Ubuntu wasn't one for formalities, but the way Lyra carried herself made it clear she was used to getting her way. The way she moved, the way she spoke—everything about her screamed authority, and not the kind that came from just being born into wealth. There was an edge to her, something sharp beneath the polished exterior.
"Lyra, huh?" Ubuntu said, his arms crossed as he leaned back casually against one of the marble columns that lined the square. "And what exactly can I do for you, Lady Lyra?"
Amara shot him a warning look, but Lyra didn't seem fazed. If anything, she seemed amused by his lack of formality.
"You've made quite an impression in a short time, Ubuntu," Lyra said, her green eyes sharp as they studied him. "Word of your... confrontation with the Merchant's Guild has spread quickly. You've stirred things up more than you realize."
"Yeah, I've got a talent for that," Ubuntu said with a smirk. "So, what? You're here to give me a lecture about stepping on the wrong toes?"
Lyra's lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Not exactly. I'm here to offer an opportunity."
That piqued his interest. "Opportunity, huh? I'm all ears."
Amara, standing beside him, looked wary but didn't interrupt. Lyra's reputation as one of the top minds at the Noble Academy preceded her. She was known for her ambition and her ability to maneuver through the labyrinth of Ishmara's politics with ease. That made her dangerous, but also someone worth listening to.
Lyra tilted her head slightly, her gaze flicking to Amara for a brief moment before settling back on Ubuntu. "You're clearly not from this world. Your methods, your attitude—it's all different. But that's exactly why you might be useful. The Merchant's Guild and their backers have been untouchable for years. No one has dared to challenge their authority—until you."
"Useful?" Ubuntu repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds like you're about to ask for a favor."
Lyra smiled again, but it was a calculated smile. "I prefer to think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. You want something, and I want something. We can help each other."
"And what is it you think I want?"
Lyra's eyes glinted, and for a moment, it felt like she could see right through him. "Power. Answers. A way home, perhaps?"
Ubuntu's smirk faltered for just a second, but he quickly regained his composure. "You're not wrong. So, what's your angle?"
Lyra stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I have influence. Access to knowledge that few in this city possess. The Noble Academy isn't just a school for the wealthy—it's a center of power. We control the flow of information, the development of magic, and the future of Ishmara. But the Guild's influence is a problem. They've grown too powerful, and their methods—exploiting the weak, manipulating the market—are destabilizing the entire kingdom."
She paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "You, on the other hand, seem to have a knack for getting under their skin. With your strength and my resources, we could dismantle the Guild's control, piece by piece."
Ubuntu glanced at Amara, who was watching the exchange closely, her expression guarded. She clearly didn't trust Lyra, but she wasn't stopping the conversation either.
"So, let me get this straight," Ubuntu said, turning back to Lyra. "You want me to play the rebel, tear down the Guild's empire, and in exchange, you'll help me with... what, exactly? Magic lessons? Some noble connections?"
Lyra's smile widened just a fraction. "I can offer you more than that. The Noble Academy has access to ancient texts—old magic, knowledge of other worlds, relics that transcend time and space. If it exists, the Academy has records of it. And if there's a way for you to return to your world, we're the ones who can help you find it."
Ubuntu's eyes narrowed slightly. She had his attention now, but he wasn't about to dive in without thinking it through. Lyra was clever—she knew how to dangle exactly what he wanted in front of him. But he had learned enough about people like her to know that nothing came for free.
"And what do you get out of this, huh?" he asked. "You want me to be your attack dog? Take down the Guild so you and your Academy buddies can swoop in and take over?"
Lyra's expression didn't change, but her eyes flashed with a hint of amusement. "I have my own reasons for wanting to see the Guild weakened. Call it ambition, call it justice—it doesn't matter. What matters is that we both get what we want."
Ubuntu took a step back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He wasn't a fan of being manipulated, but if Lyra was telling the truth about the Academy's knowledge, then this was his best shot at finding a way back home. He wasn't here to play the hero, but if taking down the Guild helped him, then maybe it wasn't such a bad deal.
Before he could answer, Amara stepped forward, her voice sharp. "And what happens after the Guild falls, Lyra? You think the nobles are going to let you take control? The Guild isn't just a problem because of their methods—it's because they answer to the Sovereign. You've seen what he's capable of."
Lyra's smile faded slightly, but she didn't back down. "The Sovereign's influence is undeniable, but it's not unbreakable. If we can cut off his power at the source—disrupt his control over the economy, the magic, the people—we can weaken him."
"Big talk for someone whose plan sounds a lot like stepping on landmines," Ubuntu muttered, crossing his arms.
Lyra's eyes flicked to him, her expression cold but measured. "That's why I need someone like you. Someone who's not afraid to do what's necessary."
There was a moment of tense silence as Ubuntu weighed his options. He glanced at Amara, who was watching him carefully, clearly not thrilled with the idea of him aligning with Lyra. But he had to admit, the offer was tempting. The Guild needed to go, and if the Academy really had the knowledge he needed, it might just be his ticket out of this world.
After a long pause, Ubuntu finally spoke. "Alright, Lyra. You've got yourself a deal."
Amara's eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing as Lyra's smile returned, this time more genuine.
"I knew you'd see reason," Lyra said smoothly. "You won't regret this."
"We'll see about that," Ubuntu replied, his voice neutral. "Just know that I don't do well with strings attached."
Lyra chuckled softly, turning on her heel. "No strings, Ubuntu. Just results. I'll contact you soon."
With that, she walked away, disappearing into the crowd of nobles as easily as she had appeared.
Once she was gone, Amara stepped closer to Ubuntu, her expression tense. "Are you sure about this?"
Ubuntu shrugged. "Not really. But I need answers, and she's got them. If this blows up in her face, well, that's her problem."
Amara sighed, glancing in the direction Lyra had gone. "Just be careful. Lyra isn't someone to be trusted easily. She's playing her own game, and you're a part of it now."
"Yeah, well," Ubuntu said, stretching his arms above his head, "I'm not the kind of guy who gets played."
Amara shook her head, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "I hope you're right. The last thing we need is more enemies."
"Don't worry, Princess," Ubuntu said, his grin returning. "I've got this."