The door swung shut behind him, sealing Veer inside his study. The room was a mirror of its owner: sleek, minimalist furniture, walls lined with carefully curated books, and a single, large holographic display humming with a live stream of global economic data. Veer settled into the leather chair behind his desk and waited.
It wasn't long before the door opened again. A man in a perfectly tailored uniform entered—Javed, the family's trusted butler. Calm, poised, and sharp-eyed, Javed had witnessed generations of family secrets. He bowed respectfully, awaiting orders.
"Javed," Veer began, his voice slicing through the stillness of the study. "Have you read The Dragon's Compass?"
For a moment, Javed's impeccable composure faltered. He recovered quickly. "Yes, sir."
"Can your son take care of him?" Veer asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
Javed's calm veneer cracked. He stammered, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "Sir… you mean… the legend? The one from the book? He's… but…"
Veer's gaze sharpened, impatience radiating from him. "Can he, or not?"
Straightening, Javed's voice took on a quiet certainty born of pride. "He can, sir. His nature is playful and curious, which allows him to approach this with a lightness others cannot. Yet he is also serious about his duties. He will take care of him."
"Good. Call him," Veer commanded, leaving no room for argument.
The study fell silent once more as Javed bowed and exited. He instructed a passing maid to summon his son, and as she hurried away, he remained still, mind reeling. Pride and apprehension warred within him. His son had been entrusted with a monumental task—a role demanding both playful curiosity and lethal seriousness. In this game of giants, his piece suddenly felt more vital than any other.
Veer, meanwhile, moved with calculated precision. He picked up a secure line connecting to the family's financial division.
"What can I do for you, sir?" a firm, no-nonsense voice answered.
"How much money can you move without it being detected?" Veer asked, crisp and to the point.
A brief pause, then a low chuckle. "At least a trillion," the voice said, nonchalant, as if such sums were routine.
"Good. Prepare it and send me the details," Veer ordered, cutting the connection without another word.
Standing, he walked to the large window, surveying the sprawling estate below. Domed towers gleamed in the sunlight, modern glass structures blending seamlessly with ancient stonework. The family's domain—perfectly maintained, precisely controlled—was now a stage for the legend's return.
Veer's eyes narrowed as he took it all in, already calculating the moves to come.