I am seriously not ready for this, Allen thought to himself as he was once again taking to a carriage, but to a different destination.
"The Demon of Finance", was the nickname August advised Allen of that was given to Reynold Windblade, the owner of Reynold Enterprises. As the head of the company named after himself, as well as a very powerful and influential merchant, he had earned that nickname not that long ago.
But why does the 'Demon of Finance' want to meet with me, out of anyone?, Allen asked himself as he continued his journey.
Unfortunately for Allen, the letter itself did not detail the reasoning as for why Reynold wanted to speak to Allen personally. All it detailed was the location, which was his company headquarters, as well as to bring the letter as proof so his guards would allow him through.
Of course, Allen could have easily declined the invitation to meet him in person and discuss whatever he wanted to talk about, however both William and August both recommended he meet with him. After all, Reynold does not speak to just anyone personally. This could be perhaps a good opportunity for him, if anything at all, to speak with one of the most important people currently in London.
"We're here sir," the carriage driver advised him as Allen looked out and confirmed it for himself.
He promptly got out of the carriage, paid his fee, and then the driver left, as someone else would come back to pick him up.
Wow, this place is amazing, Allen thought as he couldn't help but take in the view around him.
The main headquarters was located near one of the major ports in London. The port was bustling with activity and work being done, as various ships unloaded goods or other ships prepared to sail with goods being loaded. Not one worker was slow, as they all worked in unison to get their jobs done. Several magical knights were in the area, to prevent any sort of problems that could occur.
The headquarters building itself was a fairly large building, and almost rivaled the Triumvirate building in beauty and size. A lot of money was surely put toward the building, to make it stand out and remain as flawless as possible. Near the entrance were several guards Allen would need to talk to in order to gain entrance. Luckily, he did not forget the letter that Reynold sent him.
One of the guards noticed Allen slowly approach. "Can we help you?"
"I'm here to see Reynold Windblade, by invitation," Allen asked, not showing the letter at first in case they already knew about him.
"Sorry kid, but we've been instructed he has no visitors today unless by invitation," the guard replied.
"Ah, I have this," Allen took out the letter and handed it to the guard.
"Hmm, this doesn't look familiar," he squinted his eyes while reading it. "Unless you have a real letter, unfortunately you're going to have to put a request in"
"But, that letter is what he sent me. Didn't he inform anyone that I was to be expected?," Allen asked, getting a little annoyed now.
"Unfortunately no, so we're going to have to ask you to-"
"I'm sorry, but what do you think you are doing?," A voice came from behind the guards.
"Miss!," the two guards stepped to the side as they did a little salute.
The woman in question seemed to be in her mid twenties. She had long, silver hair and what seemed to be blue eyes. She was very pretty, and it was hard for Allen not to take his eyes off of her. She also seemed to be wearing a maid outfit, but very lavish.
Is she one of the maids? Wait, does Reynold Enterprises even have maids?, Allen thought to himself as she took a look at both Allen, then back at the guards.
"Let me see that letter," she asked, but it was more of an order with how she quickly took it from the guard.
"Ah, you must be Allen Fleming. The boss has been expecting you," she gave a courteous nod.
"Yes, I'm Allen," Allen nodded back.
"Well? Are you two blind or something? Don't you know how to read a letter with the official signature from our boss?," she asked them, the disappointment in her voice.
"We're sorry miss!," the two replied.
"Now then, please follow me," she told Allen, already heading inside.
Well, she certainly has much authority here if she's a maid, Allen thought to himself.
As instructed, he followed her down the corridors. Allen couldn't see what was going on inside, as the building was mostly filled with closed off rooms, perhaps to keep their company secrets more easily hidden.
Once they arrived at the top floor and down a very long corridor, they reached a room with double doors.
"Please, make your way in," the maid instructed him as she opened one of the doors. "The boss is expecting you"
"Thank you," Allen gave her a small smile before walking in.
As he walked in, he could immediately tell it was Reynold's office if it wasn't obvious enough already. The whole room was filled with all sorts of pricy antiques and small statues, all gold or silver in color. And in the back middle of the room was Reynold, sitting at his desk.
I don't think I've ever been in a room this lavish before, Allen thought to himself, careful not to touch or break anything.
"Ah, you're here Allen Fleming. Please, feel free to take a seat in front of me and make yourself comfortable," Reynold gave him a smile, as he appeared to be finishing up some paperwork.
Well, he's certainly much better at keeping up with paperwork than William is, Allen noted.
"Thank you," Allen said as he did as he was instructed.
The room to the door was promptly closed, as the maid Allen saw before carried what appeared to be a tea set of some sort. She walked up to the desk, and set down two tea cups - one for Reynold and one for Allen. She started to pour tea into each cup.
As she was pouring each glass, Allen couldn't help but think back to both the royal banquet, where he met Reynold, and back to his duel with Nathaniel, where he had used a magical artifact that could have been made by Reynold's company.
As the maid finished pouring the tea, and set down what appeared to be cookies on a plate for each of them, Reynold did a small wave with his hand. She gave a small, respectful bow and then stood to the side of his desk, out of the way.
"Now then Allen," Reynold finished up his papers and started to what looked like study him. "Are there any questions you had for me before we begin and I tell you why I personally requested for you here?"
"Yes, I actually do," Allen responded. "Several months ago, I dueled a second year student named Nathaniel Rivertide. Do you happen to know him"
"Well, of course I do. He is the eldest child of Susanna Rivertide. Why bring him up?," he asked, seeming to study Allen.
"Well he used a magical artifact during the duel that was quite strange. It allowed him to cast an elemental circle from across the room, although a short distance. Was it perhaps your company or you yourself who created it?"
"Ah, great question," he smiled in understanding. "Yes, I remember that request quite well, because it came from Nathaniel Rivertide himself. Yes, I did indeed grant his request to make the prototype, but at a fair price"
"I see. So it was just done as a request and nothing more?," Allen asked.
"Mostly yes, but as this was a special request, I required a special price. That, and he was a Rivertide, so I saw the value in doing so. I had no idea you were his opponent until after the duel was completed," Reynold explained. "Any other questions for me?"
"At the current moment, no sir," Allen answered, satisfied with his answer.
"Good. Now then, any idea as to why I may have called you here?," Reynold asked.
"Unfortunately I do not. I do remember you from the Royal Banquet I attended August with, however I don't think I have done anything that would permit a meeting such as this," Allen responded, while still thinking of a possible answer.
"That's alright. In fact, I would be honestly surprised if you knew why I called you on such short notice, so you have my apologies for that," he gave him a small bow.
"No, it's alright. It was good for me too since I got to finally get some closure with that duel," Allen said as he put his hands up.
"Well then, allow me to explain," he said as he pulled a document out from his desk.
"You see, I recently received a special request from a client I am somewhat acquainted with that actually involved you. Any guesses as to what that request could be?," he asked, tilting his head in curiosity.
"No sir, I don't"
"This request specifically asked me to remove Allen Fleming from the upcoming Annual Magical Knights Tournament. And the interesting part is that they went out of their way to inform me that they would pay any price deemed necessary for this request to be filled," he explained, as he seemed to study him further.
Wait what?, Allen thought. Someone wants me to get out of the tournament? But who?
"Strange, don't you think? A first year, recently promoted to D rank with almost no background whatsoever. The only other redeeming qualities that stand out are the fact that you are president of a training club and you've won several duels. Tell me, could there be anything else that could make such an individual target you specifically?
Allen gave himself some time to think to himself. Just what or who could be after me, and why? Perhaps because I've recently started to stand out? Or maybe because I am a weak air mage? Or perhaps both?
Allen couldn't find a clear answer no matter how much he thought about it. If it was a student, they could just simply issue out a duel with him if they wanted something. Then maybe a teacher? But even then, William may have some idea about it.
"No luck?," Reynold finally asked, getting Allen out of his thoughts.
"Sorry, I do not have a good idea," Allen admitted.
"Interestingly enough, they did not leave a reason in their request. After doing my own research, I have a good idea as to perhaps why, but unfortunately I cannot disclose that information alongside who my client is," he explained.
"I understand"
"Now, with that being said, let me make something very clear to you. I would prefer an ally over an enemy any day. Such comes with the position I am in. As such, I would like to make you a deal instead"
"And what is this deal?" Allen asked, both confused and curious at the same time.
"If you would," Reynold asked his maid, who promptly placed a large, silver suitcase on the desk, out of the way of the food and tea.
"What's this?," Allen asked, as he's never seen anything like it before.
"Open it," he commanded.
The maid promptly opened the suitcase, and Allen was met with something he completely did not expect - a large sum of money, all stacked within the suitcase.
"You can't be serious," Allen muttered, as he stared the money down. Never in his life had he seen this much money before, nor has he obtained money even close to this amount before.
"Oh, but I am very serious," Reynold grinned. "If this is what it takes to make a successful agreement with you, the money is hardly a problem for me"
I can't believe this!, Allen thought. This much money… just so I won't participate in the tournament.
He wanted to give it a bit more thought, but he reconsidered his own goals, and what he wanted to accomplish.
"I'm sorry, but I am going to have to respectfully decline," Allen answered to his offer. "I am set on becoming a magical knight, and participating in this tournament will do well for me"
"I understand. Is the amount not enough for you then?," he asked, curious.
"Oh no, that's more than enough money. However, if I drop out of this tournament, that means dropping out of becoming a magical knight. Participating in this tournament is one of my conditions for being able to graduate to my first year, when I was first accepted into the academy," Allen explained.
"Very interesting, I've never heard of anything like it. Although, I heard something about that when I did my research on you. Well then, allow me to make you a new offer"
A new offer?, Allen thought. I don't plan on accepting whatever it is, but might as well hear him out since I am here.
"If your main concern is having a job and securing a promising future, then why not work directly under me for my company Reynold Enterprises?," he asked, a small smile on his face. "In addition, your work would still greatly benefit the future of London, just as being a magical knight would. You could even start immediately, if you'd like…"
Allen took a moment to let his offer sink in. After all, one of the most highly influential people in London outside of the Triumvirate just gave him a job offer that many would potentially fight for. While Allen couldn't deny the offer seemed a little tempting, he wanted to ask a question first.
"Why me though?," Allen asked. "Why ask me to work directly under you?"
"Why not?," he asked, as if the answer wasn't obvious. "I believe you'd do well under me, Fleming"
He had said his last name as if it meant more to him. Perhaps Reynold knows something more about his adopted family than he does?
"Why wouldn't you ask me to just work for the company? You already believe in my skills after just meeting me for the second time?," Allen asked, confused.
"Ah I see, it appears you haven't been informed," he responded, placing his hand on his chin in thought.
"Haven't been informed about what?," Allen asked for further details.
"Well, it's just that the Fleming family, or should I say your family, was one of the most highly influential merchant families in London before I rose to 'power' you could say," Reynold explained to Allen's complete surprise. "However, the family's interest in the merchant trade had suddenly ended when an individual from the family by the name of Martin Fleming retired. As he was the last of the family to continue the bloodline, the Flemings completely stepped outside of the world of merchant trade"
"Wait, seriously?," Allen asked. "I-"
Just as he was about to say more, things started to click for him. He knew his father was once a merchant, but he didn't know much more than that. If Allen was right about what he was thinking, that would mean his father had ended being a merchant sometime a little before Allen was taken in as a baby.
"It seems you have reached an understanding," Reynold smiled.
"It seems I have…," Allen looked at the ground, still a little lost in thought.
"Therefore, I have no doubt your skills in the merchant trade would be more than beneficial," Reynold continued. "Any good merchant has a good eye, and I can see a promising future for you if you were to join my company. You may not exceed at first, but under my guidance I am very certain you could become one of my top workers in my company"
He really thinks that highly of me?, Allen thought, bewildered. This is only my second time meeting him. William, you've got a lot of explaining to do about your nephew when I am back at the academy.
"I'm sorry, but I am once again going to have to decline your offer respectfully," Allen advised him. "While it does seem rather promising, I shall not back on my goals at all. I intend on becoming a magical knight and fulfilling the promises I have made to others and not only myself"
"I see, such a shame," he shook his head, almost as if he was actually a little upset with his answer. "Hmmm, how about one last offer?"
"And that would be?," Allen asked, wondering what more Reynold would be willing to offer him at this point.
"Well, you certainly look to be that age. Why, don't you have my maid standing behind me?," he asked, turning to point his hand towards the silver haired maid that had helped Allen inside the building earlier. "I'm sure that she would be most helpful for you"
H-Huh?, Allen thought, completely caught off guard.
He looked at her for a moment, but nothing indicated she had a change in emotion after what Reynold had offered him. It was almost as if she would follow any command Reynold offered, and that only frightened Allen more.
"You could even still work for my company if you'd like, that would just be a bonus for you. In addition, I promise that she is a v-"
"Nonono! I am good!," Allen raised his voice and violently shook his hands to get him to stop talking. "I pass!"
"Really now?," he seemed to chuckle for a moment. "You continue to amuse me"
He's just like William and Stephen!, Allen thought. I swear, that stupidity runs in the family!
"Such a shame you've declined all of my offers so far, but I do understand," Reynold nodded.
After taking a moment to collect himself, Allen finally spoke. "To me, it seems you were secretly hoping I would accept your second offer, am I wrong?"
"A great merchant isn't without his own secrets, but I don't believe I need to tell you that, do I?," He asked, grinning.
"I think I understand now, but no matter what you offer or throw at me, I shall stand by my goals," Allen declared.
"And I am very sure you will, I have no doubt about that," he grinned as he leaned back into his chair. "I must say, I am growing a newfound respect for you. I just knew my intuition wasn't wrong about you"
"And why is that?"
"I too, am the same as you. I shall not allow anyone, or anything, to come in my way to achieve my own goals. Therefore, out of respect for someone with a strong will as myself, I unfortunately will have to decline my client's important request…"
"Wait, really?," Allen asked. He was half expecting Reynold to take other matters if Allen declined his offers.
"Indeed, you did not hear me wrong. I suppose I will just have to inform them that I have other important matters to attend to and completing their request just isn't within my priorities at the moment"
"Thank you very much," Allen said with a slight bow.
"No thanks needed. After all, I can't wait to watch what you will do in the near future, Allen Fleming," he said as his grin grew larger. "With that being said, our talk is completed. You are welcome to leave"
"Thank you for your time"
"My pleasure," Reynold responded after shaking hands with Allen.
Well now, I have a lot to tell William and August when I get back, Allen thought as he started to get up from his chair.
"Walk him out, would you?," Reynold asked the maid, who was still standing respectfully out of the way. She gave him a small nod before walking up and opening the door for Allen.
Just before Allen could begin to leave, Reynold stopped him.
"Ah, just before you go, allow me to say one last word of advise"
"What might that be?"
"Well, a bit more of a warning if anything else. If my client is anything like I know them to be, they won't stop here. I advise you to watch your back as your upcoming tournament draws near. I promise I shall remain a neutral party if anything should occur, but I cannot say the same of everyone else"
Allen took a moment to process what he said before responding. "I understand"
"Good. Well now, I wish you luck, Allen Fleming," he gave him one last respectful nod before Allen finally left the room.
With Allen finally heading back to the academy to go back to his classes, he had a lot to think about and process on the way back. Now he has a possible enemy with an unknown identity as the tournament draws near. All he can do is work hard and train, and not let anything get in the way of accomplishing his goals and living out his dream - becoming a magical knight.