Chapter 11, Extra, Extra

The next morning, Owen stirred awake to the sun's warm embrace, its golden rays slipping through the delicate fabric of his curtains. The light danced across his face, brushing his skin like a soft touch before piercing directly into his eyes, urging him to rise. Although the sensation was jarring and not entirely welcome, it was still a relief compared to the thought of sleeping in until noon, left undisturbed in the stillness of his room. The muffled sounds of the world outside hinted at a day awaiting him, filled with possibilities as the soft hum of life carried through the open window.

Once the remnants of sleep had faded from his system, Owen felt a renewed sense of energy wash over him. He made his way to the bathroom, the cool tiles beneath his feet jolting him further into the day. As he stepped into the shower, the warm water cascaded over him, washing away the last traces of drowsiness. The fragrant scent of lavender soap filled the air, a soothing contrast to the fresh morning light spilling through the window.

After his refreshing shower, Owen stepped out and wrapped himself in a plush towel, relishing the lingering warm water. Carefully, he slipped into the custom attire he had picked up from Leo the night before. The fabric, a blend of soft cotton and intricate threads, gilded effortlessly against his skin, hugging his form in all the right places. Its stylish design, accented with unique patterns and vibrant colors, sparked a sense of confidence within him that was both energizing and empowering.

As Owen stood in front of the mirror, he took a moment to admire his reflection. The way the outfit complemented his features brought a smile to his face, and he could feel a surge of excitement as he anticipated the adventures the day might hold. He straightened his posture, adjusting the fabric slightly, and took a deep breath, ready to embrace whatever challenges and opportunities lay ahead.

Owen was wearing a fitted black undershirt that hugged his frame comfortably, its smooth fabric feeling both luxurious and understated. Over it, he draped a tailored black overcoat that cascaded down to his knees, exuding an air of sophistication. His ensemble was polished off with impeccably tailored black dress pants that tapered perfectly, and a pair of comfortable yet stylish shoes that provided a subtle shine with each step he took. Together, the outfit created a sharp, cohesive look that was both elegant and bold.

This outfit as a whole was a new look for the people of Caledon. Because they were stuck in their old, out-of-date fashion, and for this reason, Owen decided that another endeavor he wanted to go into was the clothes industry, specifically the luxury clothes industry, though that was for a moment later down the road, "Or at least he thought it was."

After admiring his reflection in the ornate mirror, Owen took a moment to appreciate his outfit—a tailored ensemble that perfectly complemented his style. With a sense of eagerness, he left his room and made his way down the gracefully sweeping staircase, the polished wood beneath his feet echoing softly in the morning quiet.

As he entered the dining room, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, awakening his senses. He was warmly greeted by the familiar faces of two dedicated servants: Shirley, the 58-year-old head maid whose years of experience radiated in the gentle way she attended to every detail of the household, and Sabith, Owen's 29-year-old personal assistant, whose sharp wit and efficiency always kept their daily routines running smoothly.

After exchanging pleasantries, Sabith promptly handed Owen the daily newspaper. He mentioned that it had just been delivered a mere ten minutes ago, judging by the time displayed on the grandfather clock, which stood proudly in the corner, its sturdy hands pointing to 6:10.

After receiving the daily newspaper, Owen took a seat at the dining table and began Browse through it. On the front page, he noticed the following headlines:

Ambassador from Republic of Urithic Completes Journey to the Kingdom of Normandy

Caledon Press, Friday, Imis 5th, 1442

Volume Number 21

Issue number 110

City of Caledon, Imis 5th, 1442 — The Kingdom of Normandy welcomed a distinguished guest this week as the Ambassador from the Republic of Urithic, His Excellency Alon Therin, completed his much-anticipated journey to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Arriving on Friday this morning, Ambassador Therin was greeted with a formal ceremony at the Grand Palace in Caledon City, where he was received by the King of Empire along with senior government officials and dignitaries.

The visit marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between Urithic and Empire, as the two countries have been working to build a closer partnership in trade, cultural exchange, and security cooperation. The ambassador's journey, which took two months, involved traversing the rich and varied landscapes that lie between the two regions, including a historic stop in the mountainous city of Eldoria, known for its ancient architecture and vibrant culture.

During his stay, Ambassador Therin engaged in a series of high-level meetings, discussing potential areas of collaboration and opportunities for mutual development. A focal point of these discussions has been the expansion of trade routes and the strengthening of cultural ties through new educational and artistic exchanges.

In his formal address at the Royal Banquet held in his honor, Ambassador Therin expressed his enthusiasm for the burgeoning relationship, stating, "The Republic of Urithic and the Kingdom of Normandy share a vision for a prosperous future, built on the foundations of respect, understanding, and collaboration. My journey here is a testament to our shared commitment to this vision, and I am honored to be a part of this historic moment."

The King's remarks echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.

The ambassador's visit will conclude with a cultural showcase featuring artists and performers from both Urithic and Empire, celebrating the rich heritage and shared values of the two regions.

As the ambassador prepares to return to Urithic on Saturday Imis 20, 1442, both nations look forward to the lasting impact of this diplomatic endeavor and the promising future it heralds for their peoples.

Local Knight Marries Daughter of a Viscount: A local knight married the daughter of a viscount, marking a significant social event in the community.

New Business: Hemingworth Opens on Wesser and Earl Street: A new business, Hemingworth, is set to open its doors on Wesser and Earl Street.

The Neol Circus Coming to Town Saturday: The Neol Circus is scheduled to perform in Uien on the 34th.

Commoner Owan Alpine Breaks into the Top 1000 Richest Men in Caledon: Owan Alpine, a commoner, has achieved remarkable success and has now made it into the top 1000 richest men in Caledon, with an estimated net worth of 2,200 Ran.

New Business: The Bank of Normandy Planned Opening Monday: The Bank of Normandy is scheduled to open its doors on Apollo 1st.

After finishing his morning ritual of reading the newspaper, Owen discovered two articles featuring him. While they were not as prominently placed as the piece on the Ambassador, he still felt a sense of pride at having his name in print. However, his initial excitement was quickly overshadowed by curiosity. How did the newspaper find out about his financial success and the recent launch of his new business venture?

Upon reflection, Owen realized that the demolition of several old buildings downtown had likely drawn significant attention to his endeavors. This strategic move, aimed at revitalizing the area with a new development, definitely put him in the spotlight. While the details of his wealth and undertakings were not exactly private knowledge, it felt strange to have them publicly scrutinized. In truth, however, this publicity could be beneficial. The articles served as free advertising, potentially attracting new clients and investors to his burgeoning enterprise. Ultimately, Owen recognized that this attention could provide a solid foundation for his future success.

As Owen took a moment to reflect, it became clear to him that many people in their community may not know what banks play in their economy and daily lives. This realization prompted him to reach out to Butler Sabith. He asked him if he could help him by placing an informational advertisement in the local newspaper, aimed at educating the public about banking services and their benefits.

Once they discussed the content and strategy for the ad, Owen handed Sabith a 5 Ran coin as a gesture of goodwill and asked him to use it to cover the initial costs of the advertisement. He assured him that after the expenses were settled, he could keep the remaining amount as a token of his appreciation for his assistance. Owen genuinely hoped that this initiative not only informed the community but also sparked a greater interest in utilizing banking services to improve their financial well-being.

After that, breakfast was served, featuring a hearty spread that included fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, savory bacon, plump sausage links, perfectly toasted bread, warm waffles drizzled with syrup, and buttery biscuits. The aroma of the food filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. They took their time enjoying the meal, sharing laughter and conversation around the table.

After about 40 minutes of indulging in the delicious fare and savoring each bite, they finally wrapped up breakfast. By 7 a.m., everyone had finished eating and began to set out for the day, energized and ready to tackle whatever lay ahead.