Anduin stiffened at the words "depart for Yorn tomorrow." "My Lord, you're leaving tomorrow?"
"Ahem, yes." Sean cleared his throat, steering the conversation from illustrations to business. "Here's the plan…" He outlined Lucas's Sky Rank breakthrough, his decision to attend the celebration, and his luxury goods shop scheme.
Lodin beamed, "With your title as a landed baron and 'Son of the Light,' plus unique products the world has never seen, this will succeed! From my surveys, the Romance series will sell like wildfire."
Anduin, ever the pragmatist, frowned. "The cocktail party is ideal for publicity, but isn't it too soon? The town just stabilized—you're their spiritual core. Rumors of you 'abandoning them for luxury in Yorn' could damage morale."
Sean smiled bitterly. "We're broke, Anduin. The treasury has 1,800 gold coins left—enough for three months at most. My plans for Riverside need funds now."
Anduin, aware of the finances, sighed. "Go. I'll hold down the fort."
Sean assigned Kyle (the Secret Keeper) and Borin (the Dwarven Marksman) to assist Anduin—Kyle's magic and Borin's musket were better suited for defending the town than showcasing in Yorn. He left 300 gold coins, instructing Anduin to issue IOUs if needed.
Lodin received detailed orders for the luxury shop: focus on high heels, perfumes, and illustrated novels. Henry was tasked with organizing the caravan: Sean, Windsor, Henry, Lodin, Balor (Voidwalker), Leviathan (Flame Imp), Monica (Silver Hand Recruit), plus craftsmen, children from the slums, and guards.
In a riverside cottage, Olga winced as Sophia fussed over his bandaged leg, a deep gash from a wolf's bite. "Father, let Anduin heal you—"
"No." Olga's voice hardened. "We may have to do something… unsavory to Sean soon. Best not to owe him favors."
Sophia's brow furrowed. "Unsavory? What do you mean?"
"Never mind that." Olga changed topics, solemn. "I need you to transport our hunting spoils to Yorn tomorrow. Deliver them to Deputy Captain Charlie. Can you manage?"
Sophia's face lit up. "Of course! But… Sean is also going to Yorn. Can I travel with his caravan? It's safer."
Olga paused, surprised. "If he's going, yes. Stay close to him."
That night, Riverside buzzed with activity:
Cargo: 12 barrels of Holy Flame Spirit, 20 pairs of Jamie's prototype high heels, Lodin's illustrated books, and Kyle's rose perfume in wax-sealed pouches.Defense: 10 Blazing Cross mercenaries (loaned by Olga) and Monica's paladin magic.Secret Agenda: Sean hid the dragon egg in his trunk, its countdown now 12 hours until hatch.
Anduin stood at the town gate at dawn, watching the caravan assemble. "Return quickly, My Lord. The town needs its miracle."
Sean clapped his shoulder. "Keep the faith—and the boiling water ordinance. Oh, and if the dragon hatches while I'm gone…" He grinned, "Name it something fearsome. Like 'Steward Anduin the Unburnt.'"
Anduin groaned, but a smile tugged at his lips. Leave it to the lord to joke about dragons while fleeing financial ruin.
In the caravan, Sophia sat beside the luggage, clutching her tulip—the same one from days prior. Traveling with Sean meant stolen glances and brief conversations, but her father's words lingered: "Do something unsavory to Sean."
What could he mean? She shook her head, focusing on the road ahead. Yorn's spires loomed on the horizon, a city of opportunity… and danger.
As the wagons rolled out, Sean gazed back at Riverside, its thatched roofs and bustling streets. This is the gamble, he thought, tapping the dragon egg. Sell luxury goods to nobles, secure funds, and pray the Count's schemes don't unravel everything while I'm gone.
In the end, preparation was a delicate dance: leaving enough defense, carrying enough charm, and hoping the secrets he'd buried—from distillery recipes to dragon eggs—wouldn't explode in his face.
Yorn awaited, a stage of politics and profit. And Sean, ever the pragmatist, knew one truth: In a world where gold and glory ruled, even a lord's "preparations" were just another roll of the dice… with a dragon egg as his wildcard.
The journey began, each mile a step toward fortune or ruin. But with a caravan of dreams and a crew of misfits, Sean was ready—for whatever Yorn's nobles, or his own allies, might throw his way.