Chapter 135 - 134: Faith and Firelight
Later that night - Inside a stone Workshop lit by electric lamps
The room was modest, lit by two bulbs hanging from the ceiling with twine. A crude map of the continent was spread across the table, marked with their village, the distant Pentaline Empire, and far across, beyond the seas, the Aetherborn Empire.
Lumberling sat on one end of the table, arms resting beside his spear. Across from him sat Vaenyra, legs crossed, with Thessalia and Aurelya flanking her.
He slid a book toward Vaenyra, his compiled knowledge on the principles of electricity, its functions, and applications. It was part of their original deal: his knowledge in exchange for elven magic. Now, it also marked the beginning of their business partnership.
"So," Vaenyra began, her voice crisp and composed. "What you’ve created tonight isn’t just light. It’s an economy. A disruptor. Nobles will kill to get their hands on it."
Lumberling smiled. "You’re already on board with me, now we just take it to the world." He met her gaze. "They’ll buy it, right?"
"They’ll fight over it," Thessalia said bluntly. "Especially those too proud to admit they need magic but too weak to live without it."
Vaenyra nodded. "Our people are proud, yes. But many nobles, especially in the outer duchies, value progress. And influence. This light would become a symbol of wealth and prestige overnight."
"But the hurdle," Aurelya added, stepping beside the table, "is transport. You’re inside Pentaline territory. Our contacts are in the Aetherborn Empire."
"What about selling to Sengolio?" Lumberling asked.
Aurelya shook her head. "We have little to no connections there. Too risky. We’d prefer to stay within our empire."
"How long would it take to reach your empire from here?"