The meeting was unexpectedly very productive. The deal was informed to Jibran who immediately contacted the Solen Kingdom with Ventus’ magic.

  “Before coming here, I went to the Ventus region and made a pact with the spirit. It turned out to be more useful than I initially thought. Ventus could deliver it through the air, you see.” He explained it while a scholar from the Ventus region nodded enthusiastically.

  With that, they also got a fast reply and so the deal was agreed. Noir gave 10 gems to Jibran first, for him to inspect it with a scholar from his region, as an insurance. With that they started to mine and finally can use the ration and supplies from Solen.

  Now though, Elda has to deal with Jibran who was looking a little pale. They did say that there are slight after effects from using the Spirit’s power. That was exactly why Elda didn’t want to make a pact with them. Ventus seemed to make people feel cold.

  “Are you cold?” She asked him from across the chessboard.

  “A bit,” he said. Which Elda could see was an understatement. She sighed and opened her fur robe while signaling her retainers to fetch another one. She stood up and draped it on him.

  “We will continue the match later, rather than this I think you would rather spend time in front of a fireplace,” she said cooly. Jibran looked at her keenly, seeming to be surprised at the same time.

  He pulled the robe a bit tighter and color seems to be back to his face. He smiled slightly looking at the board.

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  “Thank you, My Lady.”

  “No need for gratitude.”

  That’s when Elda’s retainer came with her other robe. She put it on and stared at Jibran who was still sitting on the chess board.

  “I shall accompany you back, and if you really do want to continue it, we can, at your room,” she offered him. That made him stand up slowly and went beside her.

  “That would be wonderful, shall we?” He gestured forward. Elda just nodded and walked alongside him. They’re followed by both of their retainers and bodyguards, from behind.

  He hummed a song along the way, notes that Elda didn’t recognize. He walked while looking around idly. That was until he spoke again.

  “If I’m being honest, there was one more reason I accepted to be the political hostage.”

  Jibran looked forward and straightened up his spine. Elda raised her eyebrow at that, but also was genuinely curious about it. He then sighed and relaxed his posture a bit.

  “In exchange, I asked the other candidates to help me build an orphanage, and give more money and help to those on the streets. No matter who won the election,” he said as Elda wanted to laugh because of the sheer lofty ideals.

  “And how would that benefit you?” She asked in return.

  “I was a troublemaker as a child. I frequently went to the city and streets whenever I felt suffocated at the palace. I made some friends who were struggling there.”

  Jibran looked at the ground dejectedly. Elda found him to be even more interesting than before.

  “But I alone, without a whole system, couldn’t help all of them. It has to be a joint system. If we couldn’t make them rich, at least give them jobs. Or at least give them healthcare. You know? The basic needs.”

  Jibran looked at her and in turn she looked back at him. He looked genuine, Elda almost wanted to cry for he is a gentle soul indeed. Again her brother was right.

  “Such an idealistic view.”

  Elda looked ahead again while sighing. Such a plan was easy to say, but harder to be implemented. At least that’s what she thinks.

  “Perhaps so, but that’s what I want to work forward to.”

  Jibran also looked away but with a smile. His retainers looked proudly at him. And Elda? Well she wants to know more about him now.