The party, guided by Dallen, arrived at the mansion of Benarr, the merchant magnate of Damu.
The grand mansion's gate was forged from massive black-lacquered metal, its surface etched with intricate wooden motifs. The doorknobs were sculpted in the shape of bear heads from metal, with red gems embedded in the bears' eyes. Above the gate hung an ancient cast ornament, within which was engraved the emblem symbolizing Nauul, the guardian deity of Damu, further accentuating the mansion's dignity.
Beside the gate stood guards of the Dawi, cloaked in thick brown fur, clad in heavy plate armor and adorned with steel-embellished shoulder guards. Each held a weighty halberd in hand, its blade gleaming as if freshly forged, reflecting the light. One of the guards cast a sharp, wary glance toward the carriage, while the other leaned slightly, seemingly fighting off drowsiness. But as the party drew near, their eyes sharpened, creating an even more tense atmosphere. At that moment, the Muwa guide stepped forward, gently flapping wings toward the party and speaking.
"We have been awaiting you, Keuraber. You have arrived earlier than expected. Benarr awaits. Please, come inside."
Following the guide, the party passed through the mansion's garden and headed inward. At the garden's center sprawled mulberry trees swaying in the winter wind, and beneath them lay a vast pond. Walking along the neatly arranged stone path, the party gazed upon the expansive pond and the carp swimming leisurely within.
The mulberry trees extended their bare branches, encircling the pond. In the chill of winter air, the trees, stripped of all leaves and left with only branches, revealed a serene posture, their twigs swaying softly with each gust of wind. Hanging among the branches were several beehives, but in the winter season, no bees were seen buzzing about.
The pond was so clear that one could see straight to the bottom, with stone walls layered at regular intervals, stacked deep into the water. This was no mere pond; it was the result of a massive construction project undertaken by Keuraber's grandfather, Bardin, at the behest of the merchant magnate Benarr, to create a full-fledged fish farm.
In his youth, Benarr had built his commercial foundation through carp farming profits, and to expand it, he invested heavily in having Bardin construct what he envisioned as the ideal pond for optimal fish rearing right in his own mansion. Bardin spent months meticulously stacking stones underwater to regulate the water flow, creating an environment where the carp could swim naturally.
As a result, this place evolved beyond a simple farm into the hub of Benarr's business expansion, upon which he embarked on the path of a merchant. It began with a small pond, but to scale it up, he poured a fortune into Bardin, who devoted long hours to crafting a flawless setting.
Benarr did not stop at merely raising carp; he researched efficient farming methods and gradually introduced advanced techniques. Through this, he established a system for stable breeding, rearing, and selling of carp, solidifying his position as Damu's preeminent magnate.
The mulberry trees planted along the pond's edge were not mere landscaping for decoration. The falling fruits served as feed for the fish, and the leaves as fodder for goats. Benarr did not hoard this method as his secret; instead, he documented it in a book titled "Treatise on Carp Breeding" so that others could easily follow. Here is an excerpt from that book:
"Establish the fish farm on as vast a plot of land as possible. Within the pond, create eight small islands and plant them densely with aquatic vegetation. In the second month, introduce twenty egg-bearing female carp and five male carp; between the fourth month and the eighth month, add ten large catfish and several turtles. The turtles serve to ward off invasions from airborne predators.
In this way, the carp will grow as if swimming in a wide river, and by the following year, the pond will be filled with large, robust carp. Sell the largest ones, and retain the smaller ones for breeding.
Furthermore, when draining the pond for maintenance, the mud accumulated at the bottom can be scooped out and used as valuable fertilizer for crops."
This was no mere advice but a practical method of fish farming born from years of experience, refined through repeated practice. Thanks to it, numerous villages centered around Damu operated fish farms of various sizes following his approach.
Keuraber stood by the water's edge, quietly beholding the scene. Beneath the clear surface, the carp glided, their silvery scales shimmering. Over the years, countless carp must have been born and raised in this pond.
After gazing for a moment at the stone walls below the pond's surface, touched by his grandfather's hands, Keuraber soon resumed his steps.
Benarr's grand mansion exuded a majestic yet pristine elegance. Passing through the spacious garden and entering the main hall, a massive mana-lamp hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow. The marble floor was covered with carpets intricately patterned, and the walls were adorned with ornate decorations alongside massive taxidermied Kannook Salmon. The salmons' scales reflected light, emanating an aura as if they were alive, and below them was displayed a fishing spear carved entirely from a drake's horn.
Not just the spearhead but the entire shaft was fashioned from the horn, making it not merely a decorative piece but a relic embodying the legacy of a hunter who once dominated an era.
Keuraber slowly entered the room. At its center sat a massive Dawi with well-groomed long fur—Benarr himself. Though well over a century old, he retained a dignified appearance. His fur gleamed with a silvery tint, as if embracing the passage of time, and the fur grown long enough to veil his eyes further highlighted his venerable age.
Yet his attire was far from shabby. Befitting a dignified magnate, he wore pristine and luxurious silk garments, and the staff in his hand bore intricate engravings.
Benarr gazed slowly at Keuraber. Then, with a low chuckle, he spoke.
"You've grown old too, Keuraber."
Keuraber sniffled once and let out a light laugh.
"Not as much as you, elder Benarr, ahem."
Keuraber removed his thick gloves and faced Benarr. He had come at the invitation of this wealthy and influential figure of Damu, but he wondered if he alone could accomplish anything.
"You called, so I came... but with the other masons unable to join, I doubt there's much I can do on my own."
The Masons of Laboreus were exceedingly busy for the next few years with commissions from lords across the Esteta kingdom, including the Aquiln city wall project. As a result, none but Keuraber could come here. Fortunately, he had delegated most of his duties to his apprentice, Naydin, allowing him this brief visit.
Benarr smiled and gestured toward Keuraber.
"One of you is worth more than any other masons combined."
"I'm not sure this old man will be of much help... but if you've summoned me here in such haste, there must be a good reason."
Benarr met his gaze steadily and nodded.
"Sarun-Ke Keuraber. Your experience and stone-stacking expertise will suffice. I've heard from many that your skill surpasses even that of your grandfather Bardin."
Keuraber shrugged and replied calmly.
"That's only because so much time has passed. The art of stacking stones advances relentlessly, in times of peace as well as in eras of chaos and turmoil."
At that, Benarr raised his hand to summon his steward, Igor.
"Igor, bring the wine."
Shortly after, the Muwa steward approached like a shadow, silent and unobtrusive. Moving as if gliding through the air without even a flutter of wings, his form—clad in a neat black uniform with impeccably groomed feathers—enhanced his poise, and his unwavering, focused eyes exuded resolute dignity.
The steward bowed slightly and manifested a transparent hand in mid-air using mana. With fluid motion, that hand lifted a wine bottle and placed two clear glass goblets on the table. As he quietly uncorked the bottle, a subtle aroma wafted forth.
"This is a wine made from the Mencía varietal, cultivated near the lighthouse in the northern forests of Damu."
Igor explained in a low voice.
"It harmonizes floral notes with strawberry, black licorice, and pomegranate in a matured flavor profile. It pairs exceptionally well with mushroom dishes. If you wish, I can prepare grilled mushrooms with lentils, onions, and red cabbage."
Benarr nodded in satisfaction and filled Keuraber's goblet. Keuraber inclined his head lightly in thanks and raised the glass.
Benarr tilted his goblet and said,
"In the forest's lighthouse dwell followers of Rell, the god of stars, fate, and astrology."
Keuraber paused just as he was about to sip and furrowed his brow slightly.
"Among them is an elf named Turr. He's an old acquaintance of mine, and recently he sent a letter bearing a message from Rell. According to the oracle, a threat approaches from far beyond the Tharn Forest, in the arid wastelands. A horned race, a warrior race, and a sinister folk donning wooden masks, along with a horde that preys upon its own kin, will shatter the walls of Damu, protected by Nauul."
Keuraber quietly set down his goblet and inquired,
"You mean the Badlands, the wasteland to the west? The horned race from the Badlands... that would be the minotaurs, I suppose? And the warrior race must refer to the orcs. Moreover, far to the west of Damu—that suggests the threat comes from west of the Tharn Forest."
Benarr nodded.
"That interpretation fits. However, what the wooden-masked folk or the kin-devouring horde signify remains unclear to me."
He was perplexed. If events in the western Badlands threatened to reach Damu, it couldn't be a mere raider's assault.
Benarr shook his head slowly.
"But I believe the warning. It's clear a great crisis looms from afar. We must prepare, mustn't we? That's why I called you. Can you reinforce Damu's walls?"
Keuraber pondered for a moment before speaking gravely.
"If there are places needing reinforcement, it must be done, of course. But I'm not sure if mere wall strengthening will suffice. I'll need to inspect firsthand things like gentle slopes beneath the walls that aren't too steep, or the necessity for barbicans and bastions. If watchtowers are lacking, more must be built."
Benarr nodded with evident satisfaction.
"I'll assign Igor to you. Tell him whatever you need. Spare no expense in gold; just reinforce the walls."
"Understood. As soon as preparations are ready, I'll go out to survey the walls."
Keuraber stroked his chin as if deep in thought. After a pause, he cautiously spoke.
"And there's one more thing I'd like to mention, elder."
Benarr fixed his gaze, noting the change in Keuraber's expression.
"While traveling from Aquiln to Damu here, I was escorted by an adventurer. Named Gravel, this adventurer wishes to meet you."
Benarr raised an eyebrow slightly and regarded Keuraber.
"Oh...?"
Benarr smoothed his long-grown eyebrows.
"From what I've heard, there's a specific purpose for coming here."
Benarr set down his goblet and leaned forward.
"Do you know what that purpose is?"
Keuraber hesitated briefly before saying quietly,
"I didn't hear the full details, but... it seems the desire is to borrow the Mirror of Nerodia that you possess."
Benarr's expression shifted subtly for an instant. Keuraber tried to read the meaning in his eyes, but Benarr soon averted his gaze and drew a slow breath.