The carriage came to a gentle halt, and Tristan swung open the door with a courteous smile. “Miss, we've arrived” he announced.
As Daniel stepped out of the carriage, following Lucia, he couldn't help but notice the imposing structure of the Amberleaf Merchant Company's building. Crafted from gleaming white marble, it boasted three grand doors made of rich, dark polished wood adorned with intricate golden maple leaf patterns that caught the sunlight. Above the central door hung a sign with the company's name in bold, golden letters.
The group, including the guards, approached the entrance, and a contingent of guards stationed outside greeted them. As they neared, Daniel could hear the apparent leader instructing one of the guards, “Quickly, go and inform the branch manager," and the instructed guard promptly entered the building. The remaining guards then turned towards Lucia and offered a small bow. "Young miss, seeing you after all this time is good."
“Uncle still has you on door duty, Ethan? I'll talk to him and see if I can do something about that since you're being punished for my actions,” Lucia addressed the young guard with a raised eyebrow. Ethan had blue hair and an olive tan. Daniel estimated that he was just a few years older than himself, much like Reynard.
“It’s alright, miss. It was my fault for allowing you to sneak out,” Ethan reassured, his voice calm amidst the bustling lobby. “Let's head inside now, the manager's waiting for you.” With a gentle push, Ethan swung open the door, revealing the organized chaos within.
Before them lay a busy lobby, with multiple queues forming in front of desks manned by attendants. Overhead, signs marked each station, delineating their purposes: weapons, materials, monster products, and pills.
Despite the activity, Daniel paused, his gaze drawn to the intricate golden leaf inlays adorning the door, momentarily captivated by their craftsmanship.
Noticing Daniel's interest, Lucia stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Interested in the craftsmanship, Dan? We could ask one of the artisans to show you how it's done.”
Daniel hesitated, a hint of reluctance in his expression. “I wouldn't want to impose on anyone's time,” he murmured.
“Oh, don't worry about that,” Lucia insisted, a playful smile gracing her lips. “They'd be thrilled, especially if they knew it was at my request. They're always eager to make a good impression on me, hoping I mention them to my father.”
The group walked through the lobby until they reached a set of stairs tucked away in its recesses. There, they were met by more guards, standing sentinel beside the staircase and offering a swift salute as they ushered the group onward.
“Young miss, this is where we part for now,” Tristan said, addressing Lucia. “Garrick and Reynard will stay by your side in the meantime. If you want to visit the city, just let them know, and they will gather us to escort you.”
Lucia offered a quick nod of gratitude, acknowledging their service. “Thank you, Tristan. We'll be sure to let you know if we need anything”
Daniel also gave a quick nod and waved at the guards
Tristan smiled, his gaze flickering to Daniel and gave him a wink before looking at Lucia again. “No problem at all. Remember, if you need our service for anything, don't hesitate to inform Reynard or Garrick.” With that, he gestured for the other guards to follow him as they disappeared through the door on the opposite side of the building.
….
As they made their way through the lengthy hallway, they passed by several unremarkable doors until they halted before a pair of dark red ones. These doors stood out with their delicate gold trim adorning the edges, showcasing intricate leaf patterns expertly carved into the surface.
Ethan cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "I'll return to my duties now, Miss Lucia," he said respectfully.
Lucia nodded, offering him a warm smile. “Thank you, Ethan. We'll manage from here.” In reply, Ethen gave a small bow and walked back through the lengthy hallway.
Lucia turned to Daniel with a slight smile on her face. “Are you ready to meet my uncle, Dan?” she asked, her tone laced with a hint of amusement. “I should warn you, he can be a bit... different than you might expect.”
Before Daniel could reply, Lucia swung open the doors with enthusiasm. “Uncle Adrien, I'm here!” she exclaimed, seizing Daniel by the arm and pulling him into the office. Looking back, Daniel noticed Garrick and Reynard standing outside the door, seemingly standing guard. Reynard whispered quietly, encouragingly, “Good luck, Daniel.”
As Lucia dragged Daniel, he scanned the office. The walls seemed entirely constructed from countless books. The scent of aged paper and leather filled his nose, instantly reminding him of the college library. Across from the entrance stood a sturdy desk, and the wall behind the desk was made out of a vast expanse of windows that invited streams of sunlight into the room and offered glimpses of the bustling courtyard outside.
A tall, slender man emerged from behind the desk, the bags under his eyes made it seem as though he hadn't slept for countless nights. Yet, his eyes sparkled with energy. He was dressed in a Blue tailored suit. Despite the appearance of his attire, there was an air of disarray about him. His black hair, which seemed to be usually sleek and well-groomed, now appeared tousled and unkempt.
“There's my niece! Come here, give me a hug,” the man exclaimed theatrically, extending his arms in a welcoming gesture.
Lucia embraced him warmly, her smile illuminating the room. “Uncle Adrian, it's wonderful to see you” she greeted him with affection.
Adrian then turned his attention to Daniel, his demeanour shifting as his gaze fell upon him. His eyes previously filled with joy now seemed like a icy lake “And who might this be?” he inquired, his tone sharp and probing.
Daniel could feel a pressure surrounding him, feeling the weight of Adrian's gaze he started unknowingly shaking a little bit. “I-I-I am Daniel, a classmate of your niece, n-n-nice to meet you, sir.” he stumbled through his words
Lucia noticed her uncle's abrupt change in demeanour and started poking her uncle in his side with her elbow and her expression turned stern. “Uncle, you shouldn't greet one of my best friends like that!” she scolded “Besides you should reward Daniel. He helped the guards during the wolf attack.”
Adrian's features softened at Lucia's words, a flicker of realization crossing his face. “My apologies, Daniel," he said, his tone more subdued. “Thank you for your assistance. Please, have a seat.” He gestured to four chairs in a circle around a round table in a corner behind the desk. Daniel chose the one facing the windows.
As they settled into the seats, Lucia’s uncle began inquiring about the wolf attack, while Lucia started filling him in on the events during the trip. An attendant came over and set a platter of tea and cookies on the table.
The attendant made his way out of the room after the uncle thanked him. Lucia's uncle spoke up after taking a sip of his tea. “Please, continue. Tell me everything,” he urged, his tone gentle yet eager. Lucia recounted the encounter with the wolves, describing Daniel's bravery in the face of danger and how he had protected her and the others.
After she finished her account, Lucia leaned back in her chair, and they transitioned into discussing her recent experiences at school. As the conversation flowed, the sun began its descent in the background, casting a warm glow over the room.
Suddenly, Lucia spoke up, startling Daniel, who had been lost in thought and was almost falling asleep. “I almost forgot, Uncle,” she began, her voice thoughtful. “Could you arrange for someone to make a robe out of the wolf hide? I want to gift Daniel one made from the very hide of the wolf he faced and defeated during the attack.”
Adrian's gaze shifted from Lucia to Daniel, a fleeting glimmer of coldness passing through his eyes as they met Daniel's before returning to his niece. “Of course, anything for my niece and her friend. No problem at all” he said after a brief pause. “Do you have the hide with you, or shall I have someone retrieve it?”
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“I have it on me” Daniel spoke up, reaching for his bag beside the chair he occupied. From it, he retrieved the pelt. As he held it, he observed the uncle pressing a bracelet on his left wrist.
As they waited, Lucia engaged her uncle in conversation, discussing various topics ranging from her studies to recent developments in the city. Daniel, meanwhile, found himself studying the intricate patterns of the rug beneath his feet, his mind wandering.
After a few minutes, the door opened, and a well-dressed attendant entered the room. Adrian gestured towards Daniel, indicating for him to hand over the pelt. With a nod, Daniel handed it over, and the attendant accepted it with a respectful bow.
“Make sure this goes to one of our top artisans,” Adrian instructed the attendant, his voice firm yet polite. “And spare no expense. I will cover all the costs.”
The attendant nodded in understanding, before exiting the room with the pelt in hand. Adrian turned back to Lucia and Daniel, a warm smile returning to his face as he resumed their conversation.
….
Lucia and her uncle concluded their conversation, only to realize that darkness had already fallen outside. With her stomach grumbling, Lucia gestured to Daniel that they were going to grab dinner, and they left the office, heading towards the restaurant located on the second floor of the building. This floor was tailored to cater to high-profile clients, offering a range of amenities such as a restaurant, spa, and private booths where they could conduct business with an assigned attendant.
Meanwhile, back in his study, the uncle stood alone in the centre of the room. Suddenly, his voice cut through the silence. “Find out everything there is to know about this boy,” he commanded, “I want to know if he poses any threat. Uncover his family history, from the day he took his first steps until now. I want every detail. And make sure I receive it before the night is over.”
As he spoke, a shadow materialized beside him, and a figure dropped to his knees before him “Yes master consider it done”
….
While they were eating in a private booth of the restaurant, Daniel spoke up, "Hey, so I recently managed to open the storage ring my family left me, and this incense was inside." He retrieved the engraved wooden box from his ring and placed it on the table, then opened it. Daniel didn’t tell her about the system, fearing she might think he was possessed by a demon or being manipulated by a cult.
Lucia finished her bite of pasta before she spoke up, “I might be born into a merchant family but I can’t identify objects at a glance but we can consult one of the master identifiers here.”
The duo finished their meal and left the restaurant. Making their way through the bustling corridors, they headed towards a private room designated for consultations.
Once inside, Daniel carefully placed the engraved wooden box on the table that was located in the middle of the room and he took a seat on the couch next to it.
Meanwhile, Lucia engaged an attendant, requesting the presence of an identifier. With a reassuring smile, she joined Daniel on the couch.
As they waited, Lucia reminisced about the summers she spent here with her father and uncle, sharing anecdotes to pass the time. Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted their conversation. The door creaked open, revealing a small man with a hunched back, balding head, and hair rapidly greying, a stark contrast to his remaining brown locks.
The man closed the door and pressed the wall next to it, and Daniel watched in fascination as blue lines started glowing across the door and walls, emanating a faint magical aura.
Noticing Daniel's curious gaze wandering around the room, the man spoke up in a squicky voice. “The consultation rooms are equipped with sound-blocking runes, and the doors are locked tight, ensuring our privacy and preventing any unwanted eavesdropping.”
The man then stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Lucia. “Miss Lucia, it's a pleasure to assist you,” he said in a soft, reverent tone, his hunched form straightening momentarily before he turned his attention to Daniel. “And who might your companion be?”
Lucia smiled warmly. “Ah, Mister Fairweather, I didn't expect to see you here at this hour. Normally, you leave around 4 o'clock,” she remarked, her tone inquisitive. She gestured towards Daniel. “This is my good friend, Daniel, and we need your expertise in identifying an object.”
“I was enjoying my dinner in the employee lounge, but when I heard that you needed help identifying an object, I hastened over here,” the man replied with a nod. “Let's see what you have here.”
“Don't worry, Daniel. If Oswald here can't identify this incense, I'm afraid no one in Ravenholme can,” Lucia added reassuringly.
The man nodded, his grey eyes glinting with curiosity as he approached the table where the wooden box lay. “Of course, Miss Lucia. I shall do my best to assist you. May I?” he asked, extending his hand towards the box.
Daniel replied with a nod, and Oswald carefully lifted the lid of the box, revealing the contents within. His eyes widened slightly as he peered inside and lifted out a single stick of incense. Holding it up to the light, he examined it closely, his brows furrowing in concentration.
After a moment of inspection, Oswald's expression brightened, and his hand began to tremble slightly. “Ah, yes,” he said with a hint of excitement in his voice. “This is Tranquil Myst Incense, a potent blend known for its ability to aid in understanding magic. The incense induces relaxation in the body and enhances the mind, allowing it to work at five times its normal speed. It was often used by mages to help formulate new spells. The side effects are minor; users often experience extreme fatigue, which dissipates with a good night's rest.” He turned to Daniel, his gaze fixed on him. “The last time this incense was sold publicly was over 25 years ago, and people paid a fortune for it back then.”
Daniel's eyes widened in shock as Oswald revealed the rarity of the incense. He exchanged a surprised glance with Lucia before turning back to Oswald.
Oswald smiled knowingly. "Given the uniqueness of this item, I must say, it's a rather remarkable discovery."
He paused for a moment before continuing. “Since you possess such a valuable artefact, I would like to extend an offer. If you're interested, I would be willing to buy-”
Lucia interrupted Oswald before he could finish staring at him with a gleam in her eyes. “Oswald, you better make a fair effort for my friend here.”
Oswald cleared his throat. “Please, forgive my excitement,” he said with a small bow, his tone respectful. “I wouldn't dare to make an unfair offer to the young miss's friend. However, if you're willing to part with even a single stick, I assure you, the compensation would be more than fair.” He offered them a reassuring smile, his grey eyes sincere.
Lucia assisted Daniel in finalizing the deal with Oswald. In the end, Daniel sold three of the ten incense sticks to Oswald for 345 gold and two medium-sized mana stones each.
With the deal finished Daniel put the bag with the gold, mana stones and the remaining incense back into his storage ring.
The duo then made their way out of the consultation room, where Lucia instructed an attendant to guide Daniel and prepare one of their suites reserved for special guests. With the evening already late, they bid each other farewell and parted ways.
….
Daniel stepped into the room, immediately enveloped in a sense of luxury and comfort. The suite was spacious, with high ceilings and tasteful decor. Soft, muted lighting bathed the room in a warm glow, casting soft shadows on the furnishings.
The focal point of the room was undoubtedly the enormous bed, adorned with plush pillows and luxurious linens.
Along one wall, a large window stretched from floor to ceiling, offering a breathtaking view of the skyline of Ravenholme. Daniel walked over and closed the heavy drapes. And decided to take a shower.
As Daniel stepped out of the shower and made his way to the bed, sinking into its soft embrace before opening his status screen;
Name: Daniel von Mios
Level: 3
Class:
[Elemental Mage] Level 3 [+2!}
Attributes:
Strength: 24 [+4!]
Dexterity: 28 [+3!]
Intelligence: 39 [+9!]
Constitution: 21 [+2!]
Charisma: 17
Mana: 21 [+4!]
Free Attribute points: 6 [+6!]
Skills:
[Sword Handling]: Level 3
[Wood Carving] Level 5
[Reading Comprehension] Level 5
[Writing] Level 5
[Basic Woodworking] Level 4
[Abyssal Bolt] Level 3 [+2!]
[Fire Bolt] Level 6 [+5!]
[Eldritch Knowledge] Level 2 [+1!]
Traits:
[Low-Light Adaptation] Level 1
[Nimble Fingers] Level 3
[Lesser Calm Mind] Level 3 [+1!]
[Bloodline: not awakened]
[Abyssal Noble System] [!]