CHAPTER 5: THE FIRST SPARK
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The halls of House Liora were no longer silent.
Though the estate still lacked the grandeur it once held, there was movement—servants working with newfound purpose, ledgers being updated, and letters flowing in and out at an increasing pace. The world was starting to notice.
Seated in the sunlit drawing room, Seraphina leafed through the morning's correspondence. Elise stood beside her, reading the contents aloud.
"My lady, another merchant has expressed interest in working with House Liora. A man named Gideon Malkov."
Seraphina tapped her finger against the armrest. "Malkov… He's known for his sharp instincts. He never invests unless he's certain of profit."
Elise nodded. "He has requested a meeting with you this afternoon."
Seraphina's lips curved slightly. Good. The merchants and lesser nobility were watching, waiting for someone to make the first move. If she secured the right alliances, the rest would follow.
"Prepare the study," she said. "Let's see if he's worth my time."
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A Merchant's Gamble
By the time Gideon Malkov arrived, Seraphina had already studied everything about him. A man of practical ambition, ruthless in business but cautious when taking risks. If he was interested, it meant her actions had not gone unnoticed.
Dressed simply but expensively, he took his seat across from her in the study, his sharp gaze assessing the space.
"Lady Liora," he greeted with a respectful nod. "Your name has become quite the topic of discussion."
Seraphina poured tea into two cups, her expression unreadable. "That is to be expected. House Liora was never meant to be forgotten."
Gideon chuckled, picking up his cup but not drinking. "Perhaps, but many believe your resurgence will be brief. A flicker before the final extinguishing."
Seraphina met his gaze without hesitation. "And you?"
He leaned forward slightly. "I believe in opportunity. The right investment at the right time can change the course of history." He placed a document on the table. "I'm here to see if you are that investment."
Seraphina glanced at the contract, noting the unbalanced terms. Gideon was testing her.
She smiled slightly, sliding the parchment back toward him. "Your terms are unfavorable."
Gideon smirked. "A necessary precaution. House Liora's position is… delicate."
She reached for a second document—a revised contract she had prepared before he even arrived. One that would ensure Liora's long-term gain while still appealing to Gideon's interests.
He raised a brow, scanning the paper. Then he let out a low chuckle.
"You anticipated this," he mused.
Seraphina tilted her head slightly. "Of course."
Silence stretched between them before Gideon finally smiled, taking his quill and signing.
"A pleasure doing business, Lady Liora."
The first alliance was made.
And the first ripple spread.
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The Whispers Begin
Later that evening, in the dimly lit parlor of Viscount Rellford, a small group of nobles gathered, their voices hushed yet sharp.
"A contract?" one of them scoffed, swirling his wine. "Gideon Malkov actually invested in that ruined house?"
Another noble, a woman draped in dark silks, smirked. "More will follow. The moment the first stone is set, the foundation builds itself."
Viscount Rellford frowned. "We should have crushed what remained of House Liora years ago. We cannot let Seraphina rise."
"But she already is."
Silence fell over the room as the realization set in.
For the first time in years, House Liora was making waves again.
And the nobility was beginning to take notice.
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