A sharp knock on the door woke Adrian up.
"Early," he muttered, donning his glasses and changing his clothes. He didn't need to grab anything but a small bag since the essentials were already in his inventory.
"Adrian, love, you're up early," Mara greeted him, wiping flour from her hands. "Expecting someone?"
"Must be the duke's men," he replied, striding to the door. He opened it to find Torren, the messenger from yesterday, standing beside a grand carriage.
Two armored guards flanked it, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. "Master Adrian," Torren said with a bow.
"His Grace sent a carriage for you, as promised. We're to escort you to the Borin estate at once."
Adrian raised an eyebrow and yawned. "I said tomorrow to discuss terms, not to leave at dawn."
Torren shifted uncomfortably. "His Grace was… eager, sir. He insisted we depart as early as possible. The carriage is equipped for your comfort, and we've provisions for the journey."
Adrian sighed before glancing back at Mara, who had appeared in the doorway.
"I'll be fine, ma'am. Extend my greetings to sir when he wakes up."
"Okay, dear," she said, pulling him into a hug. "And don't let those nobles push you around, hear me?"
"Never," he promised, returning the embrace. He stepped back, nodded to Torren, and climbed into the carriage.
The interior was plush, with cushioned seats and velvet curtains. A small basket on the bench held bread, cheese, and a flask of juice.
The journey to the Borin estate only took some hours and before Adrian could realize, the landscape shifted to manicured fields and stone walls, signaling their approach to the Borin estate.
The carriage slowed as it passed through a massive iron gate, guarded by soldiers in Cedric's colors.
The carriage stopped in a courtyard bustling with servants and guards. Torren opened the door, bowing.
"Welcome to the Borin estate, Master Adrian. His Grace awaits you in his study."
Torren led Adrian through towering doors into a grand study, its walls lined with tapestries and shelves of leather-bound tomes.
Lord Cedric stood behind a polished oak desk, his white hair neatly combed, his expression one of measured respect rather than the boisterous enthusiasm Adrian had braced for.
"Adrian. Welcome to my home. I'm honored to discuss your proposal."
Adrian returned the nod, taking a seat across from the duke.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I'm here to finalize terms for teaching your men my technological designs."
Cedric's eyes gleamed with interest, though his tone remained formal. "Indeed. You mentioned training ten of my craftsmen. Let's hear your terms."
"I'll teach your men. In return, I want 10% of any profits from their sales, access to supply lines, and a steady supply of raw materials, including several magic crystals for my research."
Cedric listened intently. When Adrian finished, he nodded slowly.
"Your terms are clear, and I appreciate your foresight. The supply lines and materials are feasible, and I can provide the crystals within reason. But the 10% profit share… that's where we differ."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "You want me to go lower than 10%?"
Cedric shook his head with an earnest expression. "No, not that. We can't offer you any percentage at all. There would barely be any profits, since we don't plan on monetizing your inventions directly."
Adrian's mind raced. He'd anticipated pushback, but not a complete refusal of profit-sharing. He stood up, allowing his chair to scrape softly against the floor.
"I'm sure the Dukedom of Varyn would offer better terms," he said, turning toward the door.
Cedric rose quickly. "No, Adrian, please. We can discuss other terms. Gold, perhaps — or a wish."
Adrian froze with his hand on the doorframe. A wish. In the kingdom, a wish was no small offer.
When a noble granted one, the recipient could make a request — anything from wealth to a title to rare resources — and the noble was bound by honor and tradition to fulfill it, provided it fell within their "comfort zone," a vague boundary that protected them from ruinous demands.
A wish was a gesture of trust, but also a gamble, as the noble could interpret the limits of their comfort subjectively.
Without turning, Adrian said, "Three wishes."
Cedric hesitated; resulting in Adrian taking a step forward. The duke's voice came quickly afterwards.
"Agreed. Three wishes."
Adrian turned back with a faint smile tugging on his lips.
"Nice."
Cedric exhaled in relief. "You drive a hard bargain, Adrian." He reached into a drawer and produced a parchment, its edges embossed with intricate runes.
Adrian inspected the document after the Duke drafted the terms. He'd train ten craftsmen, control supply lines, receive materials, including 500 2-Star crystals and 100 3-star crystals, and he'll also be granted three wishes.
In return, Cedric would own the rights to produce and distribute the technological designs. Adrian pricked his thumb with a small knife Cedric provided, pressing a drop of blood to the parchment.
Cedric did the same, and the runes glowed briefly, sealing the pact.
Satisfied, Adrian leaned back. "Where are the ten men you've selected? I'd like to get to work now."
Cedric blinked, caught off guard. "Er, well… they're not yet ready, I'm afraid. The journey was long. Surely you'd like to rest? I can have a room prepared."
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly. He sensed Cedric's delay was strategic, perhaps to convince him to stay. But he played along.
"It wasn't that long. I'm fine. But if they're not ready, I'll wait."
Cedric nodded in relief. "Excellent. I'll have someone escort you." He clapped his hands, and a guard appeared at the door.
"Fetch Lady Serena."
The guard returned moments later with Serena, who burst into the room in joy.
"Adrian!" she cried, throwing her arms around him. Her warmth was overwhelming, and though Adrian's instinct was to pull away, he couldn't.
He hugged her back, her familiar scent stirring memories of their childhood.
"Serena," he said softly, feeling her tremble as she cried. "I've missed you too."
She pulled back, wiping her eyes. "I was so worried you'd never come back. Father told us about your inventions, how you're changing everything. I'm so proud of you."
Cedric cleared his throat. "Serena, why don't you show your brother to his room? He needs some rest."
"Yes, Father," Serena said, beaming. "Come on, Adrian. I've been keeping your room ready since you left."