The carriage rattled over the cobblestone streets of the capital, the rhythmic clatter of its wheels echoing between tall buildings of marble and brick. Morning sunlight spilled across the city, catching on banners fluttering from balconies — emblems of trading houses, noble crests, and guild sigils gleaming in gold.
Rudra leaned out of the window slightly, his sapphire eyes reflecting the city's motion. He watched the endless stream of merchants shouting their deals, the scent of roasted nuts and spiced tea drifting through the air. This world — loud, bright, full of life — felt so different from the silent weight of the battlefield he once knew.
"Father," he murmured, eyes wide as the carriage turned a corner, revealing a sprawling white marble structure adorned with golden pillars and intricate carvings of dragons and ships. "You own this entire place?"
Richard smiled, his thick beard shifting as he chuckled. "Surprised? A man doesn't sleep through thirty years of trade for nothing. Welcome, Rudra — to Richard's Trading Company."
As the carriage stopped before the grand entrance, Rudra stepped out, staring up at the building's facade. Its walls shimmered faintly in the morning light, like sunlight caught on still water.
"It's… breathtaking," Rudra whispered.
"Remember this feeling," Richard said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Because someday, it will be your responsibility to protect what I built."
They entered through massive oak doors engraved with intricate trade symbols. The interior was even more stunning — floors of polished marble reflected chandeliers hung with crystal, and the scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.
Behind a reception counter stood a young woman with silver hair that gleamed like liquid moonlight. Her sky-blue eyes brightened the moment she saw them.
"Welcome back, Master Richard!" she said cheerfully, her voice musical and full of warmth. Then her gaze fell upon Rudra, and a faint blush crept across her cheeks. "And… may I ask who this handsome gentleman is?"
Rudra froze, slightly flustered. There was something disarming about her — a softness, a warmth he hadn't felt in years.
Richard laughed. "Ah, Lumi — still as radiant as your name. This is my son, Rudra. From today onward, he'll be joining our company."
Lumi clasped her hands together, her silver hair swaying as she smiled brightly. "Oh! So this is the famous son we've all heard about! It's a pleasure to meet you, young master."
"Just Rudra is fine," he replied, his voice awkward but sincere.
Her smile widened. "Alright then, just Rudra. I hope you'll enjoy your first day with us!"
Richard chuckled and gestured to her. "Lumi, gather everyone in the hall — I have an announcement."
"Yes, Master!" she replied, her silver braid bouncing as she hurried off.
As Rudra watched her disappear around the corner, Richard smirked. "What? Don't tell me the young warrior has been slain by a smile?"
Rudra turned away, his ears reddening. "It's not like that…"
Richard laughed heartily. "You'll learn soon enough, my boy — charm can win wars that swords cannot."
Moments later, they stood in the grand hall of the trading company. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, painting the polished floor in golden hues. Around them gathered dozens of merchants, scribes, and apprentices — faces filled with curiosity and warmth.
Richard stepped forward, his voice strong and proud. "It's been a while, hasn't it, everyone? Did you miss me?"
Someone shouted from the crowd, "Not at all! Work's easier without you watching us!"
Laughter erupted.
Richard feigned a pout. "So that's how it is? Maybe I should retire then!"
Another voice called out, "You're halfway there already, old man!"
Even Rudra couldn't help but laugh.
Raising a hand for silence, Richard continued, "Alright, alright. Enough teasing. Today isn't about me — it's about someone new. I want you all to meet my son, Rudra. From today, he officially joins our ranks as a merchant!"
The crowd clapped, murmuring with surprise and approval. Rudra stepped up beside his father, bowing slightly.
"I don't have much experience," he said humbly, "but I can see how much this company means to all of you — and to my father. I'll do everything I can to honor that and bring prosperity to our name."
The applause that followed was thunderous.
Richard grinned. "Since we're in good spirits, I'm declaring a bonus for everyone — and tonight's feast will be held here, at my expense!"
The hall erupted in cheers. Someone whistled; others threw their caps in the air. For the first time in a long time, Rudra felt something genuine in his chest — belonging.
Later that day, when the crowd dispersed, Richard led Rudra upstairs to his private office — a grand room filled with maps, trade ledgers, and a globe of the known world.
"This place," Rudra said softly, running his fingers across an old map, "it's full of life. The people… they actually care for one another."
Richard sat back in his chair, smiling proudly. "A good company isn't built on gold, Rudra. It's built on trust. Remember that."
He rang the small silver bell on his desk. Moments later, a tall man in a black suit entered. His movements were precise, almost silent.
"How may I serve you, Master?"
"Call Lumi," Richard said. "I have something for both of you."
Within moments, Lumi entered, still radiant despite the busy morning. She smiled politely at Rudra before turning to Richard.
"You called, Master?"
Richard nodded. "Yes. I'd like to introduce both of you properly. Lumi, you already know Rudra. And this gentleman here—" he gestured to the man in black "—is Merrin, my most trusted butler."
Merrin bowed with elegance. "It's an honor, young master."
"Likewise," Rudra replied.
Richard leaned back, folding his hands. "I have a small favor to ask. Merrin, you'll teach Rudra the art of negotiation — how to survive in this cutthroat world of trade. And Lumi, I want you to help him build connections among our people. You're well-liked here — use that charm wisely."
Lumi nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master! I'll make sure he feels right at home."
Merrin placed a hand over his chest. "It will be done."
Richard smiled faintly. "Good. Then I leave him in your care. Don't go easy on him — he's my son, but he's still got a lot to learn."
As they bowed and exited, Rudra turned to the window. The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the merchant district, and for a fleeting moment, peace filled his heart.
But beneath that peace, something stirred — something he couldn't name.
---
Far from the shining streets of the merchant quarter, in the underbelly of the capital, the world looked different. The air was heavy with smoke and rot. Children with hollow eyes huddled near broken stalls; the walls dripped with moisture and despair.
Among them moved a cloaked figure, his steps silent, deliberate. The dim light caught on the edge of a jagged scar running across his jaw.
He stopped before a crumbling wall that overlooked the distant marble spires of Richard's Company.
"Enjoy your peace while you can…" he murmured, voice low and bitter. "Because peace never lasts long in this cursed city."
A faint blue flame flickered from beneath his sleeve — cold, ghostly, and hungry.
The man turned away, vanishing into the alley's darkness.
And somewhere, far above the city, the wind began to howl — as if the heavens themselves sensed that the calm before the storm was about to end.