Vincent stepped into the shop. Rows upon rows of books were neatly arranged behind the counter and the whole room gave off a sweet, musky smell that lingered on Vincent's nose. The pleasant aroma made him take a deep breath appreciate the scent of old books.

Noticing the visitor, Ayden put down the book he had been reading and took off his reading glasses. The shop owner gave off the impression of a learned man. Vincent looked at the middle aged lean man and approached him. Digging into his pocket, he pulled out an invitation and handed it to the man.

Reading the contents of the invitation, Ayden put on a bright smile and spoke, "I have been expecting you, master Vincent. Please wait for a while."

Vincent looked around the shop, flipping through some books quickly while the owner locked the front door of the shop. Grabbing his coat, the man signaled the young visitor to follow him. Vincent put down the book he had been flipping trough and traced Ayden's steps. The duo passed by various shops and houses before finally stopping in front of a two storey house. Ayden knocked on the door and bid farewell to Vincent.

Vincent watched the shop owner leave and waited by the door patiently. Soon, a young girl opened the door and led him to the upper floor. Zach and Nathan were playing chess while drinking. Looking at the new comer, both of them stood up and greeted Vincent. Vincent sat down on an empty chair and asked, "I don't see Casper, where is he?"

Zach took one more sip and proceeded with his move in the game. "Casper is currently taking care of his dress for the night. His arm is giving him a problem, so the tailor should be re fitting his cloth for him."

Nathan added to Zach's words, "Still, I must say, you look splendid master Vincent. It didn't seem so the previous times, but you look very handsome. I guess it's true that clothes make the man. The way you have dressed up really suits you."

"Thank you. It is nothing much. I am sure you two will look charming after you change for the evening."

Zach laughed and moved the conversation to a more serious direction, "Of course, that much is only natural. Now then Vincent, here I have three spell models of second circle. Given your display of wind and lightning magic, I sent some people to fetch these in a hurry. They are 'Static barrier', 'Wind wall' and 'Air cannon'. As promised, you may take your pick."

Vincent was thankful for the models. Not only had Zach kept his words, but also let him choose from three excellent spells. 'Static barrier' and 'Wind wall' were defensive spells whose value were much higher than normal spell models. 'Air cannon' too was a unique spell that imitated a third circle spell and had higher attacking power compared to most second circle spells.

What Vincent lacked right now was a defensive spell and he preferred using lightning spells since he had the highest mastery over lightning. The choice was obvious and he picked 'Static barrier' without any hesitation. Zach noted Vincent's every action and made a mental note regarding what he could use as bait later on.

"I will choose 'Static barrier' then, young master Zach. I must thank you once again for allowing me to choose between three excellent spells." Vincent kept the spell model in his pocket as he spoke.

Zach nodded and continued, "Let's move onto my proposal then. I will be honest with you, the lords all over the Esterin kingdom are restless. Ever since the rumor about Athos Theocracy extending invitations to some major lords has spread, the relation between the lords are getting worse. The only reason war hasn't broken out throughout the kingdom is because it's currently early September. The planting of the winter wheat is still ongoing, the army won't have enough resources to wage the war until the wheat is harvested next year. This is just the calm before the storm, the peace won't last for more than eight more months."

Nathan backed Zach and added, "The celebration tonight is just a facade for all the feudal lords in the north western region to gather. My father is just a baron, but almost all the lords in this region will be attending the banquet tonight with their families. This is something that doesn't happen even for a marquis or dukes' celebration. This just proves how dire the situation is. Zachs' and my father want to use this opportunity to suggest building two citadels besides the city of Zelnick. After fortifying the city, we would be safe from the lords of other regions."

Vincent held his chin and thought for a while. "It sounds great but I don't think it is practical. This project will cost a lot and will probably take more than two years to complete. Given that we barely have half a year of peace and the lords haven't come to any agreement among themselves yet, I don't think the goal will be accomplished."

Zach praised Vincent's quick wits in his heart and replied, "That is true. But, the lords want to believe that there won't be a war anywhere near here and it is hard to convince them otherwise. Our fathers believe that they will have enough time to build the citadels and fortify the city before war affects this region. They are also ignoring the fact that we do not know who among us have received the invitation from Athos Theocracy and intend to change sides. Even ignoring that, we are far from being united and such a cooperation isn't feasible at all."

Zach seemed to grow increasingly restless the more he spoke. His frustration could clearly be felt and Vincent had to agree that what the young man said made a lot of sense. Vincent pondered and asked. "So, what is your proposal? I don't see anything that I could help with so far."

"I am going to create a mercenary band. Nathan and Casper are already on board . We are also going to use the opportunity tonight to present the Scarlet bear's corpse to Baron Gill. Hopefully, we will be able to convince more youths to join us using the momentum it provides us. I really appreciate your talent, strength and wits. I would like to invite you to join us. Not only will I provide you with materials but also spell models and anything else you would need if you join me. With you on board, it would make it easier for us to take out first step. After all, almost everyone in this territory has heard about our deed and all four of our presence would strengthen our value in anyone's eyes."

"I understand what you intend to do. Casper and young master Nathan joining is also understandable, since the former is a hot blooded knight while the latter isn't the heir. But you, young master Zach are the heir to your viscounty. I cannot fathom why you would give up your position and start a mercenary band."

Zach sighed and narrated, "Actually, my father plans to use this chance to strike a military alliance with viscount Duddet. My step brother is the viscount's grandson. Viscount Duddet has made it clear that the alliance will be possible after my step brother is made the heir. My father has already agreed since it would help convince the other lords if viscount Duddet backs him tonight. My mother is just a merchant's daughter, though she may be rich, her political backing comes from me being the heir. But, with my position being taken from me, she doesn't feel safe here anymore. The viscount would do anything to make sure that I get out of the picture after all. This is another reason as to why I want to create a mercenary band."

Vincent hadn't expected Zach to reveal so much to him. Zach had even revealed the inner situation of his family and his position to him. Vincent let out a sigh and decided to be just as honest. "Young master Zach, let me be honest as well. I came all the way to the north to escape the war. I have no intentions of being conscripted or joining the military. Similarly, joining your band would defeat the purpose of me moving here. I am afraid I will have to decline."

Nathan who had been silently listening to the conversation finally stepped in. "I think you have overlooked something important, master Vincent. Not only is it inevitable that the war will reach here. No matter where you go, you won't be able to escape conscription. I am sure that the best choice you have will be us. Not only will our band have the freedom to choose our battles, our business will be safer and much more lucrative."

Vincent realized that he had indeed overlooked the fact. He had moved here believing that the north western region would remain peaceful. But it seemed like the situation had deteriorated beyond what he had expected. Now, he would have to give serious thoughts to Zach's proposal. He put his thumbs on his temple and tried to recollect his thoughts once again."Give me some time. I will think this through once again."

Zach and Nathan smiled after looking at each other. Zach patted Vincent's shoulder and spoke, "You have until the evening to make the decision. Tonight will play a big role on how we can start our plans."