*Year: 18900, Month: February Day: Tuesday Morning*
A light breeze wafted through the air, whispering sweet nothings to the towering pines of Havenwood. The ethereal figure of Gaia emerged from the undulating shadows, her alabaster skin bathed in the emerald glow filtering down from the canopy above. Her serene eyes danced with an otherworldly light as she summoned the power of the Global Bank.
Copper, silver, and gold Gilla materialized before her, shimmering under the sunbeam's gentle kiss. As Gaia's delicate fingers hovered over them, each coin dissolved into fine particles and whirled around her like a miniature galaxy. Numbers representing their value began to flicker in her vision - a silent symphony of mathematics that only she could hear.
"The cost," Gaia murmured softly, "has certainly been significant."
Flake by flake, particles of Gilla dispersed within the air, integrating back into the system of the Global Bank. She drew her hands together as if holding an invisible sphere, condensing all calculations into a single number that would symbolize Ethan's current economic standpoint.
Ethan emerged from the stillness of the guild house, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well," he said with a shy smile, "how much did I spend this time?"
Gaia turned to face Ethan, a smile on her face. "Don't worry, you're still wealthy enough to purchase this entire world," she reassured him. "In fact, you've spent a total of 900,00 Gilla so far on hiring, purchasing new carriages, paying salaries for a year, furnishing the house, and investing in local businesses to establish yourself in the market." She used the Global Banker to calculate the exact amount.
"I thought I would have spent much more than just 900 Gilla this month. It's strange how the value of money differs in this world," Ethan remarked as he walked out of the room. Gaia continued working on her calculations."
Meanwhile at the entrance of Havenwood's main gate, a heated exchange takes place between a group of men and the gatekeeper. The men pound their fists on the carriage, demanding to be let inside without proper authorization. "Do you not recognize us? We could crush this pitiful city with a flick of our fingers!" one of them yells, wildly leaping off the carriage. The gatekeeper stands firm, his hand ready on the hilt of his sword. "Havenwood is an independent city and answers to no one. Our rules are our own," he retorts, signaling for backup as the situation escalates into a potential clash of power and pride.
"Knocking on my carriage won't help us get inside, you foolish guards." A voice, beautiful and soft, called out as the door swung open. A stunning young woman emerged from the carriage, her fiery red hair flowing in waves down her back and her striking emerald green eyes reflecting both intelligence and longing. Her graceful movements and regal presence befit her royal status. She stepped down to confront the gatekeepers.
"I apologize for my guards, they are not trained in manners, only force," the princess said with a slight bow towards the guard standing at the gate. "Allow me to introduce myself: I am the third princess of the Velarion family. I have been sent here to inquire about some rumors we heard in the capital regarding a new guild master who possesses a large sum of Gilla." One of the guards whispered, "She must be talking about Ethan." The other guard shushed him, reminding him to speak the name with caution.
"Ethan…" The woman whispered, and at the same time Eliana approached the gate. "You all can resume your duties and let them inside. We don't want to start a war by blocking someone from Velarion." She smiled at the woman before addressing her directly. "It's been quite some time, Princess Seraphina Velarion." Eliana bowed her head as a sign of respect.
"You guys, go back to the carriage and head to the Inn. Get the rooms ready for us. I'll walk with Eliana here and catch up with you later." Seraphina instructed her guards. "As you wish, my lady." The guards obeyed and returned to the carriage as they entered the village and made their way to the Inn.
"Eliana, do you know a man named Ethan? I overheard your guards talking about him." Seraphina asked with a worried tone, hinting at some hidden knowledge.
"Yes, I know him. He's the new owner of the Crimson House." Eliana replied, turning away and starting to walk.
"What? That can't be true." Seraphina exclaimed as she followed Eliana's lead.
Eliana's smile widened as she spoke, "I never imagined that someone in our time could purchase and own that house, let alone have enough funds to hire workers to maintain it." She chuckled.
"This is not a laughing matter, Eliana. That house... The previous owner was known as the Demon God who ruled the world." Seraphina said with concern, wondering about the man's intentions for buying such a notorious property. "Do you think Ethan knows that he now holds the title of the Crimson God?" She grabbed Eliana's hand, stopping her from walking any further.
"I highly doubt he's aware of that information," Eliana replied, pulling her hand away and continuing towards the Guild house.
After several minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the grand entrance of Eliana's guild house. The tall, stone structure stood proudly with intricately carved symbols and designs adorning its walls. As they entered through the heavy wooden doors, Eliana immediately summoned a guard who was stationed outside. "Can you please fetch Ethan and ask him to join us for an urgent discussion?" she requested urgently, gesturing for the guard to hurry. They made their way up a winding staircase, passing by extravagant tapestries and paintings on the walls until they reached a cozy meeting room on the top floor. "Let's wait here until he arrives," Eliana said, inviting her guest to take a seat on one of the plush chairs around the polished wood table.
The guard jogged for five minutes and finally reached the front of Ethan's house. The door was shut, so one of Ethan's guards approached the newcomer. "May I assist you?" he asked, his hand resting on his sword hilt. "No need for that," the stranger replied calmly. "Eliana has sent me to request that Ethan come to the Guild house immediately; it's urgent." After delivering this message, the man took his leave and the guard went inside to inform Ethan of the news.
"Sir," the guard said as he entered the mansion, spotting Ethan at the front entrance. "One of Eliana's guards came to ask if you could come to her guild house. He mentioned it was urgent." Standing at attention, the guard relayed the message. "Urgent, huh?" Ethan replied, puzzled. "She's helped me before, so I suppose I should go." Just then, Gaia appeared from down the stairs. "I have a feeling something is off, so let's be cautious. I'll join you," she declared as she descended the staircase. "For now, let's go and hear what she has to say," Ethan commanded confidently. He knew there was nothing Eliana could do to harm him, as he had secretly built a strong army without her knowledge.
"Rolan, keep a vigilant watch. If anything seems amiss, you know what to do," Ethan whispers as he snatches his jacket and strides out of the mansion with Gaia by his side.
"Don't worry, Sir. I've got your back," a figure lurking in the shadows replies, silently trailing them with deadly intent.
*Year: 18900, Month: February Day: Tuesday Afternoon*