Miraj's eyes shined with excitement at the scenes. "Maxy, does this mean…Chonky Bank of Commerce?"
Sylvester gave a confirming nod. "Indeed, my friend. It's time to stockpile the bank with exquisite diamonds. But let's not be greedy and leave some for the Viscount. Winning the support of the nobility is crucial for our Young Pope's success. Come, I will break them, and you can devour them."
"Aye, Aye!" Miraj chirped with delight.
And so, the duo got rich… again. Sadly, the same could not be said for a certain king in the northern lands.
…
Riveria,
The past few months had not been kind to the King of Rivers. Riveria had suffered deeply, its coffers already showing the effects of the Slave rebellion clearly. However, the Fort Sunflower was situated beyond the treacherous Snake River, giving the entire region natural defense. Meanwhile, the Wall of Void loomed ominously to the west and the Highland Kingdom to the south.
Laying siege to Fort Sunflower was a fool's errand, a gamble that King Conrad dared not take. The only options left were either to wage a bloody war or accept the Slave's terms. Pressure was mounting by the day as news of the Slave Rebellion spread across the land, inspiring more minor uprisings in other regions of Riveria, particularly in the south, where the Trade Corridor was located, housing the largest population of slaves.
Although the Southern rebellion was swiftly quelled by the soldiers, it proved to be a double-edged sword. The killing of the rebel slaves had only served to infuriate the remaining slaves, who began a silent rebellion by reducing their productivity, no matter how many lashes they received.
As a result, the kingdom's treasury slowly dwindled, while expenses continued to soar. The once-grand halls of the King's castle were now plagued with worry and panic. If the Slave Rebellion continued, the kingdom was looking at its downfall.
"Your majesty, the messenger has returned… alive!" The Prima announced, emphasizing the last part.
King Conrad refused to allow anyone to read the messages aloud, distrustful of the nobles' ability to think practically.
"Everyone except the Prima, leave!" the King ordered, taking the letter to read with his trusted assistant.
"This is madness! These preposterous conditions are unacceptable!" Conrad soon fumed. "I had been willing to grant him freedom and lordship over Fort Sunflower, but now he desires the end of slavery throughout the kingdom. Without slaves, our economy will crumble!"
Prima remained level-headed, "Your Majesty, they possess the strategic advantage to demand such requests. It's imperative to remember they have nothing to lose and everything to gain, whereas we have much at stake. If the insurrection persists, I fear the nobility may rise up against you, particularly if their treasuries continue to dwindle."
"They will also rebel if I abolish slavery!" The King argued. "I have no love for slavery, but I think from the eyes of a King. Slavery is crucial to maintaining our kingdom's operations. If we liberate them, we must compensate them, which will decrease our revenues. The nobles will clamor for my downfall."
The situation appeared to be inescapable, with death looming no matter which way King Conrad considered moving. One side was the cliff, and the other side was the viper's pit. There was no way to please both sides, as one wished to be freed from the other, and the other wanted to maintain the status quo.
Prima Jeremiah sought clarification. "What did Lord Bard suggest, Your Majesty?"
King Conrad let out a deep sigh before taking his seat once more. "He proposed that I verbally confront Kaecilius face to face on neutral ground at King Highland's castle. Lord Bard will preside over the meeting and assist me in achieving the best possible outcome."
Prima Jeremiah pressed on. "Do you intend to go, Your Majesty?"
King Conrad's expression darkened with anger. "What other options do I have? That wretched Kaecilius... If only I had known... that treacherous swine has robbed me of my peace, my rest, and my sanity. But did you find out which traitor supplied them weapons?"
Prima Jeremiah gazed down at the ground with a deep sense of disappointment etched upon her face. "Unfortunately, your majesty, it is not yet possible to spy on the Fort Sunflower. The current conditions are such that it is nigh impossible."
The King could only clench his fist.
…
Back in Mineworth Viscounty.
"Oh, this is quite a succulent steak, my lord," Sylvester exclaimed, seated comfortably outside the massive crater he had created. Beneath the shelter of an umbrella, he savored the tender meat alongside generous helpings of mashed potatoes, french fries, and lemonade.
The scorching summer day was made even sweeter by the discovery of a treasure. His destructive move had pierced the earth's crust to a depth of nearly a mile, triggering a massive earthquake that toppled mud-brick homes and mine walls alike. But by some miracle, no one was harmed.
Initially, Viscount was somewhat annoyed, but upon hearing of the diamond mine that Sylvester had discovered, his mood underwent an abrupt transformation. Suddenly, he was the most contented man alive.
"Thank you, your grace. Fine food and drinks are the least I can do for the blessing you just bestowed upon my family."
Sylvester paused in his meal, eyeing the man before him. "I did not come by this discovery for naught, my lord. As we agreed upon, I am entitled to thirty percent of the profits generated by this diamond mine."
Without hesitation, the Viscount assented. "Certainly, your grace. I am well aware that you utilize the profits to aid those in need, so I am more than willing to share in the profits. After all, you were the one who unearthed the precious gems."
Sylvester nodded in satisfaction and continued to eat his steak. Though, there was a certain drooling cat on his shoulder, sitting and looking at meat disappear from the plate.
"Maxy," Miraj whispered in his ears. "You're so scheming. But I don't want more diamonds. I want that juicy, succulent piece of meat… Gimme a bite, please."
Sylvester had to secretly feed Miraj after that, while he continued to talk with the Viscount, this time with much seriousness in his voice.
"Since my training is coming to an end soon, and my work with your two sons will be over in a few days, I thought of warning you for the first and final time." He started, looking into the nobleman's eyes. "Do not! I repeat, do not ever let your men dig tunnels towards the south, particularly towards the Burning Mountain."
"W-Why, your grace?" Viscount asked, somewhat frightened by Sylvester's serious demeanor.
"While coming here, we investigated the Wild Forge and discovered that an evil entity has been sealed within the Forge. The entity's power is so immense that not even a Grand Wizard or a group of them can defeat it. So if you do not wish to see your Viscounty destroyed, I advise caution," Sylvester warned.
As the Viscount contemplated the ominous implications, a feeling of dread crept over him. He couldn't help but glance towards the glowing, distant light in the south. "So close? What if there already exists the pathways in the mines that lead to the Wild Forge?"
"Then you and your people would already be dead," Sylvester replied, his words blunt and final.
"Understood, your grace. I will strictly order my men to convey the message. Is there any other advice you can give?" The man asked.
Sylvester stroked his chin, contemplating his next move. "I suggest you gradually transition your slaves into free workers in batches," he began, revealing one of his primary objectives. "With the Slave Rebellion in Riveria gaining traction, I anticipate other uprisings across Sol. If the nobles aren't careful, they'll face the ire of the rebels."
Viscount Gordan gulped, understanding what Sylvester meant by ire. He knew all too well that slaves harbored deep-seated animosity towards their masters and would not hesitate to seek retribution.
"In addition, I recommend forging long-term business partnerships with the Duchess of Iceling, Count Raftel, and Baron Strongarm," Sylvester played another hidden move, one that would make the Viscount dependent on his loyal nobles' businesses. "They are my trusted allies and have assisted me in bringing my inventions to the masses."
'I can also make the iron mines a thousand times more efficient. But now is not the time for such a great blessing or invention.' Sylvester needed folks to depend on him, so he never wished to help anyone get too rich.
"Lord Bard! I brought your letters."
Just then, a special Running Man arrived with a few letters in his hands. He handed them over and left without speaking.
Sylvester's face grew to a big smile once he saw who the letters were from. 'Mum, Felix, and Gab sent letters. Even other bright mothers have sent a joint letter to cheer — Today is truly a great day, it appears.'
Sylvester eagerly tore open the first letter, which was from Xavia. He read it under his breath while letting Miraj read it too.
'...Max, are you eating well? Are you sleeping well? I heard the news of how you subjugated The Patch and united the kingdom again. I also learned that you are the inventor of the Plague's cure. I can't describe how proud, my dear. Please come home quickly. I miss you…Love…Mom.'
Sylvester bobbed his head, also wanting to go and see her quickly. He felt slightly homesick after the long mission.
He then opened Gabriel's letter.
'...I have become an official preacher and risen to Master Wizard rank finally. Archbishop Noah helps me a lot, and I appreciate it. But don't worry, I won't forget you since almost everyone talks about you all day… I'm happy you discovered the cure. It saved my sister and many others… Take care…Gab.'
Sylvester felt true joy knowing Gabriel had also risen. It had been long overdue, as Gabriel's progress was the slowest among the three of them.
Then next, he proceeded to open Felix's letter. It was written on finely crafted old paper in an envelope that looked too lavish with its golden color.
Sylvester read it. '....I hope the women down south are pretty. Bring me souvenirs too, please. I've never been there. Oh, also, my father invited you to the North. I think he wants to use your reputation to gain personal fame. So please reject him… Anyway, take care and eat healthily…Your best friend in the whole world…Felix.'
"Waaah!" Miraj gasped. "I thought I was the best friend."
Sylvester chuckled and put the letter away. "You're more than a friend, Chonky. You're family."
After that, he read a few more letters and finally opened the last letter, which was surprisingly from Healer Hendrix.
'How are you, young bard? My little daughter, Daline, cries to see you again. But remember, if you ever come near my house, or my wife and daughter — I will strangle you with your own intestines…With Love…Hendrix.'
"..."
Sylvester put the letter away and sighed while gazing at the sky. "You know what, South isn't so bad after all."
________________________
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Also, a special thanks to Dagorith for the Magic Castle.
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