Chapter 4


    As it had been one year, Drakkel had already learned the layout of the labyrinth surrounding the city. In the midst of teaching him demonic history and politics, Re’ila had used any free time they had to take him on a tour around the labyrinth.


    Afterwards, he had studied a physical map on his own time. So, he took the lead in walking as they made their way to Dragon’s Dwelling.


    Because they didn’t have Illa’s lieutenant with them, it took a couple of days to reach the capital.


    Standing outside of an abandoned temple, Drakkel had to block his eyes from the sun.


    Even as he did so, the light of the bright object hitting his eyes made him wince.


    He had hardly gone out in the past year and had become unused to the sight.


    Luckily, along with their funds, they had brought a few other useful items- veiled bamboo hats hung upon their necks.


    Drakkel placed his hat on his head, blocking out the bright sunlight and Shia, Drion, and Fargos followed along with him, doing the same.


    The place they had exited was behind an abandoned temple in the deep forests of Shiorina, an area consisting of a small mountain and it''s surrounding forest, located near Dragon’s Dwelling.


    Shiorina wasn’t a particularly bad place, it''s just that it was one of the four routes one could take on their way to Dragon’s Dwelling. To get to the capital from here, one had to travel South. However, North of the Capital was a border town called North Guard. Beyond it was a vast desert and beyond that desert was a Kingdom- The Kingdom of Araba.


    Not many people lived in North Guard. It was mainly inhabited by soldiers from the army and their families. Because they needed to remain stationed there in case the Kingdom of Araba decided to attack, hardly anyone walked the route of Shiorina Mountain.


    Of course, supplies from the capital were delivered there once a month, but besides that, seeing even one person a week was a rarity.


    The four had arrived to Dragon’s Dwelling within a few hours. Because they had left the abandoned temple so early, the sun still hung high in the sky by the time they arrived.


    Dragon’s Dwelling was the most prosperous city in the Empire. The walls were so tall, they seemed to nearly reach the heavens. The gate was heavily guarded and required a permit to get in.


    Drakkel was of course prepared for everything, He and his entourage bypassed the line and he gave the guards his permit.


    After seeing it, the guards showed him the utmost respect, even apologizing for delaying his travel. But this wasn''t unexpected. After all, the permit he gave was no ordinary one.


    Inside Dragon’s Dwelling was a lavish setting,


    People walked around leisurely. A group of children ran around shouting and screaming with glee. The occasional carriage rode across the busy streets, causing the crowds to part like water when a ship cuts across the waves.


    The roads were straight, clean, and organized. Stalls were set up at the roadside selling expensive items such as makeup, accessories, and exotic fruits.


    Even those who seemed to not have much money, still sold their products at high prices. These same products were able to be bought at other cities for nearly half the cost.


    The buildings were also decent and tall- all being made with pricey and sturdy material. Those decorated, such as brothels, accessory shops, and restaurants, were adorned with the most exquisite items one could find.


    Familiar portraits of Drakkel hung on walls around the city. He stopped at one large sign and saw the words, “Turn in for reward,” written on the top. Right next to the portrait on the sign, was a list of current Sword Outcasts.


    As Drakkel gazed at it, he almost wanted to laugh.


    But in the next moment, the corners of his lips curled down and he couldn''t stand to look at it anymore.


    He made a slash and quickly destroyed the thing with a thin line of demonic energy. Then, he continued on his way.


    As Drakkel and his group walked around, they noticed the eyes of many discreetly darting to their figures.


    At the entrance gate, they were made to remove their hats, so their appearances could be clearly seen. But Drakkel was neither embarrassed nor nervous, as this was, after all, his intention.


    Looking around, a smile spread on his face. “Everyone, let’s seek out an invitation to a private event.”


    “How will we do that, Your Highness?”  Fargos asked.


    Drakkel glared at him. “Don''t call me that here. Refer to me as ‘Young Master’. We shouldn’t reveal who we are.”


    Fargos bowed. “Apologies, Young Master.”


    Drakkel nodded and then continued, “To seek out an invitation, we must approach someone who is looking for assistance.”


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    His eyes drifted around until they finally landed on a particular shop. This shop was situated near the middle of the capital. It was grand in design, bearing intricate decorations and a red wood signboard which hung above its entrance. The signboard read, “Hidden Valley''s Goods.”


    Drakkel thought that it was truly hidden, at least in the eyes of those in the capital. As it sat in one of the most popular areas, yet only a handful of people went in and out. When one looked across from it, over a bridge in which a water channel ran under, one could see why.


    Another place, named “Hidden Treasures” laid there.


    Unlike Hidden Valley’s Goods, this place had many more people frequenting it.


    “Let’s check these two stores,” he said.


    Drakkel had a rough idea of the situation. Because it was advertised, he knew what these two stores sold, but he had to find out exactly how they were different, so he started with “Hidden Treasures.”


    At the door to Hidden Treasures were two beautiful women waiting to welcome them in. Drakkel could feel the two giving them a glance over as they walked past and stepped into the building.


    When they entered, they saw that within the lavish exterior, was an even better interior.


    The place was organized into three sections: one for makeup, one for accessories, and another for robes.


    The place had two floors: The first held cheaper items that were still quite fashionable while the second most likely carried the more expensive ones.


    As they gazed around, a man came up to them. With a bright smile, he said, “Welcome to Hidden Treasures, You seem like newcomers. Would you like some help locating anything?”


    Drakkel returned his smile.


    “Not at all. Just looking around.”


    The man nodded and turned to leave when Drakkel had a realization. “Wait.”


    “Have you changed your mind, Sir?” The man asked.


    Drakkel replied, “Actually, I would like to see the products on the second floor.”


    “Those items are made of the most precious materials we have.” The man said. “In order to look at them, I''m afraid you would need proof that you’re able to afford them.”


    Drakkel pulled out the permit that he showed at the gate.


    “A Gold Business Permit?”


    Drakkel smirked.


    Travel Permits were organized into three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Gold business permit was reserved for royalty, nobles and very rich merchants. The Silver was used by those merchants who were doing ok, but weren’t extremely wealthy. Finally, the Bronze was used by merchants who weren’t making a lot of money or had just started out. The merchant Wold, although wealthy, was only good enough for a Silver permit.


    The man bowed. “I will call someone to help you right away, Young Master. Please head upstairs.”


    Drakkel nodded and headed up the stairs with his group in tow.


    As they walked, Drion asked, “Is there a purpose to this, Young Master?”


    Drakkel smiled. “Wait and see.”


    When they reached the top of the steps, they saw an even more grand display than what laid on the level below.


    Instead of dark brown wooden shelves, the products were carefully kept within red wood shelves lined with a shiny coating which likely protected them from fire. With the small amount of light that leaked from the slitted windows, the robes glistened in the dimly lit room.


    As Drakkel gazed at them, Shia shot a demonic energy-enhanced message at him. “Something is wrong.”


    Soon after she said it, a man came up from the stairs behind them. He moved the screen that covered the windows, causing more light to shine through.


    Then he walked around their standing figures and turned to face them.


    He was a handsome man with long dark brown hair tied up in a bun and an innocent face. Many would probably find him so attractive, that they might just listen to anything he said.


    When he opened his mouth, a calming and kind voice came out. “I heard you fine people, need some help. I am the manager of this establishment, Kal. I would like to take this opportunity to personally show you our finest products.”


    Drakkel gave a half smile. “Show away.”


    The man beckoned them all to take a seat on chairs near one of the side walls as he personally showed them the cloth that he just got in stock. However, Drakkel wasn’t really paying attention, because he already got what he was after.


    Once the man finished, Drakkel stood up.


    “Are there any fabrics your esteemed self would like?” He asked, expectantly staring at Drakkel.


    Drakkel didn’t care which one he picked. He casually pointed to a bolt of brocade that sat on a lower rung of one of the shelves. It was navy blue in color and embroidered with a unique design.


    “I’ll take one bolt of that,” He said.


    Kal slightly tilted his head as he rubbed his hands together. “Only that one, Sir?”


    Drakkel’s smile grew even wider. “Of course that won’t be my only purchase. But you see, before buying a product, I must test it out.”


    He placed a hand on Kal’s shoulder. “Surely, you understand?”


    “Of course!” Kal said. “Then, Sir, if you like this, you can just send someone to order more. I’ll make sure to get it to you quickly.”


    Drakkel nodded. “Thank you. And, where did you say this product came from again?”


    “Oh yes!” Kai exclaimed. “You’ve seen a lot of products today so you may have forgotten. The fabric was procured from the best cotton and silk farms in Dragon’s Dwelling and the embroidery was done by foreigners who came here from other Empires for refuge. These foreigners are exceptionally talented in embroidery and actually have their own way of doing it, so these designs can’t be found anywhere else!”


    His voice dropped to a whisper, “And between you and me, we help the refugees get settled in their new environment by offering them well paying jobs and in return, we get their talent. I don''t tell this to many, so please keep this a secret.”


    “Of course.” Drakkel responded. “What you''re doing is honorable. I will consider it while looking for suppliers.”


    Kal excitedly nodded.


    Drakkel continued. “Then, wrap that one up for me and I’ll take my leave. Thank you for showing me your collection.”


    Kal bowed. “No problem, sir! And thank you for your patronage!”


    Drakkel signaled for his group to follow him as he made his way down the stairs.


    They were rung up by the cashier and paid five gold for the bolt of fabric. Then, with the bolt in Shia''s hands they left.


    As they walked over the bridge, heading to the place called Hidden Valley''s Goods, Drakkel asked. “Shia, you said something was wrong. What was it?”


    “Young Masters, it seems that something was wrong with the items we were shown. The needlework is not as perfect as it appears. Although the designs are beautiful, if one looks closely, the stitches are uneven and erratic. One with the skill necessary to create these designs shouldn''t have any trouble stitching evenly. Perhaps…”


    Drakkel finished for her, “Perhaps those who are making them, are not doing so voluntarily.”


    As Drakkel and his group arrived at the entrance to Hidden Valley''s Goods, a sly smile touched his lips.


    “Very interesting.”