When Gino finished, it was Leonia’s turn to talk. She told us about recent gossip and news in the capital, sometimes with acrid additions from the short-spoken Juvess.
For the record, the top news item of the day was a spat between His Majesty Egbert the Seventh, aka the Steel King, and the order of mages.
After hearing the news, everyone looked at Mee and myself. A-hem... I felt responsible for all the wrongdoings of the order of mages at that moment.
“Don’t you look at them that way!” Gino came to our aid. “Master Eric and Master Mee have nothing to do with this! Are common mages really responsible for things done by the great magisters of the order?”
I was still keeping up the charade of never mentioning that we were not members of the order of mages.
“But if the mages won’t help, how will the warriors be able to handle the horde’s shamans?!” Midori exclaimed.
“Well, all’s not lost yet,” Gino started reassuring everyone. “I’m sure His Majesty will come up with something! At the end of the day, he and most of his court are also mages! Some of the most powerful on our continent!”
“Yes,” Juvess rasped acridly. “However, neither His Majesty nor his groveling toadies are going to be rushing off to fight on the front lines.”
Gino cast a rage-filled gaze at his overly talkative familiar then turned to me:
“Pay him no mind. He’s old, his mind is a bit clouded.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I answered. “You can be direct. Everything said at this table today will be kept secret. All the more so given neither Master Mee nor myself are subjects of your King.”
“By the way, Taria isn’t coming to help either,” the old goblin muttered.
“And why might that be?” Gino asked in surprise.
I also found it strange to hear, especially in light of the upcoming betrothal of our Prince Albert to the daughter of the Steel King, Princess Anna.
Although... I’m reminded of the ease with which Master Chi and his friend Ting discussed the way the order influences the rulers of the baronies. What’s to stop the great magisters of the order from doing the same to the rulers of “king” or even “emperor” level?
As absolutely expected, the goblin said what I was thinking.
“Everyone knows that Stephane the Second has long been under Magister Shitang’s cloud. Ugh, no wonder the people call the ruler of Taria ‘the Soft.’”
I seem to remember the inescapable magister being mentioned by Master Chi as well.
“But what about the Emperor?” I asked.
Everyone sitting at the table other than Mee and Maya chuckled.
Seeing lack of comprehension on our faces, Gino explained:
“The Emperor only stands to gain from this situation.”
“I don’t understand how the loss of one or even two baronies could possibly benefit the Emperor.” I said, baffled.
“Well, you see, these barons are vassals of our King,” Gino answered simply.
“But your King, in his turn, is a vassal of the Emperor,” I objected.
“And also a pretender to the Emperor’s crown,” the goblin injected. “Through his grandfather’s line, Imperial blood flows in his veins.”
“But what of the Emperor’s children, his heirs?” I asked in surprise.
Gino waved it off and said:
“In comparison with the Steel King, they’re weaklings.”
Everyone nodded in unison. I could see the pride they took in their ruler.
“And the news of the engagement as well...” came Midori. “An alliance with Taria would strengthen his Majesty’s positions.”
“I suspect that is precisely what has the mages so sore,” Gino said thoughtfully. “They say the Grand Magister wanted his youngest son for Princess Anna’s groom.”
“As if his being a minor noble wasn’t enough, he’s trying to palm off a son that isn’t even his heir!” Leonia said indignantly. “That is a direct insult!”
Everyone nodded importantly. It occurred to me that this was much the same as the kind of chats that used to happen at my house. Father’s friends would come over and, incensed by ale or at times something stronger, argue about everything on earth until they were hoarse. Starting with politics and ending with coal prices during winter.
Chasing off the sad thoughts, I listened to what Gino was saying.
“Exactly right!” he said indignantly. “Our Anna comes from the most famous family on this continent! The blood of emperors and kings flows in her veins! And now this non-pedigreed little sorcerer just up and decides he is worthy of joining the family of the great Steel King!”
In a sign of solidarity everyone knocked the thick oaken tabletop with whatever they had on hand. It wouldn’t surprise me to find out that these kinds of conversations were taking place in just about every Ironville home.
“So you see!” Gino vociferated, incensed by the wine. “His Majesty will show them all yet!”
“Yeah!” Tusk barked, tossing back his fifth mug of ale.
“Exactly right!” the women repeated.
Maya, as a subject of the Steel King, was taking this all quite close to heart. Just like every Fradian sitting at the table, she was emotionally shouting toasts to her King and his family and loudly stomping the heels of her boots. What am I even saying!? I was actually envious of the way all these people and nonhumans admired their ruler! Somehow, I can’t remember the King of Taria being so sincerely adored.
After dinner, just before sleep, Gino came up to me.
“Master Eric, I haven’t forgotten my promises! I’ll introduce you to my friend tomorrow. He’s an educated and skilled attorney who has a good understanding of the law. Honestly, I must warn you that he takes a twenty-five percent fee for his services.”
“Is that a lot?”
“You might say that,” Gino stroked his chin. “There are cheaper ones to be found, but I would never let you hire anyone but Belvokrut.”
“Hm, interesting name.”
“Yes,” Gino nodded and smiled. “My friend is a gnome. Believe you me, you’ll never find a better attorney. And as for money... Hehe! And I’ll start looking for a buyer for our ‘little girl’ tomorrow!”
For the first time in several months, I fell asleep in a normal bed. I was warm and comfortable. I felt my lips stretching out into a satisfied smile. Tomorrow, if the Great System wills it, I could finally be rid of this loathsome debtor’s oath.
Chapter 17
“THIRTY PERCENT!” the bearded pipsqueak declared, holding his hands behind his back and rocking from his toes to his heels and back. His fire-red beard and wide freckle-strewn face made for a sharp contrast with his coal-black camisole. I could read impatience in his closely set blue eyes. I was forming the impression he wanted to get rid of me.
Early this morning, while eating breakfast, Gino handed me a small envelope with a letter for his gnome friend Madi Belvokrut, a private attorney whose offices were in the merchant’s quarter in the middle ring.
The old lanista warned me that the gnome might try and finagle himself better conditions despite the note. My mission consisted in not giving in and getting his rate down to twenty-five percent. Otherwise, I simply would not be respected.
For the record, twenty-five percent was a massive amount already. I realized that as soon as I got to the merchants’ quarter, which consisted of just one long street. It stretched along practically the entire middle circle of Ironville.
Gods! It would be easier to say what couldn’t be found there! I saw every kind of stall, office and little shop! At first my head started spinning a bit from the abundance of colors, sounds, faces and goods! If not for the neighbor boy Leonia hired to guide me, I’m sure I’d have gotten lost.
But bit by bit I got used to the whole cacophony of colors and sounds and started thinking normally again. Having learned a hard lesson in Tradepost, I didn’t take any bags or knapsacks with me. I had all my money and things sitting in
my ephemeral backpack. You might say I was travelling light.
And that was the right choice. Cyrus, as my guide was called, told me afterward that as we walked, more than a dozen local petty thieves did a bit of rifling through my empty pockets. And that was only the ones Cyrus was able to see with his fairly high Observation. I’d have to take that into account on the way back.
“Mister Belvokrut,” I started. “You don’t see me as a client. And I understand that.”
After saying that, I ran my hand over my clothing. Despite the fact that Leonia had brought my wardrobe into more or less acceptable shape, compared to capital-city locals, I was still a bit subpar to put it lightly.
“But I also want you to understand where I’m coming from,” I continued. “On the way to your office, I just so happened to see several dozen advertisements for fiduciaries other than yourself. And the commissions there were lower by a few times.”
“And the quality of their services would reflect that,” the gnome objected presumptuously. “And you’re right – your appearance and frankly level, despite the assurances of our mutual acquaintance, do not inspire trust.”
We were in a small office with a low ceiling which had just a simple oaken table and two regular armchairs as furniture and, for the record, I wasn’t even offered a seat. Bare stone walls, narrow windows, a floor clad with gray stone tile. Even for me, a kid of my height and build, it was cramped. I can’t even imagine how adult visitors must feel in this mouse hole.
Leading a pointed gaze over the frankly miserable interior of the little room, I stated:
“Well, it’s quite rare that appearances actually mean anything.”
“And yet here you are,” said the gnome, not bristling in the least.
“As you mentioned, on a recommendation from a mutual acquaintance.”
“How long have you known one another?” the redheaded gnome asked unexpectedly. To be honest, I had already started thinking about how to get out of here as quickly as possible to look for a more agreeable attorney that might charge a bit less as well. My tone must have betrayed my mood and, for some reason, that caught Madi Belvokrut’s attention.
“A month,” I answered honestly and, seeing how glum that made him look, added: “Our meeting took place in a small village on the border of the Wastes.”
The gnome immediately shuddered.
“So that means you saw old man Gino capture the beast?”
A fire of curiosity sparked up in Madi’s eyes. Until then, he was about to push me out the door.
Correctly interpreting my pointed gaze, the gnome said:
“You can be sure – everything said in this room will stay between us. Our reputation is at stake. I swear! So then, did you see him capture her?”
I got a system notification and again answered honestly:
“No.”
A-hem. This gnome’s face might as well have been an open book. Although that is probably because he isn’t even trying to hide his disappointment from me.
“I couldn’t have seen what never happened.”
There it is. Again. His disappointment changed to a grimace of extreme surprise and shock.
“Uh...”
I chuckled and said:
“Listen, I have an offer for you. I tell you what really happened and, if I manage to surprise you, you take on my case and bring down the commission by half.”
The gnome broke down laughing.
“Not a bad try,” he squeezed out after he finished. “But what’s in it for me?”
“Well, for one thing, you’ll learn unique information. Plus, you’ll gain a regular customer. Is that really not enough?” I smiled back.
“Oh! You are indubitably correct, however...”
“I thought we’d already agreed that appearance has no meaning,” I interrupted him. “Anyhow, you’ve heard my offer. I can see it hasn’t caught your interest.”
I wanted to turn and leave this strange place, but Madi stopped me. Seems I hooked him after all.
“Alright. Let’s make a bet. If your information proves useful, I agree to act as your attorney for one case for a commission of thirty-five percent.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere,” I chuckled. “But no, I don’t think I’ll accept. There really are a lot of other offices out there. For one example, I saw a sign for someone called Adanor Drovgeldig. It looked pretty good. Seems he’s a countryman of yours?”
Based on the way Madi’s eyes squinted, I’d hit the bullseye. I was ready for some negotiation and, Bug works in mysterious ways, intriguing system inducements. But Madi caught me by surprise.
“One case. Twenty-five percent,” he threw out shortly.
“Twenty,” I made a last desperate attempt.
“Twenty-five,” the gnome was immovable. “And only as a favor to an old buddy.”
After he said that, the gnome threw the envelope containing Gino’s note on the table.
“And don’t forget,” he said. “You have to surprise me.”
A-hem... I’m basically getting what I came for. Plus I have to share information. Ugh... So that’s what level forty-five gets you! I’m afraid to even imagine what this gnome’s Trading and Negotiation figures look like. I never stood a chance. But still the choice is still mine. I could turn and leave, but something is telling me that he won’t try to stop me this time. Beyond that, I must admit – with such a strong negotiator representing my interests, I’d be better at ease. I’d definitely have to make friends with the gnome.
“Agreed,” I said shortly.
“Then I’m all ears,” Madi smiled in self-satisfaction.
Deciding not to draw it out, I said:
“The real story is that I immobilized the beast and one of Gino’s familiars put it in a deep sleep for the duration of our journey.”
I watched the smile depart the gnome’s lips.
“I was told the monster was nearly level thirty!” he exclaimed. “How did you ever pull it off?! Some devious trap?!”
“Among other things,” I smiled back and raised my right hand.
For the next instant, I watched the gnome be captivated by the sparks swirling around my fingers.
* * *
— Attention! A non-magical ability has been used in an attempt to influence your mind!
― Failure!
― Failure!
I pursed my lips in annoyance. That was the standard greeting I’d been getting in nearly every stall and shop in Ironville! The sweet, affably smiling salesmen and -women were in fact enacting a full-frontal assault with their Charisma, Charm and other such abilities. It was a wonder I was able to repulse their attempts. Well to be more accurate, it was thanks to the legendary amulet of Gunnar the Destroyer with its fifty points of Will.
My story about capturing the female whipsnake made an impression on Madi. As a matter of fact, when the gnome found out I was a mage, he hurriedly invited me into a different office altogether. With high ceilings, wide windows and a view over the upper circle, comfortable armchairs and a big huge fireplace that took up half a wall. I suspect this opinion of me had changed at least partially because he realized I would be entitled to a share of the sale of the northern serpent.
After we concluded our agreement, I told him all the details concerning my debtor’s oath to Bardan. Madi assured me there shouldn’t be any problems. It was a pretty standard case, all things considered. I told him my creditor most likely didn’t have the foggiest idea I existed. Solving the issue was eased by the fact that Bardan also had financial interests in Ironville and so had his own attorneys locally. And it just so happened that Madi was well acquainted with the person who handled the affairs of the man who’d bought up my debt. In a word, if things come together favorably, I might have my freedom by the end of the day.
In the end, my attorney suggested we meet again nearer midday, by which time he promised he’d have a better idea, and perhaps have already solved my problem.
At first I wanted to go t
o the port and find the Yellow Crab tavern, but Cyrus categorically refused to stick his nose into that part of town. He said he was hired only to lead me through the safe merchants’ quarter, not through a borough where he could lose his life at the drop of a hat.
I’ll have to ask Tusk and stock up on silver. The ogre would never go without ale.
Meanwhile I decided to peruse the market rows to get a sense of local prices and maybe buy a thing or two. But that stroll, which promised to be useful and pleasant, had just about turned me batty. In my final weapons store of the day, it was a wonder I was able to resist blasting the salesman with lightning or ramming him smack dab in his saccharine smile. He just kept testing my Will against his Charisma.
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series Page 16
