The Great Mercator System

Chapter 8: Arriving in the capital

Poison.

Simeon stared at the bottle of Sky Dragon rum, its golden liquid glistening under the candlelight. It was subtle—too subtle for an amateur's hand. Whoever did this knew how to play the game.

A slow-acting toxin, designed not to kill instantly but to weaken over time, making it appear as though he had fallen ill from exhaustion or stress. If not for Helena Voss, his alchemist, detecting an unnatural bitterness in the batch, he might have unknowingly consumed it.

Simeon placed the glass back on the table, his emerald eyes narrowing.

"Someone had the audacity to poison me through my own creation?" His voice was calm, but the air in the room grew tense.

Sebastian, standing to the side, bowed his head slightly. “The poison—Duskwither Essence—isn’t something common. It’s alchemically refined, rare, and… expensive.”

“Which means a noble is behind this,” Simeon murmured.

Sebastian nodded. “My sources indicate that only a handful of alchemists in Eldoria can produce it. One of them is in Rexedoria.”

Simeon leaned back, thoughtful.

So, this wasn’t just an assassination attempt. It was a warning. A message.

Simeon wasted no time. Helena Voss dissected the poison, identifying its distinct alchemical signature. Ser Dave’s men infiltrated the black market, tracking who had recently purchased Duskwither Essence. Emma spread whispers among the underground, listening for rumors of nobility seeking poisoners. Within a fortnight, the pieces came together. Someone in the capital wanted him out of the way.

“This summons to Rexedoria isn’t just recognition of our rise,” he murmured to Sebastian. “It’s a battlefield. And I intend to win.”

If House De Long was heading to Rexedoria, they wouldn’t arrive as country nobles—they would arrive as rivals to the great houses.

New carriages were commissioned, black and gold, bearing the Sky Dragon sigil. House De Long’s guards were equipped with fine steel, polished to gleam under the sun. The family’s attire was woven with imported fabrics, subtle yet elegant—a display of newfound wealth. Lady Isabella oversaw Selene’s refinement, teaching her grace, charm, and the art of disarming conversation. Bryan De Long drilled his sons on courtly games, manipulation, and reading hidden intentions. Simeon worked with his father on business tactics and legal loopholes, ensuring they wouldn’t be easily cornered.

 Valford was no longer just a city; it was becoming a force. Simeon personally used the Great Mercator System to recruit new talents, seeking warriors and strategists. Three individuals emerged:

Gareth Wolfe – A former knight exiled for killing a noble in a duel, now a brutal battlefield commander.

Lucien "The Phantom" Vale – A rogue assassin, once employed by the royal spies, now untethered.

Renee Alderidge – A genius strategist, known for siege tactics and military formations.

These three would form the foundation of Valford’s growing military force. Simeon swirled the poisoned rum in the glass but did not drink. Instead, he poured it out, watching the liquid stain the floor.

They tried to kill him through Sky Dragon.

They tried to poison his rise before it even began.

They would regret it.

As the carriages set off toward the capital, Simeon’s mind was already moving five steps ahead.

They expected a provincial noble to arrive.

What they didn’t know was that a king of the underground was already among them.

The De Long family had never traveled in such grandeur before. What was once a humble noble house on the verge of collapse had now become a rising power. Every member of the family was making the journey to the royal capital, Rexedoria, for the first time—a statement that House De Long had arrived.

The De Long Procession

The convoy consisted of five grand carriages: The First Carriage – Carrying Earl Bryan De Long and Lady Fiona De Long, the head of the household and his wife. They rode at the forefront as a symbol of their station, their carriage adorned with the black and gold crest of House De Long—the Sky Dragon in flight. The Second Carriage – Carrying the three De Long brothers—George (the eldest), Bryan II, and Louis. Each of them had their own ambitions for the family’s future, but for now, they presented a united front. The Third Carriage – Reserved for Simeon and Selene, the youngest of the De Long children, who had spent the last six years quietly rising in influence. The Fourth Carriage – Held Sebastian, Emma, and key servants, ensuring the noble family’s every need was met. The Fifth Carriage – The most important one. It carried twenty bottles of Sky Dragon rum, an unmatched delicacy, to be gifted to the royal family.

Surrounding the convoy, Ser Dave and a contingent of guards rode in perfect formation, their new black and gold uniforms gleaming in the sun. These were not the same poorly equipped soldiers that once guarded Valford—these were the newly trained and well-paid warriors of House De Long.

Six years ago, House De Long had been nothing more than an afterthought, a name on the brink of obscurity.

Now, they were one of the wealthiest noble houses in the kingdom, thanks to a simple yet revolutionary product—rum. Earl Bryan had used the family’s newfound wealth to develop Valford into a thriving city, attracting trade and commerce. Lady Fiona, no longer restrained by financial hardships, had expanded the family estate, turning the once modest De Long mansion into a sprawling estate. George, the eldest brother, remained the heir, but Bryan II had been steadily gaining influence within the family, guided by Simeon’s secret machinations. Selene, now twelve, had grown into a graceful and sharp-witted young noblewoman, unknowingly wielding the power of persuasion far more effectively than anyone realized. Simeon sat in his carriage, eyes closed, listening to the steady clatter of hooves and wheels. This journey was not just a trip to Rexedoria. It was the culmination of years of planning.

Though the De Long family traveled in full view of the kingdom, House De Long’s true power moved in the shadows. The Five Fingers of the Joker had already been set into motion. The Enforcers expanded their protection rackets, ensuring that Valford’s merchants remained under Joker’s control. The Shadow Brokers planted spies and informants, ensuring no rival house could move without House De Long knowing. The Smugglers, led by Reginald Thorne, secured illegal trade routes, ensuring that Sky Dragon would enter the underground markets of every major city. The Flesh Merchants redirected their influence, controlling the vices of the noble elite, binding them to House De Long through pleasure and excess. The Tricksters refined their counterfeiting operations, giving House De Long an unfair advantage in trade and finance. While the De Long family presented itself as a noble house, it had become something far more dangerous. And the kingdom had no idea.

The capital was near. The rival noble houses from other cities would be waiting, like sharks circling the water, jealous and wary of House De Long’s meteoric rise. The royal family would be watching.

And in the shadows, the Joker’s influence would soon reach the very heart of the kingdom.

The journey to the royal capital, Rexedoria, was a grand affair. House De Long had never commanded such attention before, but after their meteoric rise in wealth and influence, the entire kingdom took notice. With their expanded fleet of carriages, adorned in the family’s black and gold colors, the De Longs departed from Valford in a grand procession.

At the heart of the convoy rode Earl Bryan De Long, his wife Lady Fiona, and their children—George, Bryan II, Victor, Simeon, and Selene. Accompanying them were Sebastian, the ever-reliable head butler, Emma, the trusted maid, and Ser Dave, the formidable head of the guard. The escort was larger than before, bolstered by new recruits handpicked through Simeon’s expanding intelligence network.

But in the shadows, a different kind of expansion was taking place. Members of The Five Fingers of the Joker had been dispatched in secret, spreading House De Long’s influence across new cities as the family ventured toward the heart of the kingdom.

The first noble house to welcome them was House Valenford, rulers of Blackwood Territory, known for its sprawling forests and high-quality timber industry. The Valenfords were hunters and traders, providing the finest wood used in shipbuilding and architecture. Lord Cedric Valenford, an aging but shrewd noble, hosted the De Longs in his grand hunting lodge, where his family demonstrated their traditional archery and falconry skills. Gifts were exchanged—House Valenford offered exquisite blackwood furniture, and in return, they received a bottle of Sky Dragon rum. Simeon noted how the Valenfords watched his father carefully, measuring his demeanor and strength. They respected practical, battle-hardened nobles and were clearly trying to gauge whether House De Long was worthy of long-term alliances. By the time they departed, the De Longs had won their favor—but only tentatively. The real test would come in the capital.

As they passed into Silverglade, they entered the lands of House Whitmore, a family renowned for their textile industry and fine silks. Unlike the rugged Valenfords, the Whitmores were polished and politically savvy. Their capital, Whitmore Haven, was a city of aristocrats, fashion, and wealth. Lady Isadora Whitmore, a strikingly beautiful widow who ruled in place of her late husband, received them in her lavish estate, dressed in the latest fashion trends. Unlike the straightforward Valenfords, she was subtle, charming, and calculating—her every word dripping with meaning. At dinner, she focused much of her attention on George, the heir to House De Long. It was clear she was weighing a potential marriage alliance, likely seeking to tie House Whitmore to the rising power of Valford. Simeon took careful note of how Bryan II and Victor reacted—neither seemed pleased with the idea of George forging new alliances before they secured their own positions. Before departing, Simeon arranged a private meeting with Lady Isadora’s trade advisors, hinting at exclusive access to De Long trade routes and Sky Dragon rum in exchange for high-quality textiles at reduced prices. It was the first step in ensuring House Whitmore’s wealth flowed through De Long hands.

The final noble house before the capital was House Belmont, rulers of Ironridge, the kingdom’s center of steel production. House Belmont prided itself on its warriors, its forges, and its honor. Unlike the political Whitmores or the practical Valenfords, they respected strength above all else. Their fortress city, Belmont Hold, was a testament to military might, and the air was thick with the scent of molten steel and coal. Lord Roderic Belmont, a grizzled warrior with a scarred face, greeted them not with a banquet, but with a combat demonstration. It was tradition—every noble guest was expected to prove their mettle in some way. While George and Bryan II took part in duels with Belmont knights, Victor negotiated with their forge-masters about weapons shipments, and Earl Bryan discussed military strategy with Lord Roderic. Simeon, however, played a different game. Instead of stepping into the ring, he spent time studying the blacksmiths, watching the forging process, and casually discussing iron exports and trade routes. By the time they left, he had planted the seeds for a future steel monopoly, ensuring that House Belmont’s best metal would be supplied first to De Long partners.

With each noble house, House De Long’s influence grew, and so did the tensions. The Valenfords wanted to see if House De Long had real military and political strength. The Whitmores sought marriage alliances and trade deals to ensure they profited from the rising power. The Belmonts respected strength and skill, but their true loyalty was still uncertain. Each house saw House De Long as both an opportunity and a potential threat. The moment the family stumbled, they would descend like vultures. And soon, they would reach Rexedoria, the true den of royal politics, ambition, and treachery. Simeon sat quietly in his carriage, deep in thought. The game was just beginning. And he had no intention of losing. The gates of Rexedoria loom in the distance, and with it, the unknown dangers of the royal court… The journey to the capital had been long but fruitful. Each noble house they passed through welcomed them warmly, showering them with hospitality and gifts. It was clear that House De Long’s rise had not gone unnoticed. Their newfound wealth and influence had made them a force to be reckoned with. But Simeon knew better than to mistake kindness for loyalty. The nobles of Eldoria were wolves—waiting, watching, looking for weakness.

As their carriages finally rolled into Rexedoria, the royal capital, the streets buzzed with life. Towering spires of marble and gold reached toward the sky, while merchants hawked their wares in the grand plazas. The De Long family’s arrival did not go unnoticed—whispers and curious glances followed them as they passed. But what caught Simeon’s attention most was the villa. Nestled within the noble district, the estate had once belonged to his mother’s family—the noble house that had fallen from grace long ago. Now, after decades, Lady Fiona De Long had reclaimed it. As she stepped out of the carriage, she ran a gloved hand along the iron gate, her emerald eyes filled with quiet resolve. “This was once my home,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. “And now, it is ours again.” The property was still in good condition, but it had been neglected in recent years. Renovations would be necessary. Servants bustled inside, already beginning the process of restoring the once-grand home. Simeon studied his mother carefully. She was no fool—she had chosen to reclaim this villa for a reason. Being situated in the capital placed House De Long closer to power, closer to opportunity. And if there was one thing Simeon had learned about his mother, it was that she was always thinking ahead. Just like him.

***

Later that evening, as the family settled into their new residence, preparations were made for their upcoming audience with the royal family. The gift of Sky Dragon rum had been carefully transported and secured—ten bottles of the rum. As Simeon inspected the bottles, he smirked. This was no ordinary gift. It was a statement. A declaration that House De Long had created something new—something powerful. But would the king see it that way? Or would he see them as a threat? Simeon wasn’t sure. But one thing was certain—he would not let anyone take what he had built.

As the De Longs prepared for their audience, news reached Simeon through his network. The Five Fingers of the Joker had already begun their expansion into the capital’s underworld. Whispers of a new power rising in the shadows had started to spread. Smugglers, black-market traders, and informants were being recruited or eliminated. The underground of Rexedoria was far more dangerous than Valford, but that only made the challenge more enticing. Simeon smiled to himself. The nobles played their game in the light. He played in the dark. And soon, they would realize that the Joker was already among them.