The low hum of arcane energy thrummed beneath Sharone's fingertips as she tapped her fingers on the polished obsidian surface of the table within the Crimson Veil. The air in the chamber, usually thick with a swirling red mist that lent the establishment its name and clandestine atmosphere, was momentarily clear. Light from the crimson moon overhead cast a glow that illuminated the figures currently seated at the table.
Beside them, two shimmering projections showed a composed Koniko, her sharp features softened by the ethereal glow, situated thousands of miles away in Carnelia; the other a more restless Sasha who sat with her arms folded under her robust chest. From her face, she was clearly exasperated working in Gwaltch.
Adriana sat beside Sharone, her elegant hands placed neatly. Her gaze flickered between the projections and Sharone, a quiet anticipation in her emerald eyes.
"The situation in Decorum is… resolved," Sasha reported, her voice clear. "Kamau was reluctant to act at first, but he finally did after I adopted a more… persuasive approach to fully motivate him." A subtle emphasis on 'persuasive' hinted at methods best left unsaid. "The insurgent elements aligned with Decorum have finally been eradicated. We've also dismantled the larger clandestine warehouses storing the enhancer drug 'Glamour'," Sasha said.
The others nodded as she continued. "It wasn't pretty. Those warehouses were more like fortified bunkers. But the boys handled it. Thoroughly."
Sharone leaned forward slightly, her scarlet eyes intent. "And the manufacturer? Any sign of him?"
Sasha shook her head, her projection wavering slightly. "Nothing concrete. Marconni was their sole distributor, it seems. He kept his sources well-guarded, even under… duress."
"Not a setback," Sharone stated, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "It merely confirms our trajectory. Marconni's network was the key to unlocking this underbelly. We've discovered a significant artery of their operations. The information gleaned from him has already proven invaluable."
Koniko shifted, her focus turning to another matter. "The final preparations for Lloyd's journey are underway. The train from Opal will depart tomorrow, carrying the agreed-upon cargo of Mystium Crystals. This will finalize our agreement with Carnelia and initiate the inter-provincial trade as planned."
Adriana's smile widened. "Excellent. It's all proceeding according to schedule. Unsurprisingly, the other dukes voiced their concerns regarding the railways being constructed. Predictable territorial squawking. However," she added, a hint of amusement entering her voice, "Uncle Mikael has already smoothed those ruffled feathers. There will be no official resistance."
"That doesn't mean there won't be unofficial resistance though," Sasha interjected. "Those 'people' won't take kindly to this new technology spreading within Ekron."
"Which is precisely why our approach is prudent," Koniko countered. "While they are still within their own domains, the influence of the larger crime syndicates operating under the radar in Archadia will undoubtedly diminish with the disruption of their established trade routes. But Sasha is right. Complacency is a luxury we cannot afford."
Sharone nodded in agreement. "Adriana and I will begin drafting proposals to present to the other dukes. We need to frame this new transport system in a way that maximizes our leverage in any future negotiations regarding the Mystium Engineering Technology. We need to control the narrative, make them believe this benefits their own interests, even if the reality is more nuanced."
A collective nod rippled across the three projections.
Sharone's smile softened, a touch of wistfulness in her eyes. "If only Kojo were here to witness this progress. He always had a knack for seeing the bigger picture."
"Or rather a different picture entirely," Koniko added before a moment later her expression turned slightly grim. "Speaking of Kojo… Lin relayed some information. Apparently, he was involved in an altercation in Ezkanur. Some knights were bullying a young boy, and he stepped in and gave them a small taste of their own medicine. He faced a trial, but the punishment was surprisingly lenient. He's been made into a facilitator in one of their academies."
"What could he possibly teach them?" Adriana asked. Sharone raised her hands and shrugged.
Sasha sighed and hugged herself, a fond exasperation in her voice. "Darling. Such a rogue sometimes."
Koniko folded her arms, a hint of disapproval in her tone. "He really should learn to think things through before he acts."
Adriana chuckled softly. "Well, at least it didn't escalate into an international incident. Though," she added, a touch of envy coloring her voice, "I am rather jealous of Lin being there with him."
A shared sigh seemed to ripple through the chamber, a brief moment of personal thoughts intruding on their strategic discussion.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Sharone clapped her hands lightly. "Alright. Focus. Our next steps." She turned her attention to Sasha. "Sasha, I need you to gather a few more skilled Mystium experts from among the Goblins, then meet Koniko in Carnelia."
Sasha's eyes drooped slightly. "More work?"
"Think of it as applied research. I'll make it up to you when you come back."
"I'll do it," Sasha said quickly.
Sharone gave her a wry smile. "They will be working alongside Lloyd to explore new innovations related to the Mystium Crystals and their transport. Enhancements, efficiencies… anything that will further solidify the importance of this new system."
"Why can't I just teleport them?" Sasha grumbled, her inherent impatience surfacing. "It would be so much faster."
Adriana shook her head gently. "That rather defeats the purpose we're trying to achieve, wouldn't you say? We're trying to establish a viable, widespread transport network. Constant teleportation undermines that entirely."
Koniko added, her tone firm. "The Dukes will be present for the grand unveiling of the train in Carnelia. We need to make an impression. They need to see the potential, the convenience, even for the common folk. A subtle… envy, perhaps, that will make them eager to embrace this technology within their own provinces."
Sharone elaborated, her eyes gleaming with strategic foresight. "Furthermore, if we can subtly steer their perception towards believing that this new transport system will somehow grant them greater control over existing gateway traffic and potentially inflate usage fees, they will be far more amenable to our proposals. We need to play on their inherent greed and desire for control."
Sasha pouted, her shoulders slumping. "Fine. But it's dreadfully boring work."
"Your unique talents will be invaluable, Sasha," Sharone reassured her, her voice warm. "Think of the possibilities."
"Indeed," Adriana added, a sly smile gracing her lips. "Imagine the… security features we could implement. Features that only we understand and control."
Sharone nodded, her gaze lingering on Adriana for a bit before sweeping between the two projections. "Excellent. Let's aim to meet up in one week. By then, Sasha, you should be en route to Carnelia with your team. Koniko, please ensure Lloyd has everything he needs for the initial demonstration when he arrives."
With a final nod from both Koniko and Sasha, their projections flickered and vanished, leaving Sharone and Adriana alone in the suddenly still chamber. The red mist, as if sensing the conclusion of their meeting, began to swirl, receding back into non-existence.
Sharone leaned back on the sofa, a sigh escaping her lips. The weight of their ambitious undertaking settled upon her, but beneath it lay a current of satisfaction. They were making progress, inching closer to their goals with each carefully orchestrated step.
Adriana rose gracefully from her seat. "Come, Sharone. The air in here can become… oppressive after a while. Shall we take a walk into the town? The evening air might do us both some good."
Sharone smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "I would like that very much, Adriana." The Crimson Veil, a sanctuary for secrets and strategies, could wait. For now, the quiet companionship and the cool night air of the city beckoned. The game was far from over, but for a brief moment, they could savor the small victories won.