Imperium Black Card

In the helpers' quarters, where Opal and Jennifer were sleeping, early morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. The quiet was broken only by the rhythmic rise and fall of their chests as they slept.

Suddenly, Jennifer's eyes snapped open. She bolted upright, gasping for breath, her chest heaving as she clutched her head between her hands. A distant, unfocused look filled her eyes as she stared at the floor. She remained frozen in that position for what felt like an eternity before finally gathering herself.

Slowly, she stood and made her way to Opal's bed. After confirming that Opal was still asleep, Jennifer reached out and gently shook her.

It wasn't long before Opal stirred, letting out a small groan as she rubbed her temples. Blinking groggily, she looked up at Jennifer, taking in her tense expression and the morning light filtering through the windows.

"Opal, do you remember anything that happened after I lost consciousness?" Jennifer asked, her voice edged with uncertainty.

Opal let out a slow breath, her mind retracing the events of the night before. "After you were knocked out... I might have panicked a bit," she admitted. "I almost attacked the young miss."

Jennifer, listening intently, furrowed her brows. "But was that really the young miss? Her body was still floating on the bed as if she had never moved at all."

A thoughtful expression crossed Opal's face as she turned to gaze out the window. "I believe it was," she said after a moment. "Thinking back, it wouldn't be all that strange if something like that had happened."

Jennifer, still struggling to piece things together, sat beside Opal. "What do you mean?" she asked. "What exactly are you thinking?"

Opal folded her arms, her mind working through her reasoning. "It's simple," she began. "We martial artists use aura to refine our bodies, correct?"

Jennifer nodded. "Right."

"Well, the young miss is a Warlock. Psy wielders are the most unpredictable of the three classes because of how their power operates," Opal continued. "That alone is the basis of my theory."

Jennifer remained quiet, letting Opal elaborate.

"Remember when we met that councilman on the steps of the library? He warned the young miss's aunt to stand down so she wouldn't find out why Warlocks are forbidden from engaging with other classes," Opal reminded her.

Jennifer's eyes flickered with recognition. "I remember," she confirmed.

"Then you understand what I'm getting at," Opal said. "Unlike us, who are limited to martial practices, and Magi, who are bound to elemental control, Psy wielders are… different. They don't just manipulate energy they manipulate concepts."

Jennifer considered this. "I don't know much about Warlocks," she admitted. "They are the rarest class, after all. But I do know that Marchioness Moore's Psy ability allows her to control thread, which is why every fabric or article of clothing she creates is so intricate and breathtaking."

Opal nodded. "Exactly."

"And I've heard that the Marquis can place a small area into stasis," Jennifer added.

"Yes. That's what makes Warlocks the most dangerous class to fight," Opal concluded. "Unlike us, they wield things that shouldn't be wielded. That's why people fear them."

Jennifer exhaled, processing Opal's words. "So then, what do you think the Young Lady's specialty is?" she mused aloud.

Opal shook her head slightly. "I can't say for certain, but I do know that her abilities may remain unknown until she chooses to reveal them."

"In any case, let's prepare ourselves and see if the Young Miss is awake. We must apologize for our discourtesy last time," Opal said as she stood. Jennifer followed suit, nodding. "Yes."

After freshening up, the two women made their way down the grand hallway. The soft glow of morning light filtered through the ornate windows, casting golden patterns across the polished floor. Upon reaching Cynthia's bedroom door, Opal knocked lightly and waited. A voice soon called out, granting them permission to enter.

Stepping inside, they immediately noticed a change Cynthia's body was no longer suspended in the air. Instead, she sat before an intricately carved vanity as Clementine delicately attended to her long, silken hair. The scene carried a quiet elegance.

"Good morning, Young Miss. I hope you had a restful night," Opal greeted, bowing her head, Jennifer mirroring the gesture.

Cynthia hummed softly in response, offering little more than an acknowledging sound.

Taking the lead, Jennifer spoke first. "Young Miss, I apologize for the discourtesy I showed you yesterday."

Opal followed suit. "I also offer my sincerest apologies."

A hush fell over the room, so deep that the rustling grass outside could be heard as the wind whispered through the garden. The silence stretched before Cynthia finally spoke. "I understand. That matter is settled. Now, get up I have a task for you both." She rose gracefully from her seat, Clementine stepping aside, her duty complete.

Opal and Jennifer lifted their heads to see Cynthia dressed for an outing, her ensemble exuding quiet authority.

"Jennifer, you will return to Father's estate and retrieve everything from my laboratory. Bring it all here. Opal, you will accompany me to the library," Cynthia commanded.

"Understood, Young Miss," they responded in unison, accepting their assignments without hesitation.

"Good. Now, eat something before we depart," Cynthia instructed.

Acknowledging the order, the two turned to leave, but just as they reached the door, Mavis approached. "Young Miss, you have visitors," she announced.

Cynthia arched an eyebrow. "Did they identify themselves?"

"Yes. They said they are from Midas Bank," Mavis replied.

Cynthia considered this for a moment before giving a nod. "Let them in. I will join them shortly."

"Understood." Mavis left to attend to the guests.

A short while later, the visitors were seated in the guest room, where Mavis had served them refreshments. Cynthia entered, her steps measured, her presence commanding.

"How may I help you today?" she asked as she took her seat.

One of the two gentlemen, dressed in fine, distinguished attire, set his cup and saucer down before speaking. "Good morning, Councilwoman Rochester. We are here today to inform you of a very important change."

Cynthia's gaze remained sharp. "Oh? And what might that be?"

The man folded his hands neatly. "As you know, you have been using a financial card linked to the Marquis of Rochester. While functional, it was not truly yours."

She tilted her head slightly. "Yes, but what is the issue here?"

The man smiled, shaking his head. "Be not alarmed, my lady. This is not an issue but rather a matter of protocol. Since the inception of Midas Bank, a rule has been in place: when a figure of notable political and individual power is officially recognized, they must be issued an Imperium Black Card."

Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "I've never heard of such a card."

At this, both men exchanged knowing smiles. "Then that means we are doing our jobs exceptionally well," one of them remarked.

"How so?" Cynthia asked, her curiosity piqued.

The man leaned forward slightly. "Councilwoman, this card is invitation-only. Not only is it a financial instrument, but it is also a power card. Very few individuals possess one. To date, there are fewer than fifteen holders worldwide. No single nation has more than five at least, until your recent appointment as Councilwoman."

"What makes this card so special?" Cynthia inquired, her voice steady but laced with intrigue.

"Well, my lady, your current card grants you first-class privileges at all establishments under the Liu Feng Chambers of Commerce luxury accommodations, fine dining, access to elite auction houses, and the intelligence network of Haze Phantom, among other conveniences. However, the Imperium Black Card is different."

He paused for emphasis before continuing. "It grants you direct authority over the upper echelons of Haze Phantom, the ability to summon OLYXNAR for certain tasks, and even influence over Midas Bank itself."

Cynthia's expression remained composed, but internally, she was taken aback. She had no idea such a card existed a card that granted its holder authority over some of the most powerful organizations on the planet was no trivial matter.

"I see. Well, where is this card?" she asked, keeping her tone even.

One of the gentlemen extended his hand, revealing a sapphire-gemmed ring on his finger. As the gem caught the light, it emitted a faint glow, and in an instant, a sleek black box materialized on the table. The man gestured toward it.

"There is your card, Councilwoman. Additionally, may we retrieve the linked card?" he inquired politely.

Cynthia made a small motion with her hand, and Opal stepped forward, presenting a black card. One of the men accepted it, giving it a quick inspection before nodding in confirmation.

Having completed their task, both men bowed slightly. "We wish you a pleasant day, Councilwoman," one of them said before they turned and made their departure.