Book 2 Chapter 52 (Patreon)

Aria Edelweiss was neither an academic nor a skilled mage. She had learned at a young age that she only had enough potential to be middling in either line. No matter how hard she tried, the talented and better resourced would always come out on top. However, lacking the talent for either didn’t make her stupid.

“Neither of those are important, my love,” her father used to tell her when she was younger. “You only need enough magic and scholarly prowess to survive and do your job. You have something far rarer than arcane talents or an academic brain. You understand people and know how to make them understand you. Governance. Politics. Leadership. These are the qualities a ruler needs and where your future lies. Once you master breaking down people’s defenses, no one will get in the way of your ambitions.”

For five years since the age of sixteen, Aria had spent most of her time in the City of Ygg. She attended classes, did moderately well in them, and developed her mana system to complement her abilities. She would never delve or fight monsters but had enough magic to repel assassins or similar threats. However, all of that was secondary to her. The political connections and friendships were the most valuable of all her achievements.

Aria considered herself lucky. Despite age-old customs, her father had named her his heir. There was only one stipulation to the role. She needed to find a worthy husband capable of taking barony to greater heights. Best of all, her father didn’t force prospects on her. Instead, he only pointed out excellent candidates and let Aria judge their value as a person, potential partner, and co-ruler of the barony.

Nox wasn’t the best prospect Aria had encountered. Despite his high birth rate, he had no political clout. He had no riches stored away to assist her or the barony if another major disaster struck. Aria had received proposals from mages far more talented and powerful than Nox. Gifted arcane artisans from decent families had offered her rings, too. The allure and looks she inherited from her mother and paternal grandmother attracted some of the land's most handsome noblemen and merchants, too.

However, Nox liked them less than Aria. It wasn’t just because his creation had saved her father’s land. His creativity, drive, and ambition attracted her. He certainly had the most unique mind she had ever encountered. Despite his misfortunes and hardships, Nox had achieved more with nothing but grit and hard work than her other prospects despite significant financial and political backing. The only handouts Nox received came after proving himself and were much deserved for everything he endured. Unlike her other prospects, Nox had earned Aria's respect. She had observed him all throughout the previous semester but stayed away because of Annabelle Oakheart. So, when she found him single, and her father highlighted him as a possible asset to the barony, Aria didn't hesitate and pursued her target.

Nox’s meteoric rise in the meager semester-and-a-half at Woodson University shocked everyone. Aria couldn't help but wonder where he'd be now if not for Sundarshahar and the Gedges.

Would he be another spoiled Prince doing just enough to keep his family happy? Or would he walk the same path?

The general attitude among her peers suggested the former. The likes of Louis Mercer and Harin Singh were only a handful. Aria believed that Nox would've picked an idyllic life as a mediocre war mage and dabbling alchemist if not for his trials and tribulations. They had molded him into a magnificent specimen of a man.

However, now it appeared to have changed him in unsavory ways too. There was a duality to Nox that she never expected. He seemed to save his darker side for his party, especially Lillin. Aria was concerned with the cold, calculated plans and the swiftness with which he developed them. It wasn’t particularly abhorrent. Nox wasn’t setting out to slaughter people or do anything undeserving. However, Aria couldn’t help but wonder what else Nox could do.

Nox claimed to hate social gatherings and have limited stamina for such situations. She believed he had lied as she watched him maneuver through the humble gathering.

“You put the Trade Empire’s staff to shame,” Nox told everyone while slurring his words. The shop had already closed for the day, and everyone—the staff, party, and, for some reason, Alex, the gang leader—had a cup in their hands. Nox sipped from a flask of Spirit Caller’s Tea. “Most businesses started by independent arcane artisans close in the first two months. On the other hand, we are beginning month four and swimming in contracts. All of your jobs are secure, and we will survive the off-season and the coming semester. I couldn’t have achieved this without all of you!”

The Tanners and Argus cheered while the rest raised their cups. Nox’s party had taken a backseat for his speech. They smiled, watching the staff celebrate.

“Let's also take this opportunity to welcome the newest addition to our family,” Nox continued. “I’m sure you know the lovely Lady Edelweiss’ work around the city.” Aria curtsied as all eyes momentarily shifted towards her. The act won her several amused smiles. “She finally got the council’s approval to also ferry abandoned or orphaned children to her father’s land. Once Alex’s gang has all left on next month’s caravan, she’ll officially join us as my first mage apprentice.”

“How’s that different from your other apprentices?” Allen asked.

“We’re only apprentices in name,” Aisha said. “Apprentice is a more accurate representation of our rank as alchemists. Kishan and I are more brewing assistants than Sir Ratra’s students. Our relationship is more employer-employee.”

“That’s correct.” Nox looked at Jenny Tanner. “Could you please prepare one of the unoccupied rooms from Alex? The Taylors should be open by then, so have her fitted for a uniform. Aisha, perhaps you can take her out to buy some new clothes, too? I’ll pay, of course.”

Both staff members excitedly agreed to the request.

“Finally, I have some excellent news for everyone. Since you’ve made my life so much easier, my Edelweiss-sponsored research has reached a critical point.” Nox held up a folder of bound research papers. “Myconid flesh won’t just be a potent fertilizer, but thanks to my latest creation, settlements can also now cultivate it as a safe and nutritious food source. Ratra’s Knightly Brews has much more in its future than fame and fortune. We will save the continent and become one of the most prominent alchemy companies while at it. This achievement isn’t mine alone but belongs to all of you.”

Alexander and Joey joined in on the following cheering. Nox also shared the credit with Caitlin, Pudge, and Michelle. Everyone drained their cups with the next toast and then refilled them. Despite his apparent intoxication, Nox placed the folder on the shop counter and took another long sip from his flask.

“I still have a couple of kinks to iron out, but we'll get this patented by the end of the week. The city has also offered us a generous contract for the product. Baron Edelweiss will also spread the word to his neighbors after we send him the first batch.” Following Nox’s signal, Allen handed everyone a pouch. “I know this first bonus isn't a lot, but if things continue the way they are, you'll receive larger stacks of coins.”

“Our biggest challenge right now is keeping up with production,” Aisha stated.

“I've looked at the business’s books,” Aria said. Nox stood beside her with an arm around her waist and swaying on his feet. She held him around the shoulder and used the shop counter for support. “You can afford to rent a decent-sized workshop and equip it with second-hand workstations right now or wait six months and buy a second property. Your competitors have a good reason to be afraid. I think the latter is better since you'll need time to find more reliable long-term suppliers.”

“And our bastard competitors will cry as we drive them out of the city.” Nox slurred his ways, spraying spittle on the wood, separating him from the staff. Some laughed. The others didn't appear amused by their employer’s inebriation.

“You've had a long week, Nox,” Aria said. “Perhaps you should head to bed early.”

“I'm fine, my love,” Nox replied. “It's time my staff and I truly get to know each other. There is so much they need to—”

“Leanna made us a beautiful pheasant pot pie for our dinner tonight.” Aria took Nox’s flask as he tried to take another sip. “Why don't we go indulge ourselves while everyone finishes their drink and cleans up?”

Nox’s shoulders drooped as he scanned everyone’s faces. “Fine.” He sighed, stumbling to the stairs. Nox struggled to stabilize him.

“Would you like some help, Lady Edelweiss?” Argus Stone asked.

“No,” Aria replied. “Please enjoy yourself. We'll be fine.”

Several stumbles and a couple of slips made the ascent noisy. Nox’s laughter only added to the noise and chaos. Aria felt her cheeks reddened when she had to repel assistance a second time. She rudely and loudly reprimanded Nox as she dragged him up the stairs.

“Aria, I have a question,” Alexander yelled up the stairs. His flushed face stuck, and he looked up at her through the gaps between the flights. “Why do they call your father's land a barony? There is no king above him. Right?”

“You're drunk, Alexander,” Aria replied. “Go back to the party. We'll talk about this later.”

“But we need to settle an argument! We'll just come up.”

“Don't.” She sighed. “We need some time alone. We were a feudal barony until my great-grandfather's time. He served a king and the land was his fief. Then, war with the Imperium and godfalls ended the kingdom, and baron has been a title of nobility since. Is that good enough?”

“Alright. Thank you.” Alexander addressed someone waiting out of sight, fumbling his words as he spoke. “You win. I don't have any gold on me. Can I pay you tomorrow?”

The ascent to the top floor was slow, and they paused a couple more times as Nox struggled, and more questions forced them to pause. Leanna Tanner raced by them several times, carrying trays of drinks or little pies. She appeared merry, too. The climb to the second floor might have been up the towers around Fort Edelweiss.

Aria helped Nox into his private corner of the apartment. Initially, Lillin walked in on them unannounced at all times of the day. Nox claimed his relationship with the woman was purely platonic and almost sibling-like, but it made Aria uncomfortable. Following her insistence, Nox had set some boundaries. Now, Lillin only freely accessed the kitchen, dining her room, and the shared lounge. The study, smaller sitting area, and Nox's room were his and Aria's private space. Lillin needed to knock before entering it.

Once in the bedroom, Aria let him stumble to the armchair in the corner as she locked the door. He knocked side tables and broke a vase as she watched silently. They only spoke after the sounds of Leanna shuffling around the first-floor kitchen faded.

“You laid it on unnecessarily thick toward the end,” Aria commented.

“What?” Nox feigned offence. “I think my performance was brilliant! I only channeled all the drunks I've encountered in my lifetime.”

“You were fine until we started climbing the stairs. The transition to slurring and stumbling, to imbalanced and incapable of standing alone happened too quickly.”

Nox laughed. “I'll remember that for the party. Was I really that bad?”

“No,” Aria replied. “I think you convinced everyone that needed to be convinced. You were just talkative, emotional, and repetitive enough to seem different from your usual self.” She sat down on the bed, and Nox hugged her from behind. A tingle ran down Aria’s back when he kissed her neck. “The negative turn in the end was almost too much. Do you have everything sorted for the night?”

“Almost. I still need to accept Swati’s invitation and talk to the final player.” Nox paused for a moment as his lips caressed her right ear. “If it works out, I won't need Joey.”

“I'm surprised he was invited at all. I think it would be smarter to use Greengrass.” Aria struggled to keep her voice steady and her thoughts straight when Nox’s hands started exploring her body. She helped him undo her dress as she spoke. “He's more practiced and experienced with this sort of thing.”

“True, but everyone knows his history. If we get caught, he'll face harsher trouble than me. Trust me, this is better.” Nox stopped undressing her for a moment. “We’re lucky Alexander is on our side. He's a devious little bugger.”

“I'm done talking about this for now,” Aria said. She stood up and let her evening gown fall. The look in Nox’s eyes when she undressed almost always made her heart flutter. “Remember. I'm not staying the night. When I leave, I need to look disappointed and angry.”

“I wish I could give you guarantees, Aria,” Nox said as he removed his shirt. Then he grabbed Aria’s hands and pulled her closer. “I really do. But I've exhausted my acting skills for the evening. You'll need to convince the staff of my drunkenness and shortcomings all on your own.”