The group of four—Sean, Henry, Windsor, and Lodin—turned to discussing production and sales, but one question stumped them: When to open the shop?
Jessica would promote the perfume at tonight's banquet, making tomorrow morning the ideal launch. But with the shop lease unsigned, renovations nonexistent, and decor untouched, opening in less than a day seemed impossible. Still, Sean refused to miss the opportunity, and the debate raged—until a knock interrupted.
"Enter," Sean called, sipping coffee to soothe his throat.
A footman bowed, announcing, "My Lord, a steward in livery requests an audience."
"Jessica's steward?" Sean brightened, expecting the shop lease.
"No, My Lord. He calls himself Rubion, steward of Lord Lucio."
"Rubion…" Sean stifled a laugh. Does every member of Lucio's family have a "Lu" name? "Show him to the parlor. I'll join shortly."
With Sean heading to meet Rubion, the meeting adjourned. He assigned tasks:
Windsor and Lodin: Wait in the hall, prepare for the visit to "Golden Leiden."Henry: Scout nearby workshops and recruit craftsmen—now flush with Lucio's loan, large-scale production was feasible.
Henry, initially anxious about being sidelined, perked up at the "important task."
In the parlor, Rubion bowed deeply, his voice warm: "Lord Sean, a pleasure. Blessings of the Light upon you."
Sean settled into the main chair, grinning. "Rubion, make yourself comfortable by the fire." He mimicked the tavern keeper's jovial tone, sipping coffee.
Rubion seated himself primly. "Lord Lucio sent me to finalize the loan contract. I rushed here from Golden Chicken Leg Fort."
Sean spat coffee, choking. "Wait—Golden Chicken Leg Fort?"
Rubion sighed, a familiar weary tone in his voice. "Yes, My Lord. The castle's name was changed 15 years ago, a decision I vividly recall…"
Sean leaned in, amused. "Why that name?"
Another sigh from Rubion: "It began when Lord Lucio was born. Most children speak 'mama' or 'papa' first, but he stayed silent until age three. One day, a boy stole his chicken leg, and his first word was—'Chicken leg!' Coinciding with Lord Lucas's Gold Rank breakthrough, the castle was renamed in celebration."
Sean: "…" So Lucio's love for food started early. "Now that Lucas is breaking through to Sky Rank, will it become 'Sky Chicken Leg Fort'?"
Rubion's eye twitched. "No plans for that yet, My Lord. Shall we discuss the contract?"
The loan agreement was straightforward. Fifteen minutes later, Sean and Rubion emerged into the hall, where Windsor and Lodin stood at attention.
"Gold will arrive by tomorrow noon, My Lord," Rubion said.
"Take your time. The contract is ready when you are." Sean smiled.
After seeing Rubion off, Sean prepared to visit "Golden Leiden" with his men—only for another carriage to rumble to a stop outside.