Sean eyed the approaching carriage, focusing on its crest—a rose intertwined with waves, unmistakably the Rivers Family sigil. Jessica's steward, then, he reasoned. Either William or Gabe. Given Jessica's new role, likely Gabe, the younger steward.
His hunch proved correct as Gabe stepped out, brow furrowed, posture stiff. "Lord Sean," he greeted, bowing deeply, though his gaze flickered to Rubion's departing carriage. What business does Lucio's steward have here?
Rubion, for his part, merely nodded politely before departing, leaving Gabe to follow Sean into the parlor.
After perfunctory pleasantries, Gabe produced the lease for Golden Leiden. "Prime location, profitable history…" he droned, sliding a scroll across the table. Sean's eyes skimmed the dense legal text, pausing at the monthly rent: 424 gold—lower than Henry's estimate, but the clauses were a labyrinth.
"Complex terms," Sean noted, frowning. "I'll have my steward review them." As Henry was summoned, Gabe seized the opportunity to pry:
"Lord Sean, earlier I saw Rubion—what brought him here?"
"Ah, he shared the tale of Golden Chicken Leg Fort," Sean replied smoothly, deflecting. "Quite the story about Lucio's first word being 'chicken leg'."
Gabe's smile faltered. Evasion. He shifted tactics, voice dropping to a confiding tone: "May I ask why Lady Jessica leased Golden Leiden to you? It's our most profitable shop."
Sean sipped coffee, masking a smirk. Here comes the real reason for his visit. "Jessica didn't inform you? That suggests you're not in her inner circle, Gabe."
The steward's face fell, though his eyes remained sharp. "I've served five years, yet still lack her trust. I merely wish to understand her plans…"
"Want to gain her favor?" Sean leaned in, sudden intensity in his voice. "Then answer this: who does Jessica detest most?"
Gabe hesitated. Brody Mill, of course—but admitting it risks revealing Rivers Family scheming. "I couldn't say, My Lord."
"Let's trade, then." Sean's tone turned businesslike. "Provide intelligence on Brody's movements or Waterpine's forces, and I'll sing your praises at tonight's banquet. As her dance partner, I'll have ample opportunity."
Gabe froze, then smiled thinly. A bold gambit—but too advantageous to refuse. "Agreed. Brody plans to…"What Gabe revealed sent a chill down Sean's spine: Brody had hired the Bloodthorn Mercenaries, a ruthless Silver Rank company, to reinforce his invasion force. Worse, they were set to depart Waterpine in 48 hours.
"Authentic information, Gabe. I'll hold up my end." Sean's voice was icy, already calculating defenses.
When Henry arrived, the lease was swiftly approved—minor clauses mattered little compared to the intelligence gained. As Gabe departed, Sean summoned his retinue, adding Balor, Leviathan, and Monica to the escort.
The addition of his followers was no accident. Brody's mercenaries changed the game—Silver Rank warriors required more than just Windsor's Bronze might.