I walked through Greyford’s streets with purpose now, heading directly toward the rchant district where the wealthiest families maintained their estates.
The Kingdom of Valorian operated under a clearly defined noble hierarchy. At the top sat the Imperial Family, the King and his bloodline, absolute rulers whose word was law. Below them stood the Grand Duke, a singular position of imnse power and influence, essentially serving as the King’s right hand in matters of state and military.
Beneath the Grand Duke were the Ducal families, five in total, each controlling vast territories and wielding significant political weight.
These weren’t rely wealthy nobles; they were pillars of the kingdom’s infrastructure, commanding private armies, managing crucial trade routes, and maintaining the delicate balance of power that kept Valorian stable.
Duke Cyrus Glimor was one of these five.
His family had built their fortune through shrewd trade agreents and strategic marriages over generations.
The Glimor na carried weight not just in Greyford, but across the entire eastern territories. They controlled shipping lanes, owned several profitable mines, and maintained one of the largest private military forces among the ducal families.
Cyrus himself was known as a ruthless man in business, strict with his household, but fair in his dealings.
He’d risen to Duke after his father’s death fifteen years ago and had consolidated power quickly, eliminating rivals and securing alliances with brutal efficiency.
The kind of man you didn’t approach casually.
The kind of man who could have you arrested—or worse—on a whim if you wasted his ti.
And I’m about to walk into his estate and ask to see him.
This is either very smart or incredibly stupid.
The Glimor estate ca into view, a sprawling complex surrounded by high stone walls, with guards posted at regular intervals. The main gate was impressive: wrought iron reinforced with steel, flanked by guard towers, the Glimor crest, a silver hawk over crossed swords, emblazoned prominently.
I approached the gate with asured confidence, keeping my hood down, my posture open and non-threatening.
Two guards stepped forward imdiately, hands resting on sword hilts.
"State your business," the one on the left said, his tone professional but wary.
"I have sothing important to discuss with Duke Glimor," I said evenly.
The guard’s expression didn’t change. "The Duke doesn’t see walk-in visitors. If you have business, submit a formal request through the proper channels."
"This is ti-sensitive—"
"Scram, kid." The guard on the right made a dismissive gesture. "We don’t have ti for whatever sche you’re running."
I sighed, reaching into my coat.
Both guards tensed, hands tightening on their weapons.
I pulled out a small tal insignia, the Raith family crest. I held it up where they could see it clearly.
"I am Jin Raith," I said, letting my voice carry a hint of aristocratic authority that Jin’s mories provided. "Baron Aldric Raith’s son. I’m here on family business regarding an arrangent between our houses."
The guards exchanged glances.
Not quite enough. They’re still skeptical.
I activated my debug vision subtly, scanning both guards.
[Guard Marcus - Level 18 - Loyalty: High - Current State: Suspicious]
[Guard Heath - Level 15 - Loyalty: Moderate - Current State: Uncertain]
I made a quick edit.
[Target: Guard Captain Marcus]
[Effect: Reduce suspicion by 15%]
The change was subtle, just enough to make seem more legitimate, more like soone who belonged in noble circles.
Marcus’s expression shifted slightly, uncertainty creeping in.
"The Raith family..." he said slowly. "Barons from the northern territories?"
"That’s correct." I kept my tone patient but firm. "And while my family’s rank may be... modest compared to Duke Glimor’s, we have ties that make this visit relevant. I’m certain the Duke would prefer to hear what I have to say rather than explain to certain parties why I was turned away at the gate."
The implication hung in the air: I have connections you don’t want to anger.
Heath looked at Marcus. "Should we check with—"
"Wait here," Marcus interrupted, then turned and called to soone inside the gate.
A servant appeared, an older woman, efficient-looking, probably head of household staff.
Marcus spoke quietly to her, gesturing at . She looked over with sharp eyes, then nodded and disappeared back inside.
We stood in uncomfortable silence for several minutes.
Then the servant returned and spoke briefly to Marcus.
He turned back to , his expression now professional rather than dismissive.
"The Duke will see you. Briefly." He gestured for the gates to open. "But if you’re wasting his ti—"
"I understand the consequences," I said calmly.
The gates swung open.
A young maid approached, bowing slightly. "Welco, Master Raith. Please follow ."
I followed her into the estate proper, taking in the surroundings, manicured gardens, expensive stone work, servants moving with practiced efficiency. Everything scread wealth and power.
The maid led through corridors lined with paintings and tapestries, past rooms that glimpsed expensive furniture and decorations, until we reached a well-appointed guest room.
"Please wait here," she said, gesturing to a comfortable couch. "I’ll inform the Duke of your arrival. Would you like refreshnts?"
"No, thank you."
She bowed again and left, closing the door quietly.
I sat down on the couch, leaning back, letting out a slow breath.
I’m in. Now I just have to work through this conversation without getting thrown out... or arrested.
The truth was, despite the Raith family being just Barons, I had one significant advantage that made this eting possible.
My sister, Cassandra Raith, was engaged to Killian Glimor.
The heir to the Glimor duchy.
It was a strategic match arranged by Father years ago, one of his few successful political maneuvers.
The Glimors gained a connection to a family with, if rumors were true, distant ties to more powerful bloodlines. I’m not sure though, I only had heard so rumors about Raiths being absolute beasts in their pri from Cedric and Victor.
And I’m sure these were just rumors, like how the hell would that kind of household will drop this low?
Anyways...
And the Raiths gained association with wealth and influence that far exceeded their actual station.
Which ant Duke Cyrus would at least listen to , if only out of courtesy to his future daughter-in-law’s family.
I activated my debug vision again, scanning the room for listening enchantnts or surveillance magic.
Nothing obvious. Just standard ambient mana.
I deactivated the vision and settled in to wait.
Outside the door, I heard footsteps approaching.
Here we go.
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