The success of the banquet had set the stage for Kael's next move. Securing investment from the Duke and the Marchioness was crucial, and Victor, ever the loyal vassal, had managed to arrange a private meeting with Duke Marveil. The invitation to the Duke's mansion was a significant step forward, but Kael knew the path ahead was fraught with challenges.
The carriage rolled through the cobblestone streets of Valoria, the clatter of hooves and wheels echoing off the stone buildings. Kael, Keira, Victor, and Lily sat in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The night was cool, and the moon cast a silver glow over the city, lending an ethereal quality to their journey.
Suddenly, the carriage jolted to a halt. Victor's hand instinctively went to the hilt of Nightsbane, his senses on high alert. "Stay inside," he commanded, his voice low and urgent.
Kael's eyes narrowed as he peered out the window. A group of hooded figures, cloaked in black, emerged from the shadows, their movements swift and coordinated. "Keira, be ready," Kael murmured, his hand resting on the Arcane Gauntlet.
Keira gripped her Veilbreaker Staff, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I'm ready," she replied, her voice steady.
Victor leaped from the carriage, his twin swords Nightsbane and Dawnbreaker gleaming in the moonlight. "Who dares to interrupt our journey?" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the night.
The hooded figures attacked without a word, their movements fluid and precise. Victor met their advance with a flurry of strikes, his swords cutting through the air with deadly accuracy. The Shadow Veil ability of Nightsbane cloaked him in darkness, making his movements harder to track.
Kael and Keira joined the fray, their artifacts amplifying their spells. Kael's gauntlet glowed with a fierce light as he unleashed a barrage of amplified spells, each strike precise and devastating. Keira's staff shimmered with stored spells, her amplified magic cutting through the attackers with ease.
Lily huddled inside the carriage, her eyes wide with fear. She clutched a small dagger, her hands trembling, but she knew she was no match for the assailants. Her role was to stay safe and support her lord in any way she could.
The battle was fierce but brief. The hooded figures, despite their skill, were no match for the combined might of Kael, Keira, and Victor. As the last of the attackers fell, Kael approached one of the fallen, his eyes narrowing. "Who sent you?" he demanded.
The figure's eyes fluttered open, a grim smile playing on his lips. "You will never know," he rasped, before biting down on a hidden vial. His body convulsed, and he fell still, poison coursing through his veins.
Kael's jaw tightened. "They were after Keira's staff," he murmured, his mind racing. "Someone knows about our artifacts and wants them for themselves."
Victor sheathed his swords, his expression grim. "We need to be more vigilant. This won't be the last attempt."
Keira nodded, her grip on the Veilbreaker Staff tightening. "They won't take this from me. Over my dead body!"
With the attackers dealt with, they continued to Duke Marveil's estate. The guards at the gate, alerted by the skirmish, allowed them through without delay.
The carriage resumed its journey, the atmosphere inside tense. As they approached the Duke's mansion, Kael took a deep breath, steeling himself for the meeting ahead. The grandeur of the mansion was a stark contrast to the violence they had just faced, but Kael knew he had to stay focused.
Inside, the Duke's study was a testament to opulence, with polished wooden floors, ornate tapestries, and a massive desk carved from dark mahogany. Duke Marveil sat behind the desk, his eyes sharp and calculating.
"Welcome, Kael Valtieri," he greeted, his voice measured. "I trust your journey was uneventful?"
Kael bowed respectfully. "Your Grace, thank you for receiving us. Our journey was... eventful, but we are here now."
The Duke's brow arched, but he did not press the matter.
Kael placed a formal document on the table before the duke, its cover stamped with the Valtieri family seal. "Your Grace, what I present today is more than just a product. It's an opportunity to establish a new standard of luxury within Valoria and beyond."
The duke leaned forward, intrigued. "Go on."
Kael began with a clear and confident pitch. "As you've seen, our perfumes are a blend of artistry and magic. They cater to a clientele that values exclusivity and refinement. However, their true potential lies in their appeal across the noble courts of the continent. With your investment and influence, we can scale production, secure distribution channels, and target key markets where demand for luxury goods is insatiable."
He continued, "The perfumes aren't merely a luxury—they're a statement. Owning one signals sophistication and status. That's why nobles like the Marchioness of Eryndale are already eager to promote them within their circles. With the right backing, this can become a cornerstone of Valoria's economy."
The duke stroked his chin thoughtfully, his gaze shifting between Kael and Keira. "And what exactly do you require from me?"
"Two things," Kael replied. "First, an investment to expand our production facilities and refine our distribution logistics. Second, your endorsement as a patron. Your name alone will lend the credibility needed to attract the finest clientele. In return, Your Grace, you'll receive a share of the profits, as well as exclusive access to new products before they reach the market. You'll also have the prestige of being associated with a luxury brand destined to redefine its category."
The duke leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You've prepared this well, but I sense there's more to your strategy. Why approach me rather than other nobles or a Merchant's guild?"
Kael smiled, meeting his gaze. "Because you're a man of vision, Your Grace. You don't just seek profit—you seek influence and legacy. By aligning with us, you won't just be funding a product; you'll be shaping a cultural phenomenon that will outlast us all."
The room fell silent as the duke considered Kael's words. Finally, he leaned forward again, a glimmer of intrigue in his eyes. "I have read your letter and considered your proposal," he said, leaning back in his chair. "It is innovative, and I see potential. However, there is a condition."
Kael's heart raced, but he maintained his composure. "And what might that be, Your Grace?"
The Duke's eyes flicked to Kael's gauntlet. "I want the gauntlet. It is a remarkable artifact, and I would be willing to invest heavily if you were to part with it."
Kael hesitated, his mind racing. The gauntlet was invaluable to him, but he knew he had to secure the Duke's support. "Your Grace, the gauntlet is a family heirloom, and I cannot part with it. However, I have another proposal."
The Duke's eyes narrowed, but he listened intently.
"We have another artifact with similar functions," Kael continued, his voice steady. "A ring called the infinite storage ring," Kael said, naming a ring impromptu on the spot.
'Though it was yet to be crafted, I am confident that I could make it,' he thought, a bead of sweat dripping down his chin.
"I assure you, it will be just the same with the gauntlet. I can have it ready for you upon our return to our domain and have it delivered."
The Duke considered this for a moment, his fingers drumming on the desk. "A ring, you say? And you guarantee its capabilities?"
Kael nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. It's a masterpiece of magical engineering, just like the gauntlet."
The Duke's lips curved into a faint smile. "Very well, Kael. I accept your proposal. I will be your patron, providing you with my full support. But remember, I expect results."
Kael bowed deeply, relief washing over him. "You have my word, Your Grace. We will not disappoint you."
As they left the Duke's study, Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. They had secured the duke's support, but he knew the real challenges were yet to come.