The wind tunnel was so strong, Henry felt himself pushed forward as soon as he jumped in. He landed at least a pace further than where he had jumped in from. Once his feet touched the ground, he shot forward with the wind against his back. His messy hair fell out of place and began whipping around his head, but he ignored it.

  The ambient temperature inside the wind tunnel was lower than it was outside the valley, but it wasn’t the increasing temperature that he had to be concerned about. With a fire spirit like Simir, the fire of a fire dragon that everyone was so fearful of could be blocked.

  It was the fumes. Noxious gases released from the fissures were not good for one’s health. Ash had mentioned them many times while working on the protective suit.

  The wind tunnel was also used to clear the gases away in order to give Henry a clear, breathable, path to the fallen man.

  The temperature began to increase the closer he got to the fallen man who had lost consciousness. At least, Henry hoped it was only a loss of consciousness. He skidded to a stop beside him and scooped him up, lifting the man over his right shoulder and holding on to his legs hanging in front of him before starting to jog back.

  This time, the wind was against him, and he could feel the full force. He squinted, his eyes starting to water at the force of the wind. Ash must’ve seen his expression as the force weakened after just two steps.

  “Brother, hurry! I can’t keep it up much longer!”

  If Henry wasn’t carrying an unconscious man on his shoulder, he would’ve rolled his eyes. Ash had more than enough magic energy to keep the wind tunnel going, and Naali, though a fairly young ice spirit, wasn’t weak.

  Ash’s shouting was a farce to avoid being targeted.

  Henry also made a show of struggling to make it back. His shoulders and chest heaved, mimicking symptoms of labored breathing. He purposely made his legs tremble with each step and almost stumbled past the gate.

  Thankfully, one of the unconscious man’s friends had rushed forward to take the man off his shoulders.

  “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

  “Save your thanks and take him to get help, quickly!” Henry panted, hunching forward, and grasping his knees with his hands. “He wasn’t moving when I reached him. You must take him to a medical center or a temple at once!”

  “Yes! Thank you, sir! We will come find you later!” The man gave him a hasty bow of his head before yelling for others to help him carry their friend into a carriage and leave.

  Ash stumbled back, his arms appearing to grow limp at his sides before he made a dramatic fall. His eyes were shut and he struggled to breathe. He turned his head, looking around aimlessly as if he couldn’t see. One arm reached out and began patting the ground around him.

  “Brother....” he wheezed. “Brother, where are you?”

  If he was really worried, Ash would’ve been screaming, not quietly asking around for him.

  Henry took shaking steps forward and then fell to his knees beside Ash. “I’m here.”

  “Did you get him? He is all right?” Ash asked, as if choked. He waved his hand around once more, as if searching the air for his brother.

  Henry grasped his arm and pulled him into a seated position. “His friends have come. They’ve taken him to get help.”

  “Good....” Ash leaned against him and shut his eyes. “Good.”

  If Effie was there, she would’ve stood up and started clapping, as well as praising Ash for a good ‘scene.’ Henry only thought he was being too dramatic.

  Instead, they heard the frantic yells of Sumak as he rushed his way forward. A crowd had formed around the two brothers and several people were already asking them questions.

  Was his brother a mage?

  Where did they come from?

  How powerful were they?

  Why wasn’t Henry affected by the heat?

  Henry brushed off the questions, avoiding their eyes and shaking his head. “Please give us a moment. I am just here to accompany my brother on a delivery. We both exerted too much energy just now.”

  “Rutherford! Guillermo!” Sumak shouted, jumping up to look over the heads of the crowd. “Excuse me! Let me through! Those are my friends!”

  Hearing him, the crowd made way and Sumak squeezed to the front of the crowd.

  “It’s fine,” Henry said, standing up. “We just need to catch our breath.”

  Ash’s eyes flew open. He grabbed Henry’s arm and used it to pull himself up and then brushed off his pants. “It was a sudden burst of energy, so I got dizzy.” That was the common side effect for a mage who used too much energy too quickly and everyone believed him. “I just needed a moment. I’m fine!”

  Sumak looked relieved and put his hand against his heart. “I’m glad but....” He looked a bit in awe. “I’ve never seen anyone braver. To jump into the volcanic valley...without anything more than your regular peasant clothing.”

  The corner of Henry’s eye twitched. “Peasant....” The clothes were designed to be unassuming, but the quality was on par with any noble. The high-grade material used in the fabric was expensive and from one of the family’s farms in the northwest of East Iveria. The findings were from the Dragon Continent. Even his and Ash’s boots were made from earth dragon leather and meant for high use wear.

  “You see, Mom? With such magic ability, you should have confidence in the suit!” Sumak turned around to speak to his mother, who had followed him. Her face was pale, and she wore a tight frown. Her eyes carried lingering fear and Henry didn’t blame her.

  She’d just seen another man enter the volcanic valley and possibly die. Of course, she’d be worried about her son.

  “Sumak, you just saw what happened to a man who was unprepared,” Ash said, looking serious. “I’ve explained to you how the suit works and what all the parts are used for. I trust my product, but do you?”

  Sumak took a deep breath and raised his chest. He nodded his head, appearing confident. “I have faith in your product.”

  “Sumak!” His mother cried out and grabbed his arm, but he gently pried it off.

  “Mom, I’ll be fine,” he said. He looked at Ash and nodded. “I’m ready.”

  As he said it, the crowd around them began chattering amongst themselves. Some thought he was crazy after what just happened, while others were astounded at his bravery. A few began to question the suit he was wearing.

  It was purpose-built, so it didn’t appear like a normal piece of clothing. Every piece of it had a function.

  Ash and Henry ignored the people asking what he was wearing and commenting on how ridiculous it looked. Henry almost wanted to defend his brother’s creation. It may have looked strange, but it worked. He’d seen Ash test the fabric.

  “Ignore them,” Ash said. Henry wasn’t sure if he was talking to him or Sumak. Ash secured the mask over Sumak’s nose and mouth before taking the head piece. Sumak held back his hair and Ash put it on, adjusting it until Sumak confirmed that he could see through the eye holes.

  Ash and Henry secured the bottom layers of the head piece.

  Quiet whimpering could be heard coming from Sumak’s mother. “Mother.” Sumak released a heavy, muffled sigh and turned to look at her. From outside, she couldn’t see his face. “I will be fine.”

  “That young man who was carried away just now also said he would be fine!” she almost yelled.

  “Final check on the seams,” Ash said, sounding professional. “Boots.”

  “Sealed,” Henry confirmed.

  “Gloves.” He pulled the gloves higher on Sumak’s forearms and patted the fabric that layered just over it.

  “Sealed,” Henry said, after doing the same on the other arm.

  “Helmet.” This time, Ash circled Sumak, making sure the headpiece was on. “How is your breathing?”

  “Good.”

  “Take three deep breaths for me. One.” Sumak took a deep breath. “Hold. Exhale.” Sumak released it and Ash repeated it twice. He nodded. “All right.” He put his hands on Sumak’s shoulders and brought his face down to meet his. “Remember to stay calm. The heat and gases won’t affect you, but you need to remain calm no matter what happens. Panicking won’t help.”

  Sumak’s head nodded. “Understood.”

  “Good. Arms out.” Sumak stretched his arms out on either side of him and Ash shrugged off the backpack he was wearing. Without a word, he pulled Sumak’s arms through and then went behind him to secure it. “This is the ice slime. I know you’re not going to look for a dragon scale today. Today is just for testing the suit, but you should get used to the weight.”

  Sumak nodded again. “How long should I stay inside?”

  “Not long-”

  “As long as you can stand it,” Ash cut off Sumak’s mother. Henry saw the angry look the woman gave Ash. “But keep moving. You need to get used to using the suit. If you start to feel sweltering hot, start waving your arms. I’ll create another wind tunnel, and my brother will come get you.”

  Hearing that, Sumak’s mother looked visibly relieved. She muttered some thanks as Henry nodded.

  “Really?” Sumak sounded surprised.

  Ash raised a brow. “I have confidence in my product, but I’m not reckless. Always have a backup plan in case something happens. You never know.”

  The corners of Henry’s lips curled up. Nera always told them that. Always have a backup plan or failing that, prepare an escape plan, as they were not omnipotent beings and something unexpected could happen.

  Sumak nodded. “Thank you, Guillermo.”

  “All right, at most, you’ll stay there two hours, which from my estimation would be enough time to get far enough into the volcanic valley and back, so long as a scale is easily retrieved. This should test how suitable the suit is for the mission. I’ll call out for periodic checks. When I say check, raise your right arm to confirm that all is well.” Ash said. He took out a small slip of paper and held it between two fingers. “Ready?”

  “Yes.” Sumak turned around. The crowd seemed to part for him, making a clear pathway to the natural stone gateway.

  “Breathe,” Henry told him.

  “One step at a time. Pay close attention to the temperature inside your suit.” Ash and Henry accompanied him to the gateway and then stopped in place as he took a step inside. The slip in Ash’s hand began to glow. When it dimmed, time would be up.

  The crowd watched, quiet at first, as Sumak took his formative steps into the valley. The further he got; the more breaths of relief were released. Henry and Ash remained rooted, their eyes fixed on the figure, watching for any signs of panic that would indicate something was going wrong.

  “Don’t take your eyes off of him,” Sumak’s mother said, her voice shaking a bit.

  “We don’t plan to,” Henry assured her.

  “My reputation is also on the line, my lady,” Ash replied. “I wouldn’t have come if I wasn’t sure of my product.”

  “Have you tested it before?” she asked. “Will it really work?”

  “I’ve tested the fabric and the assorted parts. It will work,” Ash said. He took a deep breath. “Check!”

  Sumak raised his right arm and everyone around them let out a breath of relief. Ash started to get attention, but Henry blocked them.

  “My brother has to keep an eye on this test to both ensure the efficiency of the product and his safety,” Henry said. “Please save all questions until the end.”

  Ash checked his pocket watch. After five minutes, he shouted the time. Sumak turned around and began walking back to make a loop.

  “Does he really have to stay there two hours?” Sumak’s mother asked, tugging Henry’s sleeve.

  “Yes. When he goes deeper to officially gather a fire dragon scale, it will take at least two hours. At that point, we’ll lose sight of him, so it’s best we watch to make sure the suit is working while we can observe him. In the off chance that something goes wrong, we can jump in a save him. If we let him wander in without testing the duration, if, for some reason, the fabric starts to deteriorate or burn, we won’t see him and be able to help him. We need to know how long it lasts.”

  “I thought you did tests!” she choked, her face pale.

  “Tests and real-world applications are different,” Ash said, distracted.

  The woman could only shrink back and look ahead, watching her son make a loop in the corridor in front of them. People who were observing were becoming increasingly impressed, some saying that Sumak would be able to get to the scale. With each loop, Sumak went further back.

  “When we received the request, even the Magic Tower said it was impossible,” the Guild Director said with awe in his voice as he watched. “And Mr. von Sails made it?”

  “Yes,” Henry nodded, a bit proud as he could hear the underlying praise for his brother. “How is it? Is this enough to confirm that the product works?”

  The Guild Director nodded. “Your brother is going to be much sought after when word gets out, you know.”

  The corner of Henry’s lip curled up. “You have no idea.”

  Sumak began to turn a corner and Ash frowned. “Hold! Don’t go too far!”

  “I think I can go deeper!” Sumak shouted back.

  “It’s only been thirty minutes!” Ash replied. “Stay in the test area!”

  “I just want to see what’s around the corner! No one’s gotten that far!”

  Sumak’s mother screamed. “Sumak, get back here! Listen to your friends!”

  “The suit is working fine! I can’t feel the heat at all!” He sounded excited.

  Henry frowned and narrowed his eyes. “I hope he’s not going to try to look for a scale now.”

  “Has he done a survey of the valley from the hills to find prospective dragon nests he can search around?” Ash asked, straightening up as he realized that such a thought might be going through Sumak’s mind. “He never told us if he had a target area.”

  Henry looked around. “How far back in the volcanic valley are the fire dragons?”

  “Not far,” someone said. “When they aren’t hibernating, you can seem them flying out of the valley. No one would dare come here, either.”

  “Yes, the entire thunder is made of perhaps...a hundred to a hundred fifty individuals,” the Guild Director told them.

  Despite their caution, the crowd began cheering for Sumak to go further. Sumak’s mother began gasping and telling them not to push her son. She tried to tell them that it was just a test, not an attempt at a scale, but no one was listening.

  Seeing how far Sumak was getting was making the crowd heated. Their shouts and cheers grew louder, and to Ash and Henry’s frustration, Sumak was encouraged to go further.

  “If he turns that corner, we’ll lose sight of him,” Ash said.

  “Bring him back! Can’t you go in and drag him back?” Sumak’s mother cried out. She looked around for her guards, but they were helpless. Sending them unprotected would be as good as killing them.

  “I think we’ll need to-”

  “Wait.” Ash frowned as he held up his hand to silence his brother. Sumak disappeared around a corner, but Ash seemed to have something else on his mind. “The birds are gone.”

  Henry snapped his neck towards his brother. He took in a sharp breath and then whipped his head back towards the valley. “Simir-”

  The roar reached them before Henry could finish speaking. The crowd’s chatter faded into silence before a voice came from the volcanic valley.

  Someone was screaming. Flames shot out from around the corner, glowing pale orange and faded into a bright blue-ish white, indicating just how hot it was. Running around the corner, from the flames, was Sumak in his suit.

  His arms were raised in the air, and he was waving them up and down as flames surrounded him from behind. He still managed to burst through the flames, much to the excitement of the crowd.

  Rather than be alarmed, Ash let out a relieved sigh. “I knew the suit would stand up against fire dragon fire.”

  “You can bask in your genius later. He’s giving us the signal to-”

  “He’s being chased by a dragon!” Someone at the front of the crowd yelled before everyone began screaming.

  Henry only then realized that the ground was vibrating beneath them. He looked down at the dirt and then lifted his head as a lumbering black dragon with red eyes was turning the corner. Its scales faintly shone red and orange in the sunlight. He held his breath and drew his head back. He’d only seen illustrations of fire dragons in Ash’s books while Ash had been doing research.

  Compared to other dragons he’d seen; the fire dragon wasn’t very large. Perhaps as large as an adult male elephant.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  “Oh, it looks like he woke an adolescent,” Ash said.

  Henry looked at his brother with horror. “That’s an adolescent?”

  “Why are you surprised? You’ve seen earth and wind dragons. They’re larger.”

  “Help!” Sumak screamed.

  “Do something!” Sumak’s mother began sobbing.

  “Don’t lead it here!” Someone in the crowd shouted. Sumak was racing towards them. The adolescent dragon behind him seemed to stumble and sway, as if it were drunk. Regardless, the sight of a fire dragon stomping towards them caused the crowd to start screaming and disperse.

  “Keep it down!” Ash shouted as people began to rush away from the gate. “Your screaming will upset the dragon!”

  “Everyone, leave at once!” The Guild Director yelled. He turned towards the two Zimora men who had been observing. They were clutching their folios against their chests and seemed unsure whether to stay and observe or flee. “What are you doing? A fire dragon is coming!”

  Everyone was yelling all around them. Henry was trying to hold back Sumak’s mother from running in or clawing at Ash to do something. Ash held out five more slips and threw them out. They floated in midair and formed an arc. Ash stepped into it and the slips began to circle around him.

  “I’m going to calm the dragon! If Sumak stops to watch, go in and grab him,” Ash said as wind began to whip around him, creating a protective barrier sphere.

  “Understood!” Henry shouted. Ash threw another three cards out and created another wind tunnel.

  This time, it was Ash who ran in.

  Henry stood behind the spinning slips, watching carefully as Ash bent at the waist and held out his arms, lowering his head in a bowing motion as he made slow steps forward. Sumak was running towards him.

  “Guillermo! Guillermo, run!” He almost rammed into Ash, but Ash held out his arms and moved him aside and out of the way.

  “Keep going!” Ash shouted. “I’ll take care of the dragon.”

  Sumak tried to grab him, but suddenly, he was over Henry’s shoulder. “Let him take care of it!”

  “Wait!” Sumak gasped as he bounced against Henry’s shoulder. He looked up, horrified to see that Ash was left behind. “Guillermo! No!”

  Ash continued to approach, and the stumbling dragon seemed to notice him. It slowed down and tilted its head.

  “What is the dragon doing?”

  “It’s going to eat him!”

  Henry glared at the crowd who had stopped watching instead of running away. “What are you doing? He’s buying you time! Go!” Henry yelled. “Quickly!”

  A few people seemed hesitant to leave just as something interesting was happening, but the majority of the crowd remembered their fear and rushed to their horses and carriages. To his credit, the Guild Director remained and had ushered Sumak’s mother to the side, further away from the entrance of the valley.

  Her guards had come to surround her. Henry carried Sumak to them and almost tossed him towards one of the guards.

  “What about Guillermo!” Sumak cried out, still frantic.

  “My lord, look!” One of the guards shouted and pointed towards the valley. Henry didn’t need to see to know what was happening.

  Guillermo von Sails was a mysterious new mage, but Ash Atractas was still a beast tamer.

  Ash was waving his arms, keeping his body prostrated forward as he seemed to go around the fire dragon. From where they were, they couldn’t hear Ash, but he seemed to be making some noise to coax the fire dragon back.

  Those who remained watching were silent, holding their breaths as Ash led the fire dragon deeper into the valley and back around the bend where it had chased Sumak from.

  “Is it going to be okay?” Sumak asked.

  Henry took a deep breath and released it. “He’ll be fine.” He didn’t think people believed him until Ash re-emerged from around the corner, his arms still out and his head still bowed. He was walking out backwards and remained doing so until he seemed clear visually from the corner.

  He then straightened his back and turned around cracking his neck and stretching his arms before walking back, appearing as if he were taking a casual walk despite still encapsulated within the sphere of wind.

  Ash’s silver hair flew around his face, having fallen out of his little tie. He looked a bit tired, but otherwise unharmed. Henry walked to the gateway to meet him.

  “She was still sleepy, so she went back into her nest,” Ash said as he stepped out. He held out his hand and collected the slips that had surrounded him. “Were you able to breathe inside?”

  “I held my breath as I ran in. He was close to the entrance,” Henry replied.

  “Guillermo!” Sumak managed to escape his mother’s bodyguard and rushed towards. “Are you all right?”

  Ash nodded. “Don’t yell. The dragon just went back to sleep and too loud a noise could disrupt her. She needs to get back into deep hibernation,” he said, keeping his voice down.

  Sumak nodded his head.

  “If it needs to go into deep hibernation, does that mean no one should enter until it does?” Henry asked.

  Ash nodded. “The adolescent’s nest and den are close to that corner, where you first turn into the rest of the valley. Deep hibernation will take at least a day or two.” He looked at Sumak. “I would be cautious and give her and any other dragons that were woken up two days before you entered again.”

  “We should tell the Guild Director,” Henry said. He patted Ash’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”

  Ash nodded and motioned for Sumak to move forward. “In two days,” he said. “You’ll be able to get that dragon scale.”

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  “What?” The mage stood up, his purple robes flowing around him as he looked at the minister. “That’s impossible! No one has been able to create something that resists the fire of a fire dragon!”

  A messenger from the King of Zimora reported to them. As it was related to the dragon scale he was trying to acquire to win a trading agreement with Ashtar, the King of Zimora was paying close attention to the matters at the volcanic valley. Several of his people were stationed around it, observing, and keeping track of those who were attempting to get a scale.

  The minister narrowed his eyes. “Who reported this?”

  “Several of His Majesty’s retainers who are to witness proof of retrieval, two of the retainers who were taking record at the entrance to the valley,” the messenger replied. “And at least a dozen people who were witness to the event.”

  The mage began to tremble. “Has news of that suit spread?”

  “Yes, sir. It is the most popular topic in Uqi’ichu and the surrounding principalities at the moment.”

  “Damn!” The mage almost kicked the table where he and the minister were seated around. “How is that possible? Nothing can withstand fire dragon fire! They must’ve seen wrongly!”

  “The witnesses have identical reports. The nephew of Prince Jasaw was chased out of the volcanic valley by a young fire dragon. Fire had hit him in the back as he fled.”

  “And...he survived?” The minister seemed curious, not upset. He had no reason to be. If there was a suit that could allow for someone to acquire a fire dragon scale, then ultimately, the Prince would be the winner.

  “He survived, my lord,” the messenger confirmed.

  The mage began to pace. “I heard the request for such an object was submitted not a few months ago. Dozens of people have come to the Magic Tower asking for tools and clothing that could withstand fire dragon fire, but at best, products could withstand heat and regular flames. Nothing is supposed to resist fire dragon fire.”

  “It seems that someone developed something that does,” the minister said. He glanced at the irritated mage. “Perhaps the Magic Tower should look into this young mage.”

  Frowning, the mage scowled. “The Magic Tower didn’t waste its time scouting budding mages. Anyone who had any decent ability with magic sought out to join the Magic Tower.”

  “Didn’t that young man we ran into the Samelu Shallows say that there are still plenty of mages who work independently of the Magic Tower?” the minister asked with a raised brow.

  “If they really wanted to progress in their ability, they would’ve joined the Magic Tower. There is no other organization in the continents that can provide the resources and education the Magic Tower provides to novice mages,” the mage replied with a defiant, proud look.

  The minister gave him an acknowledging nod. “That’s true. The Traceras Clan no longer exists.”

  “Everyone in the Traceras Clan is dead or useless.” A door at the other end of the private room of Zimora’s casino opened and the Prince of Ashtar walked out, his clothes appearing neat and orderly in contrast to the music and chaotic noise coming from the back room. He turned to the minister and frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me His Majesty sent a messenger?”

  “Father sent a messenger?” A woman stumbled out of the back room, her once neatly braided hair a bit disheveled and her clothes amiss. She blinked with wet, glassy eyes as she looked around. She saw the uniformed man standing by the door and frowned. “What is it?” Her voice came out sharp. “I told him that I was entertaining His Highness Prince Eskander tonight.”

  The door swung shut behind them, blocking out the noise of the partygoers within.

  “The message is regarding a suitor entering the volcanic valley today, Your Highness,” the messenger replied as he bowed his head.

  She sneered. “Did someone get injured again? Father reminded them that they went at their own risk, and we would not be held accountable.”

  “Yes, Princess, but something more extraordinary happened. His Majesty wanted to let His Highness and His Highness’ people know that someone has entered the valley and came out unharmed, even after being chased by a fire dragon and facing the fire dragon’s heat.”

  At this, her eyes widened. In front of her, Prince Eskander couldn’t contain his look of surprise. “Who survived? And how? What tools did they use?”

  “Lord Sumak Amar, the nephew of Prince Jasaw of Uqi’ichu-”

  “Ugh.” The Princess’ face twisted with annoyance and disgust. “Him? Is this a joke? He’s a child!”

  “I...I do believe he is eighteen-”

  “He looks like a child! Thin...awkward....” She scowled. “I remember him with that strange, stupid look on his face when we dance. I can’t believe Father would entertain the notion of him marrying me.”

  At this, the messenger didn’t seem to know what to say. Prince Eskander took a seat and tapped the empty wine glass by the table next to him. The minister quickly stood up to pour him some wine.

  The Prince looked at the messenger. “What about tools? Did he find a magic item?”

  “He was wearing some sort of suit that was resistant to fire.”

  The Prince sat up. “A suit resistant to fire?”

  “Yes, Your Highness.”

  “Where did he get it?”

  “Through the Adventurer’s Guild. Apparently, he put in a request and a mage-”

  “What is the mage’s name?” The Prince cut him off. The flustered messenger stammered for a moment before shaking his head.

  “They were unidentified, Your Highness. According to the inquiry, the Guild was only involved as an intermediary and then verified the suit’s authenticity.”

  “Did he get a fire dragon scale?” The minister asked as he stood to the side, still holding the nearly empty wine bottle.

  “No-”

  “Then why are you telling us?” The minister berated the younger man, but Prince Eskander raised his hand to quiet him.

  He turned his head towards the mage with an almost bored expression. “I was told that the Magic Tower did not have the ability to provide a tool that would stand against fire dragon fire....”

  The mage’s hands clenched at his side. “The Magic Tower does not have an existing tool and saw no need to spend resources on developing such a thing.”

  “And yet, a random mage has created an entire protective suit,” Prince Eskander replied smoothly. “Perhaps this mage was the same one who created those six hour breathing pills.”

  It was a high possibility, and the thought lingered in the minister’s mind. They hadn’t been able to track the creator of those breathing pills, but such advanced work that even the Magic Tower had not been able to reach could be the lead they were looking for.

  The minister looked back at the messenger. “How can we find out more about the mage?”

  “Minister Sattar!” The mage beside him whirled to face him, his face flushed. “What are you saying? You signed a work contract with the Magic Tower. Do you dare disrespect me and the Magic Tower?”

  “It is nothing personal, Mage Arpad,” Prince Eskander told him. “However, I am always looking for talented individuals to work for me.” He looked at the messenger. “Have the King find out more about that mage who made the fire-resistant suit.”

  ﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

  Ash sneezed and rubbed his nose, irritated. “As I was saying, it’s been a day. A day since we got back, and the entire city knows. Is it so shocking? Does everyone have to point and look?”

  “You’re even more popular than back home.” Henry smirked and Ash shot him a glare.

  After the test at the volcanic valley, of which the product passed and Ash received his payment in full, they were planning to stay for another few days to ensure that Sumak got through the valley safely. He was a good young man, and both brothers felt that he deserved a sort of safety net.

  The problem was word of the suit, and the mage that created it, spread like wildfire through the principality. By the time they returned to Uqi’ichi, everyone was talking about it, and they were quickly discovered. They were bothered during their mealtime with people buying them drinks and trying to strike up conversations.

  A few people had found out what inn they were in and tried to speak to them about ordering products. Henry directed them to the Adventurer’s Guild, but they wanted to speak to Ash directly. After all, posting at the Guild cost money.

  Just when the two were contemplating taking Sumak up on his offer to stay at one of his family’s annexes, a carriage arrived from Prince Jasaw, Sumak’s maternal uncle. They were invited to stay at the Prince’s estate as guests. It seemed Sumak and his mother worried they would be accosted as now Ash’s skill had been shown off.

  The two brothers got into the carriage and had their horses follow.

  Now, inside, Ash was leaning back against the back seat, rubbing his head with both hands. “Isn’t this a bit too much attention for a suit?”

  Henry continued to smirk. “I thought you were proud of your suit.”

  “I am proud of it, but I don’t want people harassing me to make them all these random things they’ve been shouting at me about!” Ash’s arms dropped at his side. “Why do you need a sword that never dulls? Why do you need a flowerpot that will grow anything?”

  Henry shrugged. “To be fair, the sword that never dulls sounds useful.”

  Ash threw his arms up. “It already exists!”

  “The cloud sword of the Sun Sect and the black ore swords of the Dragon Continent’s Grand Elf Council, which would rather die than give one up,” Henry said. “And the blade on the Scythe.”

  “The Scythe isn’t a sword, but still. All those other swords take a lot of energy and material to make, not to mention proper sword smithing skills,” Ash told him. “They took multiple smiths to make over generations. I only have one lifetime.”

  “What about the flowerpot that will grow anything? Is that possible?”

  Ash returned to rubbing his head. “I’ve already developed a system that will grow near anything by replicating ideal conditions for their growth.”

  Henry perked up. Ash always made new, amazing products, but every now and then, something was particularly impressive. “Is this a Moonflower project?”

  “Yes, but it’s for Effie,” Ash told him. “You know how she wants to buy that property so she could grow rare pharmaceutical plants to make them more affordable to the general public.” For all her greed, Effie had a large heart and was not one to exploit others. Unless she hated them.

  “Does she know?”

  “No, not yet. The sample is still being built, and I have yet to put it together,” Ash replied. The carriage was pulled up the curving road that led from the town at the base of a hill up to where an old stone fortress had been expanded to become a proper noble estate. The banners with the green and white colors of the principality were placed along the walls of the gate houses as they rode through. “The point is that there is too much for me to work on that I have limited capacity to take on requests like this. If this didn’t pay so much-”

  “You mean if the Magic Tower didn’t say it was impossible, and you wanted to spite them.”

  “If they weren’t such a terrible organization, I wouldn’t need to spite them,” Ash retorted. “Aside from spite, the money was significant. This will go into the reclamation and recovery project.”

  Henry nodded. Ash knew he understood. With so many things their family was involved with happening at the same time, even their current wealth would be used up in two or three years. Not that any of it would go to waste, but there was just so much to do.

  The carriage came to a stop and Ash looked out the window. They’d parked in front of a set of stairs in a central courtyard within a centuries old stone fortification.

  Sumak was standing and waiting along with his mother. He looked excited to see them. One of the footmen opened the door and Ash stepped out along with Henry. Both gave polite bows of their heads to Sumak’s mother.

  “I was worried you two would reject the offer to stay,” Sumak said with a wide smile.

  “Well, popularity has its downsides,” Ash sighed.

  Henry gave them a small nod. “Thank you for your invitation to stay.”

  Sumak waved his hand to indicate it was no trouble. “My uncle is excited to meet you. He heard about what happened at the volcanic valley and then I told him more in detail. He has many questions.”

  “He also would like to show his thanks,” Sumak’s mother told them. “We know nothing can stop Sumak. He is stubborn.”

  “Mom.”

  “But having you two there to ensure his safety was a relief.”

  Sumak sighed, but motioned for the brothers to follow him. The old fortification had additions built on to it, including new structures for housing, cooking, and studies, but the main floor with the grand old room was still used as both a hearing room and a banquet hall.

  As they entered, an old man with graying dark hair turned towards them from where he was talking to an attendant. A wide smile filled his face as he came over.

  “Are these the von Sails brothers?” he asked. Sumak opened his mouth, but the man who Ash assumed was the Prince, threw his arms open in a welcoming gesture. “Mr. Guillermo and Mr. Rutherford! Welcome to Uqi’ichu!” He laughed and extended his hand. “I am Jasaw Amar, Prince of Uqi’ichu and this...” He motioned one hand lazily towards Sumak. “Is my stubborn nephew.”

  “Your Highness,” Ash said, shaking his hand firmly. “Thank you for your invitation.”

  “Thank you for saving my impulsive nephew!” Prince Jasaw laughed and then shook hands with Henry.

  “Uncle, I’m not impulsive-”

  “Did they not tell you to circle around where they could see you and instead you wandered around a corner?” Prince Jasaw sent his nephew an incredulous look. “And awoke a sleeping dragon?”

  Sumak flushed. “I didn’t know there was going to be a dragon there.”

  “That’s why we told you to stay where we could see you,” Henry said at the same time Prince Jasaw said something similar.

  Prince Jasaw motioned to Henry with wide eyes, as if telling Sumak ‘you see’?

  Sumak’s mother sighed. “All right, let’s take a seat. After dinner, you can show your benefactors to their rooms,” she said. “Is Maia joining us tonight?”

  “No, she said she was working on arrangements for the road funding out the south gate,” the Prince said as he waved for the brother to take a seat at the chairs beside Sumak on a long table. He sat in the head seat. “Maia is my daughter and heir to the princedom.”

  “My cousin insists that marrying Princess Isera is unnecessary and that improving transportation and trade infrastructure will provide more long-term benefits,” Sumak said with a roll of his eyes.

  The brothers exchanged looks. “To be honest,” Henry said. “I agree with your cousin.”

  “Yes, improving transportation and trade infrastructure will become more cost-effective if done well,” Ash replied. “Transport times can be shortened, and safety is improved. Proper logistics are in place to manage the stresses of trade.”

  “If this marriage is to be political and economic, then you will need to negotiate what each side can win or lose, and in such unions, the more powerful side will come out with the advantage,” Henry told him.

  “Not to mention that there is always a chance that the bride’s family could prevent the union from happening unless your side agrees to their wishes,” Ash said.

  “That is what I have been telling him!” Sumak’s mother slapped her hand at the table and sent her son across from her an annoyed look. “Guillermo is a year younger than you and is already capable of thinking this far ahead.”

  “We have traveled a lot and have been able to grow our knowledge,” Ash replied to try to soothe the situation. He didn’t want to be known as ‘someone else’s child.’

  “While that is true,” Prince Jasaw agreed, though tentatively. “Zimora has the largest port in this area. To be able to access it at a lower charge than our neighbors would be beneficial.”

  “Zimora has the largest port in the area, but not the best,” a voice said from the entrance. A short woman with dark hair braided around the top of her head and wearing simple clothes, but made of fine fabric, walked in. “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, we should focus on building a connection with Akepol.”

  “Akepol is further south than Zimora and thus, further away from us,” Sumak replied. He looked at the brothers, who had risen from their seats when she entered. She appeared with an air of authority and maturity that succeeded that of Sumak, and even Prince Jasaw. Sumak also stood up, as if reminded to do so. “Guillermo, Rutherford, this is my cousin, Princess Maia.”

  “Your Highness.” The brothers greeted with respectful bows of their heads.

  Princess Maia bowed her head to them. “I’ve heard of you both. Thank you for saving my cousin. He won’t listen to reason.”

  “Cousin! Don’t criticize me in front of my friends!”

  “I wouldn’t criticize you if there was nothing to criticize!” Princess Maia snapped.

  Ah...they must’ve been raised as close as siblings, Ash thought to himself with a nod. Prince Jasaw sighed and raised his hands.

  “Maia, since you’re here, have a seat and join us for dinner. We have guests.” He stressed that as a reminder. Maia took a deep breath and took her seat on her father’s left-hand side, next to her aunt.

  “I thought you were going to be working late today,” Sumak’s mother said as the food was brought forward.

  Maia released another low breath. “I was, but then I received word that Zimora wants to win trading rights with Ashtar.” At the name of the country, the two brothers almost paused in the midst of lifting utensils. “Ashtar promises direct trade to West Iveria through Zimora.”

  “Why Zimora and not Xiu or Carthage Harbor?” Sumak asked. “If you want access to West Iveria, the two ports on either side of the continent would have the best resources.”

  “The Federation of Merchant Cities require trade agreements with friendly countries, including rights for their merchants to conduct trade in another country,” Henry replied. “Ashtar has been very strict on allowing foreign trade, only allowing it to go through a noble elite.”

  “They regulate all trade of what can and cannot be sold, and at what prices. They don’t want to lose control of that because that brings them money,” Ash added.

  “The reign of the current Ashtari Emperor has allowed for this to go unchecked since he started, even restricting travel to an approved few, so if they were going to find a port city to trade with, it would be a port that is not part of the Federation of Merchant Cities,” Henry told them. “As the Federation is the more powerful of the two, and they,” Henry looked at Sumak. “Will be the ones to come out with an advantage.”

  Sumak furrowed his brows. “I...I forgot you two are from Carthage Harbor.”

  “And so, we agree with Her Highness’ assessment to focus a connection with Akepol,” Henry replied with a small, acknowledging nod to Princess Maia. “Akepol may be smaller, but not for long. Akepol only joined the Federation five years ago. It’s the newest of the cities, but it has the infrastructure for growth as guided by Merhi.”

  “That’s the Merchant High Council,” Ash added. “Although it’s further, it’s worth access, as Akepol will also be the regional favorite port for Federation trade ships.” The Federation always prioritized merchant city ports when they could.

  “You have an excellent grasp of this,” Princess Maia said with a thankful nod. “I think the same. Merchant Cities like Akepol also support a lot of neighboring countries. It would be a mutual benefit.”

  “Well, even if it is of mutual benefit, I still want to marry Princess Isera!” Sumak said, refusing to back down. His cousin’s shoulder slumped, and she frowned. His mother let out a small noise of irritation and the Prince rubbed the bridge of his nose. “She’s beautiful and intelligent. Everyone in Zimora loves her-”

  “But does she love you?” Sumak’s mother asked. “Sumak, you’ve only met her once!”

  Ash almost choked on his potato pilaf. He looked at Sumak with disbelief. “You only met her once? During that ball for her birthday?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where she danced with other men and the King of Zimora essentially promised her hand in marriage to the winner of a fire dragon scale retrieval competition?” Ash asked, his eyes crinkling up. “I thought you had other chances to meet her and talk to her.”

  “No, it was just that one time.” Sumak looked at him, also confused, but not in the same way Ash was confused.

  No wonder Sumak kept talking about Princess Isera’s superficial traits, but nothing deeper. Ash shook his head and looked at Sumak’s relatives. “I understand.”

  “Understand what?” Sumak asked, looking from Ash to his family and back.

  Ash looked at him. “Sumak, I came all this way to sell you that fireproof suit. That was going to be the end of our exchange, but you seem like a good person, and your family cares about you. I like you, so, may I be honest?”

  Sumak nodded his head, though somewhat uncertain. “All right.”

  Ash took a deep breath. “No matter how beautiful they are, compatibility is even more important, and you don’t know enough about her, nor she about you, to know if you are compatible. You said so yourself: you don’t know if she wants to marry you. What if she doesn’t want to marry you?”

  Sumak drew his head back. He was well loved by his family and, from what Ash had seen in the city, was well-liked. Sumak also had a wealthy background, a noble title, and wasn’t bad looking. It seemed that the notion that Princess Isera wouldn’t want to marry him hadn’t crossed his mind. “But...what’s wrong with me?”

  “You’re not the Prince of Ashtar,” Princess Maia’s words were ruthless, causing the entire table to look back at her. “The Prince of Ashtar has been in Zimora for the last week, and do you know who has been entertaining him?” she asked. Sumak’s face paled. “Princess Isera.”