Chapter 81: Facing the Serpent (1/2)
”Ah.....well, its a honor to meet you....uh, sir?” As this was the first time he'd come face to face with nobility since coming to this world, Mike wasn't sure what title to use.
”Traditionally, you would use my full title, Count Graveston, prior to the start of conversation. Once I've acknowledged you, Your Grace is considered an acceptable appellation.” The older man answered while leaning back in his chair.
”I see.....uh, Your Grace.” He replied lamely, feeling out of his depth.
”I'm not big on formalities, so please feel free to address me in a manner you see as suitable. Now, first and foremost, I must offer you my sincere thanks. Your heroics saved my city from certain destruction.” He paused as if seeking to read the young adventurer's reaction.
Mike waited, sensing there was more the Count wanted to say.
”Additionally, you have aided me in a much more personal matter. My prodigal son has returned to the family, in no small part due to your actions. Although, I'm sure it was not intentional, you nevertheless aided me a great deal. As such, you have earned my favor.”
”I'm not sure what you are talking about, Your Grace. I don't recall doing anything like that.”
”It seems my son is more recalcitrant than I anticipated. Nevertheless, you have aided me, and I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't offer you a sufficient reward.”
The Count stood suddenly, and walked to a door that Mike had not even noticed before. Without any indications of what he wanted Mike to do, the noble exited the room.
Feeling slightly confused and out of his depth, Mike followed after, soon realizing that the door led into a long featureless hallway. Having never seen this portion of the Guild, he was already a little lost.
Maintaining a sedate pace, the Count resumed the conversation as if he hadn't just randomly walked out on the adventurer. ”What is it you desire? I could grant you a noble title, and lands befitting that title. Or perhaps a bureaucratic position? This country has a great number of those. If monetary rewards are more to your liking, there are few fiefdoms with greater resources than my own. I could grant you enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of your life.”
Mike consider his options. The proffered rewards were pretty attractive. He had some desire to try building his own power base. However, he suspected that the offers were a little too good to be true. He couldn't shake the feeling that the Count was testing him in some regard. It was starting to annoy him a little, since he'd never been particularly keen on these kinds of political games.
The Count passed through an unusual archway. As he did so, it briefly glowed with a soft blue light.
Interested, Mike used Appraise as he passed through himself.
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{Portal of Inviolability}
Magic Item (Tier 3, Rank 4)
Created as a means of defending sites of great importance, these archways serve as the first line of defense in many of the most heavy guarded locations in Ea. The provide two key functions. First, the portal will be sealed to all save those who have authorization from the owner of the item. Second, for those who are allowed entry, the portal performs a rudimentary Appraisal. Thus, determining the individual's relative power and the presence or absence of hostile intentions towards the owner of the item. Certain items and skills are able to deceive Portals of Inviolability.
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As Mike passed through the arch, it glowed a bright white, almost to the point of being painful.
[Is that a good thing or a bad thing?] He wondered
The Count didn't seem to react, and merely continued to lead him through several winding passages. They traveled in silence for a few minutes, until the Count suddenly stopped in front of a simple wooden door.
Without taking any other action, he asked, ”Tell me, what do you want more than anything else right now?”
Mike hesitated, he had not been expecting this. He took a moment to gather his thoughts. Honestly, he was starting to get sick of this roundabout questioning. He decided to cut to the heart of the issue.
Looking the Count in the eyes, and dropping all pretense of formality, he replied, ”I just want power. Power to walk my path in life without fearing my enemies. Power to defend myself and those close to me, no matter what may come. Power enough to not be at the beck and call of any passing noble who wishes to drag me around for long periods of time without any real explanation.”
Count Graveston studied the youth in front of him for a moment, as if conflicted by some inner turmoil. However, almost as soon as it appeared, the uncertainty faded back into the noble's cold mask.
”There are many forms of power. Some can be relied upon, and others are more...fickle. I believe that you are more interested in the former. Is that correct?”
Mike blinked, surprised that the Count was humoring his outburst. He nodded his agreement.
Pushing open the door in front of him, the Count led him into the room beyond it.
Mike found himself in an office that reminded him a great deal of the boardrooms found in major corporations in his old world.
The floor, walls, and ceiling were all laid with a dark grey stone that had been leveled and polished with nearly machine-like efficiency. Utilitarian chairs surrounded a rectangular table seemingly carved from a massive black crystal. In the far end of the room, a massive desk made of the same material sat in front of a long stretch of window. Judging from the view, they were now near the center of the city, several blocks away from the Guild.