Trinity of Magic Book 3: Chapter 65: Catching up on Things

Zeke stood in front of the window, looking down at the hustle and bustle. The constant flurry of movents was balm to his nerves. His biggest fear had been that sothing in the estate might have gone wrong during his absence.

However, nobody seed alard or panicked in the least. This was a good sign. The fact that he had even been worried was strange in and of itself. He really should be putting more trust in his people. After all, he had little to nothing to do with the daily goings on of the estate. And this was ignoring the fact that David had been running the household for years before he had ever shown up.

Zekes gaze wandered over the different sections. From the busy workshop area to the newly built spell repository. From the gardens of the mansion over to the training fields. Gradually, a content smile spread across his face. He had co far no, they had co far! He had not done this alone.

It had only been a few short months since his household had arrived in the city. But instead of the safe haven they had expected, they were greeted by a deserted ruin. On top of that, they were settled with a crushing debt. Day after day, people left, assured in their belief that the family was done for akin to rats fleeing a sinking ship.

But what about now? Where were they all? And where was he?

His smile widened as he counted three completed Gondolas next to the workshop. They were finished and ready for delivery at the end of the month. This would be another 300000 gold for his family. By now, mountains of gold were piling up in the treasury, and Zeke would have to expand the room or invest his money elsewhere

[Notice]

Sobody is approaching rapidly. Identification matches 99.5% as David.

Before he could even react, the door was flung open. David stord into the room with an uncharacteristically cheerful expression. You are finally awake, young lord.

A smile spread across Zekes face as well. Thanks for worrying about .

[Notice]

David visited your room 89 tis during the past two weeks. He is ranked 4th on the list of most frequent visitors. The first spot is held by Maya with 193 visits.

Zeke took that in, idly wondering about the number 2 and 3 spots as he stepped away from the window. Did anything of note happen while I was indisposed?

He regretted the question right away as he saw Davids cheerful expression transform into a professional deanor. Indeed, young lord. A lot has happened since.

Zeke made his way toward the lounge and motioned for David to take a seat as well. The older man complied and took the spot across from him. Can you walk through what happened?

We were worried when all the guests had already left but there was no trace of you. We were just about to force our way in when Mr. Albert Thorsten inford us about your duel against the young miss, David recounted with a twinkle in his eye.

Dont give that look, David! Zeke protested. I had no intention of causing any kind of problems this ti. It just it just happened, ok?

Certainly, young lord.

I am being serious here.

So am I, young lord, David replied, but the slight curve to his lips betrayed his real feelings on the matter.

Zeke rolled his eyes. Since when was David so playful? What happened next?

We were inford that you were exhausted by the fight and were given a chance to rest, David explained. But when you were brought out several hours later, you were in terrible condition. You were screaming and thrashing and could barely stay conscious for more than a mont. At first, we feared the worst

It must have been quite a shock for David and the other guards to find him in such a condition. He had been the picture of health only hours earlier but was returned to them in an unresponsive state. He didnt even want to know how he would have reacted in Davids place.

Fortunately, David continued, Lady Eternexus was patient with us, despite the high tension and lets say explosive tempers of so.

Zeke groaned. What happened?

Nothing major but sobody might have made so threats.

Ohh no, Zeke said. Let guess Margret?

David shook his head.

Huh, I didnt expect Linus to be such a hothead.

David didnt respond, but Zeke could swear he saw a light blush color his cheeks. For so reason, the man also seed to avoid his gaze. Strange, why would he wait a mont!

IT WAS YOU! You made the threats, didnt you, David?!

Anyway, the man continued, completely ignoring Zekes question. As I was saying: Despite the high tension, lady Eternexus was patient and managed to calm the situation down. She explained that your condition was the consequence of a Spirit Summoning. She also assured us that this was quite normal for certain contracts. In situations like yours, it could take up to three weeks to stabilize.

Zeke nodded. By now, he had realized the reason for this developnt. The condition of the contract was to have his summon always active. Naively, he had assud his word would be enough.

However, the way the condition had been implented was vastly different from his expectation. In accordance with their agreent, the ability to dispel or otherwise unsummon his contracted spirit had been taken from him altogether. He could no more get rid of her than he could of his own Soul.

[Notice]

My deepest apologies for the inconvenience. I guarantee that it has never been my intention to cheat host into an unfavorable arrangent through dishonest ans. This can all be attributed to a failure to properly communicate on my part.

Dont worry, Akasha. I dont bla you, Zeke thought. Out loud he said, Yes, I failed to take into account the possibility of this happening when I agreed to the ritual. My apologies, this must have put quite the burden on you.

David shook his head. It was nothing, young Lord. But you really should have inford us beforehand. It would have saved us all quite a bit of embarrassnt.

Zeke stifled a grin as he nodded earnestly. What happened after we returned to the estate?

Your family was quite distraught to see you in such a state, especially young lady Maya. She was glued to your bed for the first few days. However, your condition improved daily and we all stopped worrying about a week ago, by then, you were sleeping peacefully.

Zeke grimaced. He could just imagine how worried Maya would have been. He had never wanted her to see him in such a state. To her, he wanted to be the invincible older brother who never got hurt and never stumbled. He could not let things like this keep happening to him.

How about the business, anything out of order? Zeke inquired.

No, the business is doing spectacularly, David said, his own expression lightening at the change of topic. Mr. Robins leads the workshop with an iron fist. Any problems that crop up are usually solved within the hour. But Mr. Robins did inform that he is running low on Enchantnts. If you had slept for another week, we might have been forced to delay production.

This was all according to schedule. If anything, Jettero was a bit ahead. He would have to spend a couple of days in his workshop in order to fill up their supply of Enchantnts.

[Notice]

I have a few suggestions to increase Rune production. I estimate that a 300% to 400% increase in output can realistically be expected upon implentation.

Zekes eyes widened. That was a four to five tis greater output. Those suggestions could not be anything minor. It would have to be a complete overhaul of his entire approach. Well talk about that later, Akasha. I am very interested to hear those ideas.

David took no heed of his change in expression and continued his report. On the administrative side, your mother is doing most of the work. She has now taken charge of about 75% of my forr responsibilities. Everything regarding staff, finances, and correspondence is now handled by The Radiant Trifecta.

Zeke raised a single brow, The Radiant Trifecta? Why have I never heard that na before?

The na has only appeared in recent days but is already commonly used by most of the estate, David explained. The na refers to the three won in charge of day-to-day operations: Your mother Mia, as well as Lena, and Marissa.

Arent Lena and Marissa your assistants? Zeke asked curiously.

They were, David agreed, but they have now officially abandoned , and switched over to your mothers camp.

You dont seem overly distraught about that.

David smiled. Of course not! It ans that your mother has finally gained their trust and they dont feel the need to consult with anymore. This is what I had hoped for.

Lena and Marissa had been working for the family for years. If the two Mind Mages felt like his mother was ready to take that step, then Zeke would trust their decision.

This leads us to the last part of my report, David continued. There are a couple of matters requiring a decision.

Zeke focused his full attention on David. What are they?

David took out three letters from his neatly pressed suit and put them on the table in front of him. The first one is from the Bloodletter family, David explained, pointing at a dark red envelope. It is an official request for you to rejoin the family.

Bloodletter My fathers house? I thought they had disowned him. What right do they have to demand my return? Zeke asked.

David shrugged. They dont demand anything, yet. The letter is rely a request.

Zeke thought about it for a mont. Lets ignore it. This will delay them for longer than outright refusing. If we are lucky, this will solve itself with ti.

David nodded and pointed at the second envelope. This is an official notice from the Office of Administration. Its the confirmation for the spots in the Advancent Ceremony.

Zekes eyes widened. I completely forgot about that! Did I miss it?

Its the day after tomorrow. But we were worried if you would make it in ti.

Zeke sighed in relief. Dont scare like that. Of course, we are still going.

David nodded and pointed at the last envelope, his expression turning somber. This last letter is regarding a rather concerning developnt. There is going to be an ergency conference between the empire and the leaders of the alliance here in Tradespire. Miss Lara Sonnenstrahl sent us the notice.

Ohh? What prompted this? This news didnt really worry him. After all, the alliance loved holding etings and conferences. This had probably happened hundreds of tis already. The only noteworthy difference was that the empire would be sending a representative as well.

I didnt have the contacts to find out for certain, but there are rumors

This managed to pique his interest. What rumors?

The Seers of Seraven made a prophecy, David stated. From what I could gather, it doesnt paint a promising picture of the future for the alliance and especially, Equinox and Invocatia.

Zekes expression slowly turned severe. From how he understood the role of the Seers, they didnt often get involved in the affairs of the world. They only made announcents about the most horrendous of tragedies. The fact that they warned of the coming war made it likely that this would have far-reaching consequences for everyone. Did Lara confirm the Rumors?

I did not contact her, David replied.

What? Why not?

David sighed. Young lord, the von Hohenheim house is not allied with the Sonnenstrahl family, nor do we have any other official allies. You have a personal relationship with Miss Sonnenstrahl, but that doesnt give or anybody else the right to demand her ti.

Zeke grimaced. This was right, just because he was on friendly terms with Lara didnt an that they were allies. She had made that abundantly clear the last ti they spoke. But this brought up another question. If Lara went through the trouble of informing us, then there must be more behind that eting.

Thats the reason I consider this to be a concerning developnt. The content of the letter suggests that this might be the start of the war. At least, Miss Sonnenstrahl believes so.

Zekes gut clenched. He had hoped to have more ti, more ti before open war broke out. As he was now, there was very little he could do to oppose the empire. He wasnt ready yet and neither was his house.

When is that eting?

David sighed. The eting was scheduled for early next week. Five days from now.

Zeke nodded slowly. There was no point getting sidetracked by sothing he had no control over. He would attend the Advancent Ceremony in two days and try his best to find out what he could to help his people advance. As for the conference whatever would happen would happen.