Chapter 319 – Tea with Money

Chapter 319 – Tea with Money

Away from the commercial districts, the streets quietened with a diminishing flow of people. Kai flicked open the pocket watch with his thumb—five minutes to his appointment—plenty, if he hadn’t gotten lost.

Split Mind had tracked the road signs while he browsed his status. He had followed the indications correctly, well… probably. It was a new city.

I should have taken Flynn’s map.

The clop of horses on the pavement alerted him to a coming wagon, the pair of coachmen too busy arguing to pay him notice. Kai turned to the tall warehouses and nondescript buildings that flanked the road for clues of his whereabouts. The plaque names didn’t ring a bell.

Did I take the wrong turn?

A patrol of guards moved up ahead, none lower than full Yellow. They wore the gold and forest green livery of House Hart.

Kai debated whether to retrace his steps and ask for directions when a breeze brought the tang of freshwater silt. Beyond a corner, the dark blue waters of the Latenna River flowed at the end of the street.

Didn’t doubt it for a moment.

A bridge arched hundreds of meters to the east bank, letting a swarm of boats and enchanted vessels sail beneath. Tiny workers, merchants and peddlers moved everywhere he looked.

Kai stopped on the stone embankment; reeds floated in the current near the shore. A pulse of mana prompted him to push his senses downward, beneath his feet. Chains of cloaked runes ran along in both directions—another corner of the city’s wards.

The whim to probe filled his head with Hallowed Intuition’s frantic whispers.

It was just a thought…

Despite the Yellow-1 density where Nerethi sprawled, he had yet to spot a single beast, not burrowed deep underground or flying above the rooftops.

From the open view of the river, the city extended with no limits. Proud buildings rose on both banks of the Latenna, with colorful market stalls hiding the bend downstream.

Kai had read of the millions calling the Republic home, seen maps of the seven provinces and many minor territories. He understood the numbers, but ink and paper couldn’t capture the weight of reality. The size didn’t sink in till he flew over the endless plains, hills and forests, and walked through cities packed with people.

And this isn’t even the capital.

He had almost caused a brawl when he asked about the biggest cities on the deck of the zeppelin. People from rival provinces were very passionate about the ranking, and only agreed that Meria stood at the top.

Right… my appointment. It should be around here.

He spun on his heels, looking for the place. Four floors, brick walls and a gray shingle roof. Too many buildings fit the description, and the flow of passersby hid whether any had a fish crest on the gate.

Should I check upstream or downstream first?

Kai patted his pockets, looking for a coin to toss, when someone cleared their throat.

“Uhm… Matthew Reece Veernon?” An elderly man stood beside him with the slightest bow, a gloved hand bent ninety degrees before him. He had gray hair combed back and a thin mustache; his pristine maroon clothes appeared vaguely familiar.

Kai bit his cheek and arched an eyebrow. “Alfred?”

The man looked different, but the demeanor and suit were the same.

How could I forget the faithful butler?

Alfred’s confusion showed plainly on his taut face. “You must have me mistaken for someone else. My name is Artesius Gilbert,” he said with a polite smile. “My master sent me to guide you since it was your first time in Nerethi. You’re Master Matthew, I presume?”

“In the very flesh.” Kai grinned and took out the letter he received. The open wax seal showed a fish swallowing a pearl. “Thank you for the help, Alfred.”

The butler didn’t blink at the mention of his name. “If you would follow me. Please, this way.”

The crowd seemed to part before Alfred’s dignified demeanor. Kai walked behind him. The building he had been looking for stood less than a hundred meters away. A wrought iron gate encircled a short garden before the door proper that was opened for them by another servant.

Upon entering the tiled floor, the noise of the streets faded, and the air assumed a fresh floral scent. Numerous presences moved inside the rooms of the four floors. Kai curbed his curiosity, following his guide up a ramp of stairs and down a corridor to their destination.

“The master is waiting inside.” The butler turned the knob and bowed aside.

“I can always rely on you, Alfred.” Kai patted his shoulder in passing. From how the man stiffened, the action must have broken some core tenet of butlery.

He entered a wide, luminous study—the door merrily shut on his back. Even at first glance, he recognized the eccentric decor and plush armchairs favored by the owner.

“Had fun terrorizing my servants?” Reishi sat behind a massive mahogany desk, webbed hands laced on a pile of papers. His reproach was blunted by his smile and the orange crest quivering on his head. “You know hiring competent people is hard enough without you making them run away.”

“I just wanted to give him some encouragement.” Kai sulked at the unjust accusations.

“You touched his shoulder.” The merman ruefully shook his head, gesturing to the sofa arranged around a coffee table.

Kai plunged into the velvet seat and stretched his legs. “Is that bad?”

“Extremely. I’ve never seen Gilbert so shaken.” Reishi’s grin again undermined his seriousness. He smoothed his silk robe and went to a corner of the room where a golden stove was boiling beside a set of porcelain service. “Feel free to talk. The room is warded. I’m glad to see you doing well. Any preference for the tea?”

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“Pick the best one for me. I’m happy to see you too.” They had numerous conversations through the House of Mirrors and missives, but they hadn’t met in person since the archipelago. “I didn’t think I’d see you so far inland.”

“Uh, why? I won’t shrivel and die if I step away from the sea. I’m not a thrice-cursed siren,” Reishi snorted. “Moving on land is just… inconvenient. But I guess that’s what rivers are for.”

“Yeah, that must be it.” Kai chuckled, wondering what face the merman would make if he learned about Rain.

I must be there the day he finds out.

“Thank you.” Kai accepted the steaming cup of a bluish tea that smelled like the sea before a storm, linden honey and raspberries. “How much was this?”

Reishi sat down across from him, softly blowing on the tea. “Five gold mesars for both, give or take. I got it for cheap.”

Already buckled for an absurd price, Kai nearly spilled the tea before firming his grip. “You’re kidding me.”

“You wanted the best. I don’t brew it just for anyone.” Reishi brought the cup to his flattened nose, humming contentedly. “You pay for quality.”

“Are you sure you didn’t get scammed?” Kai stared at the cloud of mana swirling inside the pale blue liquid.