Chapter 820: The Trophy Room

Chapter 820: The Trophy Room

Four guards in full bronze armor and a servant in velvet and gem-thread clothes greeted Dallion as he entered the building. Many in the empire would describe the family as opulent as any other, but Dallion could see that it had fallen on hard times. It wasnt the clothes, the room, or even the materials used, but rather the lack of people. When visiting Archduke Lanitol, there had been an army of guards and servants in front of the massive palace, not to mention the scores more within. The imperial palace, which prided itself on the small number of people, had hundreds as well, not to mention the thousands of metalins that silently stood about in the role of statues. Here, Dallion hadnt even seen a dozen.

Anything you might want to leave here, sir? the servant asked. He was short, with fiery red hair and enough wrinkles to suggest that he had served the family for over fifty years. His awakening level would normally be considered high for a mercenary, but far less than a domain ruler.

Nothing, thanks, Dallion replied. I dont carry anything with me.

Of course, sir. He turned to the side. This way, if you please. The count is waiting for you in the trophy room.

Good luck, Tonia whispered.

Youre not coming along? Dallion glanced at her.Gét latest novel chapters on nov(e)lbj/n(.)c/om

You and my father have business. I was only tasked with getting you here. Maybe once

Its fine, a deep voice said in the room. Go on, Tonia. Dont disagree with our guest.

Looking at the woman, there didnt seem to be any change. The emotions coming from her, though, abruptly changed. The reserved calm was gone, replaced by a trace of fear and obedience.

Of course, father.

The hallway floor was made entirely of glass. There was a time when Dallion would have been impressed, but now it made him think of the results of the recent war. It was tempting to rely on the emperors superior magic or technology, and yet Dallion still had the same uneasy feeling he couldnt shake off.

Any news from the Azure war? he asked casually.

War, sir? the servant asked, not skipping a beat.

As the family that created many illustrious weapons for the emperor, I thought you might be better aware of external events than me.

Such matters are for the count to discuss, sir. I know far less than either of you.

That was an outright lie. The man was hiding something; he was doing his best to mask the emotional emanations from him, but that only worked to a certain point. Without a doubt, there was some development on the outside, possibly even big ones. Be they a small border skirmish or a new invasion on either side, Dallion had as much chance of learning of them as a cat catching a starfish.

I wouldnt want my efforts to have gone to waste, Dallion went into his role. Especially since theres a chance Ill have to do it again soon.

Again, sir? This time, the servants head turned a fraction to the side.

Lets just say that I dont plan to remain a baron for long. If the emperor provides me an opportunity, who am I to decline?

The group went up a semi-flight of stairs into a slightly larger room with paintings, though no furniture. Three more corridors went in different directions. The butler continued to the left. The two nobles followed. Less than twenty steps away, a large hand-carved door of dark oak creaked open.

Dallion could see the magic threads that made that possible, but even he had to admit how elegantly they were placed. Whichever mage had created the enchantment was a good craftsman, thinking of mages as well as ordinary awakened.

Baron Elazni, sir. The butler stood to the side the moment he entered the room.

Now this was a real room, large and filled to the ceiling with weapons. They were of various shapes and sizes, some on the walls, others on racks or stands throughout the room. When the servant had told Dallion that he was expected in the trophy room, this wasnt what he expected; nor had he expected roughly a quarter of the weapons to have void threads coming out of them.

What do you think? The count asked, standing next to a two-handed sword that extended five feet in length and at least one in width.

Count? Dallion asked, more concerned with the void weapons than the purpose of the question.

Masterpieces from across the empire, the noble continued. Up close, he looked a bit different from what Dallion remembered himtaller, bulkier, with a strong sense of dedication and conviction emanating from him.

Does he know? Dallion asked in his personal realm.

Its impossible to tell, Vihrogon replied. We werent freely in touch. If I still had the void connection, Id be able to talk to them, but

Youre planning on making a new one?

I have the blueprint. Everything beyond that is skill and patience.

And adequate materials, the count corrected. Unless youll be content with sky silver or something even less refined.

I suppose Ill have to gather some funds.

The count laughed. It wasnt a rude laugh, but that of one who had witnessed naivete in a pool of cynicism.

Wealth isnt needed here. We are wealth. Good materials remain rare. As an imperial you might be able to get a bit more, but not that much. Not unless you trade favors. Show me your other weapons.

Dallion summoned his bladebow.

You made this? the noble looked at the weapon critically.

Back when I was still learning.

Craftsmanship isnt bad, but rushed. Interesting touch with the kaleidervisto, but ultimately useless for such a weapon. There are a lot more options that what you have done.

And what favors would be required to gain your wisdom and forge for a day or two?

A magic masterpiece. The response was immediate. Its claimed youre a mage. Make a masterpiece based on my specifications with magic, and Ill let you make use of my forge.

There was a time when Dallion would have been overjoyed at such a proposal. Unfortunately, he was in the capital now, and his victory seemed too fast. The count hadnt argued one bit, which made him suspect there was something else at play.

I think he might need some time to consider, father, Tonia said, diplomatically. Hes been in the capital for less than a day.

That should be enough for him to make up his mind, the man humphed.

Its alright. Ill make your masterpiece. That was a good excuse for him to attempt some advanced forging. When he was a simple mage, Harp had been reluctant to let Onda teach him the really advanced forging methods as a domain ruler, though she could no longer use that excuse. Might I ask a few things about your collection before that? Dallion made his way to a pair of daggers from which several strands of void came out, extending beyond the walls of the room. Where did you get these?

The Sunset Daggers? My grandfather got them from an archduke in exchange for creating a set of armor for his son-in-law. Im not even sure which one. Do you fancy them?

I might.

Make a suitable replacement and Ill give them to you.

You have yourself a deal, Count. Dallion extended his hand out of habit.

A moment of awkwardness followed. Nobles didnt shake hands. Words were their bond, and if that failedMoon vows. Hand shaking was meant for lesser awakened. After all, physical contact could lead to realm invasions.

Thankfully, Count Pilih quickly put an end to Dallions faux pas by shaking his hand in return. The action was as brief as possible, but kept Dallion from openly losing face. Clearly the noble wanted a magic weapon quite badly.

You also mentioned you were interested in news about the war. The man pulled back his hand, moving it behind his back.

Just idle curiosity, count.

Its fortunate, then, that I have a guest that could satisfy your curiosity.

On cue, the door opened. Dallion expected it to be the servant arriving with their refreshments. Instead, it was someone who he never expected to see here, of all places.

Hello, Dal. A woman wearing a full set of heavy armor entered. Nice to see youve risen up in the world.

Hi, March. Dallion felt a lump form in the back of his throat. Its been a while.