Sup yall it's Nouflex here. And I know, I know im late...
My bad guys but worry not, to redeem myself here is a long chapter for you to enjoy, CYA!
This chapter was edited.
Word count: 3300
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As the carriage rolled through the grand gates of Felix Donefiere's new mansion in Daloria, a sprawling estate surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and flanked by tall, elegant ironwork, the sight was truly magnificent.
The mansion itself was a testament to wealth and status, with its imposing facade, intricate stonework, and large, arched windows that glistened in the sunlight.
Even some of the people born nobles could not afford such estates, proof of Felix accumulated wealth.
As the carriage came to a halt in the wide courtyard, a group of butlers and maids hurriedly assembled, their uniforms immaculate and their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The head butler, an older man with a distinguished demeanor, stepped forward to greet Felix.
"Welcome home, Lord Donefiere." He said, bowing deeply. "We are honored by your arrival."
Felix nodded, offering a polite smile. "Thank you, Bertram. It's good to be here, next to my family."
The servants moved to assist Felix as hestepped out of the carriage.
His wife, a graceful woman with a warm smile, came out from the mansion huge double doors, followed by their twin children, a boy and a girl, both four years old and bubbling with excitement. The maids fussed over the children, their laughter filling the air.
"Papa!" The twins shouted in unison, rushing to hug Felix's legs. He bent down, embracing them with a warm smile. "I've missed you both so much."
Felix's wife approached him, her eyes filled with relief. "Welcome home, Felix." She said softly, embracing him. "We've been so worried."
"Well... A lot of things happened but I'm safe now." Felix reassured her, looking around at the assembled servants. "Thanks to our new... allies."
However, the serene atmosphere was abruptly interrupted by Nouflex, who stepped out of the carriage with an air of superiority and disregard for the welcoming party. Ignoring the bows and curtsies of the servants, he strode directly toward the mansion, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if he owned the place.
Fubuki and Ayanokoji followed closely behind, equally indifferent to the servants' presence. Ringo, with a slight nod to the head butler, brought up the rear, a small gesture of courtesy amidst the otherwise aloof demeanor of the group.
The servants exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of shock and disapproval at Nouflex's audacious behavior. One young maid, unable to contain her fascination, whispered to her companion, "He's so handsome, isn't he? But so arrogant..."
Another butler, visibly irritated, muttered under his breath, "Who do they think they are, barging in like that? The nerve of them!"
As Nouflex entered the grand foyer, he barely glanced at the lavish decor, his mind set on finding the largest and most luxurious room. He moved through the halls with purpose, eventually locating a spacious chamber with a grand bed, ornate furnishings, and a large window overlooking the gardens. Without hesitation, he claimed it as his own.
Fubuki's presence drew its own share of attention. Some of the male servants couldn't help but stare, captivated by her beauty. Their admiration was tinged with unease, a testament to her formidable presence.
Back in the courtyard, Felix was trying to manage the situation. He turned to his family, introducing them to the new arrivals. "My dear, this is Nouflex and his companions. They have saved my life and will be staying with us for a time."
His wife smiled warmly at Nouflex, though he did not return the gesture. Instead, he continued his inspection of the mansion, his mind already planning his next steps.
Felix addressed the gathered servants, his voice firm. "Listen carefully. Nouflex and his companions are our guests. You will treat them with the utmost respect and attend to their needs without question. Do I make myself clear?"
The servants, though clearly unsettled by the behavior of the newcomers, nodded in unison. "Yes, Lord Donefiere."
After Nouflex found the biggest room at the place, his voice was heard from the window all the way to theentrance hallway. "FELIX! IM TAKING THIS ROOM!"
"He...he, he." Felix couldnt help but let out an awkward laugh.
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After a tense dinner in the grand dining hall with Felix and his family, Nouflex retreated to the massive room he had claimed for himself without a second thought.
The room was opulent, with a large, canopy bed, ornate furniture, and windows that offered a breathtaking view of the estate. But none of that mattered to him. This room was now his, and he liked that feeling in the power that came with taking whatever he wanted.
Fubuki, Ayanokoji, and Ringo stood before him, awaiting his instructions. The atmosphere was serious, and each of them understood the importance of this meeting. Nouflex settled into a plush chair, his eyes scanning his loyal summons.
"We need to discuss our next steps." Nouflex began, his voice calm yet commanding. "This world is filled with opportunities, and we must decide how best to take advantage of them."
He turned his gaze to Ayanokoji first, his expression inquisitive. "Ayanokoji, you're a strategist. What are your thoughts on our future? Any plans you've been considering?"
Ayanokoji, standing with his hands in his pockets, looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. "Yes, Master. I've been thinking about it. To be honest, my current abilities aren't sufficient to serve you as effectively as I should. I've realized that, while I may be intelligent and capable, I lack the strength and knowledge of this world's magic and mana."
He paused, his eyes meeting Nouflex's. "For that reason, I'd like to request some time away. Consider it a vacation of sorts. I plan to train, study mana and magic, and return much stronger. If I do this, I believe I can be of far greater use to you in the future."
Nouflex leaned back, considering Ayanokoji's words. He had always known that Ayanokoji was a prodigy, someone who could adapt and grow rapidly. The idea of him becoming even stronger was intriguing, and it would certainly be beneficial in the long run.
"You're right." Nouflex finally said, nodding. "Your intelligence is already a great asset, but if you can combine that with strength and mastery of this world's magic, you'll be invaluable. I approve of your plan. Take the time you need to train, and when you return, I expect to see results."
Ayanokoji nodded, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Thank you, Nouflex-sama. I won't disappoint you."
Nouflex now shifted his attention to Ringo. Her eyes, filled with a mix of excitement and impatience, were locked onto him, eagerly awaiting her master's command. She had been restless ever since they arrived at the mansion, knowing she had a task to accomplish.
"Ringo," Nouflex called, his tone carrying authority yet a hint of curiosity. "Have you started it?"
Ringo's eyes lit up with excitement as she nodded energetically. "Yes, Master! I started it as soon as we arrived. The AI robots are already hard at work in the mansion's basement."
Nouflex leaned forward, intrigued by her enthusiasm. "Good. How are things progressing? What have you mined so far?"
Without missing a beat, Ringo quickly pulled out her advanced laptop, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she accessed the data. The glow of the screen reflected in her eyes as she scrolled through the information, a satisfied smirk appearing on her face.
"Master." She began, her voice confident, "So far, we've managed to excavate about 200 kilograms of iron ore, 50 kilograms of copper, and a small amount of silver—around 10 kilograms. The AI has already identified potential deeper veins, and the mining operation is proceeding smoothly. We're currently expanding the tunnels to increase the output, and I've set the AI to continuously monitor and optimize the process."
She turned the screen towards Nouflex, showing him detailed graphs and figures that mapped out the progress and projections. "At this rate, we'll be able to extract more valuable resources soon. The setup in the basement is efficient, and no one in the mansion suspects a thing."
Nouflex smiled, impressed by her thoroughness and the efficiency of the operation.
"Excellent work, Ringo. Keep it up. Make sure everything runs smoothly and discreetly. We need those resources for our future plans, but before we speak about that, I need to confirm a few things first." Now Nouflex once again shifted his gaze towards Ayanokoji.
"Go bring Felix here." Nouflex said.
"Alright." Koji went on to call the young man.
After a while Koji came back with Felix, and after a knock on the door, Nouflex allowd them in, pointing to a chair in front of him.
As Felix settled into the chair, facing Nouflex, he felt a strange mixture of intimidation and curiosity. Nouflex had a presence that demanded attention, and as he leaned in slightly, Felix knew he had to choose his words carefully.
"Tell me, Felix." Nouflex began, his voice smooth yet commanding. "What is it that you truly want? What are your dreams and ambitions in this world? There is no way such a young man like you would stop at this point after tasting the freedom of power, title and money."
Felix hesitated, but only for a moment. He was an ambitious man, driven by a desire for power, wealth, and influence. He had never been one to shy away from expressing his goals, but there was something about the way Nouflex asked that made him consider his answer even more deeply.
"My dreams… I want many things." Felix started, his voice growing more confident as he spoke. "I want to amass wealth, to become richer than any noble in Daloria. I want to rule over vast territories, to have lands and people under my control. I want to rise through the ranks, to become a Duke, or even more if the opportunity arises."
His eyes gleamed with the intensity of his ambition, but then his tone shifted, becoming more somber as he continued. "But more than anything, I want to keep myself and my family safe. In a world like this, where magic can tear down cities, and strength can determine your fate, survival is never guaranteed. I want to see my children grow up and even have more babies, to protect my wife and ensure that no harm ever comes to them."
As Felix spoke, there was a moment of vulnerability, a glimpse of the man behind the ambition. For all his desires for power and wealth, his family was what truly mattered to him. But he couldn't shake the doubt in his heart, the fear that all his dreams were just that, dreams, too far out of reach in a world as harsh as this one.
"Power... Power is something I really want, I hated the feeling when that bandit overpowered me, watching my trusted butler die just like that and having my life in others hand. I really hate it..." Felix looked down for a moment, then he looekd at Nouflex again, in curiosity.
"But I wonder sir Nouflex, is there a reason for you to ask me this?" He questioned, his tone cautious yet curious.
Nouflex's lips curled into a grin, unable to hide his amusement. He admired Felix's straightforwardness, a man who didn't shy away from his desires or ambitions. It was rare to meet someone so honest with themselves and others, and Nouflex found it refreshing.
"I like people like you, Felix." Nouflex replied, his voice smooth with a hint of appreciation. "You're true to yourself and to others. You don't pretend to be something you're not, and you don't shy away from your ambitions. I can empathize with that because, like you, I love the feeling of power, of having control over everything and everyone around me."
Felix's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued by Nouflex's words. He felt a strange connection to this man, despite knowing so little about him.
Also, from the moment Felix began the conversation with Nouflex, he instinctively shifted into the mindset of a shrewd businessman.
His mind sharpened, and his pulse quickened with the familiar rush of excitement. This wasn't just a casual discussion; it was a negotiation, a deal that could change everything, even if the conversation just started, he could feel it.
Felix prided himself on his ability to read people, to see opportunities where others saw obstacles. And right now, he could sense that this was one of those pivotal moments.
Every word, every gesture from Nouflex was scrutinized through Felix's keen, analytical lens. He assessed the situation like he would a business proposition, weighing the potential risks against the rewards. Felix was no stranger to high-stakes deals, and the thrill of this one sent a surge of adrenaline through his veins.
Nouflex continued, his tone becoming more serious. "But unlike you, I don't just desire power, I possess it. And that power can make all of your dreams and ambitions a reality."
At those words, Felix's expression shifted completely. His caution melted away, replaced by a rush of excitement. He leaned forward, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Are you serious? You can really do that?"
Felix's mind raced as he thought about what he had seen so far. He had witnessed a glimpse of Nouflex's power and the abilities of his subordinates. There was something undeniably special about them, something beyond the ordinary.
If Nouflex could truly achieve everything Felix dreamed of, if he could make him richer, more powerful, and secure... Then Felix was willing to pay any price.
As Nouflex spoke of his ambitions, wealth, power, safety Felix did not keep the same confidence he'd used to close countless lucrative deals, yet he was still able to make rational decisions.
After all, this conversation was different. It wasn't just about money or territory, it was about his life, his family's future.
The stakes had never been higher. And this proves how strong is Felix mind.
Nouflex's gaze never wavered as he nodded. "I can. But there's a price, of course. All I ask in return is your unwavering loyalty."
Felix's excitement dimmed slightly as he considered the offer. Loyalty. It seemed like a small price to pay for everything he wanted. And yet, there was a nagging doubt in the back of his mind.
He knew Nouflex was strong, there was no denying that, but he knew so little about him. What were his true intentions? Could he really be trusted?
Felix's mind churned with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, the offer was too good to refuse. On the other hand, he couldn't ignore the uncertainty.
Finally, he voiced his concern. "And this loyalty you ask for, does it include keeping me and my family safe? Ensuring that no harm comes to them?"
Nouflex's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Yes. As long as you remain loyal to me, I will protect you and your family. No harm will come to them."
Felix leaned back in his chair, his thoughts a whirlwind of possibilities. The price seemed almost too cheap for what Nouflex was offering. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he couldn't refuse. The potential rewards far outweighed the risks. Besides, in a world as dangerous as this, could he really afford to turn down such an opportunity?
After a long moment of silence, Felix finally nodded, his decision made.
"I agree. You have my loyalty, Sir Nouflex. I dont know where this will wnd up for me but I guess I can only trust you on that."
Nouflex's grin never faded as he extended his hand toward Felix. "I thank you for you trust Felix. Then we have a deal!"
Felix hesitated for just a moment before reaching out to shake Nouflex's hand, sealing the agreement that would change the course of his life forever. In the back of his mind, the doubts still lingered, but the allure of power and safety was far too enticing to let go.
Nouflex leaned back in his chair, satisfied with the conversation he had with Felix, now he completely changed subjects.
"Good, now that we are done with that, I need to know, what are the transportation methods here in this place? I'm aware of carriages, of course..." He added quickly, noticing Felix's raised eyebrow. "But is there anything else? Other ways to travel that might be more efficient or… less conventional?"
Felix nodded, considering the question carefully. "Well, carriages are the most common method, as you know. But for the wealthy, especially the richer nobles, there's something else, transportation crystals. These crystals are incredibly expensive, but they offer a quicker way to travel between locations."
Felix then clarified. "Actually, transportation crystals are located in specific places, they are called transportation stations. People go there, buy tickets, and wait for their turn. The cost varies depending on how quickly you want to leave."
He continued. "If you don't mind waiting, it's about 50 silver coins to join a group of twenty people. But for those who want to depart immediately, the cost rises significantly to 12 gold coins. It's a hefty price, but it buys you speed."
Nouflex nodded, understanding the setup better now. Felix then added, "These stations are only linked to certain locations. Our kingdom, Daloria, has agreements with a few neighboring kingdoms to exchange travel crystals. So, you can travel between specific destinations, but you can't just go anywhere."
Felix then shifted in his seat, adding. "There's also another, more uncommon method. Some adventurers or rich young masters have managed to capture or buy mana monsters and tame them, turning them into mounts.
These mounts can be used for travel, though it's rare and usually only done by the most experienced or daring individuals."
"And for the common folk." Felix continued, his tone growing more serious. "Those who can't afford such luxuries or tame creatures, traveling long distances by foot or carriage can take months or even years. It's slow, difficult, and often dangerous."
"Felix, one more thing. Are there establishments here called banks?" Nouflex asked for the last time.
Felix frowned, clearly puzzled by the term. "Banks? I'm not familiar with that. What exactly is a bank?"
Nouflex gave a brief explanation. "A bank is a place where people store their money securely. They can also borrow money, invest, and conduct other financial transactions. Essentially, it's a system to manage wealth and funds more efficiently."
Felix listened intently, his brows furrowing as he tried to grasp the concept. After a moment, he shook his head. "No, I've never heard of such a thing here. Wealth is usually kept in personal vaults, and borrowing is often done through private arrangements, typically with high interest or heavy collateral. Im afraid that what you call a banks don't exist."
Nouflex after processing these informations, realizing that the concept of banking and means of transport hadn't yet taken root in this world, opening up a few realm of interesting possibilities.
"Well I guess That was the reason for calling you here Felix, thank you for your time, you can go back now." Nouflex said with a friendly smile.
"It was my pleasure to be of help, have a good night everyone." Felix said as he went to the door in order to leave.
Ayanokoji, Fubuki and Ringo nodded their heads as a response, while Nouflex remained silent with a friendly smile watching Felix leave the room.
BAM!
As the door slammed shut, Nouflex smile faded immedietly, turning to his subordinates. "Very well, this is done. Now let us continue the meeting."
TO BE CONTINUED --->