After spending a few days in Ravennest and completing their business, the Frost family prepared to leave. Their carriage was packed, and the final goodbyes began.
Elias & Zach's GoodbyeIn the courtyard, Zach approached Elias, holding a wooden box. "Here, take this."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Zach smirked. "The game we played yesterday. Since you missed the trial, I figured you should have the first prototype."
Elias opened the box and saw the board, the carved pieces, and the wooden number tiles. His eyes lit up with curiosity. "You mean you all played without me? That's unfair!"
Mia pouted, crossing her arms. "You should've been there, Elias! I would've beaten you!"
Elias scoffed. "I doubt that."
Zach chuckled. "You can practice with this one. That way, next time we meet, you won't lose too badly."
Elias grinned. "You're on." He tucked the box under his arm. "I'll master this game before you visit Frosthold, so be ready."
Mia tugged on his sleeve. "You have to come back soon! We need a rematch."
Elias ruffled her hair playfully. "Fine, fine. I'll come back. And when I do, I'll win."
With that, he climbed into the carriage with his parents, waving as the Frost family prepared to depart.
Vincent & Leo's FarewellAs the carriage was being finalized, Vincent and Leo stood near the entrance of the manor, speaking in low voices.
"So, our plan remains the same," Vincent said. "I'll gather more information on this hidden noble organization while you investigate the merchant networks in Frosthold."
Leo nodded. "I'll see what I can dig up. If this conspiracy truly runs deep, it won't be easy to uproot. We'll need proof before making a move."
Vincent exhaled. "Agreed. We must be careful."
Leo's gaze shifted to the prototype board game Elias carried. "By the way, I see potential in that game of yours. If it takes off, I'd like to introduce it to some merchants in Frosthold."
Vincent smirked. "You always have an eye for opportunity."
Leo chuckled. "It's a good idea. You should capitalize on it."
With a knowing look, Vincent turned and retrieved a wooden box from Sebastian. He handed it to Leo. "A parting gift Ravennest's finest wine. Take it home and enjoy it with your wife."
Leo took the box, surprised. "You know I can't say no to good wine."
Vincent gave a small smile. "Consider it thanks for your help."
Leo nodded. "Then I'll accept it. Until next time, Vincent."
The two men clasped arms in farewell, and Leo climbed into the carriage with his family. As the Frosts' carriage rolled out of Ravennest, Vincent watched them go, his expression unreadable. The moment they disappeared down the road, his gaze hardened.
The next day.
Sebastian entered the study, a well-dressed man following closely behind him. The man was in his late forties, his slicked-back hair showing hints of gray. He wore fine clothes, though not as extravagant as a noble's, and his sharp eyes carried the weight of countless negotiations.
"My lord," Sebastian announced, "this is Merchant Hadrian Luthier, one of the more prominent traders who oversee routes between the central and northern regions."
Hadrian gave a slight bow. "Lord Vincent, it is an honor to be granted an audience with you. I have long wished for the opportunity to discuss a potential partnership with the esteemed House of Ravennest."
Vincent nodded, motioning for him to take a seat. "A partnership, you say? That is an interesting proposition. However, the purpose of today's meeting is something else. I summoned you here to discuss a game."
Hadrian blinked. "A... game, my lord?"
"Yes," Vincent said, gesturing toward Zach. "My son has created something rather unique, and I would like you to evaluate its potential."
Hadrian's sharp gaze shifted to Zach, his expression unreadable. "A child is the creator?" He leaned back slightly. "Forgive me, my lord, but I must ask are you truly considering investing resources into a mere game? Many such creations have been made, yet none have ever flourished into true commerce."
Zach's eyes narrowed slightly. He had expected skepticism, but the merchant's dismissive tone irritated him.
"I understand your concerns, Hadrian," Vincent said evenly, "but I still wish for you to hear it out."
Hadrian exhaled through his nose, as if stifling a sigh. "If that is your will, my lord. But I strongly advise you to reconsider. Instead of focusing on a child's game, we should discuss real business trade routes, resource exchanges, potential investments that could benefit Ravennest. There are many ways for your house to grow wealth, and I would be more than willing to propose beneficial arrangements."
Vincent remained resolute. "That can wait. For now, you will listen to my son."
Hadrian's jaw tensed, but he gave a short nod. "As you command, my lord."
Zach took a deep breath before stepping forward. "This isn't just a simple game," he began. "It's something that people of all ages can enjoy. It's strategic, competitive, and easy to learn, but difficult to master. It will be the first of its kind an activity that nobility, merchants, and common folk can all take part in."
Hadrian remained unimpressed. "A bold claim," he said dryly. "But entertainment is fleeting, young master. People may play it once or twice, but they will not continue if there is no lasting appeal. How do you intend to make them return?"
Zach smiled. "By making it unpredictable. No two games will be the same. Players will always want to try again, to improve, to challenge others."
Hadrian still appeared unconvinced. He drummed his fingers against the table. "Even if that is the case, production costs must be considered. If each set is handcrafted, it will be expensive to make and sell. And if it's too expensive, only nobles will buy it. That would limit your market." He leaned forward slightly. "Furthermore, what guarantees do we have that this will not become another forgotten pastime? I have seen countless merchants lose money chasing fads."
Vincent studied the merchant, recognizing his mindset. "Are you saying you refuse to even consider its potential?"
Hadrian hesitated. "I am saying that it is a risk, my lord. And merchants do not take risks lightly."
Zach clenched his fists slightly. "Then let me show you how the game works. Play it with me."
Hadrian raised an eyebrow. "Play it?"
"Yes," Zach insisted. "See for yourself if it's just a passing amusement."
Hadrian let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, young master, but I do not have time to play games."
Vincent's eyes darkened slightly. "You will not even try?"
Hadrian bowed slightly. "My apologies, my lord, but my stance remains firm. Perhaps in the future, I will entertain the thought. But for now, I see little worth in investing in a child's pastime."
Zach bit his tongue to stop himself from arguing further. He knew this wasn't the end. He would find a way to change the merchant's mind one way or another.
Sebastian entered the study, a well-dressed man following closely behind him. The man was in his late forties, his slicked-back hair showing hints of gray. He wore fine clothes, though not as extravagant as a noble's, and his sharp eyes carried the weight of countless negotiations.
"My lord," Sebastian announced, "this is Merchant Hadrian Luthier, one of the more prominent traders who oversee routes between the central and northern regions."
Hadrian gave a slight bow. "Lord Vincent, it is an honor to be granted an audience with you. I have long wished for the opportunity to discuss a potential partnership with the esteemed House of Ravennest."
Vincent nodded, motioning for him to take a seat. "A partnership, you say? That is an interesting proposition. However, the purpose of today's meeting is something else. I summoned you here to discuss a game."
Hadrian blinked. "A... game, my lord?"
"Yes," Vincent said, gesturing toward Zach. "My son has created something rather unique, and I would like you to evaluate its potential."
Hadrian's sharp gaze shifted to Zach, his expression unreadable. "A child is the creator?" He leaned back slightly. "Forgive me, my lord, but I must ask are you truly considering investing resources into a mere game? Many such creations have been made, yet none have ever flourished into true commerce."
Zach's eyes narrowed slightly. He had expected skepticism, but the merchant's dismissive tone irritated him.
"I understand your concerns, Hadrian," Vincent said evenly, "but I still wish for you to hear it out."
Hadrian exhaled through his nose, as if stifling a sigh. "If that is your will, my lord. But I strongly advise you to reconsider. Instead of focusing on a child's game, we should discuss real business trade routes, resource exchanges, potential investments that could benefit Ravennest. There are many ways for your house to grow wealth, and I would be more than willing to propose beneficial arrangements."
Vincent remained resolute. "That can wait. For now, you will listen to my son."
Hadrian's jaw tensed, but he gave a short nod. "As you command, my lord."
Zach took a deep breath before stepping forward. "This isn't just a simple game," he began. "It's something that people of all ages can enjoy. It's strategic, competitive, and easy to learn, but difficult to master. It will be the first of its kind an activity that nobility, merchants, and common folk can all take part in."
Hadrian remained unimpressed. "A bold claim," he said dryly. "But entertainment is fleeting, young master. People may play it once or twice, but they will not continue if there is no lasting appeal. How do you intend to make them return?"
Zach smiled. "By making it unpredictable. No two games will be the same. Players will always want to try again, to improve, to challenge others."
Hadrian still appeared unconvinced. He drummed his fingers against the table. "Even if that is the case, production costs must be considered. If each set is handcrafted, it will be expensive to make and sell. And if it's too expensive, only nobles will buy it. That would limit your market." He leaned forward slightly. "Furthermore, what guarantees do we have that this will not become another forgotten pastime? I have seen countless merchants lose money chasing fads."
Vincent studied the merchant, recognizing his mindset. "Are you saying you refuse to even consider its potential?"
Hadrian hesitated. "I am saying that it is a risk, my lord. And merchants do not take risks lightly."
Zach clenched his fists slightly. "Then let me show you how the game works. Play it with me."
Hadrian raised an eyebrow. "Play it?"
"Yes," Zach insisted. "See for yourself if it's just a passing amusement."
Hadrian let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, young master, but I do not have time to play games."
Vincent's eyes darkened slightly. "You will not even try?"
Hadrian bowed slightly. "My apologies, my lord, but my stance remains firm. Perhaps in the future, I will entertain the thought. But for now, I see little worth in investing in a child's pastime."
Zach bit his tongue to stop himself from arguing further. He knew this wasn't the end. He would find a way to change the merchant's mind one way or another.