Chapter 29: Reunion With Baron Kirka
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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Day 74.1: Kirka's Trading Company
The morning light filtered through the leaded windows of their temporary quarters as Andy began preparing himself for what might prove to be one of the most significant meetings of his recent journey. Today, he would finally face his former lord and mentor, Baron Kirka—at least, that was the plan if circumstances proved favorable. Marcus had informed him the previous evening that Baron Kirka had immersed himself completely in his business enterprises, his days consumed by the endless demands of commerce and trade. The prospect of securing an audience would require careful navigation through the baron's secretary and a meticulously maintained schedule.
Andy chose to forgo August's morning training sessions with Marcus, knowing that both he and Marcus would need to depart early for the baron's residence within the city proper. The baron had established his home strategically near his primary business establishment, a decision that spoke to his practical nature and dedication to his commercial pursuits. After consuming a light morning meal of bread, preserved fruits, and mild cheese, they found the well-appointed carriage of Marcus' family already prepared for their journey to the city—a testament to Marcus's foresight and attention to detail.
The journey stretched before them like a ribbon of possibility, requiring approximately an hour (120 Minutes) of travel across varied terrain. The principality itself was an impressive domain, with the city occupying a substantial five thousand square kilometers within the total fifty thousand square kilometers of the principality's borders. The urban planning was remarkably sophisticated, featuring wide, well-designed streets that accommodated both pedestrian traffic and the various forms of transport that served the city's three hundred thousand citizens.
As their carriage rolled along the well-maintained roads, Andy observed the intricate public transportation system that had revolutionized urban mobility. Public transport wagons moved efficiently along designated routes, carrying citizens from various points throughout the city in an organized network of connectivity. Those fortunate enough to afford personal wagons were typically nobles, wealthy merchants, successful farmers, or individuals involved in lucrative trade enterprises. The sight of these vehicles reminded Andy of how much the world had changed during his years of captivity.
The public transport system represented a marvel of magical engineering, powered by rechargeable mana core stones that provided clean, efficient energy. These innovations had originated approximately fifty years ago within the mighty Empire of Elms-Arkanus, spreading throughout the empire's allied kingdoms and territories like seeds of progress carried on favorable winds. The technology had reached its most sophisticated implementation in the empire's heart—the Regional Capital of Aethelgard, a metropolis of staggering proportions covering forty-one million square kilometers.
Andy had heard tales of Aethelgard's transportation marvels: massive magical wagons capable of carrying five thousand passengers, gliding along magical tracks that allowed these behemoths to float and move with unprecedented efficiency. Smaller variants accommodated fifteen hundred passengers, creating a comprehensive network that served the capital's enormous population. The restriction of this technology to urban environments represented both a practical limitation and a tantalizing glimpse of the future. Should the empire succeed in incorporating not only the entirety of the western sub-continent, but also the central and eastern sub-continent under its dominion, Andy could envision these massive transportation networks spanning the three sub-continents, carrying both cargo and passengers across vast distances.
The business district emerged before them like a testament to human ambition and enterprise. Andy felt his pulse quicken as familiar landmarks came into view, triggering a cascade of memories from his former life as a merchant apprentice. The building that had once been his workplace stood largely unchanged, though subtle improvements suggested prosperity and careful maintenance. The facade bore the patina of success—fresh paint, well-maintained signage, and an air of bustling activity that spoke to thriving business.
The interior struck Andy immediately with its unique aesthetic blend—a harmonious marriage of vintage medieval charm and contemporary functionality. Rich wooden beams supported high ceilings, while modern fixtures provided efficient magical lighting and comfort. The reception area featured comfortable seating and displays of fine goods that showcased the company's diverse trading interests.
Andy approached the receptionist's desk with carefully measured confidence, Marcus flanking him in a show of support and respectability. "Good day, madam," Andy began, his voice steady despite the emotional weight of the moment. "I would like to request a meeting with Baron Kirka, if possible. I am an acquaintance of his from years past, and I would be most grateful for a moment of his time, should his busy schedule permit."
The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with intelligent eyes and professional demeanor, smiled warmly. "Good day, gentlemen. May I have your name so that I might check the baron's availability and schedule an appropriate appointment?"
"Certainly," Andy replied, feeling the significance of the moment. "Please tell him that Andy Shoor is here for a visit. Thank you."
"One moment, please," she responded with practiced efficiency. "I believe the baron may have some time before his first business trip of the day commences. Allow me to consult with his secretary for confirmation."
Andy and Marcus settled into the comfortable reception seating, the leather chairs worn smooth by countless visitors seeking audiences with the baron. The five minutes of waiting felt like an eternity, filled with the quiet sounds of commerce—distant conversations, the scratch of quills on parchment, and the gentle movement of staff attending to their duties.
Upon the receptionist's return, her expression carried good news. "Excellent news, Master Andy. The baron is available to see you now. Please follow me."
She led them through corridors lined with portraits of successful merchants and maps depicting trade routes that spanned the central sub-continent. The journey concluded at an imposing oak door, which she knocked upon with practiced rhythm.
"Come in!" came the familiar voice from within.
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Day 74.1: A Meeting of Two Old Friends
For the first time in years, Andy found himself face-to-face with his former mentor and lord. The passage of time had left its mark on Baron Kirka in ways that spoke to hardship and burden. The man who had once possessed an infectious cheerfulness and boundless energy now bore the weight of accumulated stress. His face, weathered by worry and responsibility, had lost much of its former vitality. The comfortable merchant's clothing could not disguise the weariness that seemed to emanate from his very being, though his noble bearing remained unmistakable.
Despite the informal setting, both Andy and Marcus observed proper etiquette, recognizing that the man before them, regardless of his current attire, remained a noble deserving of respect. "Greetings, Lord Kirka," Andy began, his voice carrying both formality and warmth. "I hope you remember me. My name is Andy—Andy Shoor—and this is my companion, Marcus Fernando."
The transformation in Baron Kirka was immediate and profound. The dull eyes that had greeted their entrance suddenly blazed with recognition and emotion, as if a dormant fire had been rekindled within his soul. Of course, he remembered this young man—the apprentice he had taken under his wing, the young adult he had come to regard almost as a son. The news of the caravan ambush had devastated him, and the lack of concrete information about Andy's fate had left him to assume the worst.
The aging lord rose from his chair with renewed vigor, crossing the room in quick strides. Without words, he embraced Andy firmly, the gesture speaking volumes about their relationship and the depth of his relief. A single tear escaped his weathered features as years of grief and uncertainty melted away. "Of course, my boy," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "All this time, I believed I had lost you forever. The reports of your caravan's fate were... unkind to my hopes. Come, walk with me. We have much to discuss, but first, I must cancel all my appointments for today."
Andy felt overwhelmed by this gesture of devotion. "Are you certain about this, my lord? Won't canceling your meetings cause difficulties? I hardly think I'm worth such consideration."
Baron Kirka's response carried both jest and profound sincerity. "For you, my dear friend, this is worth its weight in Imperial Orichalcum Coins!"
They relocated to one of the city's finest establishments, a restaurant renowned for its discretion and excellent cuisine—the perfect setting for a reunion that demanded both privacy and celebration. The establishment's atmosphere, with its rich tapestries and intimate lighting, provided the ideal backdrop for the emotional conversation that would follow.
Andy took the initiative in their discussion, his words carefully chosen to convey both gratitude and urgency. "My lord, my primary purpose in coming here today serves three important functions: first, to express my profound gratitude for everything you did for me in years past; second, to explain why I was unable to return until now; and third, to warn you of a significant threat that demands your immediate attention."
What followed was a comprehensive account of Andy's harrowing experiences since their last meeting. He detailed the ambush that had destroyed his caravan during their trading expedition to the southern regions of the central subcontinent, describing how bandits had overwhelmed their defenses and how survivors had been sold into the merciless hands of the Corvus Syndicate's slave trade. His voice carried the weight of suffering as he recounted the year of captivity that followed, the dehumanizing conditions, and the constant threat of violence that had become his daily reality.
The turning point in his narrative came with the Grimfang ambush that had inadvertently provided his path to freedom. Andy described the chaos that had erupted when the monstrous creatures attacked the slave wagon, how he and other captives had seized the opportunity to escape into the legendary Great Forest. His tone shifted as he spoke of finding refuge among a peaceful community of people who had shown him kindness and humanity after so much cruelty.
"The leader of this village," Andy continued, his respect evident in his voice, "is a remarkable young man named August Finn. Under his guidance, the community operates with principles of fairness and mutual support that I had thought lost to the world. He insisted that I accompany him to the wider world to expand my knowledge and experience, believing that isolation, however safe, ultimately limits one's potential."
The narrative took a darker turn as Andy described how the Corvus Syndicate's relentless pursuit had invaded even their forest sanctuary. Captain Sandeval, a retired syndicate officer who had been leading the slave caravan during Andy's captivity, had been tracked to their village by the organization's bloodhounds. The battle that ensued had claimed the life of one villager, a tragedy that had prompted August to step down from his leadership role out of a sense of responsibility and grief.
Andy's account of meeting Marcus provided a lighter interlude in the tale of hardship. He described finding the young nobleman near death, pursued by bandits and abandoned by fate, and how their rescue had forged the bonds of friendship and mutual purpose that now united their small band. The formation of Maya's Traveling Mercantile represented hope and new beginnings, a chance to build something positive from the ashes of their various tragedies.
Throughout this recounting, Andy carefully omitted certain sensitive details—their involvement in current political situations and August's reputation as the enigmatic "Blurred Devil" seemed inappropriate to share, at least for now.
"Now comes the most crucial part of my message, my lord," Andy said, his tone becoming grave and urgent. "I mentioned the Corvus Syndicate repeatedly throughout my story, and there's a specific reason for this emphasis. We learned from Captain Sandeval, who currently resides as a temporary member of our Maya village, disturbing information about your stepson Rommel's involvement with the syndicate."
The revelation hit Baron Kirka like a physical blow. Andy detailed how Rommel had apparently become a branch manager within the Corvus Syndicate, and how this position had likely been orchestrated through a deliberate campaign to remove the baron's authoritative control over his holdings in the Frontier Village of Kirka which Count Gremory appointed as his land. The many atrocities that had occurred under Rommel's leadership painted a picture of systematic corruption and abuse of power.
Baron Kirka's reaction progressed through shock, rage, and finally a cold, determined fury. When he spoke, his voice carried the weight of years of accumulated betrayal and disappointment. "Thank you for this intelligence, my friend. Though it pains me to hear it, I am not entirely surprised. I learned far too late about my wife's true nature and the circumstances surrounding Rommel's birth. The woman I married, who I now know was little more than a broken vessel, had been violated by an evil loan shark named Brutus. That trauma shattered something fundamental within her, and she gave birth to Rommel carrying that darkness within her soul."
The baron's account of his in-laws ' family's deterioration painted a picture of progressive moral decay. His wife before had developed increasingly disturbing behaviors, eventually becoming a predator herself, luring men to their deaths after intimate encounters. Her capture and sentencing to a mental institution had provided only temporary relief, as she had subsequently escaped and vanished into the criminal underworld.
"I have already filed for legal separation from that creature," Baron Kirka continued, his voice carrying both pain and determination. "I refuse to allow her continued association to taint everything I have worked to build. Your warning confirms my worst suspicions about Rommel, and I swear to you—once this impending war concludes, I will reclaim what is rightfully mine and ensure that justice is served."
The fire that had been rekindled in the baron's eyes spoke to a profound transformation. The defeated, weary man who had greeted them earlier had been replaced by someone with purpose and renewed vitality. Years seemed to fall away from his features as determination replaced despair.
"But enough of such dark matters for now," the baron said, consciously shifting the conversation's tone. "Where are you currently residing, Andy? I want to ensure you have proper accommodations and support."
"My lord," Marcus interjected respectfully, "Andy and our entire caravan are currently guests at my family estate. We have found the arrangements quite suitable for our needs."
Baron Kirka's attention turned to Marcus with renewed interest. "Ah, I thought you seemed familiar, young man. You're a Meredian, aren't you? How fares your father Fineas, and why do you use Fernando rather than the Meredian family name?"
Marcus's discomfort was evident, but he answered with honest directness. "This information is not public knowledge, sir, but I have formally relinquished my claim to my father's family name and inheritance. I discovered that the bandit ambush Andy mentioned—the one from which August and Andy saved my life—was orchestrated by my own siblings through connections with the Corvus Syndicate. The evidence was overwhelming and undeniable. As for the patriarch, he remains in good health, though I have chosen to distance myself from that household."
"That is indeed unfortunate," Baron Kirka replied with genuine sympathy. "I apologize for raising painful subjects. However, if you have found happiness and purpose in your current situation, then perhaps this separation represents liberation rather than loss."
The baron's expression brightened as a new thought occurred to him. "This conversation has convinced me that I must arrange a visit to your household within the week. I find myself most curious about this young man August, whom both you and Andy speak of with such obvious respect and admiration. Additionally, I would very much like to pay my respects to Lady Susan, whom I remember as a woman of exceptional character and wisdom."
As the day drew to its close, their lengthy conversation naturally reached its conclusion. Baron Kirka insisted on presenting them with a bottle of exceptional wine—a vintage that spoke to both his prosperity and his genuine affection for his former protégé. The gesture represented far more than hospitality; it symbolized the renewal of bonds that had been tested by time and tragedy but had emerged stronger than before.
The day had proved remarkably fruitful for both men. Andy had successfully accomplished his primary objectives: expressing gratitude to his former mentor, explaining his prolonged absence, and delivering crucial intelligence about the Corvus Syndicate's infiltration of the baron's affairs. More importantly, he had witnessed the revival of a man who had nearly succumbed to despair and isolation.
For Baron Kirka, the reunion had provided something invaluable—hope. The knowledge that Andy had survived against impossible odds, combined with the warning about Rommel's treachery, had given him both emotional sustenance and practical purpose. The weary merchant who had greeted them that morning had been transformed into a man with renewed vigor and clear objectives.
As their carriage carried them back toward Marcus's estate, Andy reflected on the profound changes a single day could bring. Relationships that had been severed by circumstance could be restored, and even the most dire situations could be improved through honest communication and mutual support. The road ahead remained uncertain, filled with challenges and potential dangers, but they would face whatever came with the strength that came from renewed friendships and shared purpose.
The reunion with Baron Kirka had accomplished far more than Andy had dared hope. Not only had he fulfilled his obligations to the past, but he had also secured a valuable ally for the uncertain future that awaited them all.