Chapter 57 --57
Elara’s people disembarked with visible relief. Lisa practically kissed the dock when her feet hit solid ground. Several beast knights looked around with poorly concealed wariness—too many people, too much noise, too much unfamiliar territory.
The merchant crew helped carry trunks and supplies down the gangplank with practiced efficiency. Within an hour, everything was unloaded and stacked on the dock.
Kael approached Elara, his expression carefully neutral.
"Your Highness," he said, bowing. "This is where we part ways."
Elara looked at him. "Understood."
"My father wanted me to be clear about something." Kael’s voice dropped lower. "The Verin family values our business relationship with you. The preservation magic contracts are solid and we’ll honor them completely. But..."
"But you don’t want to be involved in royal succession battles," Elara finished.
"Exactly." He looked relieved she understood. "We’re merchants. We can’t afford to pick sides in palace politics. Helping you travel here was one thing—transportation is neutral. But beyond this dock, we need to maintain distance. For our own protection."
"Practical." And it was. Getting involved with her meant potential retaliation from her sisters or the Emperor. The Verin family was choosing profit over patronage. Smart.
"We’ll conduct business professionally," Kael continued. "Guild meetings, contract negotiations, preservation magic implementation—all of that proceeds normally. But we can’t offer housing, protection, or political support. You understand?"
"Completely. Thank you for the transport. And the honesty."
He bowed again, visibly relieved. "Good luck, Your Highness. You’ll need it."