After the fight, I took a long bath, letting the steam and heat wash away the remnants of the battle. My muscles, still tense from the adrenaline, gradually relaxed as I soaked in the silence. Now, I was resting on a plush sofa, eyes closed, enjoying the rare moment of peace.
The knock on the door shattered that peace.
"Come in," I called, not bothering to open my eyes. The door creaked open, and the manager stepped inside, his footsteps hesitant. I could sense his anxiety before he even spoke.
"I didn't expect someone so young to beat 'The Mad Berserker' so easily," he said, his voice laced with disbelief. "And without even using your innate ability."
I finally opened my eyes, meeting his gaze. "Let's skip the pleasantries, Mr. Manager. You're not here to congratulate me or discuss my earnings."
He shifted uncomfortably, a nervous smile playing on his lips. "You're right. Someone wants to meet you. You're free to decline, but I'd strongly advise against it."
His unease piqued my interest. Whoever this person was, they had the manager rattled enough to run errands for them. That alone told me they wielded significant power.
"Who is it?" I asked, leaning forward slightly.
He hesitated. "I can't give you their name before the meeting."
I raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "So, you want me to walk into a situation blind, with no idea who I'm dealing with? Sounds like a great way to end up in a lion's den."
His face paled slightly, but he tried to maintain his composure. "I understand your concern, but I assure you, nothing will happen to you."
I sighed, already having made up my mind but unwilling to let him off easy. "Alright. I'll take your word for it, but remember, my trust is worth more than all the money in the world. If this goes sideways, I'll make you regret it."
"Rest assured, you'll be safe," he said, more confident now. "Just… be careful not to anger that person."
His words only confirmed my suspicions—this meeting wasn't something I could refuse without consequences. But it also meant I was dealing with someone who valued their reputation enough to play by certain rules. That was something I could work with.
After giving me the room number where I was to meet this mysterious individual, the manager left, visibly relieved. I watched him go, already thinking ahead to the meeting. Whoever this person was, they were clearly important—enough to command the manager's fear and respect. And if they wanted to meet me, it meant I had something they wanted.
I stood up, deciding it was time to see who exactly wanted to meet me. My fight had been impressive, but in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't worth drawing the attention of true powerhouses. The room number the manager had given me was located deeper within the underground complex, where the usual noise of the fight club faded into a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere. The halls were lined with guards, their stances rigid and their gazes cold as they tracked my every move.
When I reached the designated door, I paused, taking a deep breath before knocking three times. The sound echoed softly in the dimly lit corridor.
"Enter," called a calm, feminine voice from within.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was dimly illuminated by a few flickering candles and an intricately designed chandelier that cast dancing shadows across the walls. Tapestries depicting ancient battles and mysterious symbols adorned the space, though what caught my attention were the intricate runes subtly etched into the walls—sound insulation, spell nullification, instant protection barriers. They were easy to overlook at a glance, but their presence made the atmosphere heavy, almost stifling, with the scent of incense mingling with something faintly metallic.
Standing in the center of the room was a woman, her demeanor calm and composed. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face that was both beautiful and commanding. Her eyes, sharp and observant, met mine as a small smile played on her lips.
"I see the white hair and golden eyes of the Dracos family are as striking as ever," she said, her tone friendly yet tinged with something more. "It's been a long time, Ryan."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You know who I am?"
She chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to warm the room despite its cool atmosphere. "I do. You may not remember me, but I'm Duchess Elowyn Rosefall, an old friend of your mother's. I visited you when you were just a baby, though you were far less troublesome back then."
I relaxed slightly, a smile tugging at my lips. "A friend of my mother's, huh? I didn't expect that." My eyes lingered on her, taking in every detail—the way the soft candlelight highlighted her features, the subtle confidence in her posture. As a professional rake, I couldn't resist turning on the charm. "You know, Duchess, I can't help but wonder why someone as stunning as you remain unwed. Surely, the men around you must be blind". Though I didn't know every noble in the capital, after a little eavesdropping in the bar I did hear a few rumors that included her and some more influential people.
Her laughter rang out, light and melodious. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Ryan. Or perhaps it will—depending on your intentions." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in a way that suggested she was both amused and intrigued by my boldness.
"I can assure you, Duchess, my intentions are always sincere," I replied, taking a step closer. "It's not every day I have the pleasure of meeting someone as captivating as you. And it's even rarer to meet someone who can keep up with me in a game of wits."
She arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Is that so? And what exactly do you think you can offer that others cannot?"
"Well," I began, leaning in just enough to make the moment intimate, "for starters, I'm not afraid of a challenge. I've heard about your…reputation. But I've always found that the most dangerous women are also the most alluring."
Her smile deepened, and she met my gaze with an intensity that sent a thrill through me. "Dangerous, am I? You have no idea, Ryan. But tell me, what makes you think you're up to the task?"
I smirked, enjoying the back-and-forth as much as the electric tension between us. "You could say I've always had a taste for the finer things in life, especially when they're a bit…out of reach. But I've never been one to back down just because something—or someone—is difficult to attain."
Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and I could tell she was enjoying this as much as I was. "You're a bold one, I'll give you that. But be careful, Ryan. Playing with fire can get you burned."
"Perhaps," I conceded, my voice dropping to a more seductive tone, "but I've always believed that the reward is worth the risk. And you, Duchess, are a risk I'm more than willing to take."