"You may indeed be of help, Sir Victor," Elysian said, his tone deceptively light. He glanced around, noting the interested looks from nearby council members. Lowering his voice, he continued, "I have some questions about Ironspire's business environment at this trying time that I believe you're uniquely qualified to answer."

Victor's brow furrowed, a bead of sweat forming at his temple. "Of course, young master. I'd be... honored to assist you." His eyes darted around, seeking an escape that wasn't there.

Elysian stepped closer, his youthful face a mask of innocence that did little to calm Victor's nerves.

Victor's forced smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "How... considerate of you, young master. Thank you." His voice carried a hint of resignation, recognizing he did not have any choice.

"Please, lead the way," Elysian gestured with a sweep of his arm, falling into step beside the increasingly anxious surveyor.

They made their way through the emptying corridors, the echo of their footsteps seeming to grow louder in the oppressive silence. Most of the council members had already departed, leaving the building with less traffic.

As they approached Victor's waiting carriage, Elysian noted the quality of the vehicle—luxurious and ostentatious, beyond a man of Victor's station.

Once settled inside, the carriage set off with a lurch, the clop of horses' hooves on cobblestone streets filling the air. Elysian sat back, his piercing gaze fixed on Victor, who fidgeted uncomfortably under the scrutiny.

The silence stretched between them, thick and palpable. Victor's eyes darted nervously, alternating between the young noble and the passing scenery outside the carriage window. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the cool air.

Elysian maintained his calm demeanor, allowing the tension to build. He was well aware of his reputation—a spoiled brat who always got his way. He let those unspoken tales work in his favor, watching as Victor's discomfort grew with each passing moment.

The carriage jostled over a rough patch of road, the sudden movement causing Victor to start slightly. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then thought better of it, closing it again with an audible click.

Elysian's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. He was in no hurry to break the silence, recognizing the power in making others wait, in letting their imaginations run wild with possibilities and fears.

As they delved deeper into the city, the sounds of bustling life filtered through the carriage walls—merchants hawking wares, children playing, the general din of city life. It stood in stark contrast to the tense quiet within the carriage.

"Y-young master," Victor stammered, breaking the uncomfortable silence that permeated the tiny space. "You said earlier you wanted to ask something?"

"Ah, yes. I did say that, didn't I?" Elysian chuckled with a forced laugh that only heightened the tension. When Victor also chuckled in an attempt to ease his discomfort, it merely betrayed his unease.

"As you know, sir, Ironspire is currently in a very chaotic and dangerous predicament. We are besieged on all sides, from within and without. It is paramount that we, the ruling class and its administrators, do our utmost to steer Ironspire towards a brighter future," Elysian paused for a moment, smiling as the man swallowed hard. "Isn't that right?"

"Of course, young master. You are absolutely right," Victor quickly agreed, nodding his head like a trained dog.

"I'm glad you agree," Elysian smiled. "You are one of the few with noble character. You exemplify what a true servant of the people is—someone who thinks not of themselves but of the betterment of Ironspire. I thank you for your service, sir. You've done a commendable job for the greater good of the barony and its citizens."

"Thank you for your kind words, young master. Coming from you, they mean so much to me," Victor responded with lip service, though the young noble's words made him sigh in relief. "Thank you for such an honor."

"You deserve it, sir. You are not like those other administrators whose only priority is fattening their own pockets. Tsk, what despicable people," Elysian scowled. "Don't you agree?"

"Of course, I agree with you, young master," Victor responded, chuckling uneasily as sweat began to form on his forehead. "I also despise those dishonest individuals. They are truly corrupt, thinking only of themselves and not of the good of the barony and the suffering people."

Elysian laughed loudly this time, making the atmosphere inside the carriage even more unbearable. "By the way, Victor, I really like this carriage. It's very comfortable to ride in, and the design is quite beautiful. You have excellent taste."

Victor swallowed hard, unable to respond immediately as he carefully observed the young noble's face, searching for any sign that he was being mocked. However, he saw only the innocent and earnest expression of a child.

"Thank you, young master," the surveyor finally said, breaking the brief silence. "But I don't own this carriage. I'm just borrowing it since I couldn't afford to repair my broken one."

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

"Really?" Elysian's intense stare made Victor nod painfully. "I'm sorry to hear that. By the way, who did you borrow it from?"

"Why do you ask, young master?" Victor inquired uncomfortably.

"To borrow it myself, of course," Elysian laughed loudly, his mirth filling the small space. "This is much better than my own carriage," the young noble paused, smirking at the tense man. "Or even better than my father's."

"Well, you can just have it, young master," Victor offered hastily.

"I thought you said you just borrowed it. How can you give it away?" Elysian asked, his tone sharpening. "Don't you need to ask permission first?"

"You're right, young master," Victor quickly corrected himself. "I will ask the Gilded Lantern about it first. But don't worry, I'm sure they'll agree..."

"The Gilded Lantern?" Elysian's eyebrows rose. "Isn't accepting something from them a conflict of interest, sir?" He maintained an innocent facade.

Victor laughed tensely. "It's not, young master. It would only be a conflict of interest if they were influencing my decisions to give them favorable permits. But I assure you, that's not the case. I'm always fair. What they receive is always appropriate according to the rules."

"It's nice to hear that, sir. You truly are an admirable man to not be swayed by all they've given you," Elysian said mockingly, dropping his act. He then raised a brow. "Does this mean you would still be fair if you had a share and were one of the owners of the Gilded Lantern?"

"How did you—" Victor's face paled as he swallowed hard, unable to finish his question.

"Relax, I'm not here to castigate you," Elysian chuckled, observing the man's shocked and terrified expression. "You're one of my uncle's trusted people. Why would I dare cause problems for you?" The young noble attempted to ease the surveyor's fears, sensing the man might collapse from panic at any moment. "So, take a deep breath. We're on the same side here."

When Victor remained unconvinced, his face still pale and drawn, Elysian leaned in closer and added, "As you well know, Ironspire has many enemies from various factions. Sure, you're corrupt..."

The man opened his mouth to object, ready to defend himself, but Elysian swiftly interjected, raising a hand to silence him. "Don't bother denying it. Just admit it so we can move past this and not waste any more time."

"You're right, young master. I admit it—I'm corrupt, just like everyone else here," Victor announced, looking defiant in a last-ditch effort to save himself. "You've said it yourself: I'm on the custodian's side. Isn't it reasonable to think that he already has an idea of what I'm doing and is simply allowing it? After all, I'm not really hiding it if a boy like you has come to know about it."

"I knew you'd say that," Elysian laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And you're right. My uncle might have some idea of it and is allowing it since his focus is preoccupied with far more dangerous and lethal enemies around him. A little corruption here and there isn't really a problem, especially in Ironspire where such behavior is quite rampant, right?"

Instead of responding, Victor just swallowed hard, a sinking feeling in his stomach warning him of what was to come.

"But what you've done, sir surveyor, is not just a little corruption, is it?" Elysian's grin turned menacing, like a predator that had finally sunk its teeth into its prey's neck. "What do you think he would do if he were to learn just how much you've really pocketed?"

Victor swallowed hard again, his body starting to tremble uncontrollably in panic. The gravity of his situation was finally sinking in, and he found himself at a loss for words.

"Relax, or you're going to soil yourself," Elysian chuckled, clearly enjoying watching the man squirm. "You wouldn't want to ruin this rather expensive and beautiful carriage, would you?"

Victor took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. His eyes darted around the carriage interior before settling back on the young noble's face. "What do you want?" he asked, flinching as he met Elysian's piercing gaze. "If you truly wished to destroy me, you would have reported me to your uncle directly instead of engaging in this conversation. So tell me, what is it you're after?"

"Ah, now we're talking," Elysian said, nodding approvingly. "I do appreciate a man who can think on his feet."

Sensing a potential way out, Victor managed a tense smile. "If it's money you're after, just name your price. I'll give you whatever you want."

"Hmm..." Elysian paused, deliberately stretching the silence to heighten the man's unease. He tapped his chin thoughtfully, watching as beads of sweat formed on Victor's brow. "An interesting suggestion. I had something else in mind, but since you've made such a generous offer, it would be quite impolite to decline, don't you think?"

"However," Elysian continued, leaning forward with a predatory smile, "let's consider that just the icing on the cake, shall we? A sweetener to strengthen our newly formed association."

Victor's scowl deepened as he recognized the unmistakable glint of greed in the boy's eyes. It was becoming increasingly clear that this young noble was far more dangerous than he had initially assumed.

Elysian's expression suddenly turned serious, his gaze piercing. "You're familiar with the Velvet Chamber, aren't you?"

"That's the brothel that damn b*tch owns, right?" Victor's voice carried a note of irritation, momentarily forgetting his precarious situation. "Did she put you up to—" The surveyor abruptly cut himself off, noticing the dangerous glint in the boy's eyes.

"Be very careful with your words, sir," Elysian's voice was calm, yet laden with menace. "You're in the presence of a young innocent noble here." Victor wanted to curse at the mention of 'innocent' but thankfully he was able to hold his tongue. "It's most improper to use such vulgar language."

The surveyor quickly backpedaled, realizing his misstep. "I beg your pardon, young master. I forgot myself," he said, bowing his head slightly. "You mean Lady Amara, correct? That's the business she owns?"

Elysian nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes at Victor's swift correction. "Indeed. I'm glad to see you can be... perceptive when the situation calls for it."

The young noble leaned back, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Now, about Lady Amara's establishment."

Victor tensed, remaining silent and waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"You see," Elysian continued, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Lady Amara's business has been facing some... regulatory challenges lately." The young noble raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with unspoken implications. "Challenges that a man in your position might be uniquely qualified to remedy," he paused briefly for emphasis, "or correct. You understand my meaning, don't you?"