Lord Roland's Mansion
The grand study of Lord Roland's mansion was filled with the scent of parchment and ink. A crackling fire cast flickering shadows against the towering bookshelves, and at the center of the room, Lord Roland sat in his high-backed chair, a sealed letter in his hands. His wife, Lady Evelyn, stood beside him, her delicate fingers gripping the back of his chair.
The lord furrowed his brow as he read the letter in silence. His expression darkened.
"What does it say?" Lady Evelyn asked, noticing the shift in his demeanor.
Roland exhaled sharply and placed the letter on the desk. "It's from Lord Esteban, an old friend of mine who serves as an advisor in the Elven King's court. He writes that the High Priest Hector and Saint Athena are looking into a merchant who sells mana-enhanced products."
Lady Evelyn's eyes widened. "Mana-enhanced products? They mean Dirk's shop, don't they?"
Roland gave her a firm nod. "Word of Dirk's items has reached the capital—faster than I anticipated. The council has taken an interest. They believe that someone with access to enhancement magic could be a valuable asset in their war against the demons. They are sending investigators... discreetly."
Lady Evelyn pressed a hand to her chest, concern etched on her face. "That could be dangerous for him. Investigations are never just investigations in this kingdom. If they believe he has rare magic, they won't simply ask politely—they might take him by force."
Roland clenched his fists. "I won't let that happen. Dirk has been good to this town, and his business has flourished under my watch. If the capital wants to interfere, they'll have to go through me first."
Lady Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line. "We must warn him."
Roland nodded and turned to the butler, who stood patiently by the door. "Robert, go to Dirk's shop immediately. Tell him to be cautious. He should expect unfamiliar faces to visit his shop soon, possibly under false pretences. He must be on guard."
The butler bowed. "At once, my lord."
As Robert left, Lady Evelyn sighed. "What do you think they'll do if they confirm that Dirk's products really do enhance mana?"
Roland leaned back in his chair, his eyes cold with calculation. "They'll either try to recruit him... or take him against his will."
Lady Evelyn's heart sank.
"If it comes to that," she whispered, "will you protect him?"
Roland met her gaze with steely determination. "I will. But we need to act before the kingdom makes its move."
*****
At Dirk's Item Shop, the bell above the door chimed just as the midday sun cast warm golden rays through the windows. I was at the counter with Elvie, going over our inventory, when Lord Roland's butler entered, his expression grim and urgent.
"Master Dirk," he bowed slightly, catching his breath. "I bring word from Lord Roland. He received a letter from a trusted friend stationed at King Ernest's court. The high priest and saint have caught wind of rumours—about you."
My heart skipped. "Me?"
The butler nodded. "Yes, your... mana-enhanced products are now tied to the whispers of a merchant from another world. Lord Roland believes you may be under scrutiny soon. He asks you to be cautious—especially of new faces around the shop."
I tightened my grip on the counter, swallowing hard. "Thank you for the warning."
That evening, I called everyone to the back room for an emergency meeting. Elvie and Ella came first, followed by Kael and Sylphie, both elves who had recently joined us for deliveries. Igor entered next, his cloak dusted from the road, and last came Miss Agnes, still dressed in her elegant merchant robes.
Everyone sat in silence, tension thick in the air.
"So," I began, exhaling. "We might be in trouble."
Miss Agnes nodded grimly. "If the high priest and the saint are involved, this isn't just idle curiosity. They'll investigate. And they won't ask nicely if they suspect you're from another world."
Elvie crossed her arms. "Are they planning to hurt him?"
Igor grunted. "They might not at first, but if they think Dirk is the hero who failed to appear in their summoning... it's possible."
"I want to ask all of you," I said, looking around the room, "If things get dangerous, are you willing to come with me? If I have to leave?"
Kael stood up first, hand on his chest. "Of course. I already pledged loyalty to you. This shop changed my life."
Sylphie nodded in agreement. "You gave us work and purpose. I'll follow you."
Ella looked at me with determined eyes. "You're not going anywhere without us."
"I've already packed my things," Elvie said, half-joking but her tone serious.
Igor rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "There's a chance you might need to disappear for a while. I suggest heading to the human territories. Or even Dwarfin lands if it comes to that."
"Why the human territories?" I asked.
Miss Agnes replied, "Because you're human. You'll blend in better, and there are fewer chances of magical scans or relics picking up on your origin."
Igor nodded. "We'll keep the shop running. Kael and Sylphie can help. You should stockpile enough items in the back room. I'll only message you when we run low."
"And Kael could travel back and forth to restock," Miss Agnes added. "He's swift and quiet on the road."
"Should I stop selling altogether?" I asked.
Miss Agnes sighed. "Slowly, and it's safer to temporarily pause. Halt production, lay low. Let the rumours die down."
"I actually have a friend," she continued. "A human baron. Controls a small territory near a minor dungeon. Adventurers constantly pass through it to farm mana stones. If you sold your products there... discreetly, you could earn even more."
Elvie leaned in. "Then we'll go with you. Right, Ella?"
Ella nodded. "Always. You need us."
My heart swelled at their support. "Thank you, all of you. Really. I didn't think starting a small business would turn into... well, this."
Miss Agnes smiled, resting a hand on my shoulder. "You're not just a merchant anymore, Dirk. You've become something far more interesting—and dangerous. And that makes powerful people very nervous."
We all shared a silent moment, knowing that life was about to change again.
*****
The next morning, the sun had barely risen when we began preparations.
I woke early and stuffed the backroom with as much bottled water, mamons, canned corned beef, deodorant, hotdogs and instant noodles as I could discreetly summon. I handed Kael a small pouch filled with minimal gold coins—just in case. Elvie and Ella packed light travel bags and insisted on double-checking all the gear we might need.
Igor stood at the back of the shop with Sylphie, both inspecting the newly stocked storeroom.
"These should last a month at least," Igor muttered. "If we rotate the sales and focus on the nobles' pre-orders."
"I'll send ravens with coded letters," I said. "Just write down how many you need, and Kael will handle the delivery."
Miss Agnes arrived not long after with a sealed envelope.
"This contains a letter of recommendation to Baron Weslin," she said, handing it to me. "He's strict but fair. Keep your products subtle. No flashy displays or rumours about magical items. Just serve the adventurers and keep your head down."
"Understood," I replied, tucking it safely into my inner coat pocket.
"I'll also let some of the nobles here know you're on a temporary 'business training' trip," she added with a wink. "To ease suspicion."
We all stood in front of the shop, the newly arrived horse and carriage waiting for us—two strong brown stallions and a reinforced wooden waggon perfect for long-distance travel.
"Ready?" Elvie asked.
"Yeah," I said, taking a deep breath. "Let's get moving."