Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Missives to attend the Black Market had been distributed to the most remote corners of the continent. Consequently, the spokespersons of the wealthiest and most influential aristocracy began their arrival in the Guild City.

In this select group, the presence of the “Black Duke” from the lands of the Duchy of Saxony stood out, and as expected, both the Holy Knight and the Blood Duke were in charge of sending their respective delegates.

Given that these magnates did not enjoy the freedom to appear in the Black Market in person, they delegated the task to emissaries capable of interpreting and executing the desires of their sovereigns with absolute fidelity.

The “Black Prince,” son of the highest authority of Saxony and acclaimed as the brightest prodigy in the entire nation, figured precisely as one of those representatives.

The moment Dale expressed his intention not only to be part of the Black Market, but to establish commercial ties with the leadership of the most powerful organizations, the Calimala Guild was extremely pleased to coordinate a private audience for the young nobleman.

“Arte di Calimala.”

This faction represented one of the seven supreme guilds that dictated the laws in the City of Guilds, having under its absolute dominion the clothing and textile manufacturing sectors.

Historically, the Tower of Black Magic never showed qualms about supplying itself with individuals for its experiments through this corporation. In practical terms, they appeared on their list of most relevant clients.

For this reason, when the Tower of Black Magic, already under the strict tutelage of the Black Duke, abruptly interrupted its agreements, the great guild’s finances suffered a considerable setback.

Dale advanced with determination toward the sector controlled by the city of Calimala, guided closely by a mediator specializing in human trafficking who had previously escorted him from the borders of Greenwood.

“The cloth trade intertwined with the sale of human lives. A truly peculiar contrast,” Dale pondered to himself. However, he knew that the organization’s illicit activities encompassed much more than that. Its operational philosophy was reduced to an elementary principle: anything that possessed monetary value was susceptible to being sold.

Despite everything, Dale’s steps were not motivated by a desire to impart moral rectitude.

He was received with the highest honors within the majestic premises of the municipal palace of Arte di Calimala, a building that served as a physical testament to the opulence and absolute control they exerted over one of the seven subdivisions of Guild City.

“It is an unforeseen honor that the official envoy of the Tower of Black Magic distinguishes us with his distinguished presence.”

The board of the Calimala Guild displayed sumptuous courtesy before the emissary of the Duchy of Saxony, with the leader of the guild himself being the one in charge of giving Dale a formal welcome.

That man held absolute command over the district and figured as one of the seven masterminds behind the major syndicates.

He had not conquered that position of leadership through the use of mystical arts or sword mastery. His imposing and robust anatomy, which strained the threads of his luxurious velvet tunic to the limit, immediately betrayed the origin of his status.

“I deduce that your trip here has the events of the black market as its central purpose.”

“Effectively, you are correct,” Dale replied with total serenity, giving a slight nod of his head.

“The tales of your exploits have reached my ears with great force, distinguished knight!”

The hierarch of the organization began to recite with enthusiasm the achievements attributed to the “Black Prince.”

They cataloged him as the most brilliant mind in the Empire, the strategist who tipped the scales in the armed conflict between the white and black factions, the same one who contained the migratory advance of the demonic hosts and was consecrated as a war bastion in the territories of Britannia. These were feats narrated with such frequency that they already bordered on monotony.

Despite this, the weight of a legend possesses an undeniable value.

The dark reputation that Dale carried on his shoulders under the alias of the “Black Prince” carried an implicit respect. Remembering the wise words of the Black Duke, the fear instilled in others constitutes a resource of inestimable utility.

“I understand that a piece will be auctioned with the necessary potential to awaken the greed of my lord the duke,” Dale suggested.

A sneer full of cunning was drawn on the guild leader’s face.

“You have my word that the object will be up to what the sovereign of Saxony demands.”

“Otherwise, if it turns out to be a disappointment for the Black Duke…” the tone in Dale’s words became somber and threatening.

“The Guild City will see itself under the painful obligation to assume the corresponding consequences.”

“……”

Dale wove his conditions with coldness, hiding completely behind the terrifying influence of the Duchy of Saxony and the dark mysticism of the Tower of Black Magic.

“Our mercantile metropolis prioritizes fidelity to pacts above any profit.”

The leader of the syndicate did not show the slightest sign of intimidation. His statements were true.

Even though their operations bordered on illegality and were founded on moral baseness, the economic framework they had built throughout the continental territory rested on a mutual certainty that no one dared to break.

The fidelity to the value of precious metal was unwavering; under that approach, Guild City stood as an extremely serious entity in its transactions.

“Your statements do nothing but fuel my curiosity.”

“We still have a considerable margin of time before starting the black market.”

Dale sketched a smile devoid of emotion, allowing his counterpart to continue the dialogue.

“Perhaps you might find it pleasant to take a recreational tour through the corners of our city.”

In the domains of this opulent nation where wealth legitimized any action, the entertainment options that the leader mentioned were abundant and varied.

An example of this were the clandestine combat circles, spaces where gladiators put their own existence at stake within coliseums hidden from the public light.

“It seems like an extremely tempting alternative to kill time,” Dale consented with a jovial gesture.

“However, the true motive that impelled me to request an audience with the leader of a major guild is of another nature.”

With these words, Dale redirected the course of the conversation. He stopped acting as a passive buyer of the commercial event to focus on his own plans.

“The regent of Saxony observes with great attention the commercial development that is gestating in the sectors of the Guild City.”

“……”

The hidden intentionality in Dale’s speech became evident immediately.

“Should I interpret that you are proposing a financing proposal?” inquired the guild leader, maintaining a polite smile.

“Allocating capital to our coffers always translates into extremely profitable dividends.”

“You are mistaken, I am not referring to a conventional financial transaction.”

Dale showed an enigmatic countenance before delving into his intentions.

“Once the activities of the Black Market conclude… the identity of the person who will assume the position of ‘City Master’ will be ratified.”

City Master.

Such a distinction corresponded to the individual in charge of governing the entirety of the Guild City, positioning himself hierarchically above the seven guild leaders.

Upon hearing that title, the facial features of the Calimala leader hardened completely, losing all warmth. The selection process for the supreme leader of the metropolis constituted an airtight pact within the organization, and its direct links with the black market auctions were not public knowledge.

“Through what channels has the Duchy of Saxony managed to have access to information of such a nature…?”

Despite the internal bewilderment, the guild boss chose to maintain external composure, which allowed Dale to continue with his exposition.

“The solidity and seriousness that the Guild City projects to the outside is colossal and no one would dare to call it into question.”

“Your assessments are correct, my lord.”

“However, does the same transparency and camaraderie exist when the internal relationship between the seven great guilds is analyzed?”

“…!”

Dale touched a sensitive nerve by alluding to the internal struggles and clashes of interests of the seven factions that fought inch by inch for the hegemony of the Guild City.

“As I indicated previously, the coffers of the Duchy of Saxony are willing to support an economic project of great magnitude.”

The significance and volume of the resources that the Saxon territory promised to inject did not go unnoticed by the leader of Calimala, who was forced to swallow with notable difficulty at the magnitude of the offer.

“A direct support destined exclusively to that member of the seven masters who manages to rise as the next ‘City Master’.”

“That is inadmissible…!”

“And from what I understand, the regent of the Calimala guild possesses the conditions and the enthusiasm necessary to aspire to that throne.”

To the eyes of an external observer, the mercantile city presented itself as a monument to brotherhood and commercial agreements.

“Possessing high aspirations is a quality worthy of praise.”

Deep down, the reality dictated that it was an implacable ecosystem where seven colossal factions devoured each other for absolute control of the market.

“Everything comes down to an exchange of mutual benefits.”

Dale expressed himself with the firmness and certainty of someone who possesses the real power to elevate the individual in front of him to the position of Lord of the City.

“Therefore, I suggest that you analyze the details of this situation with the due calm.”

Having sown doubt in the environment, Dale proceeded to stand up with the firm intention of withdrawing from the premises.

“One moment, please.”

Just at that moment of transition.

“What is the compensation you demand in exchange for such support?” inquired the guild leader in a tone loaded with suspicion and caution.

If Dale, sheltered by the absolute power of the lands of Saxony, paved the path for him to become the supreme boss of the city, what kind of tribute would Dale and the hosts of the duchy demand as retribution?

“The general ledger book.”

“…”

“The master registry that will pass into the hands of whoever assumes the role of ‘City Master’ of the Guild City.”

The financial document of the city’s regent.

That manuscript safeguarded the details of every mercantile movement, the destination of the wealth that circulated through the Guild City, and the financial secrets of the seven major guilds. To a layperson it might lack value, but for those with strategic vision, its significance was incalculable.

In a territory like Guild City, mutual credibility represented the air they breathed, and the accounts manuscript constituted the vital organ that pumped that credibility. Handing over that object was equivalent to stripping oneself of the very essence of the Guild City.

The leader of the syndicate understood perfectly the danger this implied. A storm of speculations and economic projections broke out in his mind.

“If we consolidate this partnership, the investments of the Saxon duchy will flow with a freedom and trust never seen before,” Dale added to solidify his position.

“In accordance with the operations of the Black Armor Company under my direct supervision, the military arm of Saxon will provide unconditional protection to the Guild City.”

The feared Black Bear of the North. The military and political power of the Duchy of Saxony, considered the most imposing fiefdom on the continent, possessed dimensions out of the ordinary. Dale was exploiting this factor in his favor without any restrictions.

“I extend a formal proposal so that the Duchy of Saxony and the Guild City unite their destinies in the same direction.”

“……”

“While you evaluate the pros and cons of this pact,” Dale continued lightly.

“I will take the opportunity to tour the streets and better understand the infrastructure of the area.”

Establishing an unbreakable treaty with the forces of the Guild City was the goal. The strategy of presenting this offer to an ordinary faction boss instead of negotiating with the current supreme ruler obeyed an elementary logic.

It lacked practical utility to hold dialogues unless it was he himself who moved the pieces on the board to place his own ally at the peak of power.

Meanwhile, in another sector of the metropolis.

“Have I heard correctly? Did he speak of the future City Master?”

“Arte della Lana.”

This faction composed another of the seven main guilds of the City of Guilds, centralizing its operations in the lucrative market of woolen textiles. In the main office of the “Guild of the City of Wool,” the person in charge of the place took a pause, trying to assimilate the information.

In front of his desk was a young man with golden hair. It was none other than the envoy of the Blood Duke, known under the title of “Marquess Yuris,” who carried with him an access credential for the activities of the Black Market.

Ray Yuris.

The plans of this young man were far from being limited to a simple attendance at the secret auctions.

“Our sovereignty, the will of His Majesty the Emperor and the directives of my progenitor…”

Ray Yuris began to break down his speech coldly.

“At the moment of ratifying the identity of the individual who will take the reins as the next ‘City Master’.”

Counting on the strategic shelter of the Empire and the mystical influence of the Red Magic Tower.

“We have no doubt that the leader of the Wool guild gathers the perfect requirements to assume such responsibility.”

Even in a metropolis of the scale of the Guild City there were insurmountable political walls. At the end of it all, the human condition tends to bend before those individuals who wield superior force.

Absolute dominion. That was the fundamental doctrine promoted by both the Crimson Lord and the sages of the Red Tower.

Those factions that manage to impose their authority through force have the capacity to shape the environment at will. Riches, understanding, the mysteries of the world and even the valuable knowledge accumulated by the scholars of the rival magic faction were nothing more than collateral benefits that were collected through physical supremacy.

“My words should not be interpreted as a formal request nor much less as a plea.”

In this way, Ray Yuris sentenced the situation.

“This constitutes an unappealable resolution.”

His intonation lacked any trace of warmth or empathy.

The Guild City positioned itself as an urban center where entertainment options abounded. At least, if it was evaluated from the perspective of worldly delight and vices, it fulfilled that role in spades.

Crossing the limits of the “Great Guild Street,” the environment transformed into a labyrinth of entertainment districts for adults and establishments dedicated to gambling. However, none of these distractions managed to capture Dale’s attention.

Despite the distractions of the environment, Dale advanced with a firm step, guided by a highly specific goal in his itinerary.

Visualizing the large-scale conflicts that were about to break out in the heart of this metropolis, the list of pending issues that required his direct intervention was extremely extensive.

Dale directed his steps toward the origin of all those critical tasks, entering the hidden passages of the Calimala demarcation.

“The coordinates indicate that this is the exact point.”

He inspected the environment meticulously until his eyes landed on a clandestine mark carved into the stones of one of the corners of the gloomy passage.

“I have finally found the trail.”

Upon certifying the authenticity of the mark, Dale advanced without showing the slightest hesitation.

How much time had passed since that fateful event? That day when the members of the criminal gang known as “Kaleidoscope” planned and executed an ambush against Dale and Charlotte.

Any criminal organization with a minimum of intelligence and experience in the business would avoid at all costs perpetrating an attack against a member of the imperial high nobility. That principle gained even more strength if the victim belonged to the Saxon lineage.

In the same way that stalks loaded with grain bend before the wind, astute criminals know when to show submission before the powerful. Due to this unwritten rule, even if a holy knight had placed an exorbitant sum of money on the table, any sane gang would have rejected the mission immediately.

However, the members of “Kaleidoscope” lacked that elementary prudence. That lack of judgment was the reason why the juicy offer from the holy knight ended up being accepted by them.

It was a minor syndicate that barely counted a handful of talented operatives in its ranks. Their inability to measure the true implications of their acts, added to the blindness caused by the shine of gold coins, dragged them into the abyss.

And at this precise moment, destiny demanded that they pay the corresponding price for their lack of foresight.

Chapter 89