NOVPUBArriving back at the capital—
The carriage rolled to a halt in front of a large wooden building.
It stood tall among the clutter—barrels stacked unevenly, hay strewn across the cobbled ground, old shields and weapon racks leaning against the walls.
Luka stepped down from the carriage first. "Alright…"
He turned and extended a hand to help his personal maid, who blinked the sleep from her eyes as she descended.
"It seems we've arrived," Serene murmured, wiping at the corners of her eyes.
The nap had left her voice soft.
"Yep," Luka nodded, stretching a bit. "Talk with the coachman for a minute—I'll be right back."
With that, he turned toward the building, weaving past a few tied-up horses swatting flies with their tails.
He reached the heavy wooden doors and pushed through.
Immediately, Luka was greeted by a tall, broad-shouldered man clad head to toe in gleaming steel armor, helm and all.
Without a word, the armored figure stepped aside and gave a courteous nod, gesturing him inward.
"Enjoy your business, sir," the man intoned in a deep, respectful voice.
"Thank you," Luka replied with a polite smile, and moved ahead.
Inside was bustling.
People weaved through tight spaces, bargaining and bartering.
Shelves brimmed with merchandise of every kind—potions in glimmering glass vials, enchanted weapons, exotic gear from far-off lands, even beast pelts nailed high along the support beams.
Luka maneuvered through the crowd until he reached a sturdy wooden counter.
Behind it hung weapons of all shapes and sizes—blades, spears, crossbows—arranged like trophies on display.
The dealer behind the counter had just finished selling a set of potions, passing them to a grateful adventurer with a practiced smile.
"Please come again!"
As the dealer turned—wiping his hands with a cloth—he noticed someone new, as he then offered a courteous nod.
"Ah, what can I do for you, sir?"
Luka returned the gesture, his lips curling into a small smile.
"Hello. I'm not here to buy… but I have something your boss would definitely be interested in."
The dealer paused, his professional smile flickering—just for a moment.
Still, he held it firm as he leaned slightly over the counter, hands braced.
"Sir, I'm afraid it would be… quite difficult to personally summon the boss. He's a very busy man."
Luka leaned in as well, his tone low and deliberate. "Well then," he whispered, just above a breath, "what if I told you… I have something made of Everore?"
The name alone was enough.
The dealer's eyes widened.
For a split second, the color seemed to drain from his face.
He immediately glanced around, ensuring no one was within earshot.
Shoppers bustled by, oblivious.
"…I'll be right back," the trader said quickly, barely containing his urgency as he slipped through a curtain and disappeared into a backroom.
"Perfect." Luka exhaled through his nose, the corner of his lips turning into a smirk.
He rested one elbow on the counter and began tapping with a single finger in a slow, rhythmic beat.
"And now we wait…"
▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
"Jilun Kaisen. No—excuse me! Mr. Kaisen, I promise you, I'll have the coins next time we meet!"
A middle-aged man was on his knees, hands trembling as they dug into the coarse rug beneath him.
Tears streamed down his face as he looked up in desperation.
"I know you're a patient man, so please—just this once! You must understand—I have a wife and child to look after!"
Across from him sat another man of similar age, yet entirely different in bearing.
His eyes were a vivid orange, glowing faintly like smoldering coals, and his purple hair shimmered beneath the light of the room's chandelier.
A fur coat draped over his shoulders, and his fingers sparkled with rings of gold and gem.
Resting beside him, a solid gold cane leaned against the plush seat where he sat, one leg crossed over the other as he cradled his face in the back of his palm with a look of idle boredom.
"It must be quite the shame that I can't live up to such flattering words," Jilun said, sighing softly.
"However… I'm not a very patient man. Especially when it comes to my wealth. I've already given you time—enough time. And yet, you've proven yourself… unreliable."
His gaze sharpened. "So now, you and your family will repay the debt with your bodies."
"My family…?! No! Anything but them! Please—I beg you!" The man's voice cracked, his body lurching forward in raw panic.
But Jilun simply waved his hand.
Two tall men in black veils stepped from the shadows behind him.
Without a word, they advanced and grabbed the desperate debtor, who began to thrash wildly.
"PLEASE! I'LL DO ANYTHING—!"
His screams were cut short.
One of the veiled men touched the side of his neck, a small, pale light glowing from their hand.
The man fell limp, unconscious.
The two men in veils dragged him out of the room, the door shutting with a soft click behind them.
Jilun Kaisen said nothing.
He only adjusted the ring on his finger and looked down at his palm, as if already bored by the ordeal.
"You see, Rosie. You should never show mercy to those who are in your debt. They are either tools who must work to pay back what they owe, or worse, useless leeches who've taken advantage of your kindness. In both cases, they offer nothing but trouble."
A short distance away—
Rosie sat on a couch, her long, curly purple hair cascading over her shoulders as her sharp, orange eyes scanned the pages of her small notebook.
The pencil in her hand moved gracefully as she wrote, capturing every word.
Rosie stopped her writing, her gaze lifting.
"Anything else, Father?" Her voice was soft, yet tinged with the maturity that came from years of observing.
Jilun sighed, rubbing his temples as though the weight of the world pressed upon him.
"That's all for today. I'm beyond exhausted from dealing with those same leeches who dare borrow my wealth only to squander their obligations. It's always the same nonsense, and it's starting to wear on me."
He stood slowly, leaning heavily on his cane. His right leg moved with an unnatural gait, stiff and slow, but he powered through it, his face betraying no weakness.
He made his way to a small side table, pouring himself a cup of coffee, the delicate clink of porcelain breaking the silence.
He took a slow sip, savoring the warmth.
"Ah…" Jilun muttered, his eyes momentarily distant as he savored the rich taste.
"Now, enough about this endless cycle of annoyance. Tell me, how are things at the Academy progressing?"
"…" Rosie tucked her notebook neatly away.
"It's been fine so far, Father. I've made several valuable connections with heirs to multiple noble families. They all seem eager to engage."
Jilun chuckled, a low sound that carried both pride and amusement.
He set his coffee down.
"That's my girl. Good work. Even if you have to use your looks to get ahead—though I prefer you don't make that your only weapon."
Rosie placed her hand on her chest.
"I would never resort to such degenerate means, Father. I refuse to lower myself to such a standard."
