Two full months had passed since the awakening of his aura. Time had flown by, absorbed in travels and the multiple matters to settle. Now, Kaiser was finally heading toward Paragon County. The carriage journey was peaceful, only disturbed by the regular creaking of the wheels on the cobblestones. Seated against the leather cushions, he watched the verdant countryside passing by the window.
He was lost in his thoughts when the high stone walls of Paragon Manor appeared on the horizon. A few minutes later, the vehicle passed through the main gate. The knights on duty, immediately recognizing the family coat of arms, opened the heavy doors without the slightest hesitation and bowed deeply as the carriage passed.
Kaiser stepped down into the paved inner courtyard. The air was mild, imbued with the scent of sun-warmed stone and the light fragrance of lilies lining the paths. As he took a breath, a butler dressed in livery burst forth.
"Your return is a joy for the house, young master," he declared, bowing with mechanical precision. "Your father is waiting for you in his study. He insisted on seeing you as soon as you arrived."
Kaiser nodded silently. "Thank you. I will go immediately."
Without a word, he headed toward his father, crossing the courtyard, then the long corridors, making his way to the west wing of the manor. Upon reaching the study door, he knocked twice sharply.
"Enter."
Kaiser pushed the door and entered the room. Behind an imposing carved desk, his father was seated, a report in hand. Upon seeing his son, he immediately set down the document and stood, his features lighting up with a frank smile.
"Kaiser. You’re finally back with us."
"Pleased to see you again, Father," replied Kaiser, closing the door behind him.
"Come now, don’t stand there like a statue. Come sit." With a hand gesture, the count indicated the leather seat arranged in front of his desk. "We have much to discuss. These two months have been fruitful, from what I hear. Very fruitful, even."
Kaiser took his seat. "The reports arrived safely, I suppose?"
"They arrived, and they exceeded all my expectations," affirmed the count, settling across from him. He clasped his fingers, looking both satisfied and intrigued. "First, there’s this Donoghan project. It was a success beyond our most optimistic forecasts. Your... vegetable charcuteries, as you call them, have become a highly appreciated delicacy in the high spheres of the Yggdrasil Elf clans. Their ambassador personally praised this rich and balanced flavor, completely unprecedented. Orders are coming in nonstop."
He paused, observing his son’s reaction. "That doesn’t surprise you?"
"I had confidence in the product’s quality," replied Kaiser simply. "But the credit also goes to our artisans, who perfectly executed the recipes."
"That’s exactly what happened. Thanks to our agreement, the Paragon family receives a fixed share on every export. It’s a stable income, and above all, generous. Well done, my son..."
The count stood and walked to a shelf, from which he pulled a fabric sample. "And then, there’s this. The ’Paragon Velvet.’ The master weavers are still in shock. This double weave... The result is magnificent." He rubbed the fabric between his fingers. "Denser, softer, with colors of unmatched depth. The nobles of the duchy are already snapping it up. Merchants are fighting over the first rolls at gold prices. You overturned the local textile market overnight, and it’s our house that now holds the reins."
He set down the sample and fixed his gaze on Kaiser again, a mischievous and proud smile curling the corners of his mouth. "Do you know what they’re whispering now in the salons, in the capital?"
Kaiser raised a questioning eyebrow. "I suppose the gossip has me as its target again."
"On the contrary. They say the Paragon heir is no longer mediocre at all. Officially, you remain without mana, without apparent magical talent... but a young man capable of generating so much wealth and influence in such a short time inevitably commands respect. Some families that turned their backs on us are already reconsidering their opinion, even proposing their daughters for betrothal."
Kaiser listened, looking bored, his face full of disgust. "Now that money is flowing freely, they all want their share."
"Perhaps," conceded the count, returning to his seat, his gaze distant, then he seemed to remember something and stood, went to a small box on a console, and returned with a small vial.
"Speaking of which... here is what you were waiting for. The elixir. I’ve always wondered, how did you manage to obtain it?"
The count held between his fingers a vial in which a liquid sparkled. He handed it to Kaiser, who took it carefully.
"Well, business is business, Father," murmured Kaiser, observing the changing reflections of the substance.
Kaiser carefully stored the vial in an inner pocket of his coat. "Actually, Father... I will have to leave again. A few matters to settle."
The count slowly raised an eyebrow, but he did not question further. "Very well. Do what you must," he said finally, returning to his desk with a heavy step. "Use it wisely, come see me when you’re done."
Kaiser bowed slightly before taking his leave. Once the door was closed, he walked through the familiar long corridors of the estate, greeting with a discreet nod a few servants he passed. Instead of heading to his room, he made his way to the back gardens, where Kethra was waiting for him, as agreed.
She was seated on a bench, her gaze lost in the foliage of an old cedar. When she heard him approach, she turned her head toward him, and a light smile brushed her lips.
"You’ve returned in one piece, I see," she observed in a soft, almost murmuring voice.
"Yes. And with good news, apparently," he replied, stopping in front of her.
She then stood, and they began walking side by side along the path.
They walked in silence for a moment before Kaiser turned his head toward her. "And you, Kethra? How have you been since my departure?"
She sketched a slight smile. "The estate is calmer in your absence. Too calm, sometimes. I am well. And your journey? Your father seemed... enthusiastic."
Kaiser gave an amused grimace. "Enthusiastic is the word. Business has prospered. The journey was long, but without incident."
"I am glad for you," she murmured, her gaze briefly scanning his face. "You seem different..."
"Perhaps," he admitted, avoiding elaborating.
Kethra nodded, expressing no surprise. She gave him a sidelong glance. "My master seems interested in you. If the opportunity arises, I will introduce you to him."
Kaiser smiled slightly, without stopping to look at the path ahead. "I hope that opportunity comes soon. I am eager to make his acquaintance."
Suddenly, Kethra stopped. She turned toward him, fixing him for a moment. Then, without warning, she rose on tiptoe and placed a light kiss on his forehead. Kaiser felt the fleeting warmth of her lips on his skin.
He lowered his eyes toward her, slightly surprised. Kethra then gave him a smile before resuming her walk.
’I would have preferred to kiss something else...’ he thought, watching her as she moved a few steps away, leaving him momentarily motionless in the middle of the path.
***