NOVEL NEXT 136. A Deposit
The Coastal Town of Ronin, Across the Sea from Kim Island, in the Mainland Empire of Ancorna
The coastal town of Ronin buzzed with evening activity as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the harbor waters in hues of molten gold. A man in his early thirties, dressed in the distinctive blue and silver robes of the Merchant Association—paused at the edge of the docks, observing the stream of fishermen and laborers making their way toward a towering three-story structure. Its illuminated sign, "Raven Casino," glowed crimson against the twilight sky.
"So this is the commoners' casino I've heard so much about," Jake murmured, adjusting the leather satchel at his hip as he joined the throng.
At the entrance, a well-organized security checkpoint operated with military precision. Sturdy men in tailored uniforms checked each patron for concealed weapons, while female attendants ushered women into a separate screening area, a thoughtful touch that spoke volumes about the establishment's professionalism.
Stepping inside, Jake was immediately struck by the atmosphere. While it lacked the gilded opulence of noble gambling houses, the Raven Casino possessed its own refined charm. Polished oak floors gleamed under crystal-chandelier lighting, and the air carried a pleasant mix of sea breeze, fine tobacco, and something distinctly metallic—the scent of coins changing hands.
Making his way to the reception desk, Jake took in the sights. The ground floor hummed with activity around bizarre mechanical contraptions unlike anything he'd seen. Dozens of "slot machines" lined the walls, their polished brass handles gleaming as patrons pulled them with hopeful enthusiasm. Nearby, groups clustered around "pinball" tables, cheering as steel balls ricocheted through elaborate obstacle courses.
"How may I assist you, sir?"
The receptionist's voice snapped Jake from his observations. The man behind the counter wore an immaculate navy uniform with silver embroidery, identical to all staff Jake had spotted—making employees instantly recognizable amidst the crowd.
"I'm Jake with the Merchant Association," he said, lowering his voice. "Here to establish a holding account per my superior's instructions."
Understanding flashed in the receptionist's eyes. "Of course. The account services are on the second floor. Please follow the brass railings."
As Jake ascended the staircase, the sounds of raucous celebration followed him. One section hosted "Ascend to Celestia Castle" games, where groups competed amid stacks of golden chips and foaming mugs of ale. The mechanical board featured tiny elevators and trapdoors—a marvel of engineering that had commoners gambling with the intensity of noble lords.
The upper level exuded quiet sophistication. Plush carpets muffled footsteps as well-dressed attendants circulated with trays of sparkling wines. Here, more elaborate versions of the ground floor games catered to wealthier patrons. A dedicated area hosted high-stakes matches of Celestia Castle where players competed against house experts—the potential winnings displayed on an enormous chalkboard.
At the accounts desk, another uniformed attendant greeted Jake with practiced professionalism.
"Merchant Association holding account, you said?" The attendant produced a peculiar machine—a brass contraption with rotating gears. "We'll need your credentials and a fingerprint impression."
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Jake produced his Association badge and certificate. As the attendant fed the documents into the machine, its gears whirred to life, producing a numbered ivory card with a soft click.
"Under what name shall we register the account?"
"The Eastern Continental Medical Society Association," Jake stated, recalling Earl Hessman's specific instructions to transfer all the funds of the Medical Society that they manage, previously deposited in Foster Liam.
The attendant's eyebrows rose slightly at the prestigious name but his professionalism never wavered. "A twelve-word authentication phrase, please. And your fingerprint here... and here."
Jake complied, watching as his documents vanished into the machine again. When it spat out a second card, the attendant stapled it to the forms with swift efficiency.
"And the initial deposit amount?"
Jake swallowed. "Fifteen thousand mana coins."
For the first time, the attendant's composure cracked—his eyes widening before he schooled his features. "A promissory note will be required for such a sum. The physical transfer will occur after hours for security."
Nodding, Jake penned the note with practiced strokes, stamping it with his inked fingerprint. As the attendant explained the conversion to 300,000 golden chips, Jake couldn't help but marvel at the operation's scale.
Stepping back into the night, the salty air felt different somehow—charged with the energy of an empire changing before his eyes. The Raven Casino wasn't just a gambling hall; it was the beating heart of a financial revolution, and Jake had just become part of its machinery.
That Night all the 15,000 Mana Coins were deposited into the Holding Account by the Employees of the Casino from his hotel room. Once the process was done, Jake left for the capital first thing in the morning.
Ravenna's Bedroom, Lord Castle, Kim City, Kim Island
The first golden rays of dawn crept through the arched windows of Ravenna's chambers, painting stripes of warmth across her silk sheets. She stretched languidly, her yawn muffled against the back of her hand as the remnants of sleep clung to her lashes.
Her maids entered with practiced quietness, their footsteps barely disturbing the plush carpets as they drew back the heavy drapes fully. Steam already curled from the adjoining bathing chamber, scented with lavender and something subtly citrus, Ravenna's preferred morning blend.
By the time she emerged, wrapped in a robe of embroidered linen with her damp hair coiled neatly at her nape, the castle had fully awakened around her. Ravenna as she was dressing with help of her maids suddenly
BAM!
The door flew open with enough force to rattle the framed coastal maps on the walls. Marie stood breathless in the doorway, her cheeks flushed pink with excitement, a sealed letter clutched in her trembling hands.
"Master! Master!" The girl practically sang, her voice ricocheting off the vaulted ceilings. "A reply has arrived! From your former lover in Otto City!"
Ravenna closed her eyes, counting silently to three. When she opened them, Marie was still bouncing on her toes, the morning light catching the silver embroidery of her apprentice robes.
"Marie," Ravenna said, her voice dangerously calm as a maid secured the final button on her day dress. "What, precisely, did I tell you about comporting yourself as a lady?"
The girl's exuberance dimmed like a snuffed candle. "Manners..." she mumbled, placing the letter on the bedside table with exaggerated care, her head bowed in contrition.
At that moment, Alice burst into the room, her chest heaving. Wisps of hair had escaped her normally impeccable bun, and a sheen of sweat glistened at her temples. "I, apologize—Ravenna," she gasped between breaths. "I shouldn't—have told Marie—about the correspondence."
Ravenna arched one perfectly shaped brow, her fingers already reaching for the letter. The wax seal—a distinctive jade green—was unmistakable.
"We will discuss this lapse in judgment later," she said, tucking the letter into her sleeve with deliberate nonchalance. "After I've dressed properly and reviewed whatever nonsense Kenric has seen fit to—"
A sudden commotion in the hallway cut her off. The distant clatter of armored boots grew louder, accompanied by Hughes' distinctive barked orders. Ravenna's eyes narrowed.
It seemed the morning's surprises were only beginning.