Chapter Nine:
The Baron's office is a spacious room adorned with intricate aeronautical blueprints, schematics, and framed patents. A large desk, cluttered with maps and paperwork, catches the attention of anyone who observes it quickly. Sunlight filters through tall windows, casting a warm glow on the polished mahogany furniture.
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The magister of Caeli Rector effortlessly maintains an air of authority. He appears to be in his early fifties. He wears a tailored suit and a monocle affixed to his right eye. His salt-and-pepper hair is meticulously combed, and his sharp, bright eyes survey the room. Nearby sits a woman with deep blue eyes and auburn hair tied neatly in a bun.
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The Baron rises from his desk, extending a hearty handshake. "Guten Tag, Ser Drakonsarius! I am Baron Ludvoic von Geldmäcker. It is a pleasure to have a distinguished guest from Cerulea at Caeli Rector."
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Drakonsarius raises an eyebrow at the elaborate title, prompting a chuckle from the Baron. "Ah, you know how titles can be in our world. A bit extravagant, isn't it? Please, have a seat." The Baron gestures toward a plush chair.
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As the conversation unfolds, Drakonsarius begins to detail his mission. The Baron listens attentively, and when the knight finishes speaking, the Baron grins. "A mission on economic stability, you say? Fascinating! I believe our further discussions would be better suited to a more comfortable setting. Here, take zis." The Baron hands Drakonsarius a scrap of paper with his address scrawled on it. "Visit me at mein residence. We can discuss your mission in depth."
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At this point, the woman interjects with a courteous smile. "Ser Drakonsarius, it's a pleasure to have you here. I am Andrea Templeton, the Baron's secretary." The Baron nods in agreement, "Andrea has an excellent eye for detail; she keeps zis place running smoothly."
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Drakonsarius realises that he will get nowhere until he meets the Baron at his residence later. He checks the time he is to be there by: ten.
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As Drakonsarius prepares to leave the office, the Baron adds, "I look forward to our meeting at mein residence." The knight nods in acknowledgement and takes his leave.
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On his way out, Andrea Templeton offers a polite smile and gestures toward the door. Once outside the office, Drakonsarius decides that he does not trust Geldmäcker at all, and his secretary even less. He decides to give Senior Dragoon-Captain Draques a message as a contingency plan.
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Senior Dragoon-Captain Draques,
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In the event that I, Ser Drakonsarius, do not emerge and personally order a stand-down, execute the attack on Baron Ludvoic von Geldmäcker's estate promptly at 12 o'clock. The address is written on the other side of this letter.
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For honour and duty,
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Ser Drakonsarius
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Ser Drakonsarius later arrives at Geldmäcker's Estate, an imposing mansion that commands attention amid the lush surroundings. The wrought iron gates creak open as the knight approaches, revealing a carefully crafted pathway.
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Andrea Templeton, adorned in an elegant navy blue gown, awaits Ser Drakonsarius at the entrance. Her eyes, a striking shade of deep blue, seem as deep and endless as the ocean. She greets the knight with a courteous nod. "Welcome, Ser. Baron Geldmäcker is expecting thou. Please follow me."
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As they step into the entrance hall, the polished marble floors echo with their footsteps. The walls are adorned with portraits of Geldmäcker's ancestors, underscoring his unknown lineage. Andrea guides Ser Drakonsarius through a labyrinth of lavish corridors, each step resonating with the grandeur of the surroundings.
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Finally, they reach the entrance to the sitting room. Andrea, with a graceful gesture, opens the door and announces Ser Drakonsarius's arrival. "Baron Ludvoic, Ser Drakonsarius honours us with his presence."
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The sitting room is a spectacle of wealth, as tasteful as it is expensive. Plush velvet curtains frame the expansive windows, allowing a soft glow to illuminate the room. The furniture is ornately carved, and a grand chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting a warm radiance.
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The Baron, in his tailored suit, rises from an exquisite chair. "Ser Drakonsarius, welcome to mien humble abode. I trust ze journey was uneventful." The Baron's monocle glints in the ambient light as he extends a welcoming hand.
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Ser Drakonsarius, never forgetting his mission and what is at stake for the slightest moment, takes in the surroundings with a discerning eye, aware that beneath the veneer of hospitality, his suspicions may well be true. The air in the room seems to hold a charge, and the ticking of a nearby clock becomes a reminder of the impending hour that may determine the course of events.
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Geldmäcker gestured for Drakonsarius to sit, saying, "Ah, please , take a seat, mein friend. Now, let me regale thou with a tale from mien family's annals. A Narcissian tycoon, hailed for his contracts with ze army and fleet, amassed great wealth and prestige. His noble title was a testament to his service to ze region, vas vell-earned."
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Transitioning to a reflective tone, the Baron continued, "Undoubtedly, love knows no boundaries. A mysterious damsel entwined her destiny wigh zat of ze Narcissian magnate. Their union bore fruit-a son-leading zem to Aquiloria, where dreams of conquering ze skies through aeronautics took flight."
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Ze son, heir to a rich tapestry of heritage, inherited ze noble title after his father's demise," Baron Ludvoic explained, eyes reflecting the gravity of familial history
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The Baron continued, "Ser Drakonsarius, you find thyself in ze presence of ze son of zat Narcissian entrepreneur."
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In response to the Baron's revelation about his family heritage, Ser Drakonsarius, realising he might be a decoy, subtly shifts the conversation towards Caeli Rector and its role in shaping the economic landscape of Aquiloria.
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The knight decides to feign real interest. "Ah, Baron Geldmäcker, thy family's history is indeed intriguing. It must be fascinating to have such a rich background. Now, speaking of Aquiloria, could thou share more about Caeli Rector's impact on the economic stability of the region? I'm particularly interested in the aeronautical sector."
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The Baron appears pleased by the change in subject "Ja, of course! Caeli Rector Co. has played a crucial role in advancing aeronautical innovations. Our airships are renowned for their efficiency and design. We've contributed significantly to the economic growth of Aquiloria, pushing the boundaries of aeronautics all the time."
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The knight glances at the grandfather clock nearby, careful to avoid looking nervous as he has removed his helm.
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"In thy pursuit of information about economic stability, Ser Drakonsarius, one might find themselves entangled in more intricate matters." Geldmäcker's tone subtly shifted, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Caeli Rector and Cogsworth Machina, two pillars of Aquilorian progress, may be subjects of thy inquiry, ja?"
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Baron Geldmäcker leaned forward, his gaze scrutinising Drakonsarius with newfound intensity. "Ser Drakonsarius, there have been murmurs in the alleys and boardrooms of Empyrea about a mysterious figure. A shadow magnate, pulling ze strings of economies with a subtle hand. Tell me, hast thou heard whispers of zis shadowy figure in thy travels?"
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Ser Drakonsarius, maintaining a composed demeanour, replied cautiously, "I have heard inklings of such speculations, Baron. Whispers of an unseen hand guiding the economic currents. Yet, the details remain elusive, much like a wraith lingering in the shadows."
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Baron Geldmäcker leaned back in his chair, his monocle catching the lamplight as he delved into the mysterious narrative. "Ah, Ser Drakonsarius, zere is a figure, a puppeteer in ze shadows of commerce. Known by many names, but ze most whispered one is 'ze Monopolist.' He operates in ze realm of unseen deals, guided by promises of great rewards from entities beyond our ken."
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His accent added an air of enigma to the tale as he continued, "Zis Monopolist, he is no ordinary man. His origins are shrouded in mystery, a strange accent betraying his unknown parentage. Wealth flows around him like a mighty river, fed by his mastery over ze economic currents."
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The Baron's gaze, sharp and perceptive, fixed on Ser Drakonsarius. "To shield himself from prying eyes and potential threats, he has forged a private army, a loyal force sworn to defend his domain. Zey are ze guardians of his secrets and ze gatekeepers to his clandestine endeavours."
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As Geldmäcker spoke, the room seemed to absorb the weight of his words, casting a subtle tension into the air.
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Drakonsarius, catching the underlying threat in the Baron's words, remains unruffled. "A mysterious figure indeed. Can thou shed more light on his identity, Baron?"
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Baron Geldmäcker: "Ser Drakonsarius, ze Monopolist is no ordinary adversary. He is entwined with forces darker zan our mortal realm can comprehend. He is a member of ze Covenant of ze Void, a pact with entities beyond the veil. Zey granted him power, and in return, he serves zem with unwavering loyalty."
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Drakonsarius, his expression shifting from intrigue to apprehension, listens intently as the Baron continues, "He knows of thy quest, Ser Drakonsarius. He is aware zat thou, a valiant knight of the Order, seeks his demise. As we speak, thy fellow Dragoons led by Senior Dragoon-Captain Draques are engaged in battle at my estate. Ze Monopolist anticipated thy move, and he is near."
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Andrea Templeton, maintaining her composed demeanour, observes the unfolding events without uttering a word.
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The massive doors crash open, a group of heavily armed soldiers, bearing the insignia of Caeli Rector, and wielding brutal warhammers that would crush his plate with ease and repeating crossbows that would kill him even faster.
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The soldiers form a tactical formation, creating a menacing barrier around Ser Drakonsarius. The Baron, revelling in the unfolding drama, gestures toward the knight with a sense of dark satisfaction. The tension in the room escalates as the soldiers aim their weapons at the Dragoon, their ammunition glinting with a dangerous gleam.
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Baron Ludvoic von Geldmäcker, his grin growing more malevolent, declares, "Thou see, Ser Drakonsarius, the Monopolist is none other than I, Baron Ludvoic von Geldmäcker. My influence extends far beyond the reaches of mere commerce. Now, thou shall witness the consequences of challenging me."
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Andrea Templeton, maintaining her composure, observes the unfolding confrontation with a stoic expression. The soldiers await their leader's command, moving around to form the barrier around Geldmäcker while their crossbows stay ready to unleash the deadly projectiles aimed at his head.
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Thankfully for the knight, Draques and his Dragoons had appeared to engage Geldmäcker's soldiers. The rhythmic clatter of the repeating crossbows echoed through the grand sitting room. Draques and his Dragoons, a mix of archers, some knights, and elite Skyward Marksmen, engaged in a fierce battle with the well-equipped soldiers.
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Amidst the clash of steel, Drakonsarius recognised the urgency of the situation. With Geldmäcker cornered, he knew this was the moment to confront the elusive monopolist. Ser Drakonsarius skillfully weaved through the skirmish, utilising his shield against the hail of crossbow bolts.
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Meanwhile, Geldmäcker, realising the gravity of the threat, drew a concealed sword from a cane that the knight had failed to spot. The blade gleamed with a menacing edge, and he skillfully parried incoming attacks. Draques, leading the Dragoons, fought valiantly, his Skyward Marksmen strategically taking positions for precise shots.
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The room became a battleground, furniture shattered in the crossfire. As the Dragoons, especially the archers, maintained a ranged assault, Geldmäcker's defence weakened. Draques, despite his wound, rallied his forces for a final push.
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The private soldiers fell one by one, overwhelmed by the coordinated assault of both melee and ranged attacks. Draques' Skyward Marksmen showcased their prowess, picking off targets with lethal precision.
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Cornered and outnumbered, Geldmäcker's defence crumbled. Drakonsarius seized the opportunity, launching a decisive strike that disarmed the monopolist. The cane sword clattered to the ground.
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As the Dragoons secured the room, Geldmäcker, now defenceless, glared defiantly at Ser Drakonsarius. The knight, catching his breath, faced the monopolist with stern resolve. The room, once a battlefield, now held a tense silence as the confrontation reached its climax.
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The Monopolist directed his attention to Andrea Templeton, "Æcordia, ze Temptress of ze Æbyss, remember how I hath served thou faithfully. Smite ze Dragoons, and we can continue our efforts to breach ze wall"
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Andrea, however, shakes her head at him, a look of sad disappointment on her face as she does so.
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Draques, as it would happen, has been injured in the battle by an unlucky hit to his less protective archer's armour by a stray bolt. His stern face turned to one of disgust as the monopolist continued to attempt everything from bribery to threats to save his own skin. He limped over with a grimace accompanying his steps to the fallen cane sword.
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One thrust from it, and the Baron lay dead. Ironically, all his money was nothing but a paper shield in the end. Notes don't stop swords, after all.
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Andrea Templeton fell to the ground, all the colour drained from her, the body ceased to exist, possibly because it was tied to Geldmäcker's life.
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Drakonsarius and Draques shook hands firmly, and with a stiff nod, he returned to his airship, hoping to get some rest before he left the region. He changed a look at the journal to find out where he should go next. His blood ran cold as he read, Pride is a cold, stormy, barren mountain; and the Earl stands atop it, to push those off that dare to climb. The knight would rather go anywhere that wasn't Narciss, but what choice did he have?
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