Elias made his way back to the main table with the same calm composure that people wonder if he had no self respect or they were wrong about him. He had the strange oppressive aura around him as if he was more powerful than them.
Though the dance had ended, whispers still clung to the air about him. The nobles seated at the long marble-inlaid table turned their heads as he approached. They have not expected him to join them again. All eyes subtly shifted to him, and a few expressions darkened, none more than Baron Velmore's.
Baron Velmore sat at the center of the group, flanked by wealthy traders and lower-ranking nobles. His broad shoulders strained against his coat, his expression carefully molded into one of genial interest. But Elias had seen the fury in his eyes earlier when Cladria had returned to the table with tight lips and trembling hands. The dance had made her mood as dark as stormy clouds. And now, the baron smiled when he joined them. Even a blind knew that it was a trap, yet Elias thought none of it and stood between them.
"My Lord Crestford," he said in a loud, clear voice that cut through the low conversation, "you danced quite passionately. You must be quite popular these days."
Elias inclined his head with polite indifference. "I try not to count popularity among my achievements, my lord. But I am pleased you noticed."
A few chuckles followed, but Baron Velmore didn't waver, his expressions only darkened each passing moment. He gave this man a chance to apologize. Since he could not take kindness, he should not blame others when they become ruthless. But he did not comment hard. Instead, he gestured toward the empty chair beside him.
"Please, sit with us. We were just discussing a most exciting opportunity. I am sure a man of your refined taste and renewed fortune would find it fascinating."
Elias slid into the chair with the grace of a man who belonged anywhere he chose to sit. He accepted the goblet of wine offered to him but didn't drink.
"Enlighten me," he said coolly. "What kind of opportunity are you offering me lord Velmore instead of keeping it for yourself." Everyone was surprised to feel the frostiness in his voice. It was his honor that lord Velmore was offering him a chair and an opportunity. Instead of being grateful, he was baring his teeth. No wonder he could not get anywhere in his life.
Velmore's expressions changed too but he hid them quickly. Throwing him out after insulting him was not enough. He would make a joke out of him that he would never forget. So, he leaned forward slightly and spoke with his eyes gleaming. "You have heard of the eastern lands, near the lake, yes? I heard that the land is undeveloped. Recently we have prepared a good plan for developing it into the next tourist spot. But alas, it is claimed by a few squatters. As long as they are removed, we can start the work immediately. So you should take part in it." His smile was all teeth. "We were considering a joint investment. A few thousand gold should suffice for the first phase. The traders here are willing to front their share."
"And you assumed I would be interested?" Elias asked, his tone curious rather than offended.
Velmore waved a hand dramatically. "But of course! You are a baron too. Surely a man of your station holds wealth suitable for such ventures." His voice dropped slightly. "Unless the rumors of your estate being sold were true. I had hoped they weren't."
A few snickers fluttered through the group. Velmore sat back, smug and satisfied, as if he had finally cornered the wild dog his daughter couldn't tame.
Elias didn't react. Instead, he slowly set his goblet down and folded his gloved hands on the table. "But even if that is the case, we can secure a position for you as long as you could get those insects removed from the land. It should not be that difficult for you since you are like one of them. I meant… you know them well." Many laughed behind him and looked at Elias as if he was nothing but a joke.
But Elias did not flinch or frown. He did not even react but tapped his fingers on the glass table as if he was deep in thoughts.
"No, it would be better that I pay."
The table fell silent. Everyone looked at him as if he had suddenly grown another head.
Velmore blinked, surprised too. "You can?"
"Easily," Elias confirmed with a faint smile. "But I have conditions."
One of the merchants frowned. "Conditions? And what that could be?"
"Yes," Elias replied, now fully owning the moment. "I will invest twice the required amount. However, I want full authority over who manages the project, who collects the taxes, and how the profit is divided. I do not share gold with idle hands."
There was a tense pause. The arrogance in his words was absolute but so was the confidence. But could a baron have that much gold?
Velmore's jaw tensed. "That is not how partnerships work, my lord."
"Then it's not a partnership," Elias said with an elegant shrug. "It's an acquisition. You wanted my wealth, here it is. Now it comes with my terms."
The merchants glanced between each other. One leaned in. "Twice the gold, you say?"
Elias looked him dead in the eye. "Immediately I will pay all the coins. It will be delivered by dawn."
Velmore's hands clenched. His plan to humiliate Elias had turned to dust in seconds. Even Cladria, seated a little farther down, looked toward him in stunned disbelief.
"I assume," Elias continued, his gaze sweeping the table, "you wouldn't want to appear ungrateful for a generous offer. After all, the land is still unclaimed. I would hate to see it slip away due to poor decision-making."
The insult was carefully veiled, but sharp enough to draw blood.
Velmore managed a strained smile. "Of course not. If your terms are accepted by others then I suppose we can discuss further."
Elias stood slowly, his smile still in place. "Wonderful. Then I look forward to sealing the deal. But I must warn you, Baron… the last man who underestimated me spent more time watching from the shadows than standing at the table."
He gave a respectful nod and left once more, his footsteps light, but his presence heavier than ever.
Behind him, Velmore's smile faded completely. Cladria stared after Elias, lips parted in something between awe and seething frustration.