The day of the workshop tour arrived, and Kael stood outside the newly constructed building, his arms crossed and a confident smile gracing his face. Beside him, Keira and Victor exchanged curious glances, the anticipation of what lay beyond the sleek walls evident on their faces. Harlan, the master craftsman, stood nearby, his pride barely contained as he admired the structure he had poured his heart into.
The glass doors of the workshop shimmered in the sunlight, their pristine surfaces reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding gardens. As they waited, the sound of boots crunching against the gravel path drew their attention.
Count Edgar approached, his commanding presence radiating authority. Flanking him were Oswald, the ever-dutiful steward, and Lily, her cheerful demeanor adding a touch of lightness to the otherwise formal procession.
Kael stepped forward, his smile widening. "Father, you're just in time. Welcome to my new workshop."
Edgar's eyes scanned the exterior, his stoic expression betraying a flicker of awe. The modern design was unlike anything he had ever seen—smooth lines, innovative materials, and an air of sophistication that set it apart from the stone structures of their domain.
Oswald gave an approving nod. "Remarkable work, young master. It's truly a marvel."
Edgar's voice, though steady, carried a note of admiration. "You've outdone yourself, Kael. The blueprints were impressive, but seeing it in person… I am genuinely amazed."
Kael's chest swelled with pride, but he maintained his composed demeanor. "Shall we begin the tour?" he said, gesturing toward the entrance.
The group moved forward, and as they approached, the glass doors slid open with a soft whoosh, eliciting gasps of surprise.
"Did… did it just open on its own?" Victor asked, his brow furrowing in astonishment.
Kael chuckled. "Yes, it's enchanted. The mechanism senses motion and opens automatically—a little convenience I thought would be useful."
Keira's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "How did you manage that?"
"It's a blend of mana runes and a simple mechanical trigger. I'll explain more inside," Kael replied, leading them into the workshop.
As they stepped into the space, they were greeted by a softly glowing interior, illuminated by enchanted lights embedded in the ceiling. The air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warm weather outside.
"How is it so cool in here?" Lily asked, her blonde hair shimmering as she turned her head to take in the surroundings.
Kael smiled, gesturing to a sleek device mounted on the wall. "This is an air-cooling unit. It uses enchanted crystals to draw in ambient mana and convert it into cool air. The red mana crystals you see there," he pointed to two large glowing stones set in a reinforced casing, "are the power source. They're enchanted to absorb mana from the surroundings, ensuring a continuous supply of energy."
Edgar stepped closer to the crystals, his hand resting on his chin as he examined them. "Impressive. And practical. I trust this setup is reliable?"
"Absolutely," Kael replied. "It's designed for efficiency and sustainability. You'll never have to worry about it running out of power."
The group continued through the workshop, marveling at the sleek design and the array of tools neatly arranged on workbenches. Kael's laboratory, though sparsely equipped, was a vision of modernity, its clean lines and organized layout a testament to his meticulous nature.
Their next stop was the comfort room, where Kael demonstrated the innovative toilet system. "This is designed for convenience and hygiene," he explained, showing how the flushing mechanism worked. "It uses running water from a reservoir and a simple drainage system to keep things clean."
Edgar's expression softened, a rare moment of levity crossing his face. "This… would be a vast improvement over the facilities at the manor. Can it be installed there as well?"
Kael nodded. "Of course, Father. I'll oversee the installation myself."
The tour concluded in a separate room where a scale model of a five-story structure stood proudly on a central table. The group gathered around, their eyes widening as they took in the intricate details.
"This," Kael began, "is a miniature representation of a marketplace I plan to build. A place where merchants can set up shops, artisans can display their crafts, and people can gather. It's designed to stimulate trade and create jobs, bringing prosperity to our domain."
Keira leaned closer, her gaze filled with wonder. "This… this is incredible. How did you come up with such a design?"
Kael hesitated for a moment before replying smoothly, "I've always believed in the power of innovation. This design is a culmination of ideas meant to improve the lives of our people."
Edgar placed a hand on Kael's shoulder, his voice filled with uncharacteristic warmth. "You've surpassed my expectations, son. Your vision will change the future of our domain."
Kael's heart swelled at his father's words, but he remained humble. "We are just getting started, father. There is still so much to be done."
As the tour concluded, the group found themselves back at the entrance of the workshop. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the estate, a serene end to what had been a day full of revelations.
Kael turned to his father, his calm demeanor masking a flicker of anticipation. "Father," he began, choosing his words carefully, "now that you've seen the workshop and understand its potential, I'd like to discuss something more ambitious."
Edgar raised a brow, his posture straightening. "Speak plainly, Kael."
Kael clasped his hands behind his back, his voice steady but earnest. "The marketplace project—I want to begin its construction immediately. It will bring wealth and stability to our people, create jobs, and attract traders from neighboring regions. But for that, I need your approval."
The count's face darkened, the warmth from earlier replaced by his characteristic sternness. "No."
Kael blinked, caught off guard by the blunt response. "No?" he repeated, his composure momentarily slipping.
Edgar folded his arms across his chest. "We don't have the funds, Kael. The perfume business has been lucrative, but every coin we've earned has gone into the copper mines, road construction, windmills, schools, fortifications, and the ballistae. These projects were necessary for our survival and defense. We're already spending more than we're earning. Funding another project of this scale is not feasible at this time."
Kael's shoulders sagged slightly, disappointment etched across his features. He had anticipated resistance but not outright rejection. "Father, I understand the financial strain, but this project—"
"Will have to wait," Edgar interrupted firmly. "I admire your vision, Kael, but as the head of this family, I must ensure we don't overreach. Stability first. Then expansion."
Kael clenched his fists, his mind racing. He knew arguing further would be futile. His father's decisions were always final. But as he mulled over the rejection, an idea began to form—a risky, unorthodox solution.
He straightened, his resolve hardening. "Very well, Father. I respect your decision," he said, his voice calm but with a hint of determination that didn't go unnoticed.
Edgar narrowed his eyes, studying his son. "I trust you'll focus on the projects already underway, Kael. No distractions."
"Of course," Kael replied, bowing his head slightly.
As the group dispersed, Keira approached him, her curious eyes searching his face. "You're not giving up, are you?" she asked, her voice low enough that only he could hear.
Kael smirked faintly. "I never give up, Keira. There's always another way."
Her brow furrowed. "What are you planning?"
"You'll see soon enough," Kael said cryptically before heading toward his study.
Later that evening, inside Kael's new workshop, Kael sat at his desk with the Duke's letter spread out before him. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across his sharp features as he mulled over his thoughts. Across the room, Keira was busy scribbling notes on a piece of parchment, her Veilbreaker Staff leaning against the wall beside her.
Kael glanced up from the letter and found his gaze lingering on Keira. Her focus on her work, the way her brows furrowed slightly as she concentrated—it all drew his attention more than he cared to admit.
Keira eventually noticed his silence and the weight of his stare. She looked up, tilting her head curiously. "Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, her voice soft but edged with suspicion.
Kael smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Because you're beautiful," he said, his tone so casual it made the words all the more disarming.
Keira's cheeks turned a shade of pink almost immediately. She blinked, clearly caught off guard. "W-what?" she stammered, her composure slipping.
Kael laughed, the sound warm and teasing. "I'm kidding," he said, raising a hand in mock surrender. "Don't let it go to your head."
Keira narrowed her eyes, her blush deepening. "You're insufferable," she muttered, returning her gaze to her notes, though the slight smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.
Kael's laughter faded as he leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "But I do need your help, Keira," he said. "I've got a plan to propose a deal to the Duke. Something that could solve our funding problem."
Keira perked up, her embarrassment forgotten. "What kind of deal?"
Kael's lips curled into a sly grin. "It involves something he desires—something only I can provide."
Keira's eyes narrowed with interest. "And what would that be?"