The atmosphere in the Guild shifted as Velmore stepped deeper into the trading hall. The clamor of merchants bartering softened just slightly as many eyes turned to watch him. There was no reverence like before but a strange curiosity, suspicion and even doubt. What was a man doing here after falling so miserably?!
A portly slave merchant with gold rings on every finger hesitated as Velmore approached. His eyes darted to his scribe, who subtly shook his head. A younger trader leaned in and whispered something behind his palm. The meaning was clear even without the words, "Can he still pay?"
Velmore's sharp eyes caught the exchange. He let the silence linger for a moment longer as he walked closer to them. It was long enough for tension to build in the air. Then, with an almost lazy flick of his wrist, he pulled out a pouch heavy with coins and flung it onto the nearest table. It landed with a thud, spilling thick gold coins that shimmered under the midday light.
Gasps rippled through the Guild.
"Is that enough to believe I still own this city's blood and bones?" he said in a calm voice but sharp like a blade hidden under silk.
The merchant who had hesitated scrambled to gather the coins with a bow. "O-of course, Lord Velmore! We never doubted you even for a second. Forgive us, the times have made fools of even loyal servants."
"Ah, the strength of Lord Velmore is legendary. Just a verdict and a few properties could not shake it." another chimed with a nod.
"We always knew a storm like him only rests to strike harder! That lord Crestford would soon bow in front of lord Velmore."
"A true noble! Not like these upstarts who stumble into power and think they can hold it."
Velmore reclined slightly in the high-backed merchant's chair offered to him. He tapped his cane once, then rested it beside him. The smirk returned to his lips, subtle but smug, as men and women who had once backed away now leaned in, desperate to bask in his attention.
Someone poured him wine. Another offered him an exclusive selection of healthy, well-trained slaves trying to gauge what sort of loyalty or reward they might earn by serving him first.
Soon, the conversation shifted, as he knew it would.
"I hear Elias has been acting high and mighty ever since the fallout," one merchant sneered, watching Velmore's face carefully. "He believes that he is untouchable just because he got lucky once."
"Luck never lasts," another chimed in. "They say he walks like a prince now, giving orders like he owns this small town. I heard that even traders changed their working style and hired more slaves and poor commoners. But he still made an issue that they were not paid well. Who would believe he is a noble when all his actions were like a comoner!" Velmore chuckled, low and indulgent. The sound silenced the table.
"Let him act powerful while he can. He cared about those commoners since he grew up with them." he said, lifting his wine with an almost careless grace. "Soon, he will be back in the dirt where he came from. And when he falls, it will be from a height that shatters every bone."
The laughter that followed was half-nervous and half-eager.
But one brave or foolish voice cut through the noise. "But we should not take him so lightly. Last time you tried to strike him, you have suffered loss of half of your properties. What if you lose the rest this time. Or worse, he would come for you?" silence fell as they watched lord Velmore's face darkening.
He had come to look for slaves but he had not chosen anyone yet. It was clear that he sought appreciation through those coins. Everyone turned to look at the old woman with a frown.
"My lady, who are you and what are you doing here? I am afraid this conversation is not for you to comment on." they warned her with a glare. But surprisingly, they did not throw her out of the room as they usually do. They unconsciously become respectful to her.
The woman ignored them. Her eyes settled on Velmore's darkening face with a sweet smile blooming on her lips, "He is expanding his estate. The council is watching him now. And I heard that he had even gotten the appreciation from the commoners. Have you ever met a noble earning the favor from both sides? What if he completes the project and earns the attention of the crowd too? Would anyone be able to stop him then?"
The room quieted for a beat. Velmore didn't flinch. He leaned forward slowly and placed his goblet on the table with a click.
"Such confidence in a low life!? I am impressed by your foolishness. But since you are so sure, you would not mind a little gamble, old woman. Do you?" he said in a low but clear voice. "I wager that in one week's time, Elias will lose everything. His position, power and influence. Even the wealth he had tricked me from, all of it will be gone."
Murmurs rose instantly as everyone looked at him shocked and stupified.
"Words are wind," said the woman with a laugh, "And I have seen plenty of storms fade out before reaching land."
"Good," Velmore said with a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "Then let's make it solid. I will bet my personal gold reserve." There was a collective intake of breath. Though no one knew the exact amount, a capitalist like Velmore who had been in business for generations would have saved more than they could ever imagine.
"If I am wrong," he continued with a provoking smile, "the vault is yours. But if I am right, I will take double. If you have the spine for it, of course."
The woman laughed softly, "of course, my lord. But I do not have enough wealth to support the wager. Would you still have a bet with me?" She took out some gold coins but it did not interest any of them.
Velmore frowned looking at the meagre amount and then at the slave trader as if confronting him instead. But the man was not looking back, he was mulling over Velmore's offer.
Two traders one younger and eager, the other older but prideful exchanged glances and nodded.
"We will take that bet," said the younger one, scribbling out a contract with fast, shaking hands. "Let's see if lord Crestford could fall like that."
Velmore sneered with his eyes narrowed, "you do not have funds for that!"
"I will match it," said the second with his jaw set. Velmore didn't hesitate. He didn't even blink as he signed both contracts with a flourish.
The room buzzed with stunned silence. Many still stood back, unsure whether to call it courage or madness. "I will join too."