Lina was with Kaiden in the [Merchant’s district] as she took him towards the bank. Over the last year Kaiden’s mana had been growing and slowly the amount of mana stones he could fill had been increasing as well. So during the last fourteen months Kaiden had amassed over 900 gold but would have made even more if he wasn’t constantly giving out money to the beggars.
As well as amassing his wealth over the past fourteen months, Kaiden had also been planning something for the orphans since he regularly gave to the beggars. Today Kaiden was going to open up an orphanage outside of the [North Soldier’s Quarter]. There he would try to get some blacksmiths and armorers to take up an apprentice if some of them had the ability. But the first step was buying the land and the land Kaiden wanted was for sale under the bank’s name.
“Kaiden what do you want at the bank? We were there yesterday.” Lina asked.
“I want to buy the land near our house, the old burnt down house at the edge of the [North Soldier’s Guild]. If was for sale on the notice board yesterday and I have a feeling it’s going to be cheap!” Kaiden exclaimed.
“Land? What would you use the land for? Don’t tell me you want to move out already at the age of six.” Lina asked.
“No, I’m not moving out, I want to build an orphanage!” Kaiden smiled.
“Orphanage?” Lina asked.
Most orphans when they were left with no family would try to go to the temples to get food and shelter, but most nights there wasn’t enough to go around so Kaiden wanted to fix that. He did a lot of calculations and had figured if the orphanage took 150 kids, he could pay for them to eat at ninety gold a year, and necessities for them would cost about twelve gold a month; a whole year would cost him two hundred and fifty eight gold (Not including construction costs). It was a lot of money but considering Kaiden could make almost 900 gold in a year he could support it until even after Lina left them.
“Yeah Aunt Lina, I give a lot of money to the beggars and so I figured I should help the orphans as well. There’s nothing wrong is there?” Kaiden smiled.
“Of Course not. I’m sure you’re going to make a lot of kids happy but who’s going to run the place?” Lina asked.
“I have some people in mind” he smiled.
As they reached the bank Lina found the notice for the property Kaiden wanted and took it off the board to ask a worker.
“I’d like to ask about this property, its price, and the condition of the land.” Lina asked.
“Sure thing, please give me a moment.” The agent said as he walked off. It took almost ten minutes but when he came back he brought someone with him.
“Hello, I am the Bank’s Property Manager. If you would please come with me to discuss your question.” He said leading Kaiden and Lina away to his office and seated us all down.
“Now about this property, what do you want to do with it?” The manager said.
“Why does it matter?” Lina asked.
“Well the bank doesn’t mind selling it but there is the issue of legality, if you were to use this property and we didn’t stop you from using it to smuggle or if it was a front for crime we’d be in trouble as well.” He explained.
‘So there are laws on accountability here, good to know’ Kaiden thought as he committed this fact to memory.
“We’re building an orphanage.” Kaiden said. As he said this the manager looked at Kaiden with skeptical eyes then looked to Lina.
“An orphanage? In the middle of the [North Soldier’s Quarter]? How do you plan on paying for this? Or maintaining? I don’t believe you or the child here can afford the costs of it so I will ask again, what are you really planning?” the manager said stone faced.
“No really. We’re building an orphanage, and I am not paying for it he is.” Lina said as she pointed towards Kaiden.
“You must be joking, it would cost a hundred gold at least to build It.” the manager scoffed.
“Look in his account, [Display account: Kaiden]” Lina says as she used her [Stat Ring] to show his balance. As the manage saw Kaiden’s balance his attitude took a complete turnaround.
Account No: 03291999NAMEKaiden Tala GreywolfAccount PriorityTier 2Account Balance945 gold 24 Silver
“I am terribly sorry! I was just being thorough.” He nervously said.
“Of course you were, now about that property?” Lina asked.
“Currently it is at the market for 147 gold, but if you want you can have it for 160 right now.”
“I’m sorry but that won’t do. The property has need unattended for nearly a year and the property is also burnt down. So at most it should be is 110 gold that is if the bank will pay for the deconstruction of the property.” Lina negotiated. Slowly what had started as a negotiation slowly turned into a slaughter. Lina got the manager to cave and even threatened him to his superiors for the disrespect earlier. In the end the property was sold to them for only 90 gold and Kaiden and Lina were satisfied.
“Thanks Aunt Lina. You were amazing, will you teach me how to negotiate like that?” Kaiden asked.
“Sure once you complete your awakening.” She told him as they went to go see a foreman about their new property. Kaiden had a few ideas as how he wanted it built but also wanted it to be a school as well. He wanted the orphans to be able to read, write, and do math at the least. When Kaiden neared the [North Soldier’s Quarter] a family of beggars came to him. Kaden recognized the family as he always gave them more than he normally did.
The family of beggars were once part of the [Merchants Guild] and were very rich once but a trade deal fell apart and the entire family lost everything in one fell swoop. Kaiden remained in contact with them and every now and then he’d eat with them. But now Kaiden’s plans were coming into fruition so he them and approached them.
“Ah Young Master Kaiden, How are you?” the father asked.
“Mister Eldys, I’m fine but I am here in need your help.” Kaiden said.
“My help?” Eldys said.
“Yes, I will need you to meet me at the burnt down house near the edge of the [North Soldier’s Quarter]. You know it yes?” Kaiden said to them.
“Yes”
“Good, I’ll see you there in two hours and make sure you’re alone.” Kaiden told him.
Kaiden met a foreman earlier that year and had managed to get him to take Kaiden seriously. Although the foreman was still skeptical he liked the idea of helping out and still getting paid. They went to the office of the foremen and got him to meet with them at the property. As they got there Mr. Eldys was already there waiting for them.
“Mr. Eldys, I’d like you to meet Foreman Marshal. Foreman this is Mr Eldys.” Kaiden introduced as they shook hands.
“Now what I had in mind is to build an orphanage here. What do you think?” Kaiden asked the foreman.
“Interesting… How many children do you want to stay here?” Marshall asked.
“About one hundred fifty but I’d like for there to also be a place for them to eat, sleep, play and learn and four private rooms.” Kaiden said.
“That can be done with enough money but can you afford it?” The foreman asked. Kaiden then asked Mr. Eldys.
“How much do you think materials would cost in total?”
“Umm, around 243 gold, why?” Eldys replied
“Hmm that’s more than I thought but still affordable.” Kaiden said as the two older men looked at him. Kaiden would have to make some changes and find a way to make a little money now in order for him to keep it going until his awakening.
“I’ll pay for the construction costs Kaiden” Lina said stunning Kaiden. Normally Lina always watched him give away money but never gave any of her own away. Kaiden figured she was just very conscious about money.
“Really?” Kaiden and the foreman asked.
“Yeah, your generosity has finally gotten to me. So I’ll pay for the construction costs but you pay for maintenance, ok?” She offered and Kaiden thought for a moment before responding
“Ok but only if you furnish the inside as well.” Kaiden smiled as Lina smiled.
“I see you picked up some of my tricks. Ok Kaiden you got a deal.” She said as she gave Kaiden a small hug.
“Now Mr Eldys, about the help I will need.” Kaiden said as he addressed the poor beggar.
“Would you be interested in managing the books of my new orphanage?” Kaiden asked.
“Managing the books? Why me?” he asked.
“I want to help you out, your son old enough to have path test and then go to school. You should send them to school right? So I’ll pay for him to pick a path if you mange my orphanage.” Kaiden told him. Eldys was shocked and couldn’t reply.
“No? Ok how about this I’ll get him to school, and you’ll get paid a salary for managing the books. How about now” Kaiden asked. Now Eldys was more shocked and started crying.
“Laughing at my offer? Fine I’ll fund you can stay at the orphanage for free, I’ll pay for Endor’s school, pay you a salary, AND I’ll invest in you starting your business again for twenty percent ownership. That’s as high as I can go. Aunt Lina I think he’s as good as you are in negotiations.” Kaiden said with a smile. It was a full minute before Eldys had stopped crying with joy before a comprehensible ‘yes’ came from his mouth.
It was moments like this that Kaiden wanted others to feel. The feeling that when things are down, there will always be an upside and that they should never lose hope.
“Great Mr. Eldys here’s ten gold, get yourself some nice clothes and a nice meal to celebrate with your family.” Kaiden said as he handed him the gold.
“How long would it take to construct the orphanage?” Kaiden asked the foreman.
“About seven weeks, but if you don’t mind I’d like to ask you about the classes you said you wanted here.” The Foreman asked.
“Sure what of it?” Kaiden asked.
“I have a sister and her school was recently shut down. Do you think you could hire her?” He asked.
“Sure as long as she can teach kids reading and writing. Arithmetic I have someone else to each that.” Kaiden replied.
“Ok then in that case it’ll be a rush job for no extra charge.” He said with a smile.
“Ok now only two people left until the orphanage is fully staffed” Lina smiled.
“Yeah we have to go to the district square. There’s where we will find the last two.” Kaiden told Lina as she led the way. Once there Kaiden was puzzled, the two people he was looking for weren’t there.
“That’s strange, Edna and Polipos aren’t here.” Kaiden said to Lina.
“Hmm the married couple of beggars?” Lina asked.
“Yeah, I’ll ask Merdoc.” Kaiden said as he pointed to another beggar on the side.
“Hey Merdoc, have you seen Edna and Polipos? I’m looking for them.” Kaiden asked.
Merdoc looked at them then looked around as to make sure they weren’t being listened in on. “They were taken by a couple thugs who they owed money to. You just missed them about twenty minutes ago. Head down the south alley, they should be over there.” As he pointed.
“Let’s go Lina.” Kaiden said.
“Wait, where do you think you’re going?” She asked.
“To save them what else” Kaiden said.
“How are you going to save them, you are a six year old who just finished basic combat movement. On top of that you aren’t even armed if you got yourself killed because I wasn’t able to save you, your parents would have my ass on a stick. No you wait here I’ll be back in a bit.” Lina lectured as she sat Kaiden at the entrance of the alley. She then went into the alley, for a few moments there wasn’t anything unusual. Then there were some flashes of light, some screams, and the sound of something heavy hitting the floor. Two minutes later Lina came out of the alley with Edna and Polipos.
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“What happened?” Kaiden asked.
“Nothing.” The three of them said.
“Okay… well let’s talk. I have a…” Kaiden said.
“It’s ok I already recruited them. They’re happy to help.” Lina said with a smile.
“Yes she already recruited us and were happy to help, we’ll see you at the orphanage. Bye Kaiden” the couple stammered as they ran off still looking over their shoulder at Lina.
“What did you do?” Kaiden asked her.
“Nothing. Just… nothing don’ don’t worry Kaiden.” She said with fake smile.
“Ok well now I have to see, Eldys”, Kaiden said awkwardly.
Over the next week Kaiden met regularly with Eldys about his plans to restart his business. He wasn’t sure as he hadn’t been a merchant for some time and prices had changed. In the end seeing that he was near the area with the most blacksmiths, armorers, and soldiers; he decided to sell them health and recovery potions for fatigue. It was also due to his wife being the daughter of a healer that Eldys was able to make a deal with her father. Her father who had disowned them in his fury but later regretted his decision and was happy to reconcile with them.
Kaiden’s investment cost him almost two-hundred gold but it was worth it for the return long term anyway. As for the orphanage it was on a rush order and construction was progressing smoothly. The land was pretty large considering the price, but the location was on the edge of the district so there was plenty of space. They had just recently started the construction of the orphanage first floor. There were going to be four floors, with the third and fourth floor as the sleeping area for the kids. The second floor was the education floor and the first floor was going to be for activities.
Currently the construction was on schedule and it was going to be done around the same time school would start for Kaiden. Around this time Christian and Maria were no longer teaching just kids now, they had moved on to teaching experienced soldiers and arched the skills needed to work together. Throughout the city the two had gained a reputation as the ’Flying Fang Duo’. Kaiden thought it was funny since at home his parents were kind and loving at home.
Time went by and school had started again. Kaiden had been moved up in all of his classes, this year his classes entitled; Reading and Writing 2, Arithmetic 3, History 1, Honor 1, Advanced Magic Theory, Advanced Healer Practices, and Beginner Sword Styles.
All of these classes were expected except Honor. ‘Why was there a class on honor?’ Kaiden thought. It didn’t matter though, Kaiden didn’t care for honor he was bored of the concept. Over the last few months Emmitt had been grounded at his home here in Setat due to his poor grades at the academy. As such he was stuck again on basic courses of magic and healer and his parents had hired a private tutor for him. When Kaiden saw him at school he could see that he wasn’t happy at home with his parents being stricter.
On the first day that, Kaiden was in class the other students stayed away from him, Kaiden didn’t understand why. On the second day they went even farther, and Kaiden was now curious. What did he do? Kaiden decided to ask Emmitt who was always social with all the other kids.
“Emmitt do you think the other kids are staying away from me?” Kaiden asked while they were eating lunch..
“Yup.” Emmitt said nonchalantly eating his pie.
“Why?” Kaiden exclaimed.
“You don’t know?” Emmitt asked in a surprised voice.
“Know what?” Kaiden asked.
“You’re being targeted by the ‘Vicious Three.” Emmitt whispered to him. The vicious three were a group of bullies with very high ranking political families. Normally if you were picked on there was no way to retaliate without any serious consequences against your family. Kaiden wasn’t looking forward to this year already.
“What did I do?” Kaiden asked.
“It’s because I’ve been helping with the other oafs that they thought you were special. I’m sorry but I can’t help this time.” Emmitt said.
“It’s ok, I’ll figure something out.” Kaiden told him.
The day’s classes were over and as Kaiden walked through the courtyard and tried to figure out something as rock hit him in the face. Gregor, the eldest of the three was standing on the other side of the courtyard smiling with the other two. Kaiden was sure his face was now bruised but decided to just try and get out of there as quick as possible. As he kept moving another rock hit him in the neck, now it was Herco, the youngest of them who had the largest smile. Kaiden had an idea about what would happen next but before he could do something another rock was hurled at him, this time in the nose.
As it hit him the three bullies started laughing out loud. Kaiden wasn’t much for crying but he was crying now. He ran out the courtyard and other students looked at him with pity. Kaiden rushed out of the school and as he did he bumped into Lina who’d come to pick him up.
“Hey Kaiden, what’s wrong?” Lina asked.
“Nothing.” As tears slowly slid down his face, he knew if he retaliated he would have future ‘problems’ with the orphanage so he decided not to fight back. Lina saw his face and immediately knew what had happened.
“Who did this to you?!” Lina roared.
“Nobody.” Kaiden said while trying to hold back his tears.
“Fine.” Lina replied as she and Kaiden went home.
----------------------------That night-----------------------------------
Lina slipped out of the house and snuck down the back alleys into the [Noble’s Quarter]. Earlier that day, after they had dinner she had paid for some information at one of her contacts around the [Merchant’s District] and found out who it was. Not to her surprise the kids were the children of bullies from when she was a student there. Cassur Rendall father of Gregor Rendall, and they were exactly like each other.
Lina reached the Rendall house and snuck in easily and from there she went to look for Cassur’s room. His wife was on vacation and she was going to make an impression tonight. With a mask she spoke that muffled her voice, “Wake up Cassur!”
“Hmm, who is that?” he replied.
“Just a friend with a message” Lina said as she took a dagger to his throat..
“W-w-what do you want?” He trembled.
“To deliver a warning. Your son has been targeting a boy at school who has protection granted by the [Twin Daggers]. Kaiden Greywolf. Tell your boy to stop or we will kill you, kill your wife who is on vacation with her sister in Matala, and your son. Then you know what happens after when the [Twin Daggers] mark a target.” She whispered to his ear.
With a nervous look on him he frantically shook his head, ‘Yes, yes of course. He will stop if not I will cast him out myself.’
“This was a warning, there will not be a second one.” Lina said as she whisked herself away as if she shadow that was never there.
------------------------------
The next day Kaiden went to school expecting it only to get worse but that’s when everything was weird. The other kids stared away still but now they stayed away out of fear he sensed, not because of worry. The bullies who he was dreading stayed away, as if afraid to even look at him. What in the world happened? Kaiden didn’t mind it as he just continued with his studies, things were more challenging this term as opposed to the last.
“Hey Kaiden, what did you do to them?” Emmitt asked Kaiden at lunch.
“Me? I didn’t do anything.” Kaiden said.
“Hmm the rumor has it that you had an assassin go to Gregor’s house and threaten his dad.” Emmitt told him.
“What? Do you really think I’d do that?” Kaiden asked Emmitt sarcastically.
“Yeah, I guess you’re not the type to use assassins, you’re too nice.” Emmitt admitted.
Later that day Kaiden and Lina met with Eldys to discuss their business opportunities. In the last four weeks Eldys had turned from his raggedy look to one of a normal trader. He was sitting in front of the orphanage as it was almost complete.
“Eldys! How are you?” Kaiden asked as he reached him.
“Fine, Myrol is out with Ednor doing laundry. You ready for some good news?” Eldys asked Kaiden.
“Always ready for good news. What is it?” Kaiden asked him
“I’ve been offered two contracts and I wanted to tell them you what they were. First I’ve gotten myself a contract with the 3nd Legion! They want ten thousand health potions in the next four months and twenty thousand over the next year.” He exclaimed.
“What?! How did you get that contract?” Lina asked him.
“Well a man named Remar said he was searching for a new supplier of potions to the 3rd due to the last supplier using watered down potions. Now Kaiden we have money for ingredients but I only at most have three people to produce potions. We’re going to need at least twenty more people, supplies and packagers. I haven’t calculated how much we need in total but in the next four months we can make up to 5000 gold, and over the whole year another 7500 gold! Please tell me you’re on board.” Eldys told him.
“I don’t know Eldys… that is a large order. I don’t know if we can produce or even buy them in time. Try to get a smaller scale and as things work out we can increase then. Wasn’t the reason your last venture failed was because you couldn’t complete the contract and was fined. I don’t think you should over reach.” Kaiden protested. Eldys’s face turned sour but in the end he saw the light. Taking on such a large contract wouldn’t do him any good if he failed it.
“You’re right. The other contract is from the [Adventurer’s Guild] and they want five thousand potions for 4500 gold over three months. It’s fit for the size of our operation.” Eldys admitted.
“Glad you could see reason. Now about the potion producers, give it to my parents to test the quality every now and then. Is that all for today?” Kaiden told him.
“Almost, the orphanage will be open soon but we’ve got kids already lining up here at night. What if there aren’t enough beds?” Eldys asked as Kaiden thought about it.
“Ask brothers and sisters to sleep together, and any kid who wants to stay can but hey’ll have to sleep in the outside. We’ll buy tents and beds for them as well to increase our capacity.” Kaiden offered.
“Brilliant that should be it.” Eldys smiled. Kaiden smiled as he parted and went with Lina to go home. Kaiden could feel it in him, he was wrong earlier about this being a bad year, this was going to be a good year. A very good year.
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