The Stonehearted Knight-Chapter 414: An unusual request

Darkness reigned. Night came at the city below but not in silence. The winds howled through the many branches. Drops of rain reached the leaves, bursting open upon impact, creating a watery mist that impaired the vision.

Weather, like the change of day and night, wasn’t reliable. It could change on a whim. Whose whim wasn’t clear but the Wrixians did shut themselves inside, praying to the Old One. Even the noise of nature couldn’t drown the hymns resonating through the city. freeweɓnovel-cøm

Hex moved through the empty alleys, hooded under his robe and hidden inside the Veil of Death. A bit of overkill perhaps. Surely, no one would be interested in peeping through their windows in such weather. Yet, he didn’t disperse his cover. Precautions were never enough and secrecy provided a tangible power over others. If nothing else, he had learned at least that much from his experience against the Divine Lord and the Dawnbringers.

Listening to the city sing as one, he marveled at the wonders faith could achieve. Their blind belief that the Old One could protect them from the world itself, emitted a purity and calmness he seldom experienced.

It was strange. It truly was. He didn’t trust the Old One. Nor did he believe the Taboo existence cared for the people worshiping Him. But the intention of the one believed in didn’t impact the effect belief had over the believers.

’They are people. Or creatures. Living beings who care about their lives and those of their beloved ones.’ Despite his musings over the Wrixians he never met, his steps never faltered. Soon, he left the city behind him, reducing the songs to a distant buzz.

It took him some time to reach his target.

’This is it,’ he thought as he inspected the multi-storied building in front of him. It was as desolate as it had been during his first visit. The old board with The Oldest Store swung in the wind, banging against the frame.

Ensuring no one had followed him, he entered the store. As soon as he placed his foot inside, he arrived inside his customized space. Shelves appeared at the front wall. The sound of rain, wind, and whatnot disappeared abruptly, almost as if an illusion had burst open.

Nothing seemed to have changed since the last time he visited. After becoming a member a few options to alter the room had popped up. He hadn’t held back.

The empty walls were decorated with paintings of the baron, the baroness, and...of Medina. They were made based on depictions the voice had found in the shop’s archives.

Aside from the soft sofa, he had applied an intricately decorated rug on the floor. Just for the sake of it. On the table a silvery set for tea and crystal glasses for wine could be seen. Hex didn’t like tea or wine. But that’s how the tables in the baron’s castle used to look like.

Esteemed Member, is there anything I can help you with?

The familiar mechanical voice asked after Hex had a few seconds to adjust his state. Without wasting time, Hex fished something out of his pocket, lifting it up in the air.

"I am here to cash in my golden ticket," he said. A golden paper lay in his hand. It was the token granted to the person with the highest amount of bonus points.

That is within your right. I will notify the Boss.

"The boss? You mean the owner?" Hex asked, surprised by the development. He had expected to be forced to deal through the construct or whatever it was talking to him. This was far better.

Yes, sir. The rules of the token clearly states that the reward is based on negotiations between the owner of the token and the owner of the selected shop. I am neither, so naturally not part of the conversation.

"When can I meet the owner then?" Hex asked. The voice operated on certain principles and seemed set to follow rules. It made sense. It was just a glorified shop attendant, limited to following the instructions of its master.

I have sent a message to the owner.

So the owner was male. And a Sage. According to Sterling very few people knew the owner and even less had ever met Him. He wasn’t Sterling’s ancestor. Sterling had been sure of it. To Hex it didn’t matter. All he cared about was whether his proposal would be accepted.

While waiting, he went over the details. Forgotten were the wares on the shelves and the money he had brought with him. It was the remaining money of his deal for healing that princeling.

"Will you be lost forever?"

The amused voice came out of nowhere, startling Hex. He jerked his head, shocked. Not far from him stood a man, looking a similar age as him, though, appearances could be misleading. The man’s features were handsome, so much, even Hex had trouble looking away.

"Then again, is someone truly lost in his own head or is that considered to have found oneself?"

"What?"

Despite his shock and warriness of the man who appeared without so much of a sound or energy fluctuation, Hex couldn’t help but be confused by the ramblings.

"Nothing." The man waved with a smile. A smile that made him shudder. And realize the identity of his. No, His.

"You are the owner, aren’t you?"

He blurted without much thought.

"That is correct," the man said. His smile never faltered. It was...weird. But now wasn’t the time to focus on that.

"So, what can I do for you? Which treasure has caught your eye? You can choose freely. I promise to give a discount that will make everything affordable."

This was it. He took a deep breath. A slim chance was still a chance but only if he dared to ask. Worst case, he would amend his request and try something else.

The owner looked at him with a raised brow. His brief moment of gathering his wits didn’t escape the man. Sharp.

"I," started Hex, meeting the owner’s gaze, "wish for you to sponsor me reaching the highest tier of membership available."