Unexpected Deal

Sonya came to Lucian and asked, "So how is it going on with "

He replied, "It's a dud... "

Sonya's expression hardened as she leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers rhythmically against the polished wooden surface of her desk. She had thought she was finally gaining the upper hand, that she had set everything in motion to outmaneuver Austin Ravenclaw and his monopoly over the beauty market. Yet here she was, faced with an inconvenient truth—his products were simply superior.

She exhaled sharply and turned her gaze toward Lucian, her most trusted merchant ally, who sat across from her, looking both hesitant and exhausted.

"What do you mean it's a dud?" she asked, voice deceptively calm, though the frustration was barely concealed beneath the surface.

Lucian sighed and ran a hand through his graying hair. "Princess, we have the formula, yes. But the formula itself is not the true secret behind Ravenclaw's success. It's the ingredients. The ones we're using are nowhere near the quality of what he has access to."

Sonya frowned. "But we sourced the finest materials available in the Empire."

Lucian shook his head. "And yet they pale in comparison to what Ravenclaw's alchemists use. Our perfumers and alchemists have tried everything—modifying the ratios, experimenting with different extraction methods, even attempting to enhance our raw materials with magic—but the results are mediocre at best. The texture, the scent, the effect on the skin—it's all inferior. If we try to sell this, we won't just fail to compete with Ravenclaw. We'll be mocked."

Sonya's jaw clenched. "How can this be? Are his alchemists truly that much more skilled than ours?"

Lucian hesitated before responding. "It's not just the skill of his alchemists. It's where he's sourcing his materials from."

Sonya narrowed her eyes. "And where exactly is that?"

Lucian glanced around as if checking for unseen spies before leaning in and lowering his voice. "The Elven Forests."

The words sent a chill down Sonya's spine. The Elven Forests—a sacred land teeming with rare flora no ordinary human could access. Humans were forbidden to harvest from those lands, as the elves were fiercely protective of their resources. Yet somehow, Austin Ravenclaw had gained their favor—or worse, he had forced his way into their domain.

Sonya's mind raced. "Are you telling me Ravenclaw has a supply chain connected directly to the elves?"

Lucian nodded grimly. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

Sonya exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the revelation. If Austin Ravenclaw had a deal with the elves, then no matter how much money she poured into research, no matter how many skilled alchemists she recruited, she would never match the quality of his products.

He wasn't just winning—he was untouchable.

For a moment, frustration boiled in her chest, but she quickly smothered it. There was no problem that could not be solved with the right approach.

She leaned forward, her golden eyes glinting with determination. "Then we change the game, Lucian. If we cannot match his quality, we must strike where he is weakest. His supply chain is his greatest strength—but it can also be his greatest vulnerability."

Lucian stiffened. "You're thinking of interfering with his trade routes."

Sonya smirked. "Not just interfering. I'm going to sever them."

Lucian's breath caught. "Princess, do you have any idea what that means? If Ravenclaw has an agreement with the elves and you sabotage it—"

"Then the elves will turn against him," she finished, voice cold. "And once that happens, his entire business empire will crumble."

Lucian swallowed hard. "But if you fail—"

Sonya's smirk deepened. "I won't."

Her mind was already working at full speed. She would need to find out exactly who was responsible for these trade agreements. Was it Austin himself, or had he sent a representative? How did he gain access to the Elven Forests in the first place? And, most importantly—was there a way to manipulate the elves into breaking their ties with him?

She stood abruptly. "Send a message to House Angar. Tell them I wish to discuss a mutually beneficial alliance."

Lucian's eyes widened. "House Angar? Princess, they are far more dangerous than Ravenclaw. You think he is ruthless? They will devour you the moment you lower your guard."

Sonya's expression did not waver. "That's precisely why I need them. They have a history of hostility with Ravenclaw, and unlike me, they are not bound by political constraints. If they move against his supply lines, it will be an act of war between nobles—not a treasonous act against the Empire."

Lucian hesitated before nodding. "Very well, but be careful, Princess."

She merely smiled. "I am always careful."

But as she turned toward the window, looking out over the city, a small, uneasy thought crept into the back of her mind.

Austin Ravenclaw was no fool. He had built his empire from the ground up. If he had ties with the elves, he must have something more than just a business deal with them. Something stronger.

She was about to step into dangerous territory. And if she wasn't careful… she wouldn't just fail. She would be crushed.

The heir of House Angar, Kael Angar, leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the polished wooden surface of his desk as he read the letter once more. His eyes narrowed slightly, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"So you were right after all," he murmured.

Across from him, Austin Ravenclaw sat with effortless composure, swirling his teacup lazily before taking a sip. His golden eyes glinted with amusement as he set the cup down.

"I know I'm always correct," Austin replied smoothly, the smug confidence in his tone as sharp as a knife.

Kael exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. "You predicted this days ago."

"Of course I did. I know how she thinks. She's ambitious, reckless, and above all, impatient. She thought taking my formula would be enough, but when she realized she couldn't replicate my success, she did what every desperate person does—she sought allies to do her dirty work."

Kael let out a small chuckle. "And you came to me before she even had the thought to."

Austin smirked but said nothing.

Kael had been in his study when one of his servants announced that Austin Ravenclaw had arrived.

"Ravenclaw?" Kael had raised an eyebrow. "You and I have a long history of hostility. What could you possibly want?"

Austin had stepped into the study with the same air of confidence he always carried. He didn't act like a guest—he acted like he belonged, as if he had already won whatever game was being played.

"You're a sharp man, Kael," Austin had begun. "Which is why I'll be direct with you. In the coming days, a certain someone will come to you with an offer—one that involves moving against me."

Kael had folded his arms. "And who might this person be?"

Austin had simply smiled. "You'll know soon enough."

Kael had narrowed his eyes. "And why should I refuse? If it's a good deal, I have no reason to turn it down."

Austin had taken a seat across from him, crossing his legs casually. "Because whatever she's offering you, I can give you something better."

Kael Angar exhaled slowly, fingers tightening around the parchment Sonya had sent. His deep red eyes flickered with contemplation as he reread her words. The Imperial Princess was offering him a lucrative deal—support her in crippling Austin Ravenclaw's growing influence, and return, she would ensure House Angar gained a seat of prominence in the Empire's political sphere.

A tempting offer.

Yet across from him, Austin Ravenclaw sat calmly, his fingers lazily trailing over the rim of his teacup. He had already predicted this would happen. He had come here before Sonya even made her move. It was a power play—a preemptive strike.

Kael placed the letter down and looked at Austin.

"So what exactly do you expect me to do? The Imperial Princess is offering me something substantial."

Austin raised an eyebrow, the golden hue of his eyes flickering with amusement. "Substantial? Perhaps. But real power, Kael? That is another matter entirely."

Kael leaned back, crossing his arms. "She is offering me a position within the imperial structure, something my house has sought for decades. House Angar has been a loyal military force to the Empire, yet we've always been kept at arm's length from true governance. If she is willing to change that, why should I refuse?"

Austin swirled his tea before setting the cup down. "And yet, ask yourself this—why now?"

Kael frowned slightly.

Austin's lips curved into a smirk. "The nobility has always feared House Angar. A military house, rich in both strength and resources, but never invited into the political fold. They see you as an unpredictable blade—useful when pointed at an enemy but dangerous when held too close." He paused, letting his words sink in. "And suddenly, the Imperial Princess wants to hand you a seat at the table? Out of goodwill?"

Kael's grip on the armrest of his chair tightened. "You think it's a trap?"

Austin chuckled softly. "I think it's a move. A calculated move. She needs allies, and she sees you as a tool. But the moment you are no longer useful to her agenda, she will discard you."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "And you wouldn't do the same?"

Austin smirked but didn't answer immediately. Instead, he picked up his tea again, taking a deliberate sip before placing the cup down with a soft clink.

"Let's be honest with each other, Kael. The imperial court is a den of wolves. Alliances shift with the wind, and those who cannot adapt are devoured. But unlike Sonya, I do not need to manipulate you into temporary servitude. I am not offering you a favor—I am offering you an investment. A long-term stake in the future of this Empire."

Kael studied him. "Go on."

Austin leaned forward slightly, his tone turning more serious. "The position she is offering you—it will be given under her patronage. You will owe her. Every decision you make, every policy you propose, will be weighed against her interests. And if, at any point, your ambitions misalign with hers, she will have the power to revoke her support, isolate you politically, and render your position meaningless."

Kael gritted his teeth. He hated how right Austin was.

Austin continued, "Now, contrast that with my offer. I am offering you a seat on the Imperial Council, but under your merit. Not as my subordinate. Not as my pawn. I will leverage my influence to ensure you gain that seat—permanently. No strings attached, no patronage to weigh you down."

Kael Angar leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin as he considered the implications. His old friend hadn't changed much—not since their academy days. Austin Ravenclaw still had the same calculating mind, the same charisma, and the same infuriating confidence.

He let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "You were always like this, even back at the academy. Always three steps ahead of everyone else. Always playing a game only you seemed to fully understand."

Austin grinned, standing up from his seat with his usual nonchalance. "Then take this as an old friend's advice, Kael."

Kael sighed, pushing the parchment Sonya had sent to the side. "And what exactly do you gain from this, Ravenclaw? You always have an angle."

Austin smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Oh, nothing much. Just ensuring my trade routes remain undisturbed." His golden eyes glowed with amusement. "She isn't just offering you a seat, Kael. She is forging your military into a weapon aimed at me. It doesn't take a strategist to see what happens next. First, she disrupts my operations. Then, she turns the nobility against me. And before long, I find myself outmaneuvered."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "And you're countering that by giving me what she's offering, but permanently?"

Austin nodded. "Exactly. One offer is a tool for her ambitions. The other is an independent seat of power." He shrugged. "I trust you can tell which one is worth something."

Kael exhaled sharply before extending his hand. "Fine. I'll play your little game of chess, Ravenclaw."

Austin clasped his hand with a firm grip, his smirk widening. "A pleasure, Senator Angar."

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then, both men burst into laughter. The pieces were now set. The game had truly begun.

Kael Angar threw the letter into the fireplace, watched as the flames consumed the letter, the edges curling and blackening before disintegrating into embers. He stood there, his hands clasped behind his back, deep in thought.

The Imperial Princess had moved boldly, but she had underestimated the depth of old alliances. For all her intelligence, for all her ambition, she was still new to this world of politics, where a single wrong step could undo years of planning.

Turning to his maid, he spoke in a calm but firm voice. "Send a message to the Imperial Princess. Tell her that Duke Angar is an ally of the Ravenclaws and, regrettably, cannot move against an old friend. Make it clear that my hands are tied by political obligations and that my loyalty remains with my long-standing allies."

The maid bowed. "At once, my lord." She swiftly left the room, dispatching the messenger.

Sonya got the letter, and she stepped further into Lucian's domain, her sharp eyes scanning the organized chaos around her. Shelves lined with glass vials, stacks of parchment filled with arcane formulas, and sealed containers containing rare ingredients cluttered the workspace.

Lucian, the head of her merchant operations and a master alchemist, stood by a table, carefully measuring a fine golden powder into a glass container. He didn't look up as he spoke.

"You're pacing, Princess."

Sonya halted mid-step, realizing she had been lost in thought, her mind still reeling from Kael Angar's rejection.

"It was a miscalculation, he has sent this," she admitted, her voice firm but carrying the weight of frustration.

Lucian let out a low chuckle. "That's rare for you to say."

The letter

To Her Highness, Imperial Princess Sonya,

It is with great regret that I must decline your most generous offer.

While our families have indeed shared a history of hostility, I find that history is not always the best guide for the future. My allegiance does not lie in mere grudges, but in something far more valuable—trust. And trust, Princess, is not so easily bought with political deals and whispered promises.

You seek an ally in your struggle against House Ravenclaw, but I must inform you that my alliance has already been pledged elsewhere. The Duke of Ravenclaw is not merely a rival or an adversary to be undermined—he is an old friend, one with whom I share more than just political interests.

A wise ruler knows when to fight and when to retreat, and I would advise you to reconsider your course. Some battles cannot be won by strategy alone, and your current path will lead you to an opponent far more prepared than you anticipate.

With all due respect,Kael Angar

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Did you expect anything else?"

Sonya's gaze darkened. "I thought I could at least buy his neutrality. I underestimated how deeply Ravenclaw had his hooks in him."

Lucian smirked. "Ravenclaw doesn't just gain allies—he binds them to him. Unlike you, who builds influence through strategy, he builds it through personal loyalty."

Sonya's nails tapped against the table as she thought, her mind already working through the implications.

This wasn't just a setback—it was a miscalculation. She had assumed that Kael's hatred for Ravenclaw's family would be enough to turn him into an ally. But she had forgotten one crucial rule of power: personal bonds outweigh political grudges.

And Austin Ravenclaw?

He understood that rule better than anyone.

Her lips curled into a cold smile. "Fine. If I can't make him my ally... then I'll make him regret choosing Ravenclaw."

Lucian chuckled, pouring himself a glass of deep red wine. "Oh, this is going to be fun to watch."

Sonya's mind raced as she paced the dimly lit alchemical chamber. The failure of her plan to recruit Kael Angar had only confirmed what she had feared—Ravenclaw was ahead of her in every way. His influence ran deeper than just politics; it extended into trust, loyalty, and most of all, resources.

She had the formula for his beauty products. She had the alchemists. But the ingredients—that was where she was failing.

Her gaze snapped to Lucian, who watched her with his usual half-amused, half-calculating expression. "Where can I get the same ingredients as Ravenclaw?" she demanded.

Lucian leaned back against his wooden worktable, crossing his arms. "You already know the answer to that."

Sonya exhaled sharply. "The Elven Forests. But we're forbidden from entering."

Lucian gave her a lazy shrug. "Then there's your problem."

She shot him a glare. "Then tell me, oh wise alchemist, where else in this empire can I find ingredients of the same quality?"

Lucian tilted his head, considering. "The Elves don't grow these plants out of thin air, Princess. They thrive in very specific conditions—high mana density, untouched nature, and powerful ley lines running through the land. There are very few places left in the empire that still have such purity."

Sonya's hands clenched into fists. "Where?"

Lucian smirked. "The Abyssal Veil."

The room fell into silence.

For a moment, Sonya didn't respond, the weight of those words settling over her like a dark omen.

The Abyssal Veil.

A land long abandoned. A place where magic was too wild, too unstable. The empire had sealed it off centuries ago, declaring it forbidden due to the strange, almost unnatural growth of its flora and the creatures that had begun to inhabit it.

Few who entered ever returned.

Sonya narrowed her eyes. "You want me to gather ingredients from a cursed land?"

Lucian chuckled. "Not cursed, just… misunderstood." He picked up a small glass vial containing a dark, shimmering liquid. "The Abyssal Veil doesn't just have ingredients comparable to the Elven Forests… some say they're even stronger. The only problem is…"

Sonya crossed her arms. "The empire forbids anyone from going near it."

Lucian nodded. "Yes, officially. But we both know that 'forbidden' is just another word for 'exclusive.'" He tapped the vial lightly. "There are people who already harvest from the Veil. Smugglers, outcasts, certain… underground merchants."

Sonya's mind worked rapidly. If she couldn't get to the Elven Forests, she'd get something even better.

She looked at Lucian. "Do you have contacts?"

Lucian chuckled. "Princess, I am the contact."

Sonya smirked. "Then set up a meeting. I want a sample of whatever's growing in the Abyssal Veil."

Lucian lifted his glass in a mock toast. "You're playing a dangerous game, Sonya."

She took the vial from his hand, watching the liquid swirl like ink in water.

"Good."

The meeting was set for midnight, in a rundown tavern on the outskirts of the city. The kind of place where men spoke in hushed tones, where debts were settled with steel, and where a single glance could mean the difference between a business deal and a dagger to the throat.

Sonya sat in a secluded corner, a hood covering her features. Lucian sat beside her, sipping lazily from a tankard, as though they were just two ordinary travelers taking a late-night drink. But their eyes were fixed on the man who entered the room.

Rian.

He was a man of medium height, lean but wiry, with a face weathered by years of hardship and cunning. His dark hair was streaked with silver, not from age, but from the stress of a life lived in the shadows. He moved like a predator, his steps careful, measured. A man who trusted no one.

He slid into the seat across from them, tossing his feet up on the table. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Lucian. You don't call me unless you want something dangerous, expensive, or outright illegal." His sharp eyes flicked to Sonya, scanning her up and down. "And who's this? Another one of your rich noble clients trying to play outlaw?"

Lucian chuckled. "Something like that. But this one's different, Rian. She's not playing."

Rian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Alright, color me interested. Why did you call me?"

Sonya pulled back her hood slightly, just enough for him to see the sharp glint in her eyes. "I need something that grows in the Abyssal Veil."

The smuggler's easy demeanor vanished. He lowered his feet from the table, his expression hardening. "You're joking."

Sonya didn't blink. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Rian let out a slow breath, shaking his head. "You nobles really don't understand, do you? The Abyssal Veil isn't just some forbidden forest. It's a place that swallows people whole. The plants there don't just sit pretty waiting to be picked. Some of them will kill you before you even lay a hand on them. Others will drive you mad if you breathe in their spores. And the ones that don't? Well, let's just say the creatures that guard them will."

Sonya remained unmoved. "Yet, you're still alive."

Rian smirked, but there was no humor in it. "Because I'm not an idiot. I take what's safe to take, trade it for a price, and stay the hell out before the real monsters notice me."

She leaned forward. "Then I want you to get me what I need."

Rian exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "And what exactly do you think you need from the Abyssal Veil, Princess?"

Lucian reached into his coat and pulled out a list, sliding it across the table. Rian picked it up and scanned the items, his eyes narrowing.

"You're out of your damn mind," he muttered. "This stuff isn't just rare, it's near impossible to get without attracting attention. These plants? They grow in the deeper regions of the Veil. That's past the point of no return, sweetheart. Even smugglers know better than to go that far in."

Sonya tapped the table with her fingers, her voice calm but firm. "I'm willing to pay."

Rian scoffed. "Gold is worthless if you're dead."

Lucian smirked. "Which is why she's offering more than gold."

Sonya reached into her cloak and pulled out a small, ornate box. She slid it across the table. Rian hesitated, then opened it.

Inside was a mana crystal, deep blue and pulsating with power. Not an ordinary one—a high-grade imperial-class mana crystal.

Rian let out a low whistle. "You are serious."

Sonya met his gaze. "Get me what I need, and it's yours."

Rian drummed his fingers against the table, thinking. He was a man who dealt in danger, but even he had limits. Yet, a crystal like this? It could buy him more than just riches—it could buy him security, power, a way out of this life.

Finally, he sighed. "Fine. But if I don't come back, tell your gods I died rich."

Sonya smirked. "Oh, you'll come back, Rian. Because if you don't…" She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I'll come looking for you."

Rian chuckled, shaking his head. "You nobles are terrifying."

He stood, tucking the list into his coat. "I'll be back in two weeks. If I'm not, assume I'm dead."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Sonya and Lucian sitting in the dim candlelight.

Lucian took a sip of his drink, glancing at her. "You know, you just sent that man to hell."

Sonya didn't smile. "Then let's hope he survives it."

The Smuggler's Return

A week had passed since Rian disappeared into the Abyssal Veil, and Sonya had nearly convinced herself he wasn't coming back. The Abyssal Veil was no ordinary forest—it was a cursed land, a place where even the bravest hunters and most seasoned mercenaries feared to tread. Its flora was deadly, its creatures unnatural, and the very air was thick with whispers that could drive a man mad.

Lucian had warned her. "If he doesn't return, don't bother sending another smuggler. The Veil isn't kind to second attempts."

But Sonya wasn't one to wait idly.

She spent the past week preparing for the worst—revising alternative sources, assessing black-market alchemists who might have something comparable, and tightening her connections to ensure that if Rian was truly dead, she wouldn't be left empty-handed.

Then, one evening, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, he returned.

The tavern door creaked open, and every head in the room turned as a figure stumbled inside. Rian.

But he was not the same man who had left.

His clothes were torn, covered in dirt and dark stains—some blood, some… something else. His left hand was tightly wrapped in bandages, and a deep cut ran along his cheek. His eyes, once sharp and calculating, were now haunted. As if they had seen things no man should ever see.

He staggered to their usual table and collapsed into the seat, exhaling a long, shaky breath.

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "I was beginning to think you died."

Rian let out a dry, bitter laugh. "So did I."

Sonya leaned forward, her expression unreadable. "You have it?"

Without a word, Rian reached into his satchel and pulled out a bundle wrapped in black cloth. He placed it on the table and pushed it toward her. "That's everything on your list. Took me seven days, two fingers, and nearly my damn mind, but I got it."

Sonya unwrapped the bundle carefully. Inside were several vials filled with thick, dark liquid, dried petals of an iridescent violet plant, a small jar of what looked like crushed silver dust, and a single, glowing white root pulsating with faint energy.

Lucian let out a low whistle. "I'll be damned. You actually did it."

Rian scoffed. "Damn right, I did. But you two better pray I never have to go back there. Ever. Again."

Sonya picked up the root, studying it. "Tell me."

Rian ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "What do you want to know? How I nearly got eaten alive? Or the fact that I had to cut off my own damn fingers to escape a carnivorous vine?"

Lucian chuckled. "The vine got you? Rookie mistake."

Rian shot him a glare. "Oh, bite me, Lucian. You weren't there."

Sonya pressed. "What did you see?"

Rian exhaled heavily, tapping the table with his fingers. "Things no sane man should see. The deeper I went, the worse it got. At first, it was just the usual—hostile terrain, poisonous plants, and the occasional monster. But as I got further… the forest started… changing."

Lucian frowned. "Changing how?"

Rian swallowed. "It whispered."

A chill settled over the table.

"It knew my name."

Lucian and Sonya exchanged glances.

Rian continued, his voice low. "It wasn't just a forest anymore. It became… aware. Like it was watching me, playing with me. I'd turn in one direction, and the path I just walked would disappear. My footprints would vanish behind me. Shadows moved where there was no light. At one point, I saw something—" he paused, shaking his head. "No. Never mind."

Sonya's eyes narrowed. "What did you see?"

Rian hesitated. His hands, which were usually steady, trembled slightly as he reached for his drink. He downed it in one gulp before muttering, "I saw myself."

Lucian leaned back, crossing his arms. "A mimic?"

Rian shook his head. "No. Not just some illusion or trick of the mind. It was me. Standing there, looking at me, with my face, my clothes—but its eyes…" He shuddered. "They weren't mine. They were empty, hollow, like the thing wearing my skin wasn't human."

Sonya remained silent, listening.

Rian exhaled. "I knew then that if I stayed any longer, I wouldn't be coming back. So I ran. The forest tried to stop me. The ground shifted under my feet, vines lashed out, creatures stalked me from the darkness, but I ran like hell. I didn't stop, didn't look back."

He glanced down at his bandaged hand. "The vines grabbed me. Wouldn't let go. I had to cut my own fingers off to free myself."

Lucian shook his head. "You're lucky you got out at all."

Rian let out a hollow laugh. "Luck? No. The Veil let me go. I felt it. Like it was… amused." He exhaled sharply, rubbing his face. "I don't care what you're making, or why you needed these ingredients. But whatever you do—don't ask me to go back there again."

Sonya nodded. "You've done more than enough."

She reached into her cloak, pulling out the mana crystal. She slid it across the table.

Rian stared at it for a long moment before taking it. He clenched it in his fist like a lifeline. "This should be worth it."

Lucian smirked. "Oh, it is."

Rian pocketed the crystal and stood. "Then this is where we part ways. I'm going underground for a while. I need to forget what I saw in that place."

Sonya watched him go, her expression unreadable.

Once he was gone, Lucian leaned in. "You heard him. That forest isn't normal."

Sonya clenched her fist. "I don't care if it's a cursed wasteland. If Ravenclaw can get these ingredients, then so can I. We'll begin production immediately."

Lucian smirked. "That's the spirit, Princess. But let's hope you didn't just trade a man's sanity for some perfume."

Sonya didn't answer. Because deep down, she knew.

This was just the beginning.