Free Web NovelChapter 184: Mask
The attention and compliments were gratifying to Victor in a way, but he couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by the over-enthusiasm of the nobles. At heart, he was a man of action, not words, and the pomp and circumstance of the Great Hall quickly began to wear him down.
While Lord Maximilian was still exchanging animated words with some guests about the impressive story Victor had told, Victor saw an opportunity to slip away discreetly. Glancing at Luisa and Mari, Victor indicated that he needed a moment to catch his breath. Both women understood immediately.
Luisa, with her innate social skills, slipped over to Maximilian’s side and engaged him in conversation about Klento’s future trading expeditions, while Mari, with her characteristic charm, began entertaining the nearby guests with stories of her inventions.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Victor slipped away quietly, moving through the crowd with the skill of a warrior trained to avoid detection. He slipped between the groups of guests, keeping his head down and his shoulders relaxed, until he found himself in a quieter area of the hall, near one table.
He took a deep breath, enjoying the much less dense air, but tonight he wouldn’t have the peace he needed.
"Victor Shieldman, I presume?"
Victor turned slowly, his fighting instincts still alert despite the safe environment. Before him stood a middle-aged man with slightly graying brown hair at the temples and a large moustache. His clothes, while elegant, were not as overly decorated as those of the other nobles. There was an aura of pragmatism about him.
"Yes, I am," Victor replied, analyzing the man with a careful eye. "And who are you?"
"My name is Balthazar Havelock," the man said, extending his hand. "I am a merchant and businessman, specializing in exotic and rare goods. I’ve heard a lot about you."
Victor shook Baltazar’s hand, noting the firm grip. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Havelock. What can I do for you?"
Balthazar smiled, his eyes sparkling with interest. "I’ve been listening to your story about the Ship Devourer for the past two weeks. Impressive, I must say. We need more men like you, willing to face the great dangers that the seas and wild lands have to offer."
Victor tilted his head in fascination. "I appreciate the compliment. But I’m curious where this conversation is going."
"Straight to the point, I like that," Baltazar commented, his smile widening. "I have a business proposition for you. I’m always on the lookout for talented hunters to deal with... problems that ordinary hunters can’t handle."
"And what kind of proposition do you have in mind?"
"Simple," Balthazar replied, leaning a little closer so that others would not overhear his words. "I am willing to pay a generous sum to someone with your skills to act as a sort of problem solver. You would deal with any threats that arise and ensure the safety of my operations. In return, you would be well compensated."
Victor crossed his arms and considered the offer. "In other words, you want me to be a private hunter. But how would I know that I could trust you, and that you could trust me?"
"An excellent question," Balthazar said with a glint of respect in his eyes. "I would expect nothing less from someone like you. We can begin with a simple mission. Something that proves to both of us that we’re trustworthy. You can also talk to Luisa, who is coming our way, by the way."
"Mr. Havelock..." Luisa greeted.
Luisa approached with firm steps, her dress fluttering gently as she walked. Her eyes met Victor’s for a moment. Then she turned to Balthazar Havelock.
With a professional smile, Luisa extended her hand in greeting. "What a pleasure to see you. How’s business?"
Balthazar shook Luisa’s hand with the same enthusiastic smile as before. "Very well, Miss Selvarum. As always, the search for exotic goods never ends."
"I can imagine," Luisa replied, keeping her tone friendly. "However, I’m sure this isn’t the best time for business discussions as serious as you seemed to be. How about after the auction? After all, we’re all here for charity."
Balthazar laughed briefly, but didn’t seem willing to back down. "Sure, and I’m sure some opportunities can’t wait. Speaking of opportunities, I was just discussing an interesting proposal with Mr. Shieldman, I think he might be interested in working with me."
"I’m sure he would," Luisa said, her tone a bit firmer. "But perhaps this conversation can be continued another time. Victor needs a moment to rest, and we have other guests who also want your attention." She pointed to the group of nobles Victor had just joined.
Balthazar gave Luisa an appraising look, realizing that she would not back down easily.
"I see," he finally said, bowing his head in a gesture of respect. "I will go to them. I don’t want to cause you any more trouble. Mr. Shieldman, I hope we can continue our conversation later." ƒreewebɳovel.com
Victor nodded. "Of course, Mr. Havelock. I’m sure we’ll have another chance."
Baltazar stepped back with a last look of interest, and Luisa waited until he was out of sight before turning to Victor.
"You did well," she said, a smile playing on her lips. "But I thought it best to intervene before he got you too involved."
"Thank you, Luisa," Victor replied, relaxing a little. "He seemed quite determined. I just went along with what he said to see how far he would go." freewēbnoveℓ.com
"Balthazar Havelock is a direct competitor of the Selvarum Company. He may seem friendly, but he’s always looking for ways to gain the upper hand. Accepting any proposal from him without caution could be dangerous."
Victor nodded, appreciating Luisa’s insight. "Good to know. I wasn’t completely convinced to accept his offer, but it’s good to be sure."
Luisa took a step closer, the seriousness in her eyes softening. "Now, let’s make sure you get some rest. Here," she said, materializing something in her hand. "This mask should help give you some privacy."
Victor took the mask. It was black and light, just large enough to cover only the eye area. "A mask?"
"Yes," Luisa replied, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "You may have noticed some people here wearing masks. It’s normal that some people want to come on occasions like this, but don’t want to be identified." Victor took the mask.
Victor took the mask. "And you brought one because you thought I might want it. You always think of everything, don’t you?"
"Someone has to," Luisa replied, giving him a gentle tap on the shoulder. "Now go. Find a quiet place and put on the mask. Mari and I will take care of the rest until the auction starts."
Victor nodded, carefully placed the mask on his face, and said goodbye. Then he looked for a place where he could breathe. He needed a moment to collect his thoughts, away from the prying eyes and hidden agendas of the other guests.
He found a door leading to a balcony. The cool evening breeze greeted him as soon as he stepped outside, and he took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill his lungs. The sounds of conversation and music in the hall faded to a distant murmur. He approached the wrought-iron railing and leaned against it, gazing out at the horizon illuminated by the city lights.
"Beautiful evening, isn’t it?" a female voice said, interrupting his thoughts.
Victor turned to his right and saw a woman, also masked, wearing a black dress and holding a pipe. Her orange-red hair shone in the moonlight and stood out against her dark clothing.
"Yes, it’s a beautiful evening," Victor replied, a little surprised. "I’m sorry, but I didn’t expect to find anyone here."
"And I didn’t expect anyone to come here," she said with a smile that he could feel through her mask.
Victor felt it too, but it was more like talking to a woman than a bunch of greedy men.
"Are you here for the auction as well?" Victor asked.
"In a way," she replied. "I’m here on business."
"The person you work for is generous to let you get away."
She laughed softly. "Can the same not be said of you? You seem to be running from something or someone, perhaps the attention of nobles or merchants. But you have the bearing of a guard, which means you’re a hunter."
"You got it right."
"I knew it." She smiled proudly. "The Society sends a lot of hunters to these balls. They like to make their presence known."
"You know how to read people. You must be a trader."
"No, I’m just a mother and I had to learn. When you have a baby, you need a superpower to recognize a cry, which could be anything."
"Ah, I understand you well."
"Are you a father?"
Victor smiled wistfully as he turned to face the woman. "Yes, I am a father. Taking care of her has been a challenge, especially without those maternal superpowers you mentioned."
The woman laughed out loud. "Ah, but I’m sure your wife helped you a lot."
"Not if you don’t have a wife."
She swallowed her laughter and put her hand over her mouth. "Sorry, I..."
This time it was Victor who started to laugh, interrupting her because the look of surprise on her face was unique.
