The evening sky had turned a deep shade of indigo by the time Victor returned with news of the merchants. Kael sat in his temporary residence, leaning over the first draft of agreements from his meeting with Duke Marveil. The flickering light of the enchanted lantern illuminated the room, casting long shadows across the papers. This lantern, a product that Kael completed previously at their estate, made working at night far easier than using candles.
The creation of the enchanted lantern combined both scientific principles and magical enchantments. First, Kael designed a lantern frame made from a lightweight, heat-resistant alloy. This ensured durability and safety during prolonged use. He then carefully selected a high-quality, refined spirit crystal orb to serve as the light source and a red mana crystal as its mana source.
Using his knowledge of luminescence, Kael infused the crystal with a special blend of alchemical compounds that increased its light-emitting efficiency. The crystal was then enchanted with runes of continuous light and energy conservation, ensuring it would shine brightly without consuming excessive mana.
To complete the lantern, Kael embedded an intricate network of tiny silver threads within the crystal, acting as conduits for the magical energy. These threads were connected to a small mana reservoir at the base of the lantern, which he could easily recharge. The final touch was a protective enchantment that regulated the light intensity, allowing the user to adjust it according to it's needs.
This combination of science and magic resulted in a reliable and efficient source of illumination, perfect for late-night work sessions. The lantern's design ensured a functional lifespan of around four years. After this period, the alchemical compounds and enchantments would gradually lose their effectiveness, encouraging customers to repurchase the product to maintain optimal performance. With proper care, the lantern could provide steadfast light for its intended lifespan, ensuring customers returned for new purchases.
"They've requested an audience," Victor said, his voice steady as always.
Kael sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I expected as much. Merchants hate being left out of lucrative opportunities. They'll be upset about the exclusivity deal with Duke Marveil."
"They're more than upset," Victor replied. "They're murmuring about unfair treatment. It could cause trouble if left unchecked."
Lily entered, a worried expression on her face. "Young Master Kael, they're powerful. If they feel you've wronged them, they could spread rumors or block future trade deals. Their influence isn't something to ignore."
Kael nodded, his mind already turning over the possibilities. Merchants were, at their core, opportunists. If they were upset, it wasn't out of principle but because they believed they were missing out on something valuable. That was leverage he could use.
"Then I'll meet with them," Kael said decisively. "Schedule a gathering for tomorrow. I'll make them understand that there's more to gain by working with me than by opposing me."
The grand hall where the Merchant Council convened was a bustling hive of activity. Ornately dressed merchants mingled in small groups, their voices a low murmur of anticipation. Kael entered with Victor and Keira by his side, projecting the calm confidence he'd learned to wield as both a noble and an inventor.
The merchants' leader, a stout, richly adorned man named Horvan Blightwell, stepped forward. His sharp eyes raked over Kael, assessing. "Lord Valtieri," he began, his tone both courteous and cutting, "we've heard much about your innovations and the exclusive arrangements you've made. But we can't help but wonder if you intend to leave the merchant class entirely out of your endeavors."
Kael met his gaze evenly. "Master Blightwell, I value the merchant class deeply. You're the lifeblood of this kingdom's economy. But exclusivity is what grants value to a product. The arrangement with Duke Marveil was to establish stability in distribution, not to alienate you."
The room quieted, the merchants exchanging skeptical glances. Kael stepped forward, signaling Keira to place the enchanted lantern on a central table.
"This," Kael said, gesturing to the glowing artifact, "is one of the many creations I plan to introduce: a lantern that provides light without oil or fire. Imagine homes, shops, and streets illuminated safely and efficiently. Demand for this alone would be immense."
Blightwell's brow furrowed. "And what do you propose, Lord Valtieri? Are we to play second fiddle to the nobles in your plans?"
"Not at all," Kael replied smoothly. "I want the merchants to be my partners. My offer is simple: exclusive rights to distribute my inventions in designated regions. The Valtieri name will handle production and quality control, while you handle distribution and sales. This ensures mutual success."
Blightwell leaned forward, his expression skeptical. "And what guarantees do we have that you won't cast us aside the moment you find better opportunities?"
In response, Kael raised his hand and summoned a shimmering rune-etched case from his infinite storage space. The room collectively gasped as the object materialized out of thin air.
"The tools I offer you are not concepts," Kael said, pulling out an assortment of items—a portable enchanted timepiece, a more advanced lantern model, and other prototypes. "These are finished products, ready to sell. I don't deal in promises of 'what could be.' I deliver results."
Kael activated the timepiece, allowing the merchants to watch as it clicked and turned, its self-winding mechanism a marvel to behold.
"And as for guarantees," Kael continued, meeting Blightwell's gaze, "you'll have contracts that outline fairness and mutual gain. Each of you will have exclusive territories, ensuring no merchant feels overshadowed. Work with me, and you'll share in the profits and prestige of pioneering innovations."
Blightwell studied Kael for a long moment before nodding slowly. "You've got the confidence of a gambler, Lord Valtieri. But I can see you've brought more than bluster to this room. Very well—we'll hear you out."
By the time they left the council, the tension in the air had shifted. The merchants were intrigued, some even eager to proceed. As they walked back to their residence, Keira glanced at Kael, her tone sharp but amused. "You're playing a dangerous game, Young Master. Making deals with nobles and merchants alike puts you in a precarious position."
"I know," Kael said, shrugging. "But that's the nature of invention. Every creation is a gamble. I'm just extending that principle to business."
Victor grinned, his hand resting on the hilt of Nightsbane. "Let them come. I'd like to see anyone try to outwit or outfight us."
As they reached the residence, Kael leaned against the doorway, staring out at the sprawling city below. The Valtieri name would keep on growing, not through inheritance or conquest, but through innovation.
With every deal he forged and every invention he unveiled, Kael was laying the foundation for something greater than himself. He wasn't just changing his family's fortune—he was rewriting the future of this kingdom.