CHAPTER 244: CHAPTER 244: TERMS

Noel and Balthor entered.

Inside, Torwan was already seated. Unlike them, he wore no mask this time. His dark eyes studied them from across the room with a calm, practiced smile.

"You’ve arrived. Welcome back," he said smoothly.

"Thanks for the reception," Noel replied, his tone lightly sarcastic. "Much better than last time."

Torwan chuckled. "You see, esteemed guests from House Estermont deserve to be treated accordingly."

’He’s really leaning into this role,’ Noel thought as he took a seat.

"Seems like we’ll be able to reach a solid agreement, then," he said aloud, returning the pleasantry.

Torwan stood and offered his hand. Noel took it first, followed by Balthor. No flicker of recognition crossed Torwan’s face at the latter’s touch—perhaps the mask and time were doing their job.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Torwan gestured toward the plush sofa. "Would you care for something to drink?"

"I’m good, thanks," Noel said.

"A mug of beer," Balthor added.

"Excellent. I’ll take one myself as well. Today might become a significant day."

Moments later an elven waitress would have arrived with both drinks.

The tension in the room was subtle but present. Noel crossed one leg over the other, elbow resting against the armrest as he prepared himself mentally for what was coming.

Torwan leaned back in his seat, eyes gleaming.

"Now then," he began, "shall we talk business?"

Torwan took a slow sip of his beer before setting the mug down with a faint clink.

"So, how did the betting go? Did my predictions serve you well?"

Noel leaned back slightly, his voice calm.

"They did. Everything unfolded just as you said. We earned a solid profit."

"I’m pleased to hear that. I hope my display of trust can be returned with a proper arrangement," Torwan said, smiling with a hint of calculation.

"That’s also our intention," Noel replied. "It’s in House Estermont’s best interest to explore meaningful partnerships."

"Then it seems both sides wish to reach a mutual agreement."

Torwan clasped his hands on the table. "As you said before, the Estermonts are seeking to expand their capital, yes?"

"Correct."

"Well, with the tournament ongoing, you’ll be able to continue profiting. I’ll keep supplying you with results, like before. But this time, I’d like something more concrete between us."

Noel tilted his head slightly.

"What exactly would this agreement entail? We’d like both parties to walk away satisfied."

Torwan gave a nod. "I respect that. From our end, we don’t ask for much. We’re aware that House Estermont possesses one of the strongest commercial networks in the entire continent of Valor. You are the largest merchant family, after all."

"That’s true."

"I’d like to offer you a product. It’s relatively new. We’ve just refined it to a viable level."

Noel kept his face unreadable. "And what kind of product would this be?"

Torwan’s smile didn’t waver. "Ah. I trust you’ll keep this confidential?"

"You have my word," Noel said, already suspecting the answer.

’This must be the enhancer... the same substance used during the Hunt Festival and the Academy incidents. So this is how the Circle raises its funding. If we dismantle it from the root—Torwan himself—we can cripple their operations entirely.’

Torwan leaned forward slightly. "It’s an enhancer. Undetectable by standard measures, but it significantly boosts physical and magical performance for a short period."

"That’s how your students secure victory in the tournament?"

"You’re quick," Torwan chuckled. "Yes. The boost is temporary, but it provides a considerable edge."

Noel nodded slowly. "So, you want House Estermont to distribute this product under its name."

"Exactly. You catch on quickly."

"But why not handle distribution yourself? You could earn more by keeping the whole operation internal."

"I could. But I value discretion more than greed—and I’d like to build a long-term relationship with the Estermonts. A family like yours opens doors... and closes mouths."

"I see."

There was a pause.

"You mentioned earlier," Noel continued, "that you’d keep helping us win bets by giving the outcomes. That’s appreciated—but let’s be honest. If we invest significant capital and the results shift unpredictably, the trust we’re building here could fall apart."

Torwan chuckled again, but this time the air behind it was colder.

"Rest assured... The 40, well 39 now, students representing Tharvaldur Institute of Arcane Might in the tournament—let’s say they are in a very special situation. None of them can go against my orders."

Noel’s gaze sharpened slightly behind the mask. "I see. So they’re... bound to your will somehow?"

Torwan offered a faint, knowing smile. "You could say that. Let’s call it a mutual agreement between student and institution."

He took a slow sip of his beer, his tone light—too light.

Balthor grunted quietly beside Noel, his arms crossed. "That’s a dangerous game you’re playing."

Torwan glanced at him briefly. "Dangerous, perhaps. But effective. None of them can disobey—nor would they want to. Their futures are being... secured."

Noel shifted his fingers along the armrest.

"You’ve created a system where no student under your flag can lose—unless you choose it."

"Exactly," Torwan replied without shame. "Which is why the betting market here is the most profitable on the continent."

’He’s not hiding it at all... He thinks he’s untouchable.’

Torwan leaned forward, voice lowering slightly. "So, now that we’ve established mutual understanding... here’s my offer. I will keep giving you accurate results before the matches. In exchange, you will arrange discreet Estermont channels for the enhancer’s distribution—high society, noble auctions, private networks."

Noel leaned back slightly and asked, "I assume the Estermonts would also receive a share of the profits for distributing this enhancer in the continent of Valor, correct?"

Torwan smiled calmly and raised his mug. "But of course. Fifty percent—split evenly between us."

Noel gave a neutral nod. "Perfect. In that case, we’ll continue moving forward with the proposal."

Torwan suddenly stood up, placing his mug down with a soft clack.

"Follow me. It’s time I show you the product myself."

Noel exchanged a glance with Balthor. The dwarf gave a faint nod and rose from the couch.

Noel stood as well, keeping his posture calm but internally alert. ’Let’s see what exactly this enhancer looks like...’

Torwan gestured politely toward a door at the back of the room. "This way, gentlemen."