The dawn bells chimed across the mountain valley as three identical scrolls of treated vellum lay spread upon the cedar table.
Marrick dipped his reed pen into red wax, setting the official territorial seal beside Hajin's flowing signature.
Opposite them, Lady Seliza pressed her serpent signet into the cooling wax, her eight rings flashing in the morning light.
"Signed and sealed."
"The regional contract of the century is officially executed," Seliza announced, her voice resonating through the vaulted chamber.
"And the shipment?"
"Twenty-five tons of raw mountain ore will depart your valley gates before the noon bells strike," she confirmed with a satisfied smile.
Marrick opened the primary municipal accounts volume, turning to the page where the grim nineteen-week insolvency forecast loomed like an executioner's blade.
"Look at this page, my lord."
"Cross it out, Marrick."
"With pleasure!"
