A solution

Boris sat in his chair, carefully reviewing the papers Leone had given him. His sharp eyes scanned each word in silence before he finally set them aside, lost in thought.

"So the price of certain medicines began rising a year ago... These are essential for common ailments like fevers and headaches."

Leone nodded. "Yes, Father. And it's not just happening in our territory. Other lords are experiencing the same issue. This isn't the first time we've seen such manipulation either. It happened before with food supplies and raw materials. Back then, we managed to find solutions, but this time... it's more difficult."

"Why is that?"

Leone placed an illustration of a delicate plant with small white flowers on the table.

"This is the cause. It's a medicinal plant called Lunaris. It's the key ingredient in those medicines. Lunaris only grows in cold climates and requires special conditions to thrive. The only place it grows naturally is in Western Verdalis, a region that lies between the territories of the 4th and 5th lords. However, the land itself doesn't belong to either of them. It is controlled by the Margus family, and with that, so is the plant's monopoly."

Boris exhaled sharply, already understanding the implications.

 "So the Margus family raised the price of Lunaris, and as a result, the cost of medicine skyrocketed."

"Exactly. But we recently uncovered something even more troubling. The Margus family isn't acting alone." Leone's expression hardened. "A powerful mercenary family is pulling the strings behind the scenes."

Boris narrowed his eyes. "Who are they?"

"The Loyanal family. They migrated from Dragoria years ago. Wealthy and highly knowledgeable in trade, they rapidly extended their influence across Verdalis. They've been eliminating rival mercenary groups and seizing control of various markets. Other lords and I have kept a close watch on them, and now, it seems they have orchestrated this entire situation."

"Tell me about their family structure."

"The head of the family is Hugo Loyanal. He has two wives. His first wife's son, Nolan, and the second wife's son are both competing for the position of successor. The wives themselves are locked in their own struggle for influence. However, despite this family feud, Nolan appears to have a strong bond with his half-sister, Lunara, the second wife's daughter."

Boris scoffed. "A household full of conflict... It's no surprise they're resorting to underhanded tactics. And what about the current situation with medicine availability?"

"It's worsening. Due to the price surge, demand has significantly decreased. We have alternative remedies, but they aren't as effective, and the people are growing increasingly dissatisfied. They want answers."

Boris leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the armrest.

"We may not have an immediate crisis, but we must act swiftly. If we allow this manipulation to continue, they will grow bolder."

 His gaze drifted toward the window, where he caught sight of Ashan outside. A small smile played on his lips. 

"And how is my grandson?"

Leone followed his father's gaze. 

"Ashan is... different, Father. Far beyond his years in knowledge and maturity."

"That was my impression as well. He carries himself with an uncanny calmness, his eyes sharp, his expression unreadable. How old is he now?"

"Eleven."

Boris turned sharply to Leone. "Eleven? That's astonishing. His physique suggests someone older. Has he begun learning our swordsmanship?"

Leone hesitated before answering. "He has not just begun... He has already mastered it."

Boris blinked in disbelief. "What? That should take years, even for the most talented!"

"I know how unbelievable it sounds, but I've seen it myself. He fully mastered our techniques. When he executes Circle Slash, he reminds me of you, Father. But there's more."

"Go on."

"The Circle Slash requires firm footing and both hands to execute properly. But Ashan... he can do it mid-air, with one hand. I saw it with my own eyes."

For a moment, Boris remained motionless, absorbing his son's words. Then, his right hand trembled slightly before he let out a deep, hearty laugh.

"If that's true, then he is the real deal. What level has he reached?"

"He is above the Lower Swordmaster level. I confirmed it with an aura-measuring crystal."

Boris let out a low whistle. "Remarkable progress. I must see his swordplay for myself."

"You will. Though recently, his focus has shifted to something else."

"Something other than swordsmanship? What is it?"

Leone stood and gestured for Boris to wait. "I'll show you."

As Leone left the room, Boris returned his gaze to the window.

To reach the Lower Swordmaster level in three years... Even I needed far longer than that. This boy is a monster.

Leone soon returned, carrying an unfamiliar wooden object. It was Ashan's guitar.

Boris frowned. "What is that? It looks... strange."

Leone sat back down, placing the object across his lap. "This is what he's been working on lately, Father."

Boris raised an eyebrow. "And what, exactly, does it do?"

Instead of answering, Leone plucked each of the six strings, letting the soft notes ring out before pressing down on them and playing a melody. A rich, unfamiliar sound filled the room, unlike anything Boris had ever heard. He sat frozen, entranced by the music.

When the melody ended, Boris reached out, taking the instrument from Leone. He ran his fingers over its smooth surface, inspecting its craftsmanship with quiet awe. "I have never seen nor heard anything like this before. There is only one possibility... Did he create this?"

Leone nodded. "Yes, Father. He built it himself not too long ago—and even figured out how to play it. I've also learned a bit myself."

Boris let out a breath. "Unbelievable. The precision of this work... It surpasses what an ordinary craftsman could achieve. Did he learn woodworking from someone?"

"No. He studied manuals on his own and crafted it."

"Manuals? That's all? You're telling me he read books and created this from nothing?"

"It's the truth. He spends all his time reading, practicing the sword, and learning."

Boris stared at the instrument, then back at Leone. "And where did he get the idea for it?"

"I asked him that as well. He claims it came to him accidentally. I have no reason to doubt him."

Boris exhaled deeply. "A true genius has been born into our family."

He set the instrument down and folded his arms. "There's something I haven't told you, son. When I first met him, I sensed something extraordinary. A powerful yet strangely comforting energy. At the time, I couldn't place it, but later, I realized where I had felt it before."

Leone tensed. "Where?"

"When I met the Sect Leader of the Shadow Palace. But my grandson's energy, though a bit weaker, felt remarkably similar."

Leone's leg began to shake as he processed his father's words.

"To be honest, I've also sensed something different about him... And it seems others have as well. Archmage Solomon wanted to take him as his disciple, claiming he felt something powerful within him."

Boris let out a knowing chuckle. "Then we are not the only ones who have noticed."

A sudden neigh outside interrupted them. They turned to the window just in time to see Ashan riding Noah, pushing the horse to its full speed.

Boris's eyes widened. 

"Son... is that—"

To be continued...