Chapter 62: Royal Bank
"I'll keep that in mind," Raven said, lifting the Gladstone bag from the seat.
"I'll be off then, Mr. Jose. Thanks for the help." He gave a polite bow.
"It's nothing much—just doing my job," Jose waved. "But… if you reclaim your family honor someday, do me a favor, lad."
"Reclaim my family honor?" Raven frowned.
"Your wine factory," Jose clarified, leaning back. "I can tell by your demeanor… you're a peak-rank Official Walker. A seventeen-year-old Peak Rank Official Walker? That's the birth of a genius. When someone like you arises in a noble household, it transforms everything. That household will rise again."
[He's sharp, like a born merchant. Get him on your side, lad,] Zera noted in Raven's mind.
Raven met Jose's gaze. "So, what's the favor?"
"Kyler," Jose said. "He's been a head constable for over twenty years, accomplished much, yet hasn't risen in rank due to corruption. When you stabilize, help him move up."
Raven smirked, reading the gamble. "Nothing comes free in this world, sir. What do you want in return?"
Jose raised an eyebrow.
"I need a lot of helping hands, Mr. Jose. When I reclaim my territory, quit this job and work for me. I'll pay double."
Jose laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "Hahaha. Reclaim your territory, huh? Never knew you had such fantasies, kid. I'll do it if you make it possible."
Raven nodded, smiling. "Don't forget your promise." He turned and left.
Jose shook his head, chuckling. "Azmar Town, huh? This kid has no idea Falcons are already eyeing that place."
…
Raven left the guild and went to the Giaris Employment Office on the same street. After spending ten gold coins, a notice for hiring servants was posted. With that done, he headed toward the Zenith Royal Bank, just two streets away.
The bank was an opulent structure of polished white marble. Large arched windows held intricate stained glass, and a towering clock watched over the entrance. Corinthian columns flanked heavy wooden doors with ornate brass handles. Liveried footmen stood at attention, immaculately dressed.
Inside, a vast lobby glimmered with chandeliers. Polished marble reflected the light. Rows of clerks handled transactions with calm efficiency. Paintings of former directors lined the walls, their stern gazes following every move. A massive oil painting of a two-headed serpent dominated one wall.
Raven approached a clerk, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed mustache and sharp eyes.
"Good day, sir. How may I assist you?" the clerk asked.
"I need access to the Holmes family vault." Raven placed his birth certificate, Council Membership Card, and Order of Precedence on the counter.
"Holmes Family?" The clerk's eyes widened. He examined the documents carefully.
"Thomas Holmes, born 15.05.1404, Giaris Elite Public Hospital, son of Walter and Dorthey Holmes…" The clerk checked each detail, then cross-referenced a large ledger. Satisfied, he nodded.
"The Order of Precedence wasn't renewed after Sir Walter Holmes' death. Please wait while I update the records." He vanished upstairs via a spiral staircase.
An hour later, the clerk returned, handing Raven a new document and an iron key. "Sign here, and I'll have someone escort you to the vault."
Raven signed. A bank guard stepped forward, bowing. "Please follow me, sir."
The corridor was dim, lined with reinforced doors for noble families' vaults. Echoes of footsteps reverberated as they walked.
Finally, they reached a heavy steel door. The guard turned the key; the lock clicked. Inside, rows of safety deposit boxes and a central safe awaited.
Raven inserted his key into the family vault. Inside were stacks of gold coins, fifty-plus platinum coins in a small wooden box, neatly bundled documents, and ornate trinket boxes.
"I'll take the platinum coins and the Will," he told the guard, collecting the items carefully.
The vault was locked, and they returned to the counter. The clerk recorded the transaction, quill scratching efficiently.
"Everything seems in order, Young Master Holmes. Need anything else?"
Raven shook his head, tucking the small wooden box securely into his Gladstone bag. "No, thank you."
…
Stepping into the bustling streets of Giaris City, Raven considered his next move. Sunlight warmed the cobblestones, vendors shouted, and carriages rattled by.
"What should I do next?" he muttered.
[Change your identity and dispose of Thomas' original body,] Zera advised calmly.
"Again?" Raven frowned. Changing his face using the spell model from Aron and Thomas wasn't hard, but he hesitated.
[Many are watching you. Every second. Reports are being sent up the chain.]
Raven's mind raced. The Vice Leader of the Gold Thieves acted alone… or did she? She's connected to the Vipers. Falcons too… Count Andres might be involved.
[Think logically. He wouldn't act just for your money. If Thomas had died, he would have gained control over the wine factory and Azmar Town.]
Raven's eyes flicked around cautiously. A completely enclosed Hackney carriage waited nearby. He approached.
"Afternoon, sir. Where to?" the driver asked, tipping his hat.
"Southward." Raven climbed in, settling into the seat. As the door closed, he leaned back and touched his face. Moments later, it began shifting back to his original appearance.