Raven sat opposite the old shadowy figure, calmly drinking his tea. Count Esmond had always been a man who made those in his presence feel a sense of danger yet for Raven he was the brightest gem right now.
"It's been two weeks since we all gathered. I was wondering if you have what I asked for." The man took a sip watching Esmond stand up and walk towards a draw at the edge of the room. His moves were slow but not a sound was made with each step. It was an impressive sight to anyone who saw it and made the man blend in with the background more so than he already did.
"Found it." His voice was excited like a child finding his toy. He walked back to the table placing a vial of black powder in front of Raven. The Marquess picked it up, examining it. "Truly a good one that. Makes it seem like a natural heart attack leaving no trace once the blood in the body stops flowing." He placed another vial filled with green liquid on the table confusing Raven. "An antidote. In case something goes wrong." The old man smiled standing back up. "If that's all, I have work to do." Raven nodded, still staring at the black powder in his hands. The ends of his lips raised slightly as he grabbed his overcoat, leaving the manor.
A shadow hung over the front door of the brothel as a man composed himself to enter the establishment. It was a dreaded place for a man like Raven. He looked at the door in front of him, pulling his hood over his face, shameful he even had to step into the place. With a deep breath, he got rid of those thoughts, understanding it was a necessary act he had to commit. Walking in the smell of sweat and perfume assaulted his nose causing him to cover it. Moaning, yelling and laughter erupted throughout the establishment, deafening him as he gritted his teeth and pushed through. The entire place was tinted red, as low light made it hard for a person to see too far ahead.
Many tried to grab Raven, getting cold shots from his eyes towards their direction. Those who tried to entice the new customer quickly scurried off, allowing his easy entrance into the back room of the brothel. Sitting at a desk well dressed was a man with a pot belly. Raven closed the door behind him, locking it and taking his seat.
The pot-bellied man didn't even look up at Raven, continuing to work. "The masked man told me you will help me," Raven spoke in a low tone. Finally, the man looked up at Raven urging him to continue. Pulling the black powder out of his pocket he placed the vial on the table in front of him. "The old bishop frequents this place as one of many from what I know. It would be a shame if something happened to him whilst he was here, but a man of that age can overwork themselves sometimes."
The pot-bellied man took the powder eyeing it before placing it safely in the draw next to him. "Tell him the debt is paid." With those words, his body slouched again as he got back to work. Raven took the hint and left the man, hoping that he would keep his word. It was a gamble to trust a random man like this. Before forgetting, he reached into his pocket for the antidote placing it on the table.
"Antidote. Just in case." The man nodded not looking up. With that Raven unlocked the door leaving. He pulled his hood over him and covered his nose once again, happy to leave the horrid place. Getting in his unmarked carriage, it sped off as the man looked down at his hands, his face emotionless.
The first month passed by quickly. The nobles of the Kingdom eagerly awaited the arrival of the Pope they floated to the capital once more for the special auction to take place. Anton looked down from the top floor of his auction house at the loaded street, smiling about the money he was about to make. The behind him opened, creaking loudly breaking his daydream.
He turned quickly, shocking the worker who entered. "Are all the preparations complete?" The greed in his voice was undeniable as he looked back down at the nobles outside, seeing piles of gold coins.
"A problem arose sir." The servant crept forward afraid of the anger his boss was about to erupt into as he passed a note to him quickly fleeing. Anton opened the note before quickly scrunching it and gritting his teeth.
"Fucking old bastard." Through gritted teeth, he quietly muttered under his breath. Calming himself he put on the mask on the table and tidied himself, leaving the office.
The front doors opened and the nobles flooded in, excited about the auction. Despite the arrival of the Pope being around the corner, a chance to flaunt their wealth was always a welcomed moment for them, especially when it came to Anton's auction which always had high-class items.
As the final seats filled up, Anton fixed his appearance before walking onto the stage, silencing the crowd. "Greetings ladies and gentlemen and thank you for your patience. This is a very special auction as we all know. With the arrival of His Holiness, The Golden Masked House decided it was only right that we give you all a chance to express your devotion to the lord." The crowd began to talk in anticipation quickly quieting from Anton's raised hand.
"But before that. Some of you may know already, but the Kingdom has very recently lost a pillar." His voice choked up with fake tears falling from his eyes. "It comes with a heavy heart to tell all you fine ladies and gentlemen that Arch-Bishop Torres has passed away. Struck by a heart attack last night. We can only pray it was painless as we move forward knowing his death will affect us all."
The crowd digested the news that was dropped on them like cold water. Those who knew remained silent, closing their eyes and praying quietly in respect. Many called servants over to find out if the news was true, afraid to leave their seats and miss anything.
"This auction now has another motive. The Golden Masked House will use 10% of all money earned today and donate it to those in need, in honour of the Arch-Bishops legacy." He gave a silent nod as if trying to collect himself. Those in the crowd who watched the act and knew the Arch-Bishops private life scoffed at the performance but didn't say anything, understanding it wasn't the time. "With this sad news out of the way, I would like to officially announce the start of the auction wit..."
Raven and Alfred sat opposite one another, smiles on their face. Esmond walked in hands behind his back, giving a bow towards Alfred. "The news has been spread. It shouldn't be long before the clergy to get the news." Raven gave a nod in understanding. "I would advise against leaving the city for now. You may miss your chance."
Esmond's eyes pierced through Raven who waved it off. "I know. I have been aiming for this post for too long to throw away my chance now. The church has become a breeding ground of filth and immorality, it's finally the time to clean it up."
"Get Charles to take over your other matters for now." Alfred cut in, firing the order out. "He will have to take over your matters soon anyway, now is the perfect time to train." With a small laugh, he carried on "I almost feel bad for him." Alfred's voice was playful as Raven chuckled at the thought of his brother's face.
"Don't. He knew from a long time ago I wished to join the church. He just wished to hide away from the responsibility for as long as he could." Raven spoke with reassurance. Still, the thought of his brother's annoyed face was something he wished to see. Esmond looked at the scene in front of him wondering if the two had forgotten about him. Quietly he left the room, unnoticed, not wishing to make things awkward.