Chapter 241: Compensation

“What an impressive estate!”

Boren and Valeria stood before a pair of towering metallic gates that loomed above them like a wall of forged dusk. The surface was intricately etched with patterns of wings and flowing coins that caught the late afternoon light, reflecting dull flashes of gold.

These gates were set into equally imposing walls of pale stone, which stretched outward on both sides until they disappeared behind clusters of tall cypress trees, creating a private fortress within Riverdale itself.

The smooth, unblemished walls were guarded by men in polished breastplates adorned with the crest of a feather woven in gold thread against deep blue cloth.

Each guard stood straight-backed and silent, halberds grounded but hands firmly gripping their shafts. Their disciplined stillness made it clear that this was no ordinary merchant’s residence; it was a domain accustomed to defending its wealth.

Here, the noise of the city felt muted; the bustle of Riverdale did not penetrate this estate’s perimeter. Even the air seemed different, less laden with fish and spice, more fragrant with trimmed grass and still water.

Boren tilted his head back to study the gates, his round face reflecting a blend of appreciation and calculation. Valeria stood beside him, her expression unreadable.

At that moment, a smaller door seamlessly integrated into the right gate creaked open from within. A slender man dressed in neat servant’s attire stepped out, closing the panel carefully behind him before approaching with measured steps.

He bowed lightly, neither too deep nor too shallow, his eyes respectful yet sharp enough to recognize status.

“Sir Boren,” he said smoothly, “Master Aldric is expecting you. Please follow me.”

Boren smiled politely as he inclined his head. “Lead the way,” he replied easily, as if visiting Riverdale’s grandest estate were an everyday affair.

Valeria remained silent but moved instantly when Boren stepped forward, her boots striking the stone with quiet certainty.

The servant pushed open the small gate again, and as soon as Boren and Valeria passed through, the atmosphere shifted entirely. If the exterior hinted at wealth, the interior proclaimed it without restraint.

A long winding road of pale stone stretched ahead, its surface inlaid with subtle patterns that shimmered faintly when struck by light at certain angles.

The road curved gently through manicured lawns and meticulously arranged gardens where hedges were trimmed into elegant shapes and seasonal flowers bloomed in layered beds of color, deep violets, brilliant whites, and soft blues mirroring the river beyond the estate walls.

Fountains rose at intervals sculpted like winged figures pouring water from gilded urns; their constant murmur blended harmoniously with the faint rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze.

Ponds lay to one side edged with smooth stones and dotted with broad green lily pads beneath which flashes of orange and white koi drifted lazily through crystal-clear water.

The estate was immense, far beyond what most merchants could even imagine owning. In the distance, the main mansion towered, a multi-tiered marvel of pale stone and dark polished wood. Its rooflines were layered and adorned with golden finials that sparkled in the sunlight.

Balconies jutted out from the upper floors, their railings crafted into intricate designs, while tall windows lined the facade, each framed by heavy drapes visible even from afar.

Servants moved quietly along the paths, some tending to plants, others carrying trays or tools, all maintaining a rhythm that suggested meticulous organization behind the estate’s elegance.

As they walked, Boren glanced around, nodding thoughtfully rather than in awe. He observed the symmetry of the landscaping, the quality of the stonework, and even the thickness of the walls within this grand estate.

Valeria’s attention was drawn not to its beauty but to potential blind spots between hedges, elevated terraces that could serve as lookout points, and the spacing of guards stationed near the mansion’s main steps.

She valued structure over decoration; this extravagant place was clearly built with a merchant’s caution in mind.

Noticing Boren’s measured nods, one servant allowed himself a small smile of pride.

“This,” he said subtly gesturing as they walked, “is Goldfeather Mansion. It is Riverdale City’s largest and most luxurious estate. Even the City Lord’s residence pales in comparison.”

There was undeniable pride in his voice—as if he claimed ownership of its grandeur himself.

Boren smiled slightly wider but kept his eyes calm.

“It is impressive,” he acknowledged. “For a merchant to possess such a residence, one rivaling noble estates, speaks volumes about Master Aldric’s success.”

The servant’s eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly at Boren’s choice of words. “Rivals?” he echoed lightly. “It seems you are not fully impressed.”

Boren chuckled softly; his cheeks lifted with amusement. “Not at all,” he replied smoothly. “I do not look down on it; it is indeed a fine estate. I simply meant I have seen something… grander.”

Curiosity got the better of the servant. “Oh? And what estate would surpass this one?”

With a casual sidelong glance, Boren replied, “The Stonehelm Estate.”

At just hearing that name, the servant’s expression shifted instantly; whatever response he had intended vanished from his mind. The Stonehelm Estate wasn’t merely large ,it was legendary, a symbol of power and lineage that no merchant could replicate no matter how wealthy they became.

Choosing silence over comparison now seemed wise to him as they continued their walk without further commentary.

Before long, they reached broad stone steps leading up to massive double doors carved from dark wood and reinforced with decorative metal bands that stood open wide to reveal an expansive foyer inside.

They were led through polished corridors, their walls adorned with framed paintings of serene river scenes, majestic fleets of ships, and portraits of stern men alongside elegantly dressed women, perhaps ancestors or benefactors. Their journey concluded in a spacious living room, illuminated by warm light streaming through tall windows that nearly reached the floor.

Heavy curtains of deep gold fabric were drawn back with braided cords, allowing sunlight to spill across thick carpets patterned with subtle geometric designs. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, casting gentle prisms of light that shimmered against the pale walls. Plush sofas upholstered in fine fabric surrounded a low table carved from a single slab of dark wood, while a faint scent of incense lingered in the air.

“Please be seated,” the servant said, gesturing toward the sofas. “I will inform Master Aldric of your arrival.”

Boren settled into one of the sofas with surprising grace, adjusting his robes slightly. Valeria chose a seat opposite him, maintaining an upright posture with her hands resting lightly on her knees.

A maid soon entered carrying a tray filled with delicate porcelain cups brimming with steaming tea and an assortment of pastries arranged artfully. The tea had a subtle floral fragrance that was pleasant without being overpowering, while the pastries were light and flaky, hinting at careful preparation.

They waited in composed silence; the distant ticking of a clock barely audible beneath the soft murmur of water from an outdoor fountain. Boren sipped his tea slowly, his eyes half-lidded as he savored its flavor while his mind remained alert. Valeria took a small bite from one pastry not for indulgence but practicality, her attention momentarily drawn to the corridor as she sensed footsteps approaching before they could be heard clearly.

The door opened leisurely as Aldric entered, exuding an air of comfort within his own domain. He wore a robe made from rich golden fabric subtly embroidered at the edges; it caught the light beautifully without appearing ostentatious.

His hair was neatly combed back to reveal a broad forehead, and his mustache, trimmed and carefully styled, twitched slightly when he smiled. His bright eyes sparkled with vigor and confidence befitting someone accustomed to commanding wealth and respect.

Following closely behind him was a young man in his early twenties, slender and pale, with dark hair falling lightly across his forehead. His refined features bore signs of recent recovery from illness.

Dressed simply in a clean shirt and long trousers devoid of ornamentation, he contrasted sharply with Aldric’s more elaborate attire.

Aldric’s smile widened as he stepped fully into the room. “Assistant Boren,” he greeted warmly while inclining his head in practiced courtesy, “Lady Valeria! It’s wonderful to see you again. You honor my humble home with your presence.”

Boren stood up promptly, returning the bow with a polite smile. “Master Aldric, we are the ones who feel honored. To call this residence humble would be an understatement; your home is grander than many noble estates I’ve encountered.”

Aldric chuckled, his laughter warm and genuine. The compliment clearly delighted him, and he didn’t hide it. “You’re too kind,” he replied, though his expression suggested he wholeheartedly agreed. “Please, have a seat.”

Boren’s gaze shifted to the young man beside Aldric. Noticing this, Aldric nodded in acknowledgment. “Assistant Boren, allow me to introduce my son, Orak. I believe I mentioned him in our previous correspondence.”

Orak stepped forward and bowed respectfully to both Boren and Valeria. Up close, the faint hollowness under his eyes was more apparent, but his gaze remained steady.

“Thank you for accepting the mission,” he said simply. “I was informed it was… dangerous. I wouldn’t be here without your Guild’s support.”

Boren waved a hand dismissively yet politely. “The Guild fulfilled its contract,” he replied. “Your father compensated us well, and we delivered as promised, that’s how it works.”

Valeria gave Orak a brief nod; her expression was unreadable but not unkind. She recalled the mission, the battle between the Crimson Abyssal Lion and Riven.

This mission has cost more lives than it has saved. With that thought in mind, she shot a cold glance at Orak, causing him to flinch as his body trembled slightly.

They all took their seats: Aldric settled into the central sofa with Orak at his side. For a moment, their conversation drifted to lighter topics, Orak’s recovery, changing trade conditions along the Twilight River, and minor updates from Greyvale.

Aldric maintained an open and friendly demeanor; however, there was an underlying alertness of a seasoned merchant who carefully weighed every word spoken within his home.

As pleasantries faded away, Aldric’s expression subtly shifted. He folded his hands together and looked at Boren with mild curiosity.

“Assistant Boren,” he began, “I must admit I’m surprised by your visit today. I assumed our business concluded once the mission was complete. How can I assist you now?”

Boren took a steady breath; his round cheeks lifted slightly in a smile that carried firmness beneath it.

“Master Aldric,” he said evenly, “I won’t take up much of your time, I’m here to discuss compensation.”

Aldric blinked once; the smile on his face hesitated rather than vanished completely. “Compensation?” he echoed slowly, confusion lacing his tone as he regarded Boren intently.

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