After sending Foster away, an invitation soon arrived at his door. Holding the invitation in hand, Donning took a carriage the next day to head to Count Cafu's grand estate.
As the wealthiest and most prestigious person in the area, Count Cafu's estate was no small place. There was a massive horse farm, a lake so vast that a fleet could fit inside, and a grand Roman-style fortress. It took the carriage thirty minutes to travel from the entrance to the fortress.
Upon reaching the fortress, Donning got off the carriage and handed a small tip to the driver. The steward of the estate was already there waiting for him.
Following the steward into the fortress, Donning entered a luxurious hall where precious gems were embedded into the walls. Just prying a few gems off the wall would be enough to ensure a poor person's lifetime of wealth and comfort. And yet, this was merely a thousandth of what Anubarak's uncle owned, Donning thought to himself.
The fortress had three floors. When they reached a suite on the third floor, the steward opened the door. "Sir, please come in."
Inside the suite, the familiar old man, Count Cafu, approached with a warm welcome, saying, "Look who's here! My dear guest. I've been eagerly waiting to raise a glass with you."
Donning removed his hat and bowed. "Dear Count Cafu, it's a great honor to receive your invitation. I feel truly proud of it."
After a few pleasantries, the two men sat down. Count Cafu lit a cigar. "Mr. Donning, I've invited you because I want to share some good news with you."
He reached for a box nearby, pushed it toward Donning, and opened it, turning it so Donning could see the contents.
The box was filled with so much gold it was almost blinding. If someone else had seen so much gold, they might not have been able to contain their excitement and would have showered the old man with praise.
But Donning didn't. What he wanted was far more than this — countless times more. Count Cafu, brimming with confidence, said, "Mr. Donning, as long as you're willing to testify that these recent troublesome rumors about me are entirely fabricated, I'm willing to give all this gold to you."
Donning touched the gold and closed the box. "Count Cafu, I think you misunderstand. This isn't what I'm after."
If the young man had taken the gold and agreed to do what Count Cafu asked, it would have been the best outcome for Cafu. He could then arrange for the young man to disappear, reclaiming the gold since this would mean the young man's family wasn't powerful enough to defend him. But since Donning hadn't accepted, the worst-case scenario Cafu had envisioned was now unfolding, and it meant he would have to pay even more.
Putting the box away, Cafu became even more polite. "Dear Mr. Donning, let's discuss what you'd like. Perhaps I can meet your request."
Leaning closer, Donning spoke in a quiet voice. "Count Cafu, I want to know what kind of business you're running on that land in the slums that would compel you to build those fine, spacious houses for the rabble, just to get your hands on that land."
After a brief hesitation, Donning added, "And please, don't tell me it's because of your benevolence. I think only God possesses such compassion."
Count Cafu's face twitched slightly. "Alright, since you already know, I suppose it's time I show some sincerity in our cooperation."
He stood up and fetched a piece of parchment from a nearby table, handing it over. Parchment was a luxury item that only nobles or the government could afford, so it was clearly an important document.
"Mr. Donning, take a look. While there's no gold beneath that land, it will one day become a gold mine on its own," Cafu said reluctantly as he handed over the parchment.
The parchment contained an official government notice. The land in the slums was set to be requisitioned by the government in the future to be transformed into a major railway station and freight yard. The government was prepared to pay a huge price for the land. The compensation Cafu would receive from the government would far exceed the cost of building the houses for the slum dwellers — by a hundredfold, even.
The enormous return had tempted Cafu into the scheme. It was clear that some government officials were involved, as such a confidential document would never have reached Cafu otherwise. Cafu was deeply entangled with high-ranking officials in Goldshire.
"This is a deal no one could refuse. It seems my efforts will pay off nicely," Donning said as he handed the document back to Cafu.
Cafu's face twitched even more as he watched the young man take a large chunk of the profit he had almost tasted.
But he had to remain calm. "Alright, I admit you've won, Mr. Donning. But if you want a part of this deal, you'll have to show your sincerity."
By "sincerity," Cafu meant money. Building those spacious houses for the slum dwellers cost money. Since the young man wanted to share the profits, he would also have to share the upfront costs.
Donning rubbed his hands together and appeared excited. "I'm terribly sorry, Count Cafu. I'm just an adventurer and didn't bring such a large sum of money with me. I'll need to consult my family to secure their support."
Cafu hoped desperately that Donning's family would refuse, but he knew that was impossible. No one would be foolish enough to pass up such a lucrative deal over a mere issue of capital.
"Very well, I'm happy to wait for your reply."
Donning stood up, but then sat back down, looking conflicted. "Count Cafu, you know how it is. My family won't trust someone of my age with such a large sum of money, and they certainly wouldn't believe I could handle such a big deal. I'll need you to write a letter, confirming that this business is legitimate, and to stamp it with your seal. That way, I'll have an easier time securing my family's investment."
Cafu cursed the young man silently in his mind, *"You'll burn in hell for this. Your family will be shamed by your actions."* But outwardly, he smiled sincerely. "Of course, I'll gladly write you a letter."
After writing the letter and listing all the officials involved in the project at Donning's request, Count Cafu stamped it with his seal. Just as Donning had suspected, the town's sheriff, the prosecutor, and others were all part of the scheme. Once the wax seal was dry, Donning tucked the letter into his coat.
"Mr. Donning, may I see your family crest? Just for reassurance, you understand."
"That's a reasonable request," Donning replied, handing over a crest engraved with three swords.
As soon as he saw the three-sword emblem, Count Cafu's expression changed dramatically. His hands trembled. "This is…"
"The Stewart family. Is there a problem?" Donning interrupted, fully expecting this reaction. He knew Count Cafu would recognize Anubarak's uncle's family crest.
"N-no… no problem at all."
As Donning left the fortress, Cafu looked flustered. How could he not recognize that crest? He had seen it countless times in the past. Now, whether it was coincidence or fate, it had reappeared.
After thinking it over, Cafu relaxed a little. "It can't be. That man is dead, and his family is gone. It's impossible. It's just a coincidence — the Stewart family must be using a nearly identical crest. That's all."
"And besides, he came to discuss a business deal. That other family would never have sought a partnership with me. It's just a coincidence," Cafu reassured himself, raising his glass of red wine. "Losing half the deal is better than losing everything."