The morning sun cast long shadows across Thornwick District as Kael stood before the weathered stone house that would become his company's headquarters. Two months of searching had led him here, to this forgotten corner of the capital where honest folk feared to tread after dark.
The property agent had been apologetic about the location. "I must warn you again, sir—this area has reputation issues. Smugglers use the old mill road, and the local gangs consider everything past Bramble Creek their territory. That's why the price is so reasonable."
Kael walked the perimeter one final time, noting the solid construction despite the building's age. The wide courtyard could serve as a training ground, and the ancient oak tree whose thick branches offered natural shade would provide pleasant respite during hot summer days. More importantly, it came with a small stable and enough space to expand when his mercenary company grew beyond just himself.
"The bones are good," Kael decided. "I'll take it."
An hour later, they sat in the property agent's office completing the final paperwork. As Kael reached for his coin purse to pay the deposit, his fingers brushed against something unexpected—a slim silver card he'd nearly forgotten about. The princess had given it to him months ago during one of their clandestine meetings, but he'd never asked about its purpose.
"Actually," Kael said, producing the card, "I have this. I'm not sure what it's for, but perhaps it's relevant?"
The agent's eyes widened as he examined the elegant silver rectangle. Intricate engravings covered its surface, and a small crystal embedded in one corner caught the light with prismatic brilliance.
"Sir, where did you acquire this?" The agent's voice carried a mixture of awe and uncertainty.
"A gift. What exactly does it do?"
"I... I need to consult with my manager immediately." The agent hurried from the room, leaving Kael alone with growing curiosity.
The manager who returned was a different breed entirely—expensively dressed, with the confident manner of someone accustomed to wealthy clientele. He examined the card with practiced eyes before setting it reverently on the desk.
"Sir, this is a Royal Treasury Silver Card. There are fewer than fifty in existence." He paused, clearly impressed. "May I ask your relationship to the royal family?"
"Professional acquaintance," Kael replied carefully.
"Of course. Well, this changes everything." The manager's demeanor shifted to barely contained enthusiasm. "Silver Card holders receive unprecedented privileges. No interest on loans up to ten thousand gold sovereigns. Priority access to restricted markets—military-grade weapons, rare magical components, even elemental stones. Property transactions receive immediate approval with waived fees."
Kael's eyebrows rose. Ten thousand gold was more money than most people saw in a lifetime.
"Additionally," the manager continued, "you have access to the Royal Merchant Network—exclusive suppliers who serve only the nobility and their designated agents. And of course, the card grants you audience privileges at the palace. You can request meetings with royal family members directly, bypassing normal protocols."
The courtyard training ground suddenly seemed less important than the implications of what he held. This wasn't just a payment method—it was a key to an entirely different level of society.
"The property purchase," Kael said slowly, "what would that cost me now?"
"Nothing, sir. The fees are waived, and if you wish, we can arrange immediate occupancy with furnishing through the Royal Merchant Network. No charge for the first month's service."
"I'll take the furnishing service," he decided.
Leaving the property office, Kael walked through the capital's bustling streets with the Silver Card tucked securely in his jacket. The manager's words echoed in his mind—priority access to restricted markets, elemental stones, audience privileges. This card held more authority than he'd imagined possible.
The afternoon crowds flowed around him as he made his way through the commercial district. Past the weapon smiths with their gleaming displays, beyond the textile merchants hawking fine silks and sturdy cottons. He paused at a food stall where the vendor's eyes lingered on his well-made clothes, then moved on when a group of rough-dressed men approached a platform where slaves stood in chains.
The sight made his jaw tighten. The Meridian Republic had abolished slavery three years ago, setting a precedent that progressive thinkers across the continent praised. He hoped this kingdom would follow suit someday, though he doubted the nobility would surrender such profitable commerce willingly.
As he continued walking, his thoughts turned to Princess Lyra and her pointed gift. She was too clever to hand over such power without reason. The manager had mentioned elemental stones specifically—high-quality specimens that normal merchants couldn't access.
Kael knew what she was thinking. The mining location he'd discovered during his travels, the deposit of rare elemental stones hidden in the abandoned Thornwick Mountains. She needed those resources for her research, her dangerous experiments with sealing magic that the court could never learn about.
The Silver Card was an investment. A tool to ensure he could provide what she needed while building the independence she claimed to want for him. But it was also a test of trust—would he use this power responsibly, or would it corrupt him like so many others who tasted privilege?
Walking past a group of nobles discussing trade routes with casual arrogance, Kael made up his mind. If Princess Lyra wanted to play this game of mutual benefit, he would meet her honestly. No more dancing around the real reason she'd sought him out.
Turning toward the palace district, he quickened his pace. It was time to have a frank conversation about what they both really wanted.
The palace gates loomed ahead, their ornate iron work and stationed guards a familiar sight from his days as a royal guard. But approaching as a visitor rather than personnel felt entirely different.
"Halt. State your business and present identification," commanded one of the gate guards, his hand resting casually on his sword hilt.
Kael reached into his jacket and produced the Silver Card. "I'm here to request an audience with Princess Lyra."
The guard's eyes widened as he examined the card, his confident demeanor evaporating instantly. "Sir! My apologies, I didn't realize—" He turned to his partner with barely concealed panic. "Send word immediately. We have a Silver Card holder requesting audience."
Within minutes, a young woman in elegant servant's attire approached the gates. "I am Elena, Her Highness's personal maid. She will see you in the Rose Garden."
As they walked through the palace corridors, Kael caught sight of a training courtyard where a female knight was directing a group of guards through sword drills. Their eyes met briefly—hers sharp and assessing, his respectfully acknowledging her rank. She had the bearing of someone who'd earned her position through skill rather than birth.
The Rose Garden was an intimate space surrounded by climbing roses in full bloom, their fragrance mixing with jasmine and lavender. Princess Lyra sat at a wrought-iron table beneath a pergola, looking every inch the refined royal in her flowing blue silk dress.
"Kael," she greeted him with genuine pleasure. "Please, sit." She gestured to the chair across from her. "Would you care for tea? I have some excellent varieties from the eastern provinces."
Kael paused, glancing at the delicate china service and small decorative cakes arranged on the table. "Actually, no thank you. But if it's not too much trouble, could I have some milk and bread instead? Preferably bread with filling."
Princess Lyra's smile showed both amusement and understanding. "Of course. Elena, please arrange that."
As Kael settled into his chair, the princess's gaze caught on his arms. "That bandaging—are you injured?"
"No, I'm not injured," Kael replied simply.
She nodded without pressing further, showing the discretion he'd come to appreciate about her.
"How are your experiments progressing?" Kael asked, genuinely curious.
"They're going well, actually," she said with satisfaction. "I'm not doing any of those destructive tests that waste elemental stones anymore. I've been incorporating my research into legitimate school projects—much more efficient and far less suspicious."
Relief flickered across Kael's face. The thought of her conducting dangerous magical experiments alone had been a constant worry.
Elena returned with a glass of fresh milk and warm bread stuffed with seasoned meat and vegetables. As Kael began eating, he became aware of Princess Lyra watching him intently. He knew that look—she had something important to discuss but was waiting for the right moment to begin.
Kael continued eating his bread, content to wait. When she was ready to speak, she would.
After taking a sip of milk, Kael reached into his pocket and placed the Silver Card on the table between them. The elegant rectangle caught the afternoon light, its crystal inlay gleaming.
"This is an important card," he said, his tone direct and businesslike. "You wouldn't give something like this for free. What do you want?"
Princess Lyra studied his face, recognizing the wariness in his voice. She'd read his file from the royal archives—how he'd discovered a new dungeon during his adventuring days, reported it to the guild, only to watch a noble family claim credit and compensation. How he'd survived a disastrous expedition to the Dark Continent as a low-rank soldier when his entire team was wiped out, returning alone with nothing but scars and bitter experience. The man sitting across from her had learned not to trust easy gifts or noble promises.
"Cooperation," she said simply. "You and me, as partners."
Kael's shoulders relaxed slightly, relief evident in his posture. He'd been expecting something more transactional—demands for the mining location in exchange for compensation, or some form of debt that would leave him beholden to royal whims. Partnership was something he could work with.
Before he could respond, footsteps approached across the garden. The female knight he'd seen earlier in the training courtyard appeared, her armor gleaming despite the obvious signs of recent practice.
"Your Highness, I wanted to report that the morning drills—" She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes falling on the Silver Card gleaming on the table. Her face went pale. "What... what is that doing here? Why is that card on the table?"
"Sir Vanna," Princess Lyra said calmly, "I gave it to him."
Vanna's expression shifted from confusion to something approaching horror. She turned to Kael with urgent intensity. "You need to return that card. Immediately."
Kael looked between the knight and the princess, puzzled. "I actually agree. I don't deserve these benefits—"
"The benefits?" Vanna interrupted, her voice rising slightly. "The benefits are nothing compared to what that card implies!" She stepped closer to the table, her words coming faster. "A Silver Card holder can become the princess's personal knight, her advisor, her bodyguard, or even her private tutor. Any high-ranking position within the palace hierarchy. Do you understand what you're holding?"
"Vanna, calm down and sit," Princess Lyra said firmly, her royal authority cutting through the knight's panic. "This is just a negotiation between business partners, nothing more."
Vanna reluctantly took a seat, though her posture remained tense.
"I agree to tell you about the mining location," Kael said, turning back to the princess. "It's in the Dark Continent."
Vanna's eyes widened once more, her surprise evident. "The Dark Continent? But... no ordinary person can survive there. The monsters, the environment..." She studied Kael with new respect and wariness. "If you've been there and returned, then you're far from ordinary."
Her expression shifted, becoming calculating. "I think I need to test your strength properly. If you're going to be involved with Her Highness in any capacity, I need to know exactly what you're capable of."