Chapter 22
The Royal Academy's Salon.
In the Kingdom of Sonokin and most nations, salons were known as intimate social gathering spaces. People congregated here to leisurely enjoy desserts, tea, and wine. Every furnishing - from tables to sofas - was naturally of the highest quality. After all, no noble would tolerate seating beneath their station.
On occasion, exhibitions featuring renowned artists' works were held. These events drew crowds of prestigious nobles. Art collection stood as one of the few sophisticated hobbies that showcased both wealth and cultural refinement. Thus, nobles eagerly cultivated relationships with famous artists, occasionally becoming their patrons.
Yet not all nobles cared genuinely for art. As the saying goes, "Life is lived in real battles." While some held true appreciation, others saw these gatherings as opportunities to forge connections with high-ranking aristocracy.
The salon occasionally hosted concerts. Cultural events like poetry recitals and literary debates also occurred frequently. In essence, these spaces served dual purposes - fostering camaraderie through comfortable socialization while functioning as cultural hubs for intellectual enrichment.
To provide students with such luxurious amenities, the Royal Academy maintained several salons across its campus.
Ding!
A waiter bowed as the door opened.
"Welcome."
Ian had entered one of these Academy salons. Its prime location near the main gate made it popular among both students and lesser nobles. Commoners were barred entry by principle, though exceptions were granted to regular Academy benefactors and substantial donors.
Ian scanned the room. Felix waited at a prime window-side table he'd reserved.
"Feels like an age since our last meeting, Baron."
Felix offered a deep bow with arms folded inward upon recognizing Ian. As a key member of the Hamel Merchant Group - one of the Academy's sponsors - Felix enjoyed unrestricted access to these premises.
"You've been well?" Ian replied casually, claiming his seat.
A beat of silence passed.
Felix's sharp eyes began dissecting Ian's face.
"Something on my face?"
"Ha! No. You simply carry... a different air than during our first encounter."
"The mantle and cane weigh heavier than expected."
A tacit reference to the Academy's burdensome history and traditions. Felix nodded.
"Still an honor, no?"
"Honor or disgrace remains to be seen."
"Ever the cautious one."
Felix settled into his chair and produced two documents - a contract bearing Baron Lefebvre's (Ian's father) handwritten signature, and a repayment schedule.
Ian placed his hand on the contract's signature block, sensing his own mana within it.
"Where shall we store the contract? Your preference governs."
"Goldmine Bank."
"Ah, Goldmine. Adequate choice."
Goldmine Bank reigned as the continent's most trusted financial institution, handling notarization and secure storage. Ian's reasoning was straightforward: He distrusted smaller banks than Hamel Group and institutions holding Hamel deposits. This left exactly one viable option.
"We'll have these notarized and stored later. Will you accompany us?"
"Unnecessary. I'll verify them separately - our leave permissions are currently stringent."
"As you wish."
Mana-infused signatures prevented forgery conveniently.
Ian then reviewed the repayment schedule - and nearly staggered.
Original loan: 300 million shillings
Current principal + interest: 1.05 billion shillings
While anticipating harsh terms, the actual figures proved dizzying. A billion shillings exceeded what landless minor baronies might handle across generations - though perhaps inevitable after a decade of default (Ian clicked his tongue in realization).
Simultaneously, Felix smirked.
"1.05 billion over 36 months - roughly 29 million monthly after rounding."
29 million shillings monthly!
An astronomical sum by any measure. Felix watched with predatory interest, anticipating despair, frustration, or humiliation from the cornered noble. His experience taught that money always trumped aristocratic pride - groveling debtors inevitably abandoned dignity to beg for time or mercy.
"However-"
The expected script shattered. Ian smiled with unsettling composure.
"Are there prepayment penalties?"
"Pre...payment?"
"Paying the full 1.05 billion immediately rather than installments. Some lenders impose penalties..."
Felix's mask slipped at the absurdity. Early repayment meant producing unimaginable wealth within months - impossible given House Oracle's vetted connections. Certain this was desperate bluster, Felix shrugged.
"Penalties would be cruel when settling debts properly! We'd only be grateful."
Ian nodded impassively. Pretty lies. He knew lenders preferred prolonged interest payments but played the naive role to avoid suspicion.
"I'll proceed with installments while awaiting better circumstances. I'll contact you when prepared."
"Excellent."
"Please establish the repayment account at Goldmine for monthly deposits."
"Ah... about that..."
Felix adopted a pained expression.
"Transfers prove inconvenient. Given our... special arrangements, direct cash payments would be preferable."
"That sounds cumbersome."
"We'll provide carriages and couriers. Perhaps even reduce interest long-term!"
The stench of ulterior motives thickened. Flexible terms meant Felix could skim payments or worse. Ian suspected deeper schemes: They want no paper trail. When devouring our house later, they'll deny prior repayments.
But Ian had counterplays.
"Understood. Reciprocating your courtesy seems fair."
"Haha! Decisive as ever! My thanks."
"With matters settled, I'll take my leave."
Ian rose without hesitation. Felix detained him.
"One final brief matter?"
Ian reluctantly reseated himself.
"An amusing rumor - you seek to purchase a thousand potion vials?"
Ian deliberately frowned - though aware emotional displays weakened negotiating positions.
"Did Frederick report me already?"
Felix feigned shock at the accusatory tone.
"Misunderstanding, Baron! We merely heard of your interest in our products..."
(The vials from Frederick's shop were Hamel Group merchandise.)
"Continue."
"Whatever price Frederick quoted, we'll undercut by 10% for direct purchase. Agreed?"
Ian pretended to ponder. If solely about debt repayment, he'd demand those funds for interest. Something else brews here.
"I haven't tested my purchases yet. They're recommended, but unproven for my needs."
"Understood."
"No urgency. I'll decide later."
"Naturally! Our doors remain always open."
"Good."
Exiting, Ian pulled his hood low against prying eyes. More vicious than anticipated. The sort who'd commit any atrocity for coin. He suspected House Oracle wasn't their sole target - vulnerable families were systematically devoured.
If my theory holds, Hamel's seized numerous assets through similar schemes. The evidence lies there.
Should fraud be proven, Ian planned to extract every owed shilling with interest. Preparations were already underway - mana-infused contracts, repayment strategies, Frederick's involvement. Though uncovering truth would prove arduous, retreat wasn't an option with family honor at stake.
The full truth remains veiled... but once revealed, I'll make you repay a thousandfold what you tried stealing.
Ian's gaze turned glacial as he redirected his path toward the post office.
