” Jar-Qienre sighed.
“I apparently have a rivaling Sinae noble who has been on hot pursuit for her for the past decade with little success in gaining her consent.”
“...”
Jar-Qienre was speechless.
.
.
“Amilton’d…?” Dreis shouted out for him.
His voice was droopy and partially incomprehensible.
The alcohol was starting to get to him.
Looking to Dreis’ side, Hamilton saw 7 finished bottles.
Facing back, he asked, “Yes, Dreis?”
“I’ll ‘ray for…succeed! Gathered ‘ll! Drink! Drink n’ eat!”
His hearty voice rang.
Mav was, at a corner, vomiting out the expensive fluids from his system and Jar-Qienre had ordered for another 3 vases of whiskey.
Hamilton then turned to Terredylid.
His cheeks were bright red and he held out his glass.
“Cheers, Ham’ton?”
Smiling, he gladly accepted his glass.
The high click of glasses commenced the final hours of the late night where the five gentlemen got themselves wasted on the top floor of the Phoenix's Fiery Cradle.