I leaned on the railing of my balcony overlooking Gloomchester. My family’s estate was in Dawnshine, the most prestigious and wealthiest district in the whole city. From here the capital of the Laumanian Empire looked enormous. There are almost four million people living here. It would be strange if it wasn’t huge.

I felt a spring breeze rustling my blonde hair around my head. As I was enjoying this moment, I heard a knock on the door leading onto the balcony before Teresa my personal maid was opening it. “Alicia, your father wishes your present in his office.” “All right,” I replied, “I’m coming.”

Leaving the balcony, I entered my sleeping chambers. My large bed was tempting me with its soft sheets, but I had work to do. I crossed my bedroom and my reception room and hurried to my father’s office. On the way I passed several servants. I smiled and nodded at them. They bowed in return. It is always a good idea to be nice to the servants.

The hallways in our mansion were always changing shape, direction and position. Without access to the map being projected in one’s mind by the house’s runic system, no one would be able to find their way around. This was protection against spies and assassins who would get lost as soon as they entered our halls. Also, I could use my desire to control the hallways layout to arrive at my destination faster.

Because of my family’s strong magical talent, most of everything in this house was controlled and supported by magic. In the baths the heat of the water was controlled by the activation of runes. Turning light on or off was handled by them. An inventory grid was spanning the whole house, allowing access to stored items from anywhere in it for registered people. Magic also controlled venting and security, supported cleaning and housekeeping and many more things.

Arriving at his door a few minutes later, I knocked, and he asked me in. “Hello, my dear daughter. I hope you are doing fine for we have a lot to discuss and work to do. Please sit down.”

I took a seat and asked: “I presume this is about our visit to the Laundrial’s?”

“You are right. We, the Lachester’s are one of the seven great families and since your grandfather’s assassination, things haven’t been easy for our family.” I could see the sadness in his eyes when he talked about grandfather's death and I know mine reflected it. I missed him. Even though he was often busy, he always found time to play with me when I was a child.

My father continued interrupting my depressing thoughts, “The Laundrial’s are a rising family. If we get a good relation to them, they may be valuable allies since they made their fortune by trading weaponry. When we meet them this evening, I want you to evaluate if they are the right allies for us. Our position is not weak and we are not desperate. Our business is going well and we are one of the top five most powerful families. Also, you deciding to get involved in the family’s politics helps.”

I had never much cared about politics being born with an above average talent for magic and because I started studying magic since an early age, I got very proficient in it. My grandfather being an arch mage and my family's fortune helped. Also, I loved magic. The possibilities to form the world to your will were limitless. Thoughts about magic always raise my mood.

To my father I replied: “I looked into the Laundrial’s and their rise to power. Betrayal and corruption are the base of it. They may have succeeded in tricking lower families, but I believe when they try this on the wealthier families they will fail. And they will fall.”

“They invited us to discuss a deal and we will listen to what they offer. We can always decline. Also, I am happy you looked into the matter. I worried what would happen to the family once you will take leadership of it.”

“Magic is just more interesting than politics. But I see why it is important even though it takes away time I could spend practicing and developing my magic. If I continue to get more involved in politics, becoming an arch mage will be farther away,” I said smiling.

He laughed and replied: “You are just like your grandfather. Like you, he found magic more interesting, but he also understood the power of politics and used it. If it means you get more involved in our politics, there won’t be any problems with you becoming an arch mage later. You are far too young to become one, anyway. But now, you and I need to get ready for our visit. Don’t forget to get a bag packed since we will stay overnight.”

Our chauffeur landed the flying coach on the designated landing pad in front of the Laundrial’s manor. These flying coaches were a work of art. The runic system making them fly was still beyond me, but I was getting the basics. They were somehow creating a force always countering gravity (unless you wanted to rise or land).

Casting magic directly interested me more, so I was no expert in the runic field. Direct casting was far more flexible, but I also saw the advantages of using runes. Channeling mana in a rune was far easier than creating the spell by oneself. In the end, runes were nothing else but spells in a written shape.

Runes, which were written down, but not supplied with mana were passive runes. They were inactive until you supplied the required amount of mana. Then they unleashed whatever they were meant to. This way one could create a complex spell and activate it when needed in seconds, instead of spending minutes trying to build the spell in one’s head.

From the coach I used my magical sight to check the runic defenses of the mansion. Powered runes always produced traces, which magic sight could pick up. Looking at the traces, I sighed. They were almost none existing. They either were too poor to implement any runic networks, or their runes were all passive.

After leaving the coach, two servants escorted us into the mansion and to the dining hall. The business talk was supposed to be held over dinner. As we walked into the room a good-looking man in his early forties greeted us: “Hello, it is a pleasure to meet both of you. Since we have not met each other, my name is Frederic Laundrial and I’m the leader of this family.”

We all shook hands, and he asked us to sit down on a large rectangular table. My father and me sat opposite of each other and next to Frederic Laundrial, who sat at the head of the table.

“Do you want anything to drink? We have the finest of wine.”

I replied: “I assume both of us would like to try the wine.” He waved with his hand and a servant waiting at the wall of the room hurried off to fetch the wine and glasses.

With the wine, the food started appearing. And it didn’t stop until they filled the whole table with it. I was throwing a questioning look to my father. This much food seemed to be ridiculous for three people. It was enough for a dozen. Does he want to impress us with his wealth? The wine he chose is also expensive. Is he trying to hide monetary problems? Our host’s words interrupted my thoughts: “The meal is served so please eat and drink your fill.”

My father answered: “Thank you. Let us toast to our generous host.” We toasted and started eating.

The food and wine were delicious and far too much. For most of the meal we held pleasant small talk talking about nothing of importance. After the servants served the dessert, my father asked Lord Laundrial: “So you mentioned a deal. What do you have in mind?”

“My family plans to not only sell but also produce weaponry. With this we hope to increase our power, and in a decade or two replace one of the great families.”

My father asked: “What do you expect us to do and what will we get for it?”

“We require dungeon materials to build the weapons. You are the largest supplier of them. We won’t be able to pay anything up front, but if you deliver the materials, you will get 20% of our venture’s profit.” As I looked at my father, he gave me a short nod. This was the signal for me to take over the conversation.

“Lord Laundrial, this deal seems to be unfair. We carry a high risk.”

The lord was looking at me, a touch of anger showing in his eyes. He did not expect me to take part in the conversation. Still, he replied with a calm voice: “This isn’t an unfair deal. You give us materials and we produce and sell. You cannot produce and sell yourself. Also, you are missing the contacts.”

“As far as I know you have no experience in producing any goods. How can you assure us, you can do it?”

“Through my contacts I know the company ‘Salarius Magus’ is about to go bankrupt. They specialized in building magus weapons, and their production team will be without work soon. I will hire them as soon as you agree to the deal.”

Salarius Magus is bankrupt? Their products were always first class. With their production team there should be no problem.

I continued: “All right. My father and I will contemplate your offer and we will continue talking tomorrow over breakfast. Would that be acceptable?”

“Yes, then I am looking forward to your answer tomorrow.”

“Also, might you please have a bath prepared for me in my room?”

After giving a wink to a servant he replied: “Sure, your bath will be ready in a few moments. Until then, please enjoy the dessert.”

One servant escorted my father and me to our rooms. They were next to each other. We made plans to meet in his room after I finished my bath to talk about Lord Laundrial’s offer.

I entered the room, closing the door behind me. As I turned back towards the room, I saw a female servant standing next to the bathtub I had requested. On a second look I believed I had seen the woman before. She confirmed my thoughts when she said in a cheery voice: “Hello Lady Lachester, nice to see you. We haven’t met for years. How have you been doing?”

I knew that voice. “Ari? You changed, I didn’t recognize you at first. And you know you can call me by my name.”

She giggled and replied: “I grew up quite a bit. But you did the same. Now you are only a few centimeters smaller than me. But your long brown hair is still shiny as ever. Is it magic or just in the genes?”

The door opened and another maid came in. Ari introduced her as Myra. She seemed to be of the quiet sort, a stark contrast to Ari. Myra kept herself in the background while Ari and I asked about each other’s family and assured us of their wellbeing.

Then Ari revealed that Myra was a magicless. It was one of my horror scenarios to wake up one morning without magic. I loved magic and couldn’t fathom how anyone was able to live without. I was even more shocked when it turned out the girl was even a true magicless. Her live can’t be easy. The way she looks, just skin and bones. For a moment I considered offering her to work for me. But it would have been out of pity and not because I needed her. I don’t think she would like that.

Also, the possibility that she was a scribe existed. Scribes were always true magicless. But the chances were almost nonexistent. There were only two known scribes in Gloomchester at the moment. After seeing Myra’s face when I told her there was no cure, I didn’t want to bring her hope up, just to dash it again.

We said good bye and I heated the water using magic. I had to hurry, my father was already expecting me. So, I only took a short dip into the water.

After drying myself with a spell and getting into new clothes which I had brought with me in my bag, I walked to my father's room. He was sitting on a wooden table and writing some letter. He could have done this using magic, but doing it by hand is just easier. “Alicia, what do you think about the offer. And speak freely, I cast I privacy spell on this chamber. No one can listen in on us.”

“Lord Laundrial must assume us to be stupid if he expects us to accept this deal. We have to bear a high risk. If he fails in producing or selling, we won’t get our investment in materials back. Furthermore, his family has no experience in producing weaponry and is missing the required machinery. How will he pay for them? If his information about Salarius Magus is correct, producing shouldn’t be an issue, but at what cost? Moreover, 20% of the profit will hardly make up for the materials we gave.

“Also, this might endanger our relationship with Sangati, since we would actively support one of their rivals.”

“I agree in most points. But have you considered what will happen if the Laundrial’s get bankrupt?”

“We depend on their production and sales to get back the money we invested through materials. So, we cannot let them get bankrupted without losing lots of money ourselves. Because of that, we would need to subsidize them in such a case. I hadn’t thought about this at all. Do you think this is their plan?”

“It might be what they are after. Have you noticed how much they spent on food or how opulent these rooms are decorated? Either their financial situation is very stable or they are trying to hide big losses.”

“I also thought about that when I saw them serving that meal. But there is an easy way to verify their situation, if they allow us access to their books.”

“Yes, this should solve the problem of their liquidity. What do you think we should do with the deal, if their liquidity is acceptable?”

“I suggest we propose a cooperation where both own 50% and go down to 25-75 at max. This way we have a chance of making large revenue for our investment, at high risk of course.”

“Yes, we will go with that. You will lead the negotiations. You need to get used to things like that.”

Because we were both tired, we only talked for another minute before I went back to my room.

The bathtub had disappeared during the time I talked with my father. Some servant probably cleared it away. After changing into my sleeping attire, I lay down on the soft bed and thought about the events of the day as I drifted to sleep.

My next day started with a knock on my door. After opening it, a bowing servant greeted and informed me that breakfast would be ready in 30 minutes. After getting ready, a maid fetched my father and me and brought us to the dining room. Dishes already filled the table. Lord Laundrial and an attractive woman greeted us as we entered the room. “I hope you had a relaxing and refreshing night. Please let me introduce you to my wife Elaine Laundrial,” Lord Laundrial said.

Lady Laundrial curtsied and continued: “It is nice to make your acquaintance. I will join you for breakfast if you don’t mind”

“Not at all”, my father replied bowing, “I am pleased to meet you.” I also curtsied and greeted her.

After finishing with the pleasantries, we sat down and started eating while talking about nothing of importance. I drank a tea made from herbs imported from the Eastern Continent. The Laundrial’s really knew where to get the good products from. When we finished eating Lady Laundrial said goodbye and left us. Lord Laundrial turned to my father and asked: “So what do you say about our deal?”

I replied: “It is a good idea in its essence, but not acceptable like this.”

He looked at me irritated and scowled: “I believe we shouldn’t be the ones talking. I asked Lord Lachester.” He is one of those male supremacy people. I sighed. Well, when I’m head of the house I need to be able to deal with those people. “I have full authority to decide, so you will talk to me, or there won’t be a deal.” Now he looked angry, but after a moment he schooled his face into an expressionless mask.

“Very well then. What would you like to change?”

“Instead of 30% of the revenue, we want to form a cooperation with equally split ownership. Since we have to deliver the materials has to upfront, we carry a high risk, if this venture fails. Also, we provide political security for the enterprise. Without that, the company will be taken down by Sangati in days.”

He looked at me and laughed: “That’s ridiculous. If you can’t deliver the materials, I also lose. There are costs for hiring people and buying the machines as well as advertising and also my reputation will be damaged if I sell bad products. I agree to forming a cooperation, but you shouldn’t own over 25%.” He’s giving in too fast. I think father was right, and he is in a financial crisis. Let’s see if I can get an even better deal.

“This is still unreasonable. Your family has no experience in producing anything. You rely on an external team which you might not even be able to hire. There is just too much risk for us to go with anything below 40%.”

Now he was grinding his teeth, the muscles of his jaw showing. But then he relaxed, started smiling and replied: “Very well. It shall be as you wish. You will have 40%.” Now that was just insane. He should never have gone below 70%. There has to be something wrong.

“I am thrilled you agree. Now there is only one last question. Would you allow us a look into your family’s financial situation?”

His smile froze, and he replied agitated: “Why? There is no reason for you to be interested in them.”

“To make sure you don’t go bankrupt during our partnership. If you don’t want to open your books for us, we will also accept a guarantee from your bank that your financial situation is stable. This is non-negotiable.”

Now he was shaking, his head flushing red. “You expect us to be broke? Our financial situation is stable. Just look around you,” he almost screamed at me.

I interrupted him before he could continue with his tirade: “Then there shouldn’t be any problem with getting the guarantee.”

Now he was screaming: “And that is why women should be seen but not heard. You understand nothing. Lord Lachester, I guarantee you...”

I silenced him with a quick spell: “Lord Laundrial, your behavior is unbecoming of someone in your position. You are lucky that there won’t be any further consequences to your words. I reject your proposal. Thank you for your hospitality. We will take our leave. Good bye.” My father and I got up and left the Laundrial’s mansion. As we neared our coach, I released the spell silencing Lord Laundrial.

Our luggage was already stowed. After we entered it, the chauffeur drove us back to our home. My father said: “You have done well. This was no easy situation. I will let you go to some of these meetings on your own in the future. I’m proud of you.”

Smiling, I replied: “Thanks dad. Though the meeting turned out to be fruitless.”

“No, it wasn’t. We now have a good idea of the Laundrial’s liquidity and their future plans. This might be useful.”

“Yes, you are right.”