The Grand Blow and Game Of True Chess

The carriage moved smoothly through the dimly lit streets, its wheels gliding over the cobblestone roads. The flickering lanterns outside cast long shadows inside, illuminating the golden chains wrapped around the wrists of the Golden Hand—an elf of unparalleled rarity, known for the miracles he could create.

Golden Hand's real name was Elias Vel'Therin, but the world knew him only for his miraculous healing touch—"God's Hand." His abilities were legendary, capable of healing wounds that even magic couldn't mend.

Sitting across from him, Austin Ravenclaw leaned back comfortably, his fingers tapping against the carriage's velvet-lined interior.

Then, without hesitation, he reached forward and unlocked the shackles binding the elf's wrists.

The heavy chains clattered to the floor.

The elf, his emerald-green eyes filled with confusion, stared at Austin.

"What are you doing?" he asked cautiously, rubbing his sore wrists. His voice carried an edge of suspicion—after all, no master freed a slave so easily.

Austin smirked.

"I didn't buy you for me." His voice was calm, but firm.

"I promised someone that I would buy you—and I've fulfilled her request."

Austin's gaze remained sharp. "I don't know what kind of history you share with her, and frankly, I don't care. I upheld my end of the bargain. Now, what you do from here is up to you."

The elf's brows furrowed as he tried to comprehend the situation.

He had been passed from master to master, always treated as a valuable tool rather than a person. Yet, here sat a man—one of the wealthiest nobles in the empire—casually dismissing ownership of him.

"Who?" the elf asked warily.

Austin's smirk widened, but his eyes remained unreadable.

"You'll see soon enough."

The elf wasn't satisfied with that answer. He narrowed his eyes.

"And if I decide to leave?"

Austin simply shrugged, his confidence unwavering.

"Then you're free to do so."

The elf clenched his fists. Was it truly that simple?

But before he could respond, the carriage came to a halt.

Outside, through the carriage window, the elf saw a shadowy figure waiting under the streetlights.

Austin pushed the carriage door open.

"Go. She's waiting for you."

The elf hesitated for just a moment before stepping out. The night air was crisp, and as he looked ahead, he finally saw her.

A woman with long silver hair and a quiet, determined gaze.

She stepped forward.

"You're finally free."

The elf's breath caught in his throat.

He knew her.

Elias picked up the crest with trembling fingers. "Amara…" he whispered.

The transaction was complete. The golden hand was no longer a captive but a free man—at least in the eyes of the world. Austin watched as Elias held onto the emblem of Princess Amara, his fingers tightening around it as if it were his last tether to something real.

The cold night air filled the streets of the capital as Austin stood in the dimly lit alley beside the auction house. His gaze, sharp and unwavering, landed on the elven princess, Amara, who stepped forward from the shadows, her silver hair catching the faint moonlight.

"It's done," Austin said flatly, crossing his arms. "Now, keep your end of the deal."

Amara nodded, her expression unreadable. "I will." Her voice carried a quiet authority, one that spoke of centuries of elven wisdom. "Come to the Elven Forest whenever you wish, and I will teach you how to wield the Jewel of Ishtar."

Austin didn't miss the weight of her words. Learning to control the Jewel of Ishtar meant gaining access to ancient knowledge lost to time. It was a weapon, a power, and a key to something far greater than what the world understood.

With a final glance, Amara turned away, disappearing into the night, her footsteps barely making a sound. Elias lingered for a moment longer before following her, his golden eyes flickering with unspoken gratitude.

As they vanished into the darkness, Austin exhaled, tilting his head back. Why was the imperial princess at the auction house?

His mind whirred like a machine, piecing together the anomalies. Sonya wasn't in the book. She wasn't supposed to be here. And yet, she was not only present but actively working against him. Her funds, her connections, the way she bid—it wasn't random. It was calculated.

He had to dig deeper.

In the Imperial Academy: The Hidden Hands at Work

Inside the Imperial Academy, far from the bustling city streets, Princess Sonya sat alone in her chamber. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the walls as she carefully unfolded a letter.

A carrier pigeon had arrived minutes ago, its tiny metal tube containing a message she had been expecting. The seal on it? The Viper's Lair.

Her slender fingers traced over the parchment as she read:

"All information regarding House Ravenclaw has been retrieved. His businesses, his assets, his alliances, and his enemies—all accounted for. We await your next instructions."

A slow, satisfied smile spread across her lips.

Austin Ravenclaw had spent years building his power. From the underground networks to the noble circles, he had crafted a nearly impenetrable web. But she was determined to unravel it, thread by thread.

He thought he had won tonight, but in reality, he had lost more than he realized.

The funds he used, the debt he incurred, the alliances he had strengthened and weakened—it was all information she could use against him. With every move he made, she would be watching. Calculating. Striking when he least expected.

She leaned back in her chair, tapping the parchment against her palm. "Let's see how long you can keep up, Duke Ravenclaw."

The game had only just begun.

The candle flickered in Princess Sonya's chamber, casting long shadows on the marble floor. She ran her fingers across the parchment, rereading every line carefully.

This was not just a simple report. It was a blueprint—an intricate map detailing every asset, every alliance, every transaction, and every hidden move of Duke Austin Ravenclaw.

"He thinks he's untouchable," she muttered under her breath. "But he's forgotten one thing—knowledge is the deadliest weapon of all."

She adjusted her seating, the silence of the night amplifying the weight of the information she held.

Wealth & Business Ventures

Austin Ravenclaw was more than just a noble—he was a businessman who played the long game. His wealth didn't simply come from his title; it came from strategic investments in industries that no one else dared to control.

Alchemy & Magical Artifacts Trade: Unlike other nobles who relied on taxes and land ownership, Austin had secured exclusive rights to magical artifact excavation and refinement. This meant whenever a powerful artifact was found, his people were among the first to bid, purchase, or smuggle it away.

Eastern Trade Route Monopoly: He controlled the sole trading rights with the Eastern Continent, ensuring that spices, silk, enchanted ores, and rare materials flowed through his hands first. No noble could compete with the influence he had over the trade networks.

Ties to Underground Merchants: While the auction house had been a public spectacle, Austin's true dealings happened behind closed doors. A secretive merchant guild handled rare contraband—items banned by the empire, yet extremely valuable in certain circles. Sonya suspected Austin had a silent stake in their operations.

Artifact Restoration & Enhancement: The "Vase of Rahigan" was a prime example of his tactics—ancient artifacts weren't just collected; they were enhanced, restored, and resold at astronomical prices.

Sonya tapped her fingers against the table.

Austin had outmaneuvered every noble in the auction by not bidding on useless prestige items—instead, he invested only in pieces that held real power.

Military Influence & Private Forces

Unlike traditional noble houses that relied solely on imperial soldiers, Austin had cultivated a personal force that operated outside the empire's jurisdiction.

The Ravenclaw Knights: Trained in both magic and swordsmanship, these elite warriors were unlike the empire's standard forces. Sonya had seen one of them move before—too fast, too precise, too deadly.

The Artifact-Enforcers: BLACKWATER, a group of warriors who wielded enchanted armor, making them extremely difficult to kill. Unlike regular soldiers, they didn't wear imperial sigils—they only bore the crest of Ravenclaw.

Foreign Mercenary Alliances: Austin had secured contracts with mercenary bands from beyond the empire's borders, ensuring that if a war broke out, he could bring in fighters who had no loyalty to the empire's laws.

The information confirmed what Sonya had long suspected—Austin wasn't preparing to play by the empire's rules. He was preparing to survive without them.

Political Ties & Strategic Alliances

This was where Sonya's interest peaked.

The Elven Kingdom's Favor: Austin's recent purchase of the Golden Hand wasn't an act of generosity—it was a move to secure the loyalty of Princess Amara. If he had the elves as allies, it meant he had access to ancient knowledge, healing magic, and possibly even an escape route if the empire turned against him.

House Dimitri's Silent Pact: House Dimitri was a rising power in court politics. While other nobles saw them as competition, Austin had made them his allies. If a civil war ever broke out, House Dimitri would be on his side.

The Hidden Influence over the Imperial Treasury: While it wasn't outright control, the report hinted that Austin had key figures in the treasury under his payroll. This meant that if anyone tried to financially strangle him, he could retaliate by manipulating taxes, trade tariffs, or even causing supply shortages.

Sonya exhaled slowly. Austin wasn't just a noble—he was a strategist operating at a level far beyond most lords.

Weaknesses & Points of Exploitation

Finally, she reached the section she had been waiting for. Every great player had a flaw.

The Financial Drain from the Auction: While 450 million gold wasn't enough to ruin Austin, it had significantly drained his liquid assets. Sonya could exploit this by disrupting his income sources, forcing him into a financial corner.

Enemies in the Imperial Court: Not all nobles respected Ravenclaw. House Alistair, House Reinhardt, and several older families saw him as an outsider who had risen too quickly. They wanted him gone.

Mystery Surrounding the Jewel of Ishtar: Sonya still didn't know why Austin had bought the Jewel of Ishtar. If she could uncover its true purpose, she might be able to counter whatever he was planning.

Austin's Over-Reliance on Artifact Magic: While his strength came from his vast collection of artifacts and enchanted items, it also made him vulnerable to sabotage. If the right artifacts were stolen, destroyed, or neutralized, his power base could weaken.

Sonya closed the document.

She had what she needed.

Sonya picked up her quill and began writing a letter.

To the Viper's Lair:

"Begin Phase One. Disrupt the trade routes. Target his political alliances. Ensure certain nobles receive information on his underground dealings. And above all—find out why he wanted the Jewel of Ishtar."

She sealed the letter and handed it to the silent figure waiting in the shadows.

As the agent disappeared into the night, Sonya leaned back, whispering to herself.

"You may have won the auction, Duke Ravenclaw… but this game has only just begun."

Austin sat in his grand chambers, fingers steepled as he leaned against the high-backed chair. The glow of enchanted candles cast shadows across the room, their flickering light illuminating the weight on his mind. One billion gold coins. A staggering amount, even for him.

The Rune of Tringle had been a necessary investment, but now the consequences were rippling through his duchy.

A sharp knock at the door broke his contemplation. His attendant stepped inside, bowing deeply.

"Your Grace, a report from the Ravenclaw Duchy has arrived. The Patriarch—your sister—has been informed of the expenditure."

Austin exhaled, already anticipating what was coming next. The attendant handed over a black crystal communication stone, the sigil of House Ravenclaw shimmering on its surface.

With a touch of his fingers, the crystal activated, and a sharp, furious voice immediately blasted through.

Sister's Fury: "A Billion!? A BILLION!?"

"A BILLION GOLD COINS, AUSTIN?! HAVE YOU COMPLETELY LOST YOUR MIND?"

The sheer volume of his sister's voice made the crystal vibrate slightly. Austin remained calm, reclining slightly in his chair.

"I know very well how much it is," he said evenly.

"You know!?" she snapped, her voice filled with exasperation. "Do you even comprehend what one billion gold coins means? That's an entire duchy's yearly revenue! A sum only the imperial treasury should be handling! How do you intend to recover this?"

Austin's lips curled into a smirk.

"I already have a plan."

There was silence on the other end for a brief moment before his sister's voice returned, sharper now, calculating.

"Go on."

"Double the price of the beauty pageants for the merchants. Then, sell the invitations at triple the price to the nobility."

She scoffed. "That's an aggressive move. Are you certain? The customers might divert elsewhere."

Austin chuckled. "They won't."

"How can you be so sure?" she challenged.

"Because we are the only ones in the market."

Silence.

His sister wasn't a fool—she understood the depths of his plan instantly. Austin had ensured Ravenclaw Enterprises held the monopoly on high-class social events—beauty pageants, exclusive galas, auctions, and underground gatherings where deals between nobles were made. There was nowhere else for them to turn.

"...Clever," she admitted grudgingly. "But this had better work, Austin. If we go bankrupt, the imperial court will swoop in like vultures. Even your alliances won't save you if you lose your financial standing."

"It will work," he said confidently.

"...Fine. I'll handle the merchant dealings. Just don't make me clean up after another one of your billion-gold purchases."

The crystal dimmed as the connection cut off.

Austin leaned back, letting out a slow breath. He had calmed his sister—for now. But there were bigger problems on the horizon.

As Austin reached for a glass of aged elven wine, the door creaked open again.

Vincent, his most trusted advisor, strode in with his usual composed expression. But there was a tightness in his movements—one Austin recognized immediately. Something was wrong.

"My Lord," Vincent bowed slightly, placing a thick stack of parchments on the table. "It seems your instincts were correct. Princess Sonya has begun making her move."

Austin set his glass down. "Go on."

Vincent stood firmly before Austin, his expression unreadable, but his voice carried the weight of urgency.

"My Lord," he said, "the princess has given direct orders to the Viper's Pit. They are to disrupt our trade routes. Caravans heading toward the western and southern territories have already faced resistance. Bandits are striking with precision, attacking only those carrying our goods. This isn't random—this is calculated."

The moment the name Viper's Pit left Vincent's lips, a dark, cold aura filled the chamber.

Austin's fingers tightened around the crystal goblet in his hand, the delicate glass cracking under his grip. His golden eyes darkened, glowing ominously as his emotions turned to something far more dangerous than anger—cold, calculated wrath.

"They Dare Cross Me?"

Austin stood from his seat, the long shadows of the candlelit chamber stretching with him as if they, too, recognized his fury.

"So… the Princess believes she can sic her mutts on my trade routes?" His voice was calm—too calm—the kind of quiet before a storm that uproots kingdoms.

Vincent remained composed. He had served Austin for years, and he knew when his lord was about to strike back with something terrifying.

Austin exhaled slowly.

"Send them a message," he said, his voice barely above a whisper but carrying the weight of a death sentence.

"Tell the Viper's Pit… no, warn them." He turned, his golden eyes glinting like a predator's in the dim light.

"If they so much as move against my trade routes again, then… the Bunny's Lair and Blackwater will deal with them."

Vincent's Eyes Widen—A True Declaration of War

Vincent, who had remained unmoved by countless executions, battles, and betrayals, actually paused.

He had anticipated retaliation. He had expected Austin to launch countermeasures, assassinations, or economic warfare.

But this?

This was a direct declaration of annihilation.

The air inside the Viper's Nest was thick with the scent of incense and aged wine, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows against the stone walls. The underground den, hidden beneath the depths of the capital, was a sanctuary for assassins, spies, and those who thrived in the world of blood and whispers.

At the center of the room, Madame Seraphine lounged in her high-backed chair, her emerald eyes half-lidded in thought. A blade rested beside her, glinting under the dim light—a dagger carved with the insignia of the Viper's Nest, its hilt wrapped in serpent's leather.

A figure clad in dark, form-fitting garb approached, moving like a shadow through the room. He knelt on one knee, presenting a **sealed envelope, waxed with an emblem—**a black rabbit on a crimson background.

The moment Seraphine saw it, her lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"Madam Seraphine," the messenger spoke, his voice smooth but laced with urgency. "This is for you. From my master."

Seraphine took the envelope, her fingers tracing over the wax seal. Bunny's Lair. There was only one man who could send her something like this.

Austin Ravenclaw.

She broke the seal effortlessly, pulling out a single slip of paper

Her gaze fell upon the elegantly penned lines, written in a flowing, almost hypnotic script:

"Fangs that slither in shadowed night,

Tread with care, lest claws take flight."

A chill ran down her spine, though she masked it well. Her assassin, standing beside her, peered over her shoulder and asked, "Madam, what does it say?"

Seraphine folded the letter carefully, tapping her fingers against the armrest of her chair. "A warning," she murmured, her voice calm but laced with intrigue.

"A warning from Ravenclaw?" the assassin pressed.

Seraphine smirked, placing the letter on the table. "Not directly," she said. "But from the ones in the dark who serve him."

She leaned back, her mind racing. Ravenclaw was aware of Sonya's orders to disrupt the trade routes, and he had chosen not to send threats, but a poetic omen. It wasn't just a message; it was a challenge. A declaration that if Viper's Nest moved against him, then Bunny's Lair and Blackwater would retaliate in full force.

The assassin frowned. "What shall we do?"

The messenger from Bunny's Lair stood still, waiting for her response. Seraphine exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening around the letter before she let it slip from her grasp, fluttering onto the table.

"Tell your master," she said, her voice smooth yet firm, "I understand. We will not tread into this matter again."

The messenger gave a curt nod, bowing slightly before turning to leave. The assassin at her side observed silently, only speaking once the door closed behind him.

"Are you backing down?"

Seraphine chuckled, leaning back in her chair, her emerald eyes glinting with amusement. "Backing down? No. Simply avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. Do you think I fear Ravenclaw?"

The assassin hesitated. "Then why—"

"I've ruled the Viper's Nest long enough to know when to strike and when to slither back into the shadows," Seraphine interrupted, picking up a goblet of wine and swirling it. "Ravenclaw didn't just send a threat. He sent a promise. A promise that Bunny's Lair and Blackwater will burn us from the inside out if we make the wrong move."

She took a slow sip, her lips curling into a sly smile. "And I don't intend to let that happen."

The assassin still seemed unconvinced, his fingers twitching at his side. "Then what now?"

Seraphine tapped a delicate nail against the rim of her goblet. "We wait," she murmured. "For now, we stay out of this mess. But that doesn't mean we won't watch."

Her mind was already spinning with possibilities. Sonya was ambitious, reckless, and persistent—if she truly wanted to disrupt Ravenclaw's trade routes, she wouldn't stop just because Viper's Nest had stepped back.

Which meant... Seraphine had an opportunity.

She smirked, leaning forward. "Call our spies. I want to know everything about what Sonya does next."

The assassin nodded, vanishing into the shadows to relay her orders.

Alone now, Seraphine picked up the letter once more, rereading the lines Ravenclaw had sent her. She traced the ink with a single finger, her smirk widening.

"Fangs that slither in shadowed night,

Tread with care, lest claws take flight."

"Let's see if you're as untouchable as you think, Duke Ravenclaw," she murmured to herself.

As a burst of laughter echoed through the halls, a new chess game was on its way. The two kings, Ravenclaw and Sonya, were on opposite sides of the board. 

What would happen now would Sonya succeeded or would Austin outplay her and lead the game to a checkmate?