As I walked along with Erik towards the castles entrance I mulled over the coming meeting, could I take the dungeon for myself through force? Absolutely. Why won't I? Well this time I need to be more considerate, lets just say this corrupt weasel has links to the human domains Imperial family, I'm not necessarily fearful of them, I could crush them all in a matter of minutes, however the old monsters behind them would give me a run for my money. While also, I'm not in the habit of making unnecessary enemies.
Most of the time within Empires that comprise of many Kingdoms the Imperial families won't really care for what a mage does or doesnt do to a kingdom, if they wipe a kingdom out they will just turn a blind eye because if there was a mage strong enough to do that it wouldn't be worth the trouble. Along with the fact that most kingdoms are basically self-autonomous and work within their own framework of laws and rules. They have representatives within the Imperial capital trying to get as many benefits for their territory as possible but for the most part that system of governance doesnt really yield much for them. I put it down to typical corrupt nobles playing their little games.
On the other hand though, if I were to lets say wipe out all resistance to me getting that dungeon for myself and end up killing the family who are linked to the Imperial family through marriage even though it is just one of the many concubines of the Emperor, the Imperial family would lose face if they were to ignore that, thus my conundrum. However, I am positive this guy hasn't yet been able to tell anyone, especially not the Imperial family, because if he did this place would be swarming with imperial guards.
All those thoughts buzzed within my mind as we approached the entrance and entered the castle, what greeted us was the usual for these types of places. Large foyer, hard wood brown polished floor, large winding staircase, a massive crystal chandelier above our heads and... gold, gems, jewels.... everywhere. Typical sleazy noble showing off wealth, and in such a distasteful way.
I look back to the main foyer and what greets me this time is more staff but between them is what seems to be this Kings family, a wife and a son it seems. The wife has a nice typical noble ladies gown on with the usual jewels and garish wealth flaunting's, long brown hair and brown eyes with an oval face and a slight crease in her brow, probably nerves. The boy, too seems to read the room, looking like he is about to piss himself. He takes after his mother with the brown hair and his father when it comes to his eyes, an azure blue. While it seems he is wearing a typical noble attire for a young prince, garish just like his mothers outfit, however he is wearing a silk top and slacks. Even though he shows his nerves, I can still see that slight pride in his eyes, tch, another arrogant fool to add to the other thousands just like him within the noble circles.
As we approach they drop onto a knee and the Queen speaks on their behalf "Your Excellency, The One Blessed by The Light, these humble ones greet you! I am Lisa Telfordia the Queen of this Kingdom and this is my beloved son Mark."
I simply nodded and said "rise" and they did, I then turned to the King and said "Now shall we discuss this business, we can save the pleasantries for after." The King nodded seriously, then showed me the way to a private meeting room. As we arrive outside the door to the room I turn to my guard and speak "Wait here for me, Diablo you come." He nodded with a smirk and followed me in.
Once inside the room we both sat down across from each other, while Diablo stood behind me. The King started the conversation off in a almost distressed voice, rushing out his words quickly "Your Excellency, If you would be so gracious as to inform me of why you are visiting me?" Heh, this guy is trying to act dumb. Really? I'm not one to really beat around the bush, lets be direct, when have I ever been discreet or indirect in my life? "Sure, I'm here for the Grand Dungeon you have." I said cleanly and directly, making Diablo arch a brow and then laugh lightly, while the King in front of me gave me a look of disbelief, before he coughed lightly and responded "I don't know how you heard about this, it has only been a day since its discovery, that the Lightborn's for you, haha" Oh now he is trying to be a sycophant and use his usual noble, ego stroking language to get around me, laughable. This might work for those disgusting pricks, driven by their desire to have their ego enlarged by their peers but not me.
I replied a little aggressively, adding a bit of my aura to my voice as I said "Erik, do not test me, answer the question otherwise I will raise this Kingdom to the ground do not think because your older sister is one of the many concubines to the emperor that I won't." Obviously, I wont do that, however he doesnt know that also factoring in my reputation, it makes sense that he is taking me seriously. I am seen as a bit of a wildcard after all.
Erik quickly straightened himself out of reflex and stumbled out "Ah, I didn't mean to offend, Your Excellency, I know you like more... direct conversation. I should have known not to treat you in that way, I apologise. As for your question, *sigh* yes I did find a Grand Dungeon within my domain, I was on my way today to send the news to the Imperial family just as you came"
I nodded then replied, "So you were hoping for their protection in return for a a split of the profits, I presume?" Erik quickly answered "Yes, Your Excellency" I paused for a moment, then replied "I will ensure protection of this Grand Dungeon, in return I want 70% of the profits, this is non negotiable, do not think for a second I wont follow through with my threat." Erick seemed to tense a second as those last words reached his ears, then reluctantly nodded his head "Very well, Your Excellency, I accept. Should I draw up the magic contract?" Said Eric with some reluctance in his voice, however it was quickly masked over with that sycophantic smile of his, well any noble really. "Yes" I replied perfectly, then stood as I did so did Eric, I then turn and said "Diablo here will deal with the contract and everything that entails, including logistics." Eric simply nodded.
Was I abusing my power and position, yes, however I feel no guilt when it comes to doing it to these nobles, they deserve it in my opinion. They take and take and take from the world, the common folk and even other nobles if they are weaker, they are a disease and I am not going to shed a single tear. As I was contemplating I turned to the door to go enjoy some top noble service, the only damn thing they are good at, while I waited for Diablo to sort out the nitty gritty of this deal.
Suddenly, I felt something... something I thought I would never feel in this life and blood resonance. 'What the?' I thought to myself. Then I snapped my eyes behind me looking at seemingly nothing from an outsiders perspective, however, I was looking deeply into the small city below the castle and honed in on the resonance that was there.
Diablo stepped forward, noting my change in demeanour, before saying "Your Excellency, what is it?" Its rare to see my enigmatic butler sound so serious, however I could not enjoy the humour I found in this moment, as I simply responded "Nothing. Continue with the task I set you, I will be back" Then I waved my hand and the very fabric of reality shattered before reforming and I was gone from where I stood.
Its seems fate is playing tricks on me...