War and Fortune 2.248

Two days had passed since the meeting with Edgar, that nobleman with elegant bearing, blond hair, and the look of an abandoned puppy. It was said in the streets that he walked with his entourage visiting the nobles of Orario with the intention of forming a commercial alliance. The time of the goddess Hera was over, and her successor was not worthy of holding so many resources. However, beyond the petty nobles like barons and counts with some pretense of doing the business that would elevate them in status, no one paid attention to it.

So now, said nobleman in his clothes made of the finest cloth was sitting in a restaurant looking through the window. The midday sun illuminated everything, people from all walks of life were circulating in the streets. Carriages drawn by magnificent horses advanced through the cobbled streets. The day looked slow and his progress in forming an alliance within Orario was failing. He wondered what his beloved Virginia would think of him.

However, suddenly someone tapped his knuckles twice on the table. Edgar turned his face over and saw that it was that arrogant red-haired boy the other day. He gave some points to his character, because although he was insolent and direct with Semiramis, he never lost his cool. Maybe it was because of his confidence or stupidity, but a man who does not act pathetically should be praised. Today he was dressed just like that night, a black coat with a silky surface and white embroidery on the edges. A jacket, scarf around the neck, pants, and boots, all in a black color that only contributed to highlight his face as if there was nothing more radiant. Sure, without considering vibrant red hair.

On the other hand, the redhead (Viggo) was accompanied by two purple-haired girls. Both wonderful, full of youth and beauty. One had a friendly look and the other an indifferent expression that reflected shyness. Both wore a purple breastplate and dark clothes underneath that highlighted their faces. Everything about them screamed that they were adventurous. Maybe the redhead's bodyguard, Edgar thought.

—Good afternoon, Edgar— said Viggo, with a smile that reflected his enthusiasm —Do you mind if we accompany you?—

—Sure, why not— Edgar replied with a smile. He got up from his chair, put his right hand over his heart, and bowed slightly —much pleasure dear ladies, I am Edgar Clemm, but you can call me Edgar—

Sakura smiled seeing a radiant expression and thought that Edgar was very experienced. After all, enthusiasm is contagious, bringing people closer together and opening hearts. And Edgar could convey that enthusiasm through his expressions, even if his eyes were totally indifferent.

—Much pleasure, Edgar— Sakura said with a radiant smile —I'm Sakura, Viggo's wife—

Edgar froze for a second, but immediately recovered and kept his smile.

Ana, on Viggo's right side, examined Edgar from head to toe. As a Spartan she could not approve such a childish physique. He was like a skinny boy in his ten years, only in adult size. She could understand that it attracted so much attention, he had a tender look like an abandoned puppy, but she could not ignore the most important part for her, he had no way to defend himself. However, despite all that, she showed a shy smile as Kiara showed her and introduced herself —very gladly, Edgar, I am Ana, sister of Sakura and wife of Viggo—

Edgar raised his eyebrow, both girls looked adventurous, perhaps of high rank, but of low lineage. Viggo was the son of one of the most prominent goddesses of Orario, Semiramis had become overnight one of the wealthiest women of Orario, second only to the gods. So, how could Viggo place such simple women on the same level as Semiramis?

—Much pleasure— replied Edgar with a smile that was about to fade because of the incongruities of this person, named Viggo —Please, take a seat— continued —Do you want to order something?—

—Thank you— said Sakura —what do you suggest?—

—Cabernet sauvignon—

Sakura formed a kind smile, but did not make any judgment, which made Edgar a little nervous and looked towards where the garzón was. He raised his hand and asked for the wine as if someone was asking for it.

Viggo helped Sakura and Ana sit down and then sat down himself.

—How did it all go?— asked Viggo.

Edgar was silent for a few seconds and showed a kind smile —well, I'm meeting with several nobles. Since Lady Semiramis does not want to associate with us, we must look for other options—

—Eeeeh Really? I didn't know, but I wish you the best— Viggo replied with a smile and a look that showed that what Edgar did or didn't do mattered less than anything.

Edgar thought it was impossible for this man not to care about his wife's ostentatious business dealings and not worry about others opposing her. However, from the expression between burlesque and kind, he seemed not to agree.

—Nice ring— Viggo pointed out, looking at Edgar's hand, he had a gold ring with four rubies that formed a space between them like a cross —Would you let me see it?—

Edgar carried his right hand over his left hand, as if protecting his ring, but just arrived the bottle of wine in a metal bucket with ice. Edgar responded by picking up his smile and looked at the garzón to hide his concern. This ring was that of his beloved Virginia, something he had received when the two met. It was a precious thing that he wouldn't trade for all the gold in the world.

On the other hand, the garzón opened the bottle of wine, poured the contents into the four glasses, and withdrew. Viggo and company took their glass, Edgar followed. Viggo saw the bright red wine inside the huge glass.

—Let's toast— said Edgar.

Viggo looked him in the eye and smiled —of course, for future business— he said.

Which left Edgar frozen, but then he smiled, thinking that Viggo was being burlesque —of course, for future business between the Dragonroad house and the Clemm—

—Of course— said Viggo, he brought his glass close enough, but it was Edgar who made the gesture of colliding it with Viggo's. Edgar also brought his glass closer to that of Sakura and Ana, but like Viggo, they did nothing, and it was Edgar who made the effort to high-five.

Edgar felt strange, uncomfortable, as if he were in front of someone who made him feel helpless. He takes a deep breath, look at Viggo, and wait for him and his wives to take the first sip. Only then did Edgar drink from his glass.

Viggo left the glass on the table and continued —your ring, I find it interesting, will you let me see it?—

Edgar looked at Viggo, he didn't seem to show any real taste or attraction for the ring. It was as if he just wanted to look at him to despise him. He had that look in his eyes, as if nothing Edgar was or had impressed him. Edgar showed an uncomfortable smile, he was going to excuse himself with eloquent words, but before he could say anything. Viggo placed his right hand about forty centimeters above the table. The next instant an emerald bottle appeared that emitted a golden glow from inside. Not only did he catch the attention of Edgar, but of all the other customers who were at their respective tables. Viggo uncapped the bottle, and an incredible aroma of spices came out. Nothing anyone inside the restaurant had tasted or smelled before.

—Please bring me new glasses— Viggo said to the waiter. That person dressed in a white shirt and black sleeveless jacket was puzzled. However, a blonde, slender, and enthusiastic woman who was the manager of the restaurant, took the opportunity and took the four glasses.

—Lord— said the woman, she must have been in her forties, where the corners of her eyes were just beginning to be marked.

—Thank you— Viggo said with an elegant smile, gave her a brief glance and then ignored her. Viggo took the bottle, poured the golden liquid into the glasses. He offered a drink to Sakura, Ana and finally, one to Edgar.

—Go ahead— said Viggo —my courtesy—

Edgar stared at him and then looked at the cup with the liquid emitting a golden glow. His mouth was watering from tasting such liquor. Edgar once again looked at Viggo, the latter was smiling, and finally Edgar reached to the cup, brought it to his nose and smelled the aroma. He felt happy, strong, and calm. It wasn't like anything tried before. He took a small sip, let the liquid wander around his cheeks tasting its softness and strength. Once he took it, it felt incredibly good. He took a deep breath and felt that he had never been so healthy.

On the other hand, Viggo took the ring from his index finger on his right hand, put it on the table and said —you already saw what can make my ring, it's valuable. I leave mine here, you can have it as insurance. So, let me see your ring—

Edgar stared at him, Viggo smiled, but another intention was seen in his eyes. A mystery, his ring was not even so valuable that someone like him needed to steal it.

Viggo ignored him and looked at the restaurant manager who was still standing next to the table. Viggo looked at her expression, she was also eager to taste the estus. He could not blame her, the estus was something that did good to the soul. Viggo smiled and said —Go get a drink for yourself—

—Yes, sir— said the woman, turning around and walking to the bar where the bartender provided her with a glass of wine.

Meanwhile, Edgar carried his right hand over his ring while debating whether to give it to him or not.

The restaurant manager came back with the glass, put it on the table and Viggo poured a considerable amount of estus. Less than what he, his wives and Edgar drank, but enough for the administrator to enjoy.

The administrator with her curly blonde hair and an anxious smile, looked at the cup. Then she looked at Viggo, he nodded, and she brought her trembling hand closer. She brought the cup to her nose, smelled the refreshing aroma that made her feel like after a long night of satisfying sex. Then she drank a sip, tasted it just like Edgar and once she swallowed it, she felt amazing. However, when she looked at the cup, she realized that there was no more left. Was... A pity.

Viggo ignored the administrator's gaze and focused on Edgar, sitting on the other side of the table, stroking his ring as if it were the most valuable thing in the world. Viggo smiled calmly and confidently that at some point he would give in. It was distrust, but also curiosity. Finally, Edgar took off his ring and held it out. Viggo stretched out his hand and Edgar released the ring into Viggo's palm.

—Sakura, serve a little more of Estus to our friend— Viggo said as if he was rewarding Edgar for doing what he was asked.

—Yes— Sakura replied with a broad smile that gave off enthusiasm.

On the other hand, Viggo occupied his clairvoyance and could see all the energy that Edgar had transmitted to the ring over the years that in turn was transformed into knowledge. Even the remnant of energy from its previous owner. That person was a more mature, manipulative, and cruel version of Edgar. Edgar was just one of his servants for whom she gave away rings that she changed every day. As she always used ten different ones on each of her fingers, her lovers upon receiving her ring thought that she loved them more than anyone else in life. However, that woman had a whole drawer with ten boxes of rings with the same design. However, a man is not persuaded with kindness, but is spoken directly to his egoism.