After an hour of increasing misunderstandings, Varian finally leaned forward.

  "I like you, Veilwood."

  Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Uh… thanks?"

  Varian stroked his beard. "A ruler who isn’t just greedy? Fascinating. In that case, I offer a special contract—my best mercenaries will guard Duskwatch for half their usual price."

  Lucian, mid-sip of tea, nearly choked. "Wait, what?"

  Dorian choked as well. "What he means is—" he turned to Varian. "That is a most generous offer. Perhaps too generous?"

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  Varian grinned. "Consider it an investment. When Duskwatch rises further, I’d rather be on its good side."

  Lucian pinched the bridge of his nose. "Sure. Whatever. Just don’t expect me to make speeches about it."

  Varian laughed. "Spoken like a true leader!"

  Lucian sighed. "Why do I feel like this is going to be a bigger problem later?"

  Elaine smirked. "Because it definitely will be."

  Duke Reinhardt frowned at the latest report.

  "The Mercenary King has allied with Veilwood?" he murmured.

  Lord Cedric Vale, seated nearby, nodded grimly. "Yes, my lord. It seems Veilwood has… considerable influence."

  Reinhardt exhaled slowly, swirling his wine.

  "So. Even Varian Blackthorn sees value in him."

  He glanced at the reports on his desk. "First, he refuses our envoy’s trap. Now, he secures an army for half the price. Either he is the luckiest man alive… or the most dangerous one in the empire."

  He leaned back. "No matter. We’ll test him again soon."