Silence hung thick in the air, stretching into what felt like eternity as everyone in the chamber waited for a response.
The council leader appeared to be in deep thought. He just stood there, his gaze fixed on the dome-shaped, intricately designed ceiling of the chamber. Zane could see him studying the carved symbols that covered the curved stone surface above, as if they might hold some answer to his dilemma. The ceiling was covered in spiraling patterns and geometric shapes that seemed to pulse with their own rhythm, all flowing toward a central point that drew the eye.
The silence went on and on, becoming heavy and oppressive. Zane could hear his own heartbeat in his ears, could feel sweat starting to form on his palms despite the cool air. The other council members sat completely still, like purple-robed statues. Their combined presence created an atmosphere of judgment that seemed to seep into the marble floor beneath his feet.
After what felt like ten long minutes of eerie quiet that bounced off the marble walls and floors of the vast chamber, the council leader finally moved. This time when he spoke, his voice didn't come from everywhere at once like before—it came directly from where he stood high above, carrying the weight of careful thought.
"Esteemed guest," he began, his words dropping into the silence, "if it's maid servants you want, the council can provide you with as many as you need—just say the number. The council will also provide you with a place to stay, furnished and comfortable, where you can take your time compiling the information without any interruptions."
He paused, and Zane could sense he was choosing his next words carefully.
"However, Lady Sylvia is a high-ranked Knight of Eryndor City, one of our most capable warriors. She has many important duties—city defense, training younger knights, maintaining security. She simply cannot be spared to serve as your assistant."
The council leader's voice grew warmer. "The maid servants will be provided as courtesy of the city, trained people who can handle your needs. But your demand still stands—you can still request anything from this council. As long as it's within our power, we'll do everything we can to fulfill it."
The council leader had skillfully cleaned up Zane's impulsive mess for him.
Good thing he didn't agree to my request, Zane thought with relief.
Come to think of it, isn't the best demand asking for a piece of land to build a shop, along with a place to stay? I could start selling information, then expand to other items. I'll need to stay here for a while and study the city anyway. Then I'll figure out how to run my business.
Zane's mind raced as he thought about making money in this realm. But then he remembered the show he'd put on—he'd established himself as an intimidating figure from a powerful kingdom, and the council believed it. As the tough diplomatic envoy he was pretending to be, he couldn't just let the council brush off his demand. He'd have to fight for what he asked for and only give up when he had no choice. Then he could ask for land when he was sure they wouldn't give him Lady Sylvia.
"The only demand I have," Zane said, putting steel in his voice as he looked at the council members with confidence, "is that the lady who attacked me be punished. I'm being generous by only asking that she serve as my assistant after she assaulted me. Serving me is much lighter than asking for her execution for attacking an envoy."
He let that sink in before continuing.
"Didn't you say my demand could be fulfilled if it was within the council's capabilities? I'm sure assigning Lady Sylvia as my assistant is well within your power."
Zane spoke with determination, looking at each council member. First impressions mattered. He had to show he wasn't someone to mess with. The knights had arrested him—if he didn't act tough now, what would stop them from looking down on him later? He knew the council thought he was backed by a powerful kingdom, so they saw him as extremely important. If only they knew his only backing was a trading system.
If the council found out Zane had no real support and was just a weak person with no combat skills, they'd lock him up in those creepy dungeons forever.
Zane had no fighting abilities at all—just utility skills that were useless in combat. That meant he had to rely on his brain when things got tough. Right now, he needed to act intimidating. After all, he was supposed to be a special envoy from a powerful kingdom, not some nobody.
The gentlets had every right to arrest him since he was in their city without permission, but who could he have asked? They let him walk right in without even questioning him. The guards just waved him through without a second glance.
Still, Zane couldn't really blame them. They said he was the first visitor Eryndor ever had. They probably didn't have proper security since they'd never dealt with outsiders before.
But then why do they have such a heavily guarded prison? Is it even a prison or more like a dungeon?
Zane wondered.
The council leader was still thinking, clearly thrown off by Zane's stubbornness. Why did this ancestor-looking guy have to be so persistent about this one thing?
Zane watched as the council leader's shoulders sagged after about five minutes of thinking. Zane already knew he'd eventually cave, though honestly, Zane didn't want him to agree. He was just putting on an act to show the council he wasn't a pushover.
The council leader kept opening his mouth to speak, then closing it again, like he couldn't decide if what he wanted to say made sense. It was almost painful to watch.
How can these powerful gentlets be so submissive? Zane thought.
I can feel their auras—they're incredibly strong beings. But this actually works in my favor. More money for me. Though right now I don't want them being submissive. I don't really want Lady Sylvia as my assistant. I'd probably freeze up from shock every time I see her. That beautiful blue face of hers... Damn it, Zane, stop thinking about her now. Focus on the important stuff.
Zane forced himself to stop thinking about the stunning gentlet lady. He had business to handle and couldn't afford to zone out now.
The council leader finally spoke after all his hesitation. Zane felt weird seeing someone who was supposed to be powerful acting so unsure of himself. The guy was clearly in charge but didn't act like it. Still, it was working out for Zane, so he wasn't complaining. He just wished the leader wouldn't agree to his demand.
"Can you clarify what you mean by 'helping you with your daily needs'?" the council leader asked carefully. "I need to understand fully before agreeing to anything. The lady cannot do anything... inappropriate."
Does he think I want something sexual with her?
Zane thought as soon as he heard the question.
Well, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be interested, but that's not what I meant when I made the demand. This guy really overthinks everything.
"Don't worry," Zane replied. "I only need her to help me compile information and learn Gentish."
The council leader straightened up immediately when he heard that. He looked genuinely relieved.
"If that's all you require, then the council agrees to your request."
The leader said with new confidence in his voice.
"A guard will take you to your residence shortly. Lady Sylvia will be assigned as your assistant within a day—we need time to inform her of this new duty. We're pleased to work with you on information trading. If you need anything else, just let us know. The council will discuss any other requests and tell you if we can handle them. Once you finish compiling the information, tell the lady. She'll communicate with us, and we'll discuss pricing."
The council leader pulled his hood back up, and that familiar booming voice filled the chamber from everywhere at once.
COUNCIL DISMISSED. ESTEEMED GUEST, YOU MAY NOW LEAVE.
Clink-clank clink-clung
Zane heard the familiar metallic footsteps. He turned to see Fridger entering through the ornate pillared entrance.
Was he waiting outside this whole time?
Zane wondered as he watched the knight walk toward him. He recognized Fridger by the cluster of keys hanging from his belt.
As Zane followed the armored knight out of the chamber, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the polished marble, he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just set something big in motion. He'd gotten what he demanded, but now he wasn't sure if that was actually a good thing.
Lady Sylvia as his assistant. The thought made his stomach do weird flips—part excitement, part terror. How was he supposed to focus on business with that beautiful, intimidating woman around? She'd already knocked him unconscious once. What would working with her be like?
I've really stepped in it now, he thought as they walked down the long corridor.
But there's no backing down. I have to make this work somehow.
Somewhere in the spaces between reality and dream, a low chuckle drifted through the void. The dreamer was thoroughly entertained by the mortal's predicament, savoring every twist of fate that bound the young man deeper into the web of this strange realm. The game was becoming more interesting by the moment.