Numisley managed to scrounge their earnings for the past two weeks to keep them from the red. Still, they needed to cut costs because of the ten new Human employees under them, hired by Palden while Numisley and Cultrost were out, and other necessary assets that they had bought. Their most valuable source of revenue that kept them from being bankrupt was not the goods of Gildin Trading from Kaminor, Ascogres, and Ovespuerte, but Numisley’s information brokering business that had earned him enough to keep them afloat.
In time, they would be financially stable with the goods they plan to sell. However, the Count had sent a letter to their headquarters.
-
“So, did you get the plan?”
The Count asked Numisley and Cultrost after he explained what they needed to do. Smuggle a piece of rotten food into the kitchen of the Ascolitican Citadel to sabotage the Naveirei’s gathering to embarrass them in front of their guests and lose their prestige. The party was for the Naveirei house to celebrate the first anniversary of the establishment of the semi-public Citadel Library located near the citadel and reaffirm and make new relations between the other nobility, [Merchants], and various influential people.
“I understood the plan. However, it's honestly a gamble even with my [Extended Shelf Life]. My concern is one of the [Chefs] might have Feats that detect spoiled food. Much less sneaking them in.” Numisley hid the fact that Palden has [Edible Goods: Slow Decay] that would add to efforts of halting the rotting of the fish, and he has Raudaeiz and his gang for sneaking in.
“A valid concern. I’ll call upon my contacts within the Citadel to inform us which [Chefs] have a detection-Feat, the layout of the citadel, and the rotations of personnel.” The [Count] reassured Numisley. He pulled out a magical scroll from a drawer under his lacquered desk.
“A Message Scroll, solely connected to me.”
The [Count] gave the magical scroll to Numisley. Numisley handed it to Cultrost to hold it.
“Before that. I want to change the terms of the reward. I have a certain problem…the growing pains of building a company.” Numisley uttered.
“Money? Finances?” The Count accurately guessed the answer. He had various [Merchants] that had borrowed money from him in the past; many were imprisoned when they couldn’t pay.
“Yes. If it's appropriate, I need the reward right now. A hundred gold, right?”
“Yes. But, I want to make sure that you can do the job.”
“I can do the job. However, you want me to travel ahead right? So I could scout earlier. Avoid suspicion. I can’t travel far north without money. I can’t funnel enough funds for the trip while maintaining my business.”
Numisley thought about the costs of bringing along the whole caravan and their wares. Even with Palden and the others, the risk of losing their other wares aside from the barrels of fish to an [Bandit] attack or an accident was too much due to their financial situation, much less buying supplies for everyone in the caravan. There’s also the fact that leaving their headquarters unguarded in Ovespuerte will open up the possibility of their building getting robbed because they have fewer men.
“I’ll give you twenty additional gold coins. However, you need to pay it back. Whether or not you will succeed or not. An interest of five gold for every week you can’t pay.”
Numisley taught of the risk of incurring a debt to the Count. He knew that without enough money, his plans will not come to fruition.
“What do you think, brother?” Numisley turned to Cultrost.
“Let’s try lowering his offer. Decrease the debt to…ten gold.” Cultrost whispered. Little did they know that the Count clearly heard Cultrost due to a Feat that enables him to hear whispers better; especially without countermeasures against eavesdropping that nobility and powerful people usually have.
“Ten coins is all we need for rations. We can supplement the rest.” Numisley decided, after quickly calculating the costs needed for the trip with his new [Quick Calculation] Feat that he gained a week ago when he was accounting for their budget.
“I see. Let’s put it in writing.”
The Count wrote down a contract for the debt and Numisley signed it. Numisley was now bound to the terms written in the contract as soon as he finished writing his signature. If he ever bails out of the job, his supposed reward will be added to his debt.
“I’ll make appropriate preparations for the trip to Ascolitica.”
Numisley and Cultrost were back in their headquarters, now with more people. Raudaeiz approached the two brothers among the new workers that are getting used to this place.
“The test ingot has been melted down into 'silverware'. I had to pay five gold more to let us transport the payment. Classic [Smuggler] move.”
“Bastard… This Joerze Estrar…has he established contact with Greis?”
“The letter arrived just today. We’ll mark it with the symbol so her men know what to get.” Raudaeiz reported back.
“Raudaeiz, after you load up the steel, tell your men that you will all come with me to Ascogres. Palden will drive. Graten, I’ll need you to guard this place in my stead. I’ll bring Josaif, Gedge, and Weriens with me.”
“Alright. I’ll call them.”
Raudaeiz later delivered the steel spoons shipped in boxes that Arimith made to the man named Joerze. He and his men on the port proceed to take it to the nearest merchant ship that is headed towards Baunt. Joerze kissed the five gold coins he shaved from the payment for Raudaeiz’s contact on the other end and added it to his pouch. He tied the report to a pigeon’s leg, and he set it free to fly to one of the ships in the district’s harbor.
-
“So, you’re doing your debut at your actual family’s party?”
The brothers visited Thewardn to tell them of Numisley’s plan. The Dwarf brought out a heavy glass bottle of deep magenta-colored whisky, with a blood-red rose etched on the cork.
“Rosainte Rofondità.” The Dwarf told them the name of the whisky. “Alchemist delights…that’s what they call these kinds of drinks.”
“Dwarves and drinks…you sure this doesn’t kill non-Dwarves? You know, a single shot of beer would kill my brother.” Cultrost joked.
“Shut up.” Numisley playfully hit his brother, who barely even moved from each chair.
“Ah, like his father. I fondly remember your mother can outdrink Dwarves and Half-Giants!” Thewardn chuckled. Numisley and Cultrost rarely saw their father drink, even among his friends back home in Renimburg. It made Cultrost think of the future when Numisley will finally announces his birthright as a noble of Torregorn.
Thewardn brought out two small granite cups. He poured a few drops into Numisley’s cup and filled Cultrost’s cup. They smelled roses from the whiskey, a work of a Feat of the [Master Distiller] from Iquellica who brewed it.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“Before we drink, let me tell you something important, Numisley, Cultrost. The higher you rise, the more people will want to pull you down to the bottom. Being nobility carries a lot of responsibility. A lot of sacrifice for someone like you who isn’t born in the position.”
“I’m aware.” Numisley asserted.
“Not enough. There’s more. Your father’s old enemies will come to bite you. Even if the Ichoricon verifies it, you will be vilified by those who will spread rumors about you, even if your father and your mother were considered the kingdom’s heroes. Also, are you religious?”
“Religion? Never thought much about that. I just know about the Eight Divines and the city gods.” Numisley frankly answered.
“Now you better care. The Divine Decree oversees the Continent of Humans.”
“Divine Decree, Divine Decree…Who are they exactly? We kept hearing that, but we never bothered to ask.” Cultrost interrupted.
“I’ll give you a full discount on this information. This is something you need to know. Here’s the quick rundown: they’re the ‘Religion of Law’. Their Cardinals and Bishops created–more like ingratiated with the system that defines Human kingdoms today. They are the ones who create laws, judge criminals and give legitimacy to their [Kings]. Their [Inquistors] can sniff lawbreakers like hungry hounds. You two will deal with them sooner or later, so you’ll need the Divine Decree and a copy of the local laws.”
“Where can we find those?” Numisley asked.
“I’ll give you a copy.” The Dwarf pulled out a dusty book from the bookshelf. The heavy book was given to Cultrost to carry.
“One more. You can’t be an [Information Broker] anymore if you ascend to nobility. You know what I mean, right? You need a proxy.”
“Proxy, huh,” Numisley uttered.
“Anyways, the whisky spirit’s escaping. Let’s toast for Numisley’s debut!”
They rattled their cups together and drank. Numisley coughed violently after he drank the whisky, while Cultrost fell over laughing. Thewardn brought Numisley a cup of water to dilute the alcohol.
Numisley reviewed his [Social Network] that he gained when he made some contacts and acquaintances. He mingled and established contact with a few low-level to mid-level [Merchants] in both Ascogres and this city through the Merchant’s Guild. He told them of the party in Ascolitica, saying that there will be an opportunity there. Some are willing to come, but many cited that it is too far for them.
After a long day, Numisley and Cultrost assembled those who will come with them to Ascogres: Palden, Raudaeiz and his gang, and three of Graten’s men. They informed them of Numisley’s plan to ascend to nobility. Cultrost had purchased barrels of alcohol beforehand and distributed mugs as they made a small celebration out of it.
Later that night, Cultrost carried Numisley to bed in their room. Cultrost sat on his bed, staring at the floor.
“Numisley,” Cultrost spoke as if struggling to lift up the words from his mouth.
“Yes…?” Numisley stared at Cultrost, still fatigued.
“Are you going to still be my brother when you become a noble? I’m not really your blood brother in the first place. We’re different species.” Cultrost finally voiced out his concerns, what he feared the most. “What about Gildin Trading? What about the Golden Triangle?”
“Don’t worry. I–I will find a way. Since when does being different species stop us from being siblings?” Numisley reassured voice wavering. “I’ll find something in the copy Thewardn gave us, okay?”
“Alright.”
Cultrost finally relaxed and laid himself down on the bed. Numisley had a harder time sleeping, staring at the ceiling. He didn’t truly know what will happen in the future. They slept, saving their energy for the trip tomorrow.
As if anticipating for the future, the Narrative that governed all forms of power in the world blessed Numisley, writing:
[Reclaim Birthright, uncovered; Rare Feat - Noble’s Diction.]
[Reclaim Birthright, uncovered; Rare Feat - Declaration of Heritage.]
The next day, they made their final preparations, and they set off to Ascogres.
-
A ship from Libertalia arrived at Ovespuerte a day after the Gildin Brothers left. Unlike the Kraken Snack’s route, they had to go through the longer, safer route to Yhril. A [Marquis] and his remaining [Knights] and a foreign ambassador walked out of the gangplank.
“Ovespuerte. The Commerro’s heartland. Have you eaten seafood before, Negotiator Dosiynu?” Dustitoz Gaviolos breathed in the Torregornian air, glad to be back in his civilized homeland, away from barbaric Libertalia.
“[Ambassador].” The charcoal-skinned Satyr corrected. The Stationmistress had promoted him with a Feat more powerful than Numisley’s [Company Promotion]. He had a new Role to play, along with new Feats given to him by the Stationmistress. He now represented Thousand Roads’ interests in Yhril. “No. Thousand Roads isn’t exactly known for its coasts.”
“Surely, Count Toresso will provide hospitality to us two, especially what we have to say. His coasts have the best seafood, after all.”
They walked through the markets, towards the road that leads to the Comerro Castle. The locals bowed toward the Marquis with some offering their prayers. The foreign [Ambassador] evaded the crowd’s notice. One of the [Knights] gave the [Marquis] a horse to write on, acquiring it from a stable.
Count Toresso Commerro personally welcomed them in front of the gates, performing a showy bow befit of Yhrilian nobility.
“My mate, friend of the coasts! I’m glad you welcomed me yourself.”
Dustitoz hugged Toresso, patting him strongly on the back.
“Come, come. Who’s your companion?” Commerro asked, staring at the well-dressed Satyr, now wearing a Torregornian-style overcoat and pants that is fit for the kingdom’s courts. The ever-changing apparel is one of Dosiynu’s Feats given to him by the Stationmistress.
“My lord, pleased to meet you. I’m Ambassador Dosiynu of Thousand Roads.”
“I-I see.”
The Count put up a fake front, hiding his true horrified expression with a Feat that maintained a smiling face. He never thought that the landlocked Thousand Roads have interests overseas. Dosinyu with his [Sense Allegiances] saw the ocean’s fog that wrapped around him, a glaring clue of his true allegiances.
A banquet was instantly prepared within the hour. The three men sat across each other in a long wooden tabled with plates of fresh seafood. Gaviolos munched on his paella while Dosinyu is trying to figure out how to eat langoustines.
“This is the second Satyr that visited my halls.” Commero regarded the foreign Satyr, who he was still wary of.
“Who was the first then?” The [Marquis] stood up abruptly.
“Cultrost was his name. Always beside the [Merchant], Numisley. They’re brothers. Supposedly.” The Count told them.
“They were here!” Dustitoz exclaimed. “Listen, my friend. This is what we wanted to talk about. That bastard child is a national–no, he can threaten Yhril on what he has.”
“[A Secret Kept Between Us]. The book of secrets.” Dosinyu clarified, after determining the quality of the soundproof wards on the walls. “He has the secrets of [Kings]. Thousand Roads is willing to pay five hundred thousand gold coins for you two if we work together to recover it for us.”
“F-five hundred thousand?” The Count’s jaw dropped to his seafood stew. Even his [Fake Expression] can’t suppress his shock. That is more than the Commero’s holdings combined, even if he had to split it with Dustitoz.
“Yes. I shall give you a taste of this five hundred thousand.” Dosinyu tugged something in the air, as if there was an invisible rope. He drew a portion of the Stationmistress' treasury with his Feat. A chest filled with treasure dropped into existence, landing with a loud bang that reverberated across the hall. “This is a percentage of the reward. Fifty thousand gold coins.”
The Count approached the chest, and it opened. A pile of shining coins and gems shone, almost blinding the Count. He knew how temptation-Feats worked, but despite that, he thought of what he can used with that money. His fear and temptation were at a stalemate, and he made his decision with a clear mind and careful consideration in his current situation.
“So what can I do to help with this undertaking?”