At dawn, the soft light of the rising sun flooded the sky with a palette of warm colors, oscillating between orange and pink, while the birds sang a peaceful melody, announcing a new day. However, Nolan, since his transformation, was already awake.
Perched on the roof of his house, he silently observed the world awakening. His eyes roamed the misty horizons of the morning, capturing every detail, every imperceptible movement. The fresh morning wind caressed his face, lightly stirring his hair. He loved this feeling, this moment of solitude, where the world seemed to stop moving to give him a moment of respite.
It had become a routine, almost a ritual. Since his transformation, his sleep had been reduced, replaced by a constant, almost supernatural energy. The time he would have spent sleeping, he devoted to reflection, to calm, far from the agitations of the world. Sitting up there, he could contemplate life around him, plan his next actions, and allow himself a moment of peace in a life that had become tumultuous.
The streets, bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn, were almost deserted. At such an early hour, life still seemed half asleep. A few passersby walked slowly, wrapped in cloaks to protect themselves from the morning chill. These solitary souls seemed to belong to very different worlds: weary travelers returning home, farmers hurrying to their fields, or perhaps artisans starting their day before the bustle of the market. Here and there, merchants were already setting up their stalls, carefully preparing their wares to attract the first customers. The metallic sounds of carts and crates clanking together echoed faintly, mingling with the cries of morning birds. The atmosphere was calm, almost peaceful, with only a few whispers and quiet conversations to break the silence.
The city guards, clad in their armor gleaming in the early rays of the sun, patrolled the streets quietly. Their watchful eyes swept the surroundings, although the hour was hardly conducive to trouble. Their presence imposed a certain serenity and unspoken order, a guarantee that the city remained safe even in these quiet hours.
Nolan left the roof with the agility of a feline, descending by a stone ledge that ran along the facade of his house. Landing silently on the floor of his room, he passed through the window that he had left ajar the day before. The freshness of the morning had seeped into the room, making the atmosphere slightly more invigorating.
He closed the window behind him, contemplating for a moment the subdued light that was beginning to invade the room. Without wasting time, he headed towards the small adjacent room where his bathing area was located. The room was simple but functional, with a large stone basin and a small enchanted mechanism that he had found on the market to heat the water in an instant.
The warm water slid over his skin, carrying with it the fatigue and the residue of the day before. Nolan savored these moments of calm where he could recenter himself. Each drop of water seemed to purify not only his body but also his mind.
After his shower, Nolan held out a hand, and with a controlled gesture, his usual attire appeared on him in a faint burst of energy. His fitted dark coat, sturdy boots, and belt adorned with discreet runes reflected his pragmatic and slightly enigmatic style. He let out a sigh as he looked around the room.
He took in the somewhat dull walls, the weathered floor, and the aging furniture. His eyes roamed every corner of the house, until he muttered to himself,
“This whole thing needs a complete renovation… damn it.”
The idea quickly germinated in his mind, and he made his decision on the spot. If he wanted a place that better reflected his new status and ambitions, it was time to give it a serious makeover. He held out his hand, and in a golden flash, two heavy bags of Rhuks, the fruits of his sale the day before, materialized in front of him. Their weight, both physical and symbolic, strengthened his resolve.
“That’ll be enough for a start,” he muttered with a smirk.
Without wasting a second, he grabbed the bags and rushed toward the door with a determined step. When he opened the door, the cool morning air hit him pleasantly. The world was still quiet, the streets slowly waking up to the light of dawn. This day would mark a turning point, not only for his home, but perhaps for the life he sought to build.
Nolan walked through the still quiet streets of the city, Rhuks’ bags in hand, until he reached an imposing and carefully maintained building. The sign hanging on the facade bore the words “Maison et Merveilles”, a well-known reference in the city for its renovation services combining quality craftsmanship and enchantment magic.
Pushing open the front door, Nolan entered a grandiose space. The walls were covered in luxurious fabrics and models of miniature houses, floating thanks to discreet runes. The interior glowed with a soft but warm light, giving an impression of comfort and sophistication.
Two young women, dressed in elegant uniforms in gold and white hues, greeted him with professional smiles.
“Welcome to Maison et Merveilles,” one of them said in a soft voice. “May I ask what brings you here today?”
“I want to renovate my house,” Nolan replied, his tone direct but polite.
The second woman nodded before answering:
“You’ve come to the right place, sir. We’ll notify the manager so he can handle your request personally. I invite you to wait in the reception area.”
They showed him a cozy corner with velvet armchairs and a coffee table decorated with a vase filled with enchanted flowers. Nolan sat there quietly, watching the comings and goings of the artisans and customers. Around him, he could sense the vibrant atmosphere of a place where magic and know-how blended harmoniously.
At Maison et Merveilles, the way customers were treated depended on the type of project they wished to undertake. Those who came for modest purchases, such as ornamental pieces or small enchanted objects to beautify their homes, were handled by the minor salespeople. These employees, like the two young women who had greeted Nolan, were trained to handle these transactions efficiently and courteously. Their role was to advise customers on the options available and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
However, for more ambitious projects involving major renovations or sales, management was entrusted directly to the store manager. This man was a master craftsman and enchanter renowned throughout the kingdom for his unique skills and sense of innovation. His reputation rested on his ability to transform ordinary dwellings into functional and aesthetic masterpieces, using rare materials and advanced enchantments.
Nolan leaned against a marble pillar near the entrance, carefully observing the bustle around him. The comings and goings of customers and vendors painted a vivid picture of the city’s social diversity. In one corner of the room, a humble peasant, dressed in worn but clean clothes, chatted shyly with a saleswoman, examining a reasonably priced enchanted lamp, probably intended to illuminate a modest cottage.
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Nearby, a wealthy merchant, dressed in a tunic embroidered with gold thread, inspected an exquisite art painting, depicting a mountainous landscape bathed in magical light. His gestures were marked by a certain ostentation, and he argued loudly with a minor vendor, demanding details about the work’s origin and history, while making it clear that he could afford an extravagant expense.
Further away, a noblewoman surrounded by bodyguards scrutinized a collection of magical sculptures. These objects were imbued with subtle enchantments, capable of altering the mood of a room based on the emotions of the inhabitants. Conversations between these customers and the vendors were marked by strict respect, with each interaction following a precise protocol.
Suddenly, the door next to the waiting room opened, revealing a haughty-looking man dressed in an elegant tailored jacket adorned with deep blue embroidery. His impeccably coiffed salt-and-pepper hair reflected a certain maturity and obvious expertise. His piercing eyes briefly scanned the room before settling on Nolan.
One of the young women at the reception approached the manager with a confident gait and a professional smile. She whispered a few words in his ear, then turned to Nolan.
“Mr. Nolan, this is the manager, Master Silvain. He will personally handle your request.”
Master Silvain nodded with a polite smile before extending a hand to Nolan.
“Nice to meet you, young man. You seem to be a serious person, and your presence here indicates that you have ambitions for your home. I am at your entire disposal to discuss your needs.”
Nolan shook hands firmly, his gaze determined.
“Nice to meet you too, Master Silvain. You guessed right. I have a few ideas in mind and, let’s just say it, my house could really do with a breath of fresh air.”
Master Silvain gave a wry smile, a mixture of interest and professionalism.
“Perfect. Let’s talk about it in a more private setting. Come to my office, we can develop a tailor-made project according to your expectations and your budget.”
Nolan nodded, following in Master Silvain’s footsteps, while the young woman at the reception returned to her post with a slight smile of satisfaction. They left the waiting room and entered a sumptuously appointed office, where every detail, from the carved wooden furniture to the velvet curtains, exuded refinement and attention to detail.
Master Silvain settled Nolan into a comfortable armchair in front of his desk, adjusting a notebook and an inkwell on the work surface. As he sat down in turn, he broke the ice with a calm voice, but tinged with a slight accent.
“You have surely noticed, I am not a citizen of the kingdom.”
Nolan, always observant, replied confidently:
“Your name is indeed not Japanese. You must be a foreigner, if I am not mistaken.”
Silvain nodded with a slightly nostalgic smile.
“You are right. I am from what was once France. But that goes back to another time. Since the Great War, my country has changed its name and has become the Empire of Aennixar.”
Intrigued, Nolan crossed his arms and stared at Silvain with a mixture of curiosity and pragmatism.
— So, if I understand correctly, you left your homeland to escape the consequences of this war and start a new life here?
Silvain nodded slowly, his gaze lost for a moment in his memories.
— Indeed. The upheavals caused by the war made life unbearable for many of us. We had to leave to rebuild everything. Since then, I go to Aennixar a few times a month, leaving my store under the management of my employees.
He paused, his tone becoming softer and filled with pride.
— Here, I found an opportunity to create something sustainable, a business that combines my old know-how and local traditions. But there is still a part of me that remains attached to my origins.
Nolan observed him for a moment, respecting this moment of confession. Then he straightened slightly, ready to return to the subject of renovations.
— Well, Master Silvain, it seems that you have come a long way. Maybe now you could help me redefine mine, starting with my home.
Master Silvain, as professional as ever, leaned on his desk, carefully observing Nolan before asking:
“So, what exactly do you want to change?”
Nolan answered bluntly, his eyes reflecting a new determination:
“I would like to completely transform my house, make it look brand new, as if it had just been built yesterday.”
A calculating smile played on Silvain’s face, who nodded approvingly.
“Very well. In that case, I will propose a complete concept. A kit for every corner of the house: kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom and living room. You will be able to choose your preferences from a variety of styles and materials, and of course, you will pay the costs for everything to be installed according to the rules of the art.”
Without waiting, he stood up and gestured for Nolan to follow him. They crossed a narrow, silent corridor to a huge polished wooden bookshelf. Silvain slid an old book onto the shelf, and immediately, a secret mechanism was activated. The shelf slowly rotated, revealing a hidden passage.
“This way,” Silvain said with a hint of pride.
Nolan was stunned as he entered. A sumptuous room stretched out before him, bathed in soft, diffuse light. Everything seemed designed to impress: plush sofas with innovative designs, lamps floating in the air as if by magic, tables and chairs made of precious woods, glass, and even materials as refined as enchanted silk. Each object seemed to shine with its own radiance, and the examples varied in an infinite range of styles and materials.
Nolan took a few steps forward, his eyes wide, touching a hanging lamp with his fingertips that seemed to defy the laws of gravity.
“Everything you see here,” Silvain began as he approached, “is designed to meet the most discerning tastes. You can choose from these objects according to your aesthetic and functional preferences.”
Nolan smiled slightly, impressed.
— You weren’t lying when you said you knew how to blend your know-how with local tradition. This place is fascinating.
“Thank you,” Silvain replied with an enigmatic smile. “Take your time to make your choices. Once you’ve decided, we can plan the installations.”
Nolan nodded, ready to explore this gallery of treasures, his mind already imagining the transformation of his home.
Master Silvain, a satisfied smile on his lips, watched as Nolan took his time to examine the items in detail before finalizing his choices. Nolan finally announced:
“I will take the living room and bedroom kit made of linen. I also want the kitchen utensils reinforced with strong and effective enchantments.”
Silvain nodded, his hands clasped in a professional posture.
“Very well, Mr. Nolan. Now that your choices are made, you must pay the sum so that the installations can begin tomorrow.”
Nolan took out his bags of gold and silver Rhuks, placing them on the table. The total amount reached 20,000 Rhuks. Silvain calculated quickly, but shook his head.
“I fear that your budget is not enough to cover all the work,” he explained calmly. “At best, it could cover the installations in your room only.”
Nolan, his brows slightly furrowed, put a hand on his chin in thought.
“I see…” he said after a moment. “Aren’t there other ways to make a deal?”
Silvan crossed his arms and thought about it too, before answering seriously:
“Yes. It is possible to make a magical oath.”
“A magical oath is a solemn contract, formally established between two or more parties. During this process, a magical being called a fae appears. Faes are unique entities, often in the form of an enchanted cat capable of speaking and handling legal documents.
“The fae provides a magical letter where both parties write the terms of the contract, including the amounts and payment deadlines. Once the terms are established, each of the contracting parties places a magical imprint on the letter. After that, the fae is responsible for transmitting the contract to the Judicial Palace of Magic for validation. If either party fails to comply with the terms, severe penalties may be imposed, such as seizure of property or even imprisonment for up to six years, accompanied by forced labor.
Nolan nodded slowly, understanding the risks but also the solution it offered.
“Very well, let us make that oath,” he said with determination.
Silvan nodded in agreement. A snap of his fingers later, a golden mist filled the room. A fae appeared, floating gracefully in the air. His feline form was adorned with a shimmering coat and piercing eyes.
“You have summoned me,” he said in a soft but authoritative voice. “What are the terms of your contract?”
The two men laid out their terms. Nolan agreed to pay a total of 100,000 gold Rhuks, within a strict one-month deadline, in exchange for the complete renovation of his home.
The fae scribbled the terms on the magical letter, then handed it to Nolan and Silvan to affix their magical imprints. Once done, the letter lit up briefly, before the fae disappeared, muttering:
— The contract has been forwarded to the Palace. and disappeared
Silvain turned to Nolan with a smile.
“Congratulations, Mr. Nolan. Work will begin tomorrow morning as agreed.”
Nolan nodded, his thoughts already turning to the upcoming transformation of his home.
Nolan stepped out of the store, the sunlight illuminating his face as he squinted slightly. The astronomical sum he would have to pay for the renovations was already on his mind. He sighed deeply, crossing his arms before commenting under his breath, “I’m just going to explore more dungeons and sell the loot for big bucks. Hopefully, I can even pay in advance.”
As he walked through the still-busy streets of the city, a billboard suddenly caught his eye. A striking announcement, written in gold letters and adorned with magical runes, advertised a planned expedition to a mysterious dungeon. Rumor had it that this dungeon held a legendary treasure of inestimable value.
Intrigued, Nolan approached and read the details. The raid was open to all, though the risks were clearly stated. Several adventurers, of various classes, were already gathered near the starting point mentioned in the announcement.
A smirk played on Nolan's face as he looked at the crowd, made up of imposing warriors, focused mages, and even a few curious merchants looking to do business there.
"That's good timing, really," he declared in a determined tone.
Without wasting a moment, he slipped among the adventurers, taking care not to attract too much attention. His steps were calm, but his mind was already calculating his potential gains and the strategies to employ in this new challenge.