CH 11

November 03, 2022

“Hello.”

“Hello, and welcome—Oh, it’s the company man.” Rye made a face. She was an upright character who didn’t like bad people, and not even slavery had been able to change that.

“Rye, was it? Please, child, don’t give me that look. Where is Miss Stella?”

“She’s sleeping.”

“Sleeping? This early in the day? How odd.”

“She always naps after lunch, says it’s good for the mind and body or whatever. Honestly, I think she’s just tired and making excuses.”

“That’s truly wise of her. Our health is our most important resource, after all.”

“Good morning. It’s a good day outside.”

Stella stepped inside the store, freshly awake from her short nap, to find Mace holding a flower bouquet. As she watched, he handed it to Marie and told her to put it in a jar. Is he trying to win my favor? she wondered. He has too much time on his hands if he’s coming here at this time of day. I wish he’d share some of it with me.

“Do you have something to say?” he asked. “Your stare is quite intense.”

“Just to make sure . . . You are vice president of the Stock Company, right?”

“Indeed I am. And I intend to succeed Leroy as president, in due time.”

“Hmm. Well, good luck with that.”

“Thank you. I’m still laying the groundwork for the next steps. It’s important work, of course, yet my brother Gard seems unable to understand that. To him, violence is always the answer. He’s such a headache.”

“Sounds like you have it rough.”

Mace laughed bitterly. “I don’t know how to feel hearing that from you. But forget about that. You look wonderful in those new clothes.”

He was clearly saying it to be polite, but Stella gladly accepted the compliment. “I’m flattered. So, do I look like an alchemist now?”

“Indeed. Although ‘small witch’ would be a more fitting descriptor.” He laughed. “You’ll go on to do great things, I’m sure.”

Bastard. She kept her face straight. “I hope I can live up to your expectations.”

“That makes both of us. Let’s hope we can work together for a long time to come still. You’re a very profitable business partner for our company. Needless to say, that won’t go unrewarded.”

After the pleasantries, Mace sat down and made himself comfortable. It was clear that he had something else to say. Stella decided to listen. She owed him that much, at least. “So, why are you here? There’s more to your visit than those flowers.”

“I’m glad you asked. In fact, I’m here to ask if you would accompany me to the tavern inside the arena in the Central District. Your ‘tears of falling stars’—His Excellency Mr. Greggs, head of the Georgia Family, has acquired a taste for them. He insists he must meet you in person.”

“That’s too far away. If he wants so much to meet me, he can come here.” Though the man does interest me. She could skip today’s training and go.

“It would be wiser to do as he says. At present, the Georgia Family has the better part of Peasbury under its grasp, and Mr. Greggs himself is the town’s mayor. You cannot disregard his request. Besides, this is a good opportunity for you to make connections.”

Between the North District, home to the wealthier population and farmland owners, and the Central District, bustling with business, over half the town was controlled by the Georgia Family. No one, no matter how stupid they might be, dared defy them openly.

“Do you want me to make connections?” she asked.

Mace laughed. “I trust you’ll come back to us in the end. And I’ve told them you’re under our care, so they won’t try anything rash.”

Gangs were sensitive things, bound by respect and custom. In the same way that Stella could not disregard a request from the Georgia Family, Greggs could not take Stella from the Stock Company by force without ruining Leroy’s reputation. Such methods would be effective to show off superior power and authority, but still, that was not something Greggs would do. His family’s policy revolved around maintaining the status quo with cooperation between the gangs. According to Mace, as long as they didn’t let their guard down, there was nothing to worry about.

“I must also ask again that you keep the elixir a secret. As yet, only a select few know about its existence. Should it come to his knowledge that you can make such a thing, he’ll likely forget his caution and try to take you from us. It’s still too early for word to spread.”

In other words, this was a reminder for her to stay hidden until his business preparations were complete. He’s an able treasurer, no doubt about that.

“You know, perhaps the Georgia Family would treat me better than you do,” she said. “What do you say to that?”

“I’m sad that you think so. The Georgia Family does not lack for power, and their recent way of doing things suggests that they’re more interested in self-preservation than in bringing any sort of development to this town. Their goal is stagnation. If you want progress, you should stay on our side. Don’t you agree?”

“You may be right. Stagnation is the enemy of progress, after all.”

Stella gave him a half-smile, which he returned with one of his own. Rye, who had been watching them all along, looked utterly disappointed. She didn’t appreciate this kind of conversation. Maybe some traumatic past experience. Stella, on the other hand, didn’t really mind it. It was just like wordplay.

For the second time, Stella went on her way to the arena in the Central District. She had left Rye and Beck at the store; to make up for their absence, Clever—her strongest bodyguard—was riding on her shoulder. She didn’t want to have to explain anything to anyone, so she’d insisted that he keep his mouth shut.

“May I ask about the bird?” said Mace.

“Just my little pet. He’s a rare breed.”

“You never cease to amaze me. I’ve seen similar birds before, but never of this size. Quite colorful—just the kind of bird for you.”

“Thank you. I’m very fond of him myself. If only he were a little less annoying sometimes.”

Led by Mace and surrounded by his mercenaries, Stella entered the arena’s tavern. At two floors, it was quite large. The first was for the masses, loud and crowded, a secondary entertainment to the bloodbath in the pit, while the second was restricted to the most esteemed patrons. After climbing the stairs, getting past the armored guards at the door, and walking all the way to the end, Stella came across a single gentleman in rich clothes with a lush beard on his chin and a glass in his hand. Contrary to what this might imply, he was by no means alone—around him were a dozen bodyguards keeping a sharp eye out for danger. One entrance. It’s easy to thwart any assassination attempts. If I were to do it, it would be with poison, after earning his trust.

With less-than-positive thoughts, Stella gracefully bowed to the man, bending one knee while holding the edge of her skirt. A noble’s greeting—just something she had learned. Start by looking the part.

“Your Excellency,” said Mace. “I am deeply sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“There’s no need for pleasantries, Mace,” said Greggs. “I’m sorry for troubling you with such a selfish request.” He turned to Stella. “And you must be . . . Stella, correct? It pleases me to see that you know your manners.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Excellency. My name is Stella Nordus, and I’m the owner of Glenn’s General Store.”

He laughed. “So young, yet so courteous. I see why the Stock Company values you so highly. Is it true that you also have a gift for the magic arts?”

“Yes. It seems I was born under a lucky star. God has judged one such as me worthy to reveal the secrets of the nectar of the divines.”

Stella was making it up as she went. This is an interesting experience.

“I see. Well, I must say—your ‘tears of falling stars’ are simply to die for. Upon mixing them with some aged wine, my tongue was blessed with a sublime flavor. The sweet fragrance of grapes, the refreshing bubbles which seem to burst inside your body . . .” He chuckled. “It has been a most pleasant experience.”

Stella was disappointed that this supreme ruler’s idea of a “sublime flavor” was no different from Beck’s. Ugh, he won’t stop talking. Just get it over with.

“I drank one, two, three glasses, and each one brought new surprises and discoveries. It was as if with every glass my soul grew more vigorous, and my body stronger. I’m certain it has extended my lifetime by at least thirty years. It is truly a gift from the heavens.”

Fighting hard to keep her mouth from twitching, Stella courteously thanked him through gritted teeth.

“Incidentally,” he said, “would you tell me how you came upon the name ‘tears of falling stars’?”

“Of course. First, the enveloping fruity fragrance, which wafts from it from the moment the water is transformed. Then, the refreshing, pungent flavor. And finally, the ephemerally pleasant aftertaste. Just like the stars, it has so many secrets, yet shines so bright. So I named it after them.”

It was a complete lie, of course. She delivered it with the straightest face she could muster, holding her laugh as best she could. Clever flew down from her shoulder and landed in a corner. He was trembling wildly. The traitor has abandoned me to laugh all by himself.

“Indeed, it’s a very fitting name,” said Greggs. “You describe it exactly as I’ve experienced it. . . . Mace, tell your father that I don’t harbor any ill will toward his company. It would please me to see father and son working together to take the West District to new heights.”

“That’s great to hear,” said Mace. “I’m sure Father will be overjoyed.”

“As for you, young sorcerer—remember that, with enough power and wit, no doors will be closed for you in this town. You do have power, and with it comes the right to climb the social ladder. Don’t hesitate to use your gifts. The Georgia Family wishes you the best of luck.”

“Thank you for the kind words.”

“As a small token of my thanks for your coming here today, I have reserved front-row seats for you in the arena. Enjoy the show before you go. Now, I’m afraid I must ask you to take your leave. I have other guests to attend to.”

What he meant was, “I’ve satisfied my curiosity. Now get lost.” Noblemen were busy people. Stella and Mace bowed politely before taking their leave. The instant they stepped outside, Greggs’s bodyguards blocked the entrance. Maybe he’s more craven than he looks. As the ruler of this town, he must have not a few enemies planning to overthrow him; needless to say, Mace would be one of them. For a man with no military power, he gave the impression of being quite ambitious.

“Are we done here, then?” she asked Mace.

“Yes. His Excellency is a busy man, you see. Meetings with him usually don’t last this long. He must have been truly taken with your product.”

“Well, I’m honored.”

Mace pushed up his round spectacles; Stella smirked.

“Are you certain you’re not a centenary witch lying about her age?” he asked. “That sounds more plausible than who you say you are.”

“How dare you.”

He chuckled. “I must say, you’ve piqued my curiosity.”

Stella’s hairs stood on end. She took a step back from him. “If you’ll agree to be mine, I can tell you what you want to know.”

“A tempting offer, but I’m afraid I cannot take it just yet. The company needs me. No one there takes money as seriously as I do.”

Stella watched the fight from her front-row seat, making no bets this time. Light refreshments were served, and she politely refused everything with alcohol in it. This body can’t take it. I don’t need the kind of pleasure I’d get from intoxication anyway.

“By proving their worth in the pit, fighters can get recruited by noblemen or into an organization like ours,” said Mace. “This is a sort of employment agency, so to speak.”

“That’s some dangerous job hunting. Is it really worth it?”

“Some people have no other choice. Fighting is all they can do with their lives.” At that moment, the next fighters entered the ring. “That man over there, we’ve been trying to recruit him. His skill is outstanding—we’d be loath to lose him to someone else. But the man is stubborn as a mule and refuses to take our offer.”

Stella followed Mace’s eyes to a youth bearing a crimson greatsword on his back. He wore a red headband over his short golden hair, steel pauldrons on his shoulders, a cloak around his body, and a look of sheer confidence on his face. He was of medium build, but a more careful look revealed that he had a well-muscled and toned body. There was something special about him. No doubt he’d make short work of the elite thugs, and Beck—well, that one would run screaming before the fight even started. He could run all he wanted. She would paralyze him and use him as a shield if she must.

“He looks pretty competent,” she said. “My, do I envy him that strong body.”

“That’s not something I would expect to hear from a girl, although I do share the sentiment. Strength is a valuable commodity in this town.”

As Stella and Mace talked, a trampling noise came from behind. They turned to look.

“. . . I finally found you, you damned thief! I’ve waited a lifetime for this—actually, it was just three years, I think . . . But in any case! I’m here to settle this!”

What they heard was the howl of a bloodthirsty beast. The beast was a young woman with her blonde hair done in pigtails and a longsword in each hand. Her body was slender, yet it housed a tremendous spirit. Grinding her teeth, she displayed her hostility for all the world to see.

When the woman caught Stella’s gaze, she glared back. “Is something the matter?!” she barked.

“No.” Stella hunched her shoulders and turned to face forward again. She was not in the mood for getting bitten by a rabid dog. If she decides to charge at me, I’m done for, she thought. My whole life’s plans would go down the drain in the blink of an eye. But still . . .

“How come there are so many odd characters in this town?” she asked Mace. “Is there some power here that draws them and all the scum in?”

“I often wonder the same thing myself. Although to me, you’re one of the odd ones.”

“That’s a shame. You lose points with me for saying that.”

“How harsh of you. Well, I must watch my tongue, then. ‘Think twice before you speak,’ as they say.”

“Well said. That gets you a few points back.”

“Thank you. If you liked that, I could lend you my book of sayings. I treat it as a reference book for my life.”

“I’ll look forward to reading it, then.”

As for the fight, it was over in one swing of that crimson greatsword. While the blow did not seem to have killed the man on the receiving end, it must have left him with multiple open fractures all over his body. He would never fight again.

“And the winner is . . . Varrell Art! This marks his tenth victory in a row! Will anyone be able to end this crimson greatswordsman?! Ladies and gentlemen, hurry up and claim your winnings, because today’s fights are just getting started!”

Amidst the roaring cheers, the greatswordsman—Varrell Art—raised his huge weapon to the crowd as easily as he would a feather. I do not want to get punched by those hulking arms.

“That sword is mine by rights! And there he is, holding it like it’s some damned prize—! I can’t believe this! He’s just”—she shook her fists at him—“waving it around”—she stamped her foot—“like he owns the damned thing! It’s infuriating!”

At some point, the howls had turned into bitter insults.

“Should we take our leave?” she said to Mace. “For some reason, I’m feeling really tired.”

“As am I. Allow me to escort you home.”

After exchanging looks with Mace, Stella sprang up from her seat and prepared to leave. The woman was stamping furiously, and looked as if she would charge at the first person who talked to her. As curious as Stella was, she decided it would be best to leave her to her rage for today.