Days passed peacefully, and Rudra was finally recovering. The bruises on his body had faded, and the shadows in his heart were beginning to lift. He was getting used to his surroundings again — the rhythm of the household, the soft laughter that filled the mornings, and the scent of freshly baked bread drifting from the kitchen.
Watching Rudra regain his calm, Richard decided it was time for his son to join the family's trading company and learn the art of business. Meanwhile, somewhere else in the capital, Alex was searching for a companion who could accompany Rudra in his future journey — one that destiny would soon unfold.
It was morning. The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains as Rudra, Richard, and Victoria sat together at the breakfast table.
Richard folded his napkin and looked at his son with a proud smile.
"It seems like you're finally back in shape, Rudra. So, how about joining our business?"
Rudra nodded with quiet confidence. "Yes, Father. I think I'm ready. My body feels fine now, and I'd like to help expand our trade to other countries."
Richard chuckled, tapping the edge of his plate. "Good. Finish your breakfast — today, I'll introduce you to everyone at the company."
They shared a pleasant meal together, the air filled with warmth and laughter. When they were about to leave, Rudra walked over to Victoria and suddenly bent down to touch her feet.
At first, Victoria was startled. "What happened, dear? Is something wrong?"
Rudra shook his head softly. "No… it just felt right. It's my first day, and I wanted to take your blessings."
Richard smiled faintly. He thought it must be a remnant of Rudra's Indican roots — a tradition that lingered in his soul even though his memories of that distant life were gone.
Victoria's eyes softened. "Oh, you sweet boy. My blessings are always with you. Go make us proud — but don't push yourself too hard. And don't become a pushover like your father."
Richard feigned offense. "Are you implying I care only about business and not about family?"
Victoria smirked. "Did I say anything wrong?"
Rudra raised his hands quickly. "Wait, wait! Let's not start that again."
Richard laughed. "See? The boy's got intuition like me. He'll be one of the finest traders in the city."
They all burst into laughter. Victoria came to the gate to see them off as Richard and Rudra climbed into the carriage. The morning breeze was cool, carrying the sounds of the waking city — the distant chatter of merchants, the clip-clop of hooves on cobblestone, and the ringing of church bells in the distance.
As the carriage rolled through the streets, Rudra looked out the window, wide-eyed at the bustling capital.
"So, Father," he asked, "where are we heading first? Straight to the company?"
Richard smiled. "I'd love to, but not yet. We're going to the Merchant's Guild first. Every new trader must register there. Once that's done, you'll officially be recognized as a merchant."
They continued chatting along the way until the carriage finally stopped before a magnificent marble structure — a towering building that shimmered in the morning light. It looked less like a guild hall and more like a castle of commerce.
"Wow…" Rudra breathed. "It's beautiful. I've never seen anything this grand."
Richard nodded proudly. "The Merchant's Guild represents the wealth and influence of every trader in the capital. We built it to remind the world that commerce is as powerful as any throne."
As they entered, a pleasant voice called out, "Master Richard! It's been a long time. How may I assist you today?"
It was a young woman with auburn hair and kind eyes, her posture graceful yet confident.
Richard grinned. "Ah, Miss Mariya — still as radiant as ever. We're here for something special." He gestured toward Rudra. "Meet my son. I'd like to have him registered as a merchant."
Mariya smiled warmly. "Oh! So this is your son. Quite handsome — he takes after his mother, I presume?"
Richard chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment for the family."
Mariya bowed lightly. "Please wait a moment. I'll inform the Guild Master right away."
After a few minutes, she returned. "Master Varric is expecting you in his office. This way, please."
They climbed a spiral staircase and stopped before a large oak door. Richard knocked. "May we enter, sir?"
A deep voice replied, "Come in."
Inside, a broad-shouldered man with graying hair looked up from a stack of papers.
"It's been ages, Varric," Richard greeted warmly.
The Guild Master snorted. "Cut the formalities. No need for that between old friends."
Richard chuckled. "Even so, respect must be given to the position, my friend."
Varric leaned back in his chair. "So, what brings you here? You never bother with guild paperwork yourself."
Richard motioned to Rudra. "I'm here for something important — to register my son."
Varric stood and extended his hand toward Rudra. "Ah, so this is the young man I've heard about. I'm Varric Solen, Guild Master and, regrettably, your father's old companion in mischief."
Rudra smiled and shook his hand firmly. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."
As their hands met, Varric's eyes narrowed slightly. "Hmm… these aren't the hands of a merchant. You've handled a sword before, haven't you, boy?"
Richard nodded. "He served briefly in Alex's division, but after an unfortunate incident, I thought it best to bring him into trade."
Varric smirked. "Never thought I'd see the day you'd go soft for someone."
"When it comes to our children," Richard replied with a chuckle, "we all act a little strange."
The two men laughed.
Varric rang a small bell, and a butler soon entered. "You called, Master?"
"Bring the registration documents for the young man here — and some tea while you're at it."
"Yes, Master." The butler bowed and left.
Richard watched him go. "New face?"
Varric nodded. "Yes. A boy from the borderlands. His family was killed in a raid. He fled here, lost and starving, so I gave him work. Better he serve tea than turn to crime. We owe it to the young to give them a chance."
Richard sighed. "Casualties near the borders are increasing every day. Let's hope the Royal Army ends this madness soon."
After a while, the butler returned with documents and steaming tea.
Varric slid the parchment across the desk. "Here you go, young man. Just mark your thumbprint here, and you'll officially be a merchant. Make sure you live up to your father's name — or surpass it."
Rudra smiled faintly. "I'll do my best, sir." He pressed his thumb onto the parchment, sealing his registration.
With the paperwork done, Richard invited Varric to dinner as thanks. The two old friends laughed together as father and son left the hall — unaware of the unseen threads of fate tightening around them.