Chapter 109: Golden Leiden

"Lucio, thank you." Sean clasped the other boy's shoulder. Lucio had been invaluable—first protecting him in the Elven Forest after Matthew's death, now loaning gold to stave off financial ruin. "As thanks, take a barrel of Holy Flame Spirit—the first batch of a dwarven recipe lost for centuries. It's a collector's item!"

Lucio grinned, accepting the offer. "No need for collecting! When Father breaks through to Sky Rank, I'll share it with him. But you should try courting Jessica—if you marry her, we'll be family!"

Sean's brows shot up. "Marry Jessica? You have a sister I don't know about?"

"Jessica is my cousin," Lucio clarified, wiping sweat. "By clan records, she's like a sister. And she needs a husband from a lesser noble house to maintain Rivers Family dominance. You'd be perfect—"

"Drop it." Sean laughed, though inwardly cringing at the thought of Jessica's scheming. "We're just partners. Now go—your steward needs to finalize the loan contract."

After seeing Lucio off, Sean penned a letter to Anduin, detailing the invasion threat and urging preparation. Windsor will deliver it on his way to Riverside, he thought, sealing the parchment.

Windsor and Henry returned, exhausted but efficient. In the study, Sean outlined the plan:

Dwarf Envoy Contingency: If the Sky Rank envoy refused protection, evacuate Riverside as planned. If not, reinforce defenses with the loaned gold.Business Partnership: Henry and Lodin would manage Yorn's operations—Henry overseeing production/transport, Lodin handling sales/accounts, leveraging his Trading Talent to maximize profits.

Henry's eyes lit at the mention of "Golden Leiden," Rivers Family's premier clothing store. "York Street 104? Prime location! But rent is 500 gold monthly—"

Sean whistled, sweating. No wonder Jessica agreed so quickly. "Lucio's loan covers it—for now. Focus on setting up the shop. Lodin, your nose for profit will keep us afloat."

Lodin nodded, while Henry's brief disappointment faded at a promised raise—70 gold monthly, up from 60. Money talks, Sean mused, watching Henry preen.