Adrian returned to the Royal Academy with the King’s letter in his hand.
Professor Aldric was waiting in his office.
“Have you read it?”
“Yes. Do you know what the investigation uncovered?”
Aldric closed the book he was reading.
“Not everything. But I’ve heard rumours.”
“What kind?”
“Baron Reinhardt has been receiving financial assistance from several powerful merchants. Some of the money may have originated from government funds.”
Adrian frowned.
“Government funds?”
“Funds allocated for agricultural development and military supply improvements.”
“Why would a Baron need government money?”
“That is precisely what the investigators are trying to establish.”
Adrian placed the letter on the desk.
“Who authorised the payments?”
Aldric hesitated.
“Minister Severin Malrec.”
Adrian slowly sat down.
Now things were becoming clearer.
Malrec had been particularly interested in obtaining his inventions. If the Baron and the minister were connected financially, the confiscation of his factories might have been part of a larger arrangement.
“Why would a minister support Reinhardt?”
“Political influence. Wealth. Control over industrial development. Take your pick.”
Adrian shook his head.
“So the Baron wasn’t acting alone.”
“Probably not.”
A knock interrupted their conversation.
A royal messenger entered.
“Mr Vale, you are requested at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
Adrian looked at Aldric.
“That sounds convenient.”
The professor frowned.
“I wouldn’t go alone.”
“I wasn’t planning to.”
Within an hour, Adrian arrived at the ministry accompanied by two Academy representatives.
Minister Malrec received him with a polite smile.
“Mr Vale. I trust your stay in the capital has been comfortable.”
“Very.”
“I understand you have received some troubling information.”
“Apparently, someone has been using government funds to finance private industrial operations.”
Malrec’s smile weakened.
“Those are serious allegations.”
“Indeed.”
“Fortunately, the Crown has competent officials investigating the matter.”
Adrian looked around the office.
“Then I hope they are allowed to investigate everyone.”
Malrec stared at him.
For a brief moment, neither spoke.
Finally, the minister smiled again.
“Of course.”
Adrian left the ministry with a growing suspicion.
Someone had already begun trying to control the investigation.
And he had a feeling that person was sitting behind the largest desk in the building.
CHAPTER 73: A SECRET INVESTIGATION
The King had ordered a separate investigation into the financial relationship between Minister Malrec and Baron Reinhardt.
Unlike the public investigation, this one was conducted quietly.
Three investigators were assigned to examine government payments, commercial contracts and transportation records.
Their first discovery was a series of payments made to companies connected to Lucien Blackthorn.
The money was officially intended for supplying agricultural equipment to the western territories.
However, several deliveries had never taken place.
Some invoices were duplicated.
Others listed equipment that did not exist.
The investigators traced part of the money to warehouses controlled by Lucien.
Another portion had been transferred to companies connected to the Baron.
When the report reached the King, he summoned his adviser.
“How much money?”
“At least twelve thousand gold crowns, Your Majesty.”
The King slowly put down his cup.
“That is considerably more than I expected.”
“There may be additional payments.”
“Where is Malrec?”
“At the ministry.”
“Do not alert him. Continue the investigation.”
Meanwhile, Adrian was reviewing a separate report with Professor Aldric.
The professor had obtained copies of several transportation contracts.
“Look at these dates.”
Adrian examined the documents.
“These shipments were recorded before the factories were confiscated.”
“Correct.”
“And they were paid for using government funds.”
“Yes.”
Adrian pointed at a particular entry.
“Then why were the goods never delivered?”
Aldric shook his head.
“That is what the investigators want to know.”
Adrian leaned back.
The Baron had been acquiring metal, timber and equipment long before approaching him.
Perhaps the plan was to create a manufacturing organisation using government money, then acquire Adrian’s technology to make it profitable.
If that was true, the confiscation was not simply greed.
It was part of a much larger scheme.
A knock came at the door.
A young Academy assistant entered.
“Professor, someone has arrived to see Mr Vale.”
“Who?”
“He says he represents the Royal Intelligence Office.”
Adrian exchanged a glance with Aldric.
The situation had just become considerably more interesting.
CHAPTER 74: THE ROYAL INTELLIGENCE SERVICE
The visitor introduced himself as Commander Elias Ward.
He wore an ordinary dark coat, without the elaborate clothing usually associated with royal officials.
His expression was serious.
“Mr Vale, I would like to speak with you privately.”
Adrian glanced at Aldric.
The professor nodded and left.
Ward sat opposite Adrian.
“I understand you’ve had difficulties with Baron Reinhardt.”
“That’s one way to describe it.”
“I also understand that Lucien Blackthorn attempted to obtain your manufacturing methods.”
“More than once.”
Ward opened a small notebook.
“Did he ever approach you directly?”
“Yes. He offered to purchase my entire production.”
“And you refused?”
“Naturally.”
Ward made a note.
“Did anyone attempt to bribe your employees?”
Adrian’s expression changed.
“Yes. One of my assistants was approached.”
“Who?”
“Thomas. A clerk connected to Lucien offered him money in exchange for information.”
“Did Thomas cooperate?”
“Partially. He admitted accepting the offer but claims he disclosed no manufacturing secrets.”
Ward looked up.
“Do you believe him?”
“I believe he was frightened. Whether that makes him trustworthy is another question.”
The commander closed his notebook.
“Your information is useful.”
“Why are you investigating this?”
Ward hesitated.
“Because the Royal Intelligence Service has been monitoring unusual financial activity in the western territories. Your case has revealed connections we were already examining.”
Adrian leaned forward.
“Can you recover my factories?”
“That isn’t my responsibility.”
“Can you prevent the Baron from taking the rest of my property?”
“That depends on the evidence.”
Adrian sighed.
“Everyone in this palace seems to depend on evidence.”
Ward almost smiled.
“Evidence is useful. It prevents powerful people from making mistakes they cannot explain.”
He stood.
“I would advise you to remain cautious. Some individuals involved in this matter know that an investigation is underway.”
“Are you saying I’m in danger?”
“I’m saying that people who believe they are about to lose everything sometimes become desperate.”
Ward approached the door.
“One more thing, Mr Vale.”
Adrian looked up.
“Your inventions are attracting attention beyond the western territories. There are people outside Eldoria who would pay a considerable amount to obtain them.”
“Foreign merchants?”
“Possibly.”
The commander opened the door.
“Do not assume every enemy is wearing the uniform of your own kingdom.”
Then he left.
Adrian remained seated.
He had been thinking about the Baron, Lucien and the ministers.
But now he had to consider foreign interests too.
CHAPTER 75: AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR
That evening, Adrian received a visitor.
He was eating dinner at the Academy residence when a servant announced that someone had requested a meeting.
“Who?”
“She says her name is Lady Catherine.”
Adrian frowned.
He didn’t recognise the name.
“Send her in.”
A woman in her late twenties entered.
She wore a dark travelling cloak and carried a leather document case.
“Mr Vale?”
“Yes.”
“Lady Catherine Merrow.”
Adrian gestured toward a chair.
“Please.”
She sat down.
“I represent a group of independent merchants operating throughout the eastern territories.”
“That sounds interesting.”
“We have heard about your manufacturing businesses.”
Adrian smiled faintly.
“News travels quickly.”
“Especially when a young merchant manages to attract the attention of the King, several nobles and the Royal Intelligence Service.”
“That makes it sound as though I’ve been very busy.”
Catherine opened her document case.
“We would like to discuss a possible commercial partnership.”
Adrian examined the papers.
The group controlled several transportation routes and warehouses outside the western territories.
They were interested in distributing his products and potentially investing in future factories.
“Why approach me now?”
“Because your current difficulties have demonstrated something important.”
“What?” Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
“Your products are valuable enough for powerful people to fight over. But your business structure is vulnerable because so much of your production is concentrated in one location.”
Adrian studied her.
She was correct.
His entire manufacturing operation had been centred around Westbrook.
A single noble had managed to disrupt nearly everything.
Catherine continued.
“Our proposal would allow you to establish production facilities in other territories. That way, no single Baron could control your entire enterprise.”
Adrian looked at the documents.
“Who owns the facilities?”
“That would be negotiated.”
“And my manufacturing methods?”
“Remain yours.”
He looked up.
“Why would your merchants agree to that?”
“Because we want profitable businesses, not a permanent argument over ownership.”
Adrian smiled.
“That’s a refreshing position.”
Catherine closed the document case.
“Consider the proposal. We are not asking for an immediate answer.”
After she left, Adrian returned to the documents.
For the first time, he was considering something beyond recovering his original factory.
Perhaps he didn’t need to rebuild everything in Westbrook.
Perhaps he needed to build somewhere the Baron couldn’t reach.
CHAPTER 76: THE FIRST WARNING
Adrian woke before sunrise.
Someone had slipped a folded piece of paper beneath his door.
He picked it up.
There was no signature.
Only a short message.
Stop investigating the western territory. Return to your businesses and forget what you have discovered.
Adrian read it twice.
Then he placed it on his desk.
A few minutes later, Professor Aldric entered.
“You received something?”
Adrian showed him the message.
The professor’s expression hardened.
“This is serious.”
“Do you recognise the handwriting?”
“No.”
Adrian examined the paper.
“Whoever sent this knows where I’m staying.”
“Should we inform Commander Ward?”
“Yes.”
Aldric immediately sent an Academy messenger to the Royal Intelligence Office.
Later that morning, Commander Ward arrived.
He examined the message carefully.
“Have you told anyone about the financial investigation?”
“Only the people who already know.”
Ward looked toward the door.
“Then someone has been monitoring your movements.”
“Can you identify the sender?”
“Not immediately.”
The commander placed the paper inside a small evidence envelope.
“I will increase surveillance around your residence.”
Adrian frowned.
“I don’t need a bodyguard. I need my factories back.”
Ward looked at him.
“Your factories are not the only thing at risk.”
Adrian said nothing.
The commander continued.
“One of the investigators assigned to the western financial case disappeared last night.”
Aldric looked shocked.
“What?”
“He was last seen leaving the ministry. His belongings were found near the eastern road.”
Adrian slowly stood.
“Was he killed?”
“We don’t know.”
Ward paused.
“But I believe someone wants this investigation stopped.”
Adrian looked toward the window.
He had entered the capital hoping to secure royal protection.
Instead, he had discovered corruption reaching into the highest levels of government.
And now people were disappearing.
The system notification appeared.
[WARNING: THREAT LEVEL INCREASED.]
[Political opposition: Escalating.]
[Industrial independence: 5%.]
[New objective unlocked: Establish a secure operational base outside hostile territory.]
Adrian closed the notification.
He turned toward Commander Ward.
“I want to know who is behind this.”
Ward studied him.
“That may take time.”
“Then we should start immediately.”
The commander nodded.
“Very well. But from this moment, you must assume that someone is watching every move you make.”
Adrian looked at the message again.
He had wanted to build factories.
He had wanted to improve transportation, agriculture and manufacturing.
But before he could change the kingdom, he would have to survive the people who benefited from keeping it unchanged.
And somewhere in the capital, an unknown enemy had just decided that Adrian Vale had become too dangerous to leave alone.
CHAPTER 72: THE MINISTER’S SCHEME
Adrian returned to the Royal Academy with the King’s letter in his hand.
Professor Aldric was waiting in his office.
“Have you read it?”
“Yes. Do you know what the investigation uncovered?”
Aldric closed the book he was reading.
“Not everything. But I’ve heard rumours.”
“What kind?”
“Baron Reinhardt has been receiving financial assistance from several powerful merchants. Some of the money may have originated from government funds.”
Adrian frowned.
“Government funds?”
“Funds allocated for agricultural development and military supply improvements.”
“Why would a Baron need government money?”
“That is precisely what the investigators are trying to establish.”
Adrian placed the letter on the desk.
“Who authorised the payments?”
Aldric hesitated.
“Minister Severin Malrec.”
Adrian slowly sat down.
Now things were becoming clearer.
Malrec had been particularly interested in obtaining his inventions. If the Baron and the minister were connected financially, the confiscation of his factories might have been part of a larger arrangement.
“Why would a minister support Reinhardt?”
“Political influence. Wealth. Control over industrial development. Take your pick.”
Adrian shook his head.
“So the Baron wasn’t acting alone.”
“Probably not.”
A knock interrupted their conversation.
A royal messenger entered.
“Mr Vale, you are requested at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
Adrian looked at Aldric.
“That sounds convenient.”
The professor frowned.
“I wouldn’t go alone.”
“I wasn’t planning to.”
Within an hour, Adrian arrived at the ministry accompanied by two Academy representatives.
Minister Malrec received him with a polite smile.
“Mr Vale. I trust your stay in the capital has been comfortable.”
“Very.”
“I understand you have received some troubling information.”
“Apparently, someone has been using government funds to finance private industrial operations.”
Malrec’s smile weakened.
“Those are serious allegations.”
“Indeed.”
“Fortunately, the Crown has competent officials investigating the matter.”
Adrian looked around the office.
“Then I hope they are allowed to investigate everyone.”
Malrec stared at him.
For a brief moment, neither spoke.
Finally, the minister smiled again.
“Of course.”
Adrian left the ministry with a growing suspicion.
Someone had already begun trying to control the investigation.
And he had a feeling that person was sitting behind the largest desk in the building.
CHAPTER 73: A SECRET INVESTIGATION
The King had ordered a separate investigation into the financial relationship between Minister Malrec and Baron Reinhardt.
Unlike the public investigation, this one was conducted quietly.
However, several deliveries had never taken place.
Some invoices were duplicated.
Others listed equipment that did not exist.
The investigators traced part of the money to warehouses controlled by Lucien.
Another portion had been transferred to companies connected to the Baron.
When the report reached the King, he summoned his adviser.
“How much money?”
“At least twelve thousand gold crowns, Your Majesty.”
The King slowly put down his cup.
“That is considerably more than I expected.”
“There may be additional payments.”
“Where is Malrec?”
“At the ministry.”
“Do not alert him. Continue the investigation.”
Meanwhile, Adrian was reviewing a separate report with Professor Aldric.
The professor had obtained copies of several transportation contracts.
“Look at these dates.”
Adrian examined the documents.
“These shipments were recorded before the factories were confiscated.”
“Correct.”
“And they were paid for using government funds.”
“Yes.”
Adrian pointed at a particular entry.
“Then why were the goods never delivered?”
Aldric shook his head.
“That is what the investigators want to know.”
Adrian leaned back.
The Baron had been acquiring metal, timber and equipment long before approaching him.
Perhaps the plan was to create a manufacturing organisation using government money, then acquire Adrian’s technology to make it profitable.
If that was true, the confiscation was not simply greed.
It was part of a much larger scheme.
A knock came at the door.
A young Academy assistant entered.
“Professor, someone has arrived to see Mr Vale.”
“Who?”
“He says he represents the Royal Intelligence Office.”
The situation had just become considerably more interesting.
CHAPTER 74: THE ROYAL INTELLIGENCE SERVICE
The visitor introduced himself as Commander Elias Ward.
He wore an ordinary dark coat, without the elaborate clothing usually associated with royal officials.
His expression was serious.
“Mr Vale, I would like to speak with you privately.”
Adrian glanced at Aldric.
The professor nodded and left.
Ward sat opposite Adrian.
“I understand you’ve had difficulties with Baron Reinhardt.”
“That’s one way to describe it.”
“I also understand that Lucien Blackthorn attempted to obtain your manufacturing methods.”
“More than once.”
Ward opened a small notebook.
“Did he ever approach you directly?”
“Yes. He offered to purchase my entire production.”
“And you refused?”
“Naturally.”
Ward made a note.
“Did anyone attempt to bribe your employees?”
Adrian’s expression changed.
“Yes. One of my assistants was approached.”
“Who?”
“Thomas. A clerk connected to Lucien offered him money in exchange for information.”
“Did Thomas cooperate?”
“Partially. He admitted accepting the offer but claims he disclosed no manufacturing secrets.”
Ward looked up.
“Do you believe him?”
“I believe he was frightened. Whether that makes him trustworthy is another question.”
The commander closed his notebook.
“Your information is useful.”
“Why are you investigating this?”
Ward hesitated.
“Because the Royal Intelligence Service has been monitoring unusual financial activity in the western territories. Your case has revealed connections we were already examining.”
Adrian leaned forward.
“Can you recover my factories?”
“That isn’t my responsibility.”
“Can you prevent the Baron from taking the rest of my property?”
“That depends on the evidence.”
Adrian sighed.
“Everyone in this palace seems to depend on evidence.”
Ward almost smiled.
“Evidence is useful. It prevents powerful people from making mistakes they cannot explain.”
He stood.
“I would advise you to remain cautious. Some individuals involved in this matter know that an investigation is underway.”
“Are you saying I’m in danger?”
“I’m saying that people who believe they are about to lose everything sometimes become desperate.”
Ward approached the door.
“One more thing, Mr Vale.”
Adrian looked up.
“Your inventions are attracting attention beyond the western territories. There are people outside Eldoria who would pay a considerable amount to obtain them.”
“Foreign merchants?”
“Possibly.”
The commander opened the door.
“Do not assume every enemy is wearing the uniform of your own kingdom.”
Then he left.
Adrian remained seated.
He had been thinking about the Baron, Lucien and the ministers.
But now he had to consider foreign interests too.
CHAPTER 75: AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR
That evening, Adrian received a visitor.
He was eating dinner at the Academy residence when a servant announced that someone had requested a meeting.
“Who?”
“She says her name is Lady Catherine.”
Adrian frowned.
He didn’t recognise the name.
“Send her in.”
A woman in her late twenties entered.
She wore a dark travelling cloak and carried a leather document case.
“Mr Vale?”
“Yes.”
“Lady Catherine Merrow.”
Adrian gestured toward a chair.
“Please.”
She sat down.
“I represent a group of independent merchants operating throughout the eastern territories.”
“That sounds interesting.”
“We have heard about your manufacturing businesses.”
Adrian smiled faintly.
“News travels quickly.”
“Especially when a young merchant manages to attract the attention of the King, several nobles and the Royal Intelligence Service.”
“That makes it sound as though I’ve been very busy.”
Catherine opened her document case.
“We would like to discuss a possible commercial partnership.”
Adrian examined the papers.
The group controlled several transportation routes and warehouses outside the western territories.
They were interested in distributing his products and potentially investing in future factories.
“Why approach me now?”
“Because your current difficulties have demonstrated something important.”
“What?”
“Your products are valuable enough for powerful people to fight over. But your business structure is vulnerable because so much of your production is concentrated in one location.”
Adrian studied her.
She was correct.
His entire manufacturing operation had been centred around Westbrook.
A single noble had managed to disrupt nearly everything.
Catherine continued.
“Our proposal would allow you to establish production facilities in other territories. That way, no single Baron could control your entire enterprise.”
Adrian looked at the documents.
“Who owns the facilities?”
“That would be negotiated.”
“And my manufacturing methods?”
“Remain yours.”
He looked up.
“Why would your merchants agree to that?”
“Because we want profitable businesses, not a permanent argument over ownership.”
Adrian smiled.
“That’s a refreshing position.”
Catherine closed the document case.
“Consider the proposal. We are not asking for an immediate answer.”
After she left, Adrian returned to the documents.
For the first time, he was considering something beyond recovering his original factory.
Perhaps he didn’t need to rebuild everything in Westbrook.
Perhaps he needed to build somewhere the Baron couldn’t reach.
CHAPTER 76: THE FIRST WARNING
Adrian woke before sunrise.
Someone had slipped a folded piece of paper beneath his door.
He picked it up.
There was no signature.
Only a short message.
Stop investigating the western territory. Return to your businesses and forget what you have discovered.
Adrian read it twice.
Then he placed it on his desk.
A few minutes later, Professor Aldric entered.
“You received something?”
Adrian showed him the message.
The professor’s expression hardened.
“This is serious.”
“Do you recognise the handwriting?”
“No.”
Adrian examined the paper.
“Whoever sent this knows where I’m staying.”
“Should we inform Commander Ward?”
“Yes.”
Aldric immediately sent an Academy messenger to the Royal Intelligence Office.
Later that morning, Commander Ward arrived.
He examined the message carefully.
“Have you told anyone about the financial investigation?”
“Only the people who already know.”
Ward looked toward the door.
“Then someone has been monitoring your movements.”
“Can you identify the sender?”
“Not immediately.”
The commander placed the paper inside a small evidence envelope.
“I will increase surveillance around your residence.”
Adrian frowned.
“I don’t need a bodyguard. I need my factories back.”
Ward looked at him.
“Your factories are not the only thing at risk.”
Adrian said nothing.
The commander continued.
“One of the investigators assigned to the western financial case disappeared last night.”
Aldric looked shocked.
“What?”
“He was last seen leaving the ministry. His belongings were found near the eastern road.”
Adrian slowly stood.
“Was he killed?”
“We don’t know.”
Ward paused.
“But I believe someone wants this investigation stopped.”
Adrian looked toward the window.
He had entered the capital hoping to secure royal protection.
Instead, he had discovered corruption reaching into the highest levels of government.
And now people were disappearing.
The system notification appeared.
[WARNING: THREAT LEVEL INCREASED.]
[Political opposition: Escalating.]
[Industrial independence: 5%.]
[New objective unlocked: Establish a secure operational base outside hostile territory.]
Adrian closed the notification.
He turned toward Commander Ward.
“I want to know who is behind this.”
Ward studied him.
“That may take time.”
“Then we should start immediately.”
The commander nodded.
“Very well. But from this moment, you must assume that someone is watching every move you make.”
Adrian looked at the message again.
He had wanted to build factories.
He had wanted to improve transportation, agriculture and manufacturing.
But before he could change the kingdom, he would have to survive the people who benefited from keeping it unchanged.
And somewhere in the capital, an unknown enemy had just decided that Adrian Vale had become too dangerous to leave alone.