Chapter Four: Of Trade and Alchemists

Chapter Four: Of Trade and Alchemists

Snowdrifts Black Keep lived up to its name.

Overseeing the city from atop its tallest hill like a crow in its nest, the castle had been built as a secondary fortress to Stonegarde; if the latter fell before a beastman invasion from the north, reinforcements could gather in Snowdrift to intercept the enemy before it threatened Archfrosts heartland. Few could stand in front of its thick, massive curtain wall without feeling a little overwhelmed. Winged horsesthe famed Archfrostian pegasicarried knight patrols above the fortifications. Five watchtowers oversaw a courtyard filled with wooden barracks, stables, and glass gardens.

I paid the most attention to the latter. Cages of glass and steel protected a wealth of plants from the weather and frost alike. Such constructions were common in the Riverland Federations pleasure mansions, but it surprised me to see one in a military-minded fortress like this one.

My charm had earned Soraseo and I an audience inside the castles core, a colossal drum tower protected by formidable battlements. We had been asked to wait at the so-called Lady Alaires pleasure in a small room on the third floor. My fellow hero sat on a blackwood chair tucked in a corner of the room, her fingers digging into the armrests. The two guards overseeing us had confiscated our weapons, and Soraseo clearly missed her sword. Its absence bothered her the same way an amputee missed their severed arm.

Rather than counting the time, I preferred to observe. A sturdy oaken table and its chairs occupied the center of the room, alongside a desk filled to the brim with scrolls, quills, and ink. A tapestry representing the emblem of House Brynslowthe same winged horses as those flying in and out of the courtyardwas the only touch of glamor in this dreary chamber. The place alone told me much: this was a room for scribes, not for nobles. Either Lady Alaire believed in humble work, or more likely she didnt consider us worthy of a more public audience.

We have had to wait for hours, Soraseo complained in annoyance. It is disrespectful.

It is, I agreed. Its how nobles here show power over their lessers; by making them wait.

It is a poor idea. Soraseo frowned in disdain. No one has won a battle by being late.

Is it different in Shinkoku? I asked, curious. I heard many tales about the distant country, but half of them sounded a bit too outlandish to be true. Doesnt your nobility enjoy wasting time?

To lose time is to lose life, Soraseo replied. Lateness is weakness.

No wonder they proved so difficult to defeat in the last war. If only this countrys rulers could show the same diligence

Our long agony of a wait came to an end when the wooden doors opened. Soraseo bolted out of her seat while I straightened up.

Two noblewomen walked into the room, alongside a small armed escort. Though both appeared around my age, the two couldnt be any more different from the other. The first was a lean, athletic ball of stress radiating more tension than an overworked slave. Her hair was a black mane barely tamed into a thick braid falling over her left shoulder. Her pale gray eyes were as cold as the winter sky. She was beautiful in a wild sort of way, but her eyebrows were curved up in frustration. She wore chainmail, and a bastard sword hung from her belt. She was no delicate flower.

The other was more ladylike and regal, though smaller, slimmer, and less impressive. Her most striking features were her long silver hair and lilac eyes, telltale signs of the Everbright Empires nobility. Her facial features were soft, with a small chin, a pointed nose, and an air of mature seriousness. A red ribbon tied her hair and meshed well with her red wool mantle and mittens. Whereas her armed companion appeared almost angered to see us, she greeted us with a smile.

The black-haired woman fit the description of Lady Alaire Brynslow, the counts granddaughter and heir apparent. The other woman was probably her lady-in-waiting. Imperial nobles often sent their sons and daughters to be fostered abroad, both to cultivate alliances and protect them from their bloody brand of politics back home.

Sit, Lady Alaire ordered with a tone that brook no dissent.

No thanks, I answered.

I could already tell how this meeting would go from the utter lack of courtesy. No welcome, no greetings, no politeness. Just sit, as if we were wasting her time already. Flatteries and kind words would lead us nowhere, so I dispensed with them.

Then you can walk back to the door, Lady Alaire said with a terse tone. You would do well not to waste my time.

Her sheer nerve caused Soraseo to glare at her. I have spent two hours waiting, she said with impatience. I will not leave without having my letter.

You will leave with nothing if you keep speaking to me with that tone, Alaire replied, unimpressed.

Alaire, where are your manners? her lady-in-waiting chided her with a melodious imperial accent. She immediately offered us a short bow. Our apologies, dear guests, the morning has been rough.

I could tell, I thought. Lady Alaire radiated such fury, and her hand brushed against her swords pommel so often, that I wondered if she had murdered someone on her way here. I better skip straight to business.

Itll take only five minutes Lady Alaire, if you dont waste them, I replied as politely as I could manage. Well be on our way afterward.

Five minutes? Lady Alaire crossed her arms. The look in her eye told me how little she expected from them. Im counting, stranger.

I can cure the count of the disease that affects him, I said with confidence. For a trifling price.

Ive heard that before. Lady Alaires lips strained into a sneer. What will it be this time? A miracle elixir that will cure death for five thousand gold coins? A miracle spell? Come on, make me laugh.

From her tone, she had seen her fair share of charlatans and false hopes. The fact she still gave us the time of a day meant she hadnt entirely given up hope though. Can your grandfather answer yes or no, Lady Alaire? I asked. Or at least write it down?

She squinted at me. Why?

Because if he cant, then I cant grant his wish.

Oh, another false Priest. Lady Alaire snorted. Will you petition the Artifacts to save my grandfather? So far, they havent listened.

What my dear friend means is that we already have a hero tending to Lord Brynslow, her lady-in-waiting said. With little results.

I blinked in surprise, as did Soraseo. Another hero was in Snowdrift? Damn it, had our entire generation gathered in the city?

Therese! Lady Alaire scolded her companion. Dont share that information with strangers!This creation is firmly rooted in the depths of Nøv€lß¡n★

Her companion shrugged and held her ground. We should. It would reduce the number of time-wasters, dont you think?

I assume they must be a vassal class, I guessed. A few could potentially help with a disease, whereas great classes like the Mage or the Priest probably would have cured it by now. I can do better.

Lady Alaire scoffed disdainfully. Your time is up, she said. Back up your word with action or get out of my castle.

I removed my glove and unveiled my mark.

Lady Alaires eyes widened slightly, while her companion covered her mouth with a hand. The guards exchanged looks in silence. I didnt like to reveal my true identity, but if another hero had indeed told Lady Alaire they couldnt help her grandfather, then nothing else would convince her.

Thats the Merchants mark, Lady Therese said.

Prove it, Lady Alaire ordered immediately. Prove us its the real one.

I pointed at her chainmail armor. Sell me your armor for a copper coin.

Deal, she answered without hesitation.

Her chainmail instantly teleported off her chest, revealing a blue tunic underneath, and reappeared on mine. The armor was a bit too tight for me, but Marika could loosen it. Lady Alaire and her fellow noble stared in shock at the copper coin that materialized in the formers hand.

You speak the truth To her credit, Lady Alaire immediately bowed before me in penance, as did her lady-in-waiting. I apologize for my disrespect, Lord Merchant. Your vassal just informed us he couldnt cure my grandfathers disease, and it it ate at me.

I would never bear a grudge against such a beautiful steel flower, I replied with a wide smirk. To my amusement, Lady Alaire returned it. I would appreciate it if you didnt share the news of my presence within the city. I prefer discretion to fame.

Lady Alaire nodded and turned to her guards. If word of the Merchants presence in the city gets out, youre all going to the dungeon.

Yes, my lady, one of her guards answered immediately. From his fearful tone, his mistress was likely to follow through with her threat. Your secret is safe with us, Lord

Robin, though you can spare me the lord, I replied before waving a hand at my fellow hero. This is my companion, Soraseo.

Soraseo removed her helmet, revealing her own mark; perhaps for the sake of honesty or solidarity.

The Monk too? Lady Alaires anger left way to embarrassment, and she swiftly shook our hands. I am Alaire Brynslow, heir and acting regent to my grandfather Count Brynslow. The lady next to me is my dear friend, Therese Delaluz.

I froze. Delaluz?!

Even Soraseo recognized the name. House Delaluz is the imperial family.

My elder sister Isabel is the current Everbright Empress, Therese replied with a blush. Fret not over it, lord heroes; I am far, far down in the line of succession.

Still I crossed my arms, unable to hide my astonishment. I didnt expect to see an imperial princess in Snowdrift.

I have been fostered here since childhood. Therese chuckled lightly. But we can discuss that later, Lord Robin. I believe you came here to heal the count, not for my sake.

How do you intend to do that? Lady Alaire asked. Her eyes betrayed both her hopes and fears. If you had been the Priest I would have rejoiced, but what can the Merchant and the Monk do?

Thatll depend on his current state, I replied warily. My power did require consent. Can you lead us to him?

Lady Alaire immediately nodded and invited us to follow her. Guards escorted our group through the cold, gloomy halls of the Black Keep. I pondered the other heros identity and immediately came to the obvious answer. The Merchant had two vassals. Since Marika was still at our forge, this could only leave one other option.

The Alchemist.

Lady Alaire led us into an opulent solar on the third floor. Count Brynslows apartments were oddly modest in terms of decoration, though large enough to house a hearth, a desk, a blackwood dinner table, and leaded glass windows giving an incredible view of the city outside. Tapestries picturing tumultuous events from Archfrosts historythe War for the Winter Crown, the Death of Koshro the Conqueror, the Fall of Xernobog, and the Siege of Stonegardeadorned the walls alongside the mounted heads of various monsters: a horse-like nightmare, a wyvern, and even the skull of a young stonetusk which beastmen chieftains rode in battle. Soraseo observed the collection with great interest, and a hint of respect.

I paid more attention to the lord of Snowdrift and his attendants. Count Brynslow agonized alone in a king-sized bed, with two apothecaries force-feeding him medicine. The man was gaunt, terribly gaunt; his wrinkled skin hardly hid the bones underneath. His thick mustache and cropped hair had turned white as milk, like his eyes. The white, however, frightened me less than the black spots staining his cheeks, throat, and chest. I recognized these symptoms all too well.

The two apothecaries tended to the count, with each of them on opposing sides of the bed. One was a middle-aged woman with a gentle smile and a peaceful presence. Her blonde hair, swept into a loose bun, was streaked with white threads, while her vibrant green eyes showed shades of gray at the edges. Her practical woolen blue apron, cinched at the waist by a leather belt adorned with satchels of concoctions, smelled of herbs. Her wrinkled hands held onto the counts own, as if to soothe him in his final moments.

The other was a specter of death, a plague doctor wrapped in a purple, hooded cloak and a green leather uniform protecting every inch of his body from the outside world. Sturdy gloves reached all the way to his elbows, so clean they glistened in the light. His utility belt included a dozen pouches, pockets, and flasks to transport medicine, alongside an array of scalpels and a small notebook. However, it was his mask that haunted my nightmares. That crow-like beak and yellow contraption, those glass eyes devoid of warmth surrounded with heartless steel I had come to associate this mask with death. Unlike his gentler colleague, that doctor offered no words of comfort; they filled a syringe with liquid and all but stabbed the counts arm, targeting one of the black swollen areas.

But this person felt familiar, and not only because Id seen his kind at my parents deathbed. I recognized the unique silver symbol scratched on his masks forehead: a flask bound inside a snake eating its own tail and marked with the Erebian number for sixteen.

The masked mans head snapped in our direction. I couldnt see anything past the glass goggles, though the voice that came out of the beak was undoubtedly male. Ah, fellow colleagues, the plague doctor said with an odd air of joviality. Welcome, welcome. I would appreciate your help in treating our patient.

Colleagues? the woman apothecary examined us with a warm, curious gaze. You do not look like apothecaries.

Your best isnt enough, I replied, my tone harsher than I intended. To see my hometown reduced to such a state filled me with anger. Im sorry to say this, but Snowdrift needs bolder leadership if it is to thrive.

Lady Alaires jaw clenched. You believe you could do better?

Yes, I replied with confidence. While Lady Alaire struggled to keep a straight face, her grandfather listened to my words without a sound. Count Brynslow, I am willing to pay you a fair price for Snowdrift. I can bargain for more than gold.

I must refuse. The old noble straightened up in his bed. This city is my granddaughter's birthright. I shall not sell it to another even a hero.

I expected as much. I never intended to buy the city outrightthe count would have to be mad or truly desperate to agreebut by immediately starting with an audacious proposal, I could negotiate down to a compromise that would favor me. Besides, opening with a strong price attested to the strength of my resolve.

Then lend it to me, I haggled. Give me one year, and you wont recognize the place.

A year I wonder if I will live long enough to see that. The count let out a long, tired sigh, his chest barely rising. I know I do not have much time left in this world. You bought me a few years at most. Where the plague failed, age will succeed.

I can sell you years of life, I replied, trying to test his defenses. If you want time, I have some in reserve.

The Counts old lips strained into a thin smile. Your accent youre from Snowdrift, arent you?

I am, I confirmed. I love this city. My parents rest in it now. I want to see it prosper and thrive.

So do I and so does my Alaire. Count Brynslow studied my face carefully, as if trying to determine how far I would go. Lord Merchant if I assent to your wish would you swear to assist my granddaughter in these difficult times? To take care of her when Im gone?

I would kiss her, bed her, and marry her if that was what it took. I swear it.

My words reassured the old man. He turned his head toward his granddaughter. Alaire?

Lady Alaire held onto his hand. Yes, my lord?

You took the reins of this castle as an emergency measure I failed to prepare you for it it must have been stressful yet in spite of the difficulties, you did your duty admirably. Count Brynslow smiled warmly, though he was missing a few teeth. I I am proud of you. You honor your mothers spirit.

I Lady Alaire cleared her throat. She appeared unused to praise. Thank you, my lord.

Count Brynslow patted her on the palm before answering my demands. Lord Merchant I will not sell my granddaughters birthright, but I offer a compromise I shall name you Lord Protector of Snowdrift and Counsel to my Heiress with emergency power.

I crossed my arms. I had never heard of a Lord Protector. I would act as your daughters prime minister and chancellor? Is that what you say?

In a way you will both speak with my name so long as you work toward saving Snowdrift.

I didnt hesitate for long. That outcome wasnt the bestI would rather have full powers with little to no accountabilitybut it opened me many doors nonetheless; if Lady Alaire proved reasonable. I accept.

Good Count Brynslow closed his eyes. We will draft a proper decree after I sleep a bit.

Youve heard him, Florence said while immediately mixing her herb satchels. Out with you. He needs rest.

I will keep an eye on your grandfather for you, Lady Therese promised Alaire. Im sure Lord Robin and you will have much to discuss.

Seems so. Lady Alaire appraised us heroes with cautious optimism. Come with me.

We left the count to his apothecary and Lady Thereses tender care, though Colmar decided to leave with us. He seemed to trust his colleague to handle their patient on her own.

You can remove your mask, you know? I told him on our way out. We arent contagious.

Im afraid I cant do that, Colmar replied. I suffer from a condition that makes exposure to unfiltered air dangerous to my health.

I could buy it, I pointed out.

Ill politely decline. Colmar shook his head. This is no common disease but a lifelong condition Ive suffered from since birth. It is part of me. Removing it might have unforeseen side effects.

Better the devil you know than the devil you dont? I mused. Considering his evasive answer, I guessed he had his reasons. Well, if you change your mind, my offer will remain open.

Thank you. Colmar nodded politely, his silver mark glowing on his mask. Now that I thought of it, it was quite strange that it manifested there rather than the skin below Speaking of purchases, I would love to see if our abilities can synergize. Im sure the goddess designed vassal classes to complement their superior.

Ive reached the same conclusion. And I suspected the Artisan and the Alchemist also shared some form of chemistry. What can you do?

I can transmute one matter into another on touch. Colmar raised his infected coin and bathed it in light. The copper brightened and shrank to a third of its previous size, but it also turned to gold. Lead to gold, wood to stone I havent yet explored all my options.

Why has the coin lost its growth? Soraseo asked with a frown. Gained smallness? Which is correct?

It has shrunk, I replied. From our previous experiments with Marikas power, I ventured a guess. His power doesnt change the objects mass.

Excellent guess, Sir Robin. Colmar put the coin back in his pouch. Gold is thrice denser than copper, so the coin became smaller in turn. Turning a wooden beam to iron also caused a roof to collapse on my head from the shift in weight distribution.

I could already see the synergy between his ability and Marikas. When were done here, youre coming straight with me, I said with enthusiasm. Were going to push our powers to the limits of science!

Colmar proved even more enthusiastic than even I. I daresay we can push them back even further!

We were going to get along swimmingly.

Lady Alaire led us back into the waiting room and invited us to sit around the table. The guards closed the doors behind us, letting the countess-in-waiting alone with us heroes.

Lord Robin. Her eyes set on the chainmail on my chest. I would like to have my armor back, if you please.

No, sorry. I gave her a contrite, insincere smile. I follow a strict no take backs policy.

Lady Alaire glared at me. A copper coin cant buy chainmail.

Can it buy back hours? Soraseo asked. Though the counts promises put her in a good mood, she still held a grudge. Two for me, two for my friend.

Alaire blushed at Soraseos answer. I brought this on myself, didnt I?

Yes, Alaire I stopped myself. Since were going to work together closely from now on, can I call you Alaire? All this lady and lordly nonsense is wearing on my nerves.

Careful with that sharp tongue of yours, Robin. Alaire returned my smirk; she did have a playful side after all. You strike me as too bold by half.

No one honors the timid. I hung back into my chair. It was surprisingly comfortable, even in the absence of pillows. If we are to work together, you will have to get used to taking risks.

At this point, I am willing to consider all options. Alaire sighed. But unless Lord Colmar is willing to turn this city to gold, I fail to see what else can be done.

Colmar immediately crossed his arms, his back tense as a bowstring. I have vowed to heal the sick, not fill a citys coffers.

The latter will help you achieve the former, I pointed out. More coins mean better hospitals and healthcare.

Better hospitals also meant that sick people would come to the city to receive treatment, and then spend their hard-earned coin in Snowdrift. With my power, I could buy diseases and seal them into items to guarantee the treatments success. Everybody would win.

Though I agree it would be a bad idea, I said. Creating gold from nothing would only devalue it. Snowdrift needs better legs to stand on. Infrastructures, trade, people

We are lacking in all of them, Alaire confessed. My grandfather managed to keep the treasury afloat and avoid debt, but thats the best thing I can say about our finances.

Thats already more than I expected, I said with optimism. Could you provide me with ledgers and reports about the citys situation? Fiscal reports, a census, anything would help. I would also need authority over the citys trade guilds and its garrison.

As Lord Protector, you carry as much authority as my grandfather. The citys institutions will answer to you. Alaire frowned. Why would you need the garrison? Do you need to arrest someone?

Mayhaps. I turned to face Soraseo. Can I count on your assistance too?

You have fulfilled your part of the bargain, and I shall do the same, Soraseo replied. You will have my help to hunt the demon.

Her words startled Alaire. The demon?

We suspect a demons presence in the city, I explained. It might be linked to the Blight and the death of your exorcists.

That would explain a few things. Colmar scratched his beak. I autopsied the latest exorcist. He supposedly slipped and drowned into the river due to being drunk, but I couldnt find any trace of alcohol in his veins. I found that a bit suspicious.

So its true the Demon Ancestors have indeed returned. Alaires eyes faltered a bit, before widening back with new understanding. Snowdrift is Stonegardes rear and its main weapon supplier! If it falls to a Blight, then our northern defenses will suffer.

I had suspected as much. The beastmen in the north descended from the Demon Ancestors defeated armies, or so the scriptures proclaimed. It made sense for mankinds enemies to coordinate. From what I understand, destroying the demon wont prevent Snowdrift from transforming into a Blight, I said. The city must regain its footing before it can purge the corruption from itself.

I suppose you have a plan in mind? Alaire joined her hands. Where should we start?

At long last, I could put my grand strategy in motion. Have you ever heard of banks, Alaire?

You want us to loan money?

Not just money. I smirked. Skills.