The terms within the contract were simple and concise. The Geris Dukedom would deliver an agreed-upon amount of high-graded spirit gems every few months in exchange for weapons and supplies from the Léonas Empire. Lucrizn, an isolated border town nested inside an expansive mountain range on the edge of the Étoile Empire, was the designated trade-off location. Infamous for its outlawed citizens and tumultuous environment, the place was no scenic holiday destination.
Though the House of Croix independently governed the Geris Dukedom, Étoile still considered it part of the empire's territory. If Gerard needed more support, why not request it directly from the Étoile sovereign? After all, the House of Croix participated in several of the empire's year-round military campaigns and received numerous monetary subsidies to sustain its elite troops. With all the reinforcements Étoile provided, why would the Duke desire extra assistance from the Léonas Empire?
Clashing speculations battled inside Elaine as she scoured her memories for clues, replaying scenes and examining them with renewed scrutiny. Suddenly, she recalled the meeting with the late Léonas Emperor and his perplexing invitation before the joint expedition. Was it a coincidence, or did he want her as a daughter-in-law to strengthen their contract further? Her mind then raced to another event—Viscount Marius' paranoia and extreme tactics, seeking to silence her despite their fleeting encounter. Was he aware of the meeting's actual purpose, or did Gerard only lift half his veil? If Marius were alive, would Yusef dismiss him like his attempt with her? These were questions Elaine could no longer find answers for. The puzzle pieces were jagged. Nevertheless, under the disorder was the concealed truth.
The Geris Dukedom's vibrant economy mainly relied on its highly sought-after export, the spirit gems—a specialized material used to create various magical tools and weapons. After relocating from the North six hundred years ago, Estella's ancestors discovered several spirit mines inside the forest of the faeries, Orion. The House of Croix then forged a pact with the Fae for a price to maintain their exclusive excavation rights, though the records never delved into the details. For many centuries that followed, the Geris Dukedom restricted the spirit gems' supplies despite their popularity and only produced a quota amount each year. Thus, the 'rare' commodity always commanded exorbitant prices in the market, even for the lowest grade.
Yet, within the contract negotiated with the Léonas Empire, the highest-quality gems would exchange hands at an unreasonably bargained price. Even with the addition of weapons and supplies, the House of Croix would still suffer a loss. Why would the Duke accept such disadvantageous terms? And why would he arrange the handover in Lucrizn, an impoverished province in the middle of nowhere?
Elaine's brows knitted together. The deeper she delved into the contract, the greater her suspicion—the secretive meeting, the unprofitable trade, and the peculiar location. All signs pointed toward a significant conspiracy, perhaps adumbrating a tumult to come. However, despite her intense concentration, the answer seemed always a breath out of reach. Her instinct warranted her to proceed with caution until she could connect the current event to the book's future plotline.
"Do you have any objections to the terms, milady?" Yusef's question interrupted Elaine's contemplation.
"No." She glanced up from the documents, curling the corners of her lips into a bow. "I do not." Despite the black-clad man's 'considerate' demeanor, Elaine knew her opinion carried no weight. The Duke had already vetted the contract, and she, or perhaps Yusef, was only a facilitator to reach the last step.
Her eyes riveted on the Léonas First Prince. He, too, had finished his perusal, throwing the documents back on the table. She doubted he would have many disagreements since the terms' favorability heavily tilted toward him.
True to her prediction, the red-haired young man did not voice concerns.
"If both sides raise no objections, we shall commence the signing," Yusef announced, pulling a cubicle, wooden seal from his coat's inner pocket. He then collected the contracts and stamped the seal on each copy. An imprint of a silver wolf howling under the double moonlights appeared on the pages, majestic and mighty.
Nickolas tapped twice on the table, and a burst of lightning exited his finger, striking the silver wolf on the contracts. Several aureate chains materialized, wrapping around and locking the wolf into confinement—the Léonasian royal seal.
Elaine stared at the imprisoned animal image with fascination. She had learned about the Léonas royal family's unique style of ratification during Estella's lessons—an irreplaceable symbol of their identities. However, today was the first time Elaine saw the famous technique in action. She noticed tiny sparks of energy still crackling where the lightning struck.
Yusef's hand grazed over the documents, confirming the signatures before returning a copy to the Léonasian.
After completing the deal, the Léonas First Prince immediately rose from the table and departed with his men, not fettered by genteel decorum.
Behind him, the black-clad man bowed. "We thank you for your patronage, Your Highness."
Elaine also stood up and curtsied. Her eyes followed his proud gait. "I pray we can continue cooperating, Your Highness." No matter the event's future significance, she was determined to secure her involvement.
The red-haired young man halted before the door with his head slightly turned. "If you have the confidence," he replied, then left without elaborating.
"I am confident," she murmured, fingers dug into her dress. Elaine knew she could not turn back when she charged into the meeting. The only road for her was forward, no matter the awaiting dangers.
"I have another business to attend to," she addressed Yusef following Nickolas' entourage's departure. "I trust you can manage the rest."
"Of course, milady." The black-clad man inclined his body.
"Good. Inform my father that I will see him when I return." Elaine adjusted her commoner dress and headed outside, gliding past the two corpses before exiting the chamber with her guard.
