GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 14.2: Binding

The night wore on as musicians played softer melodies, signaling the party's gradual conclusion. Vel watched guests beginning to take their leave, offering elaborate farewells to Lady Halen. His mind remained occupied with the merchants' proposition and Lady Halen's insistence that he stay the night.

Nema approached their table again, this time with a leather portfolio tucked under his arm.

"Before I leave you for the evening... I'd like to clarify a few details about the scholarship arrangements," Nema said, his voice carrying the practiced smoothness of a seasoned negotiator. He adjusted the leather portfolio under his arm with deliberate care. "Lady Halen has generously arranged for the initial sponsorship, but my partner and I will manage the practical aspects moving forward."

Vel's eyebrows rose slightly. "Practical aspects?"

"The monthly stipend transfers, communication with Academy administration, any additional expenses that might arise." Nema's fingers tapped the portfolio rhythmically. "All contingent upon passing the entrance examination, of course."

The pieces clicked into place. Lady Halen was offloading the responsibility while maintaining the appearance of benefactor. Clever.

"I see," Vel replied, carefully neutral. "Thank you for the clarification."

"I wish you a pleasant night," Nema added with a slight bow. "And the best of luck with your entrance examinations. I look forward to our future association."

As the hall emptied further, Lady Halen gathered Von, Mari, Celia, and Vel near the grand staircase. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she surveyed her remaining guests.

"Before you all retire for the evening, I've arranged a special treat for our guests of honor," she announced. "The manor's hot baths have been prepared with aromatic oils from the eastern provinces. A luxury rarely available outside the capital."

Celia's eyes widened at the mention of hot baths. Even Vel couldn't deny the appeal after months of cold water basins and quick washes.

"Of course, I've had rooms prepared for all of you," Lady Halen continued, gesturing expansively. "No need to journey home at this late hour."

Mari exchanged a quick glance with Von before speaking. "Your generosity is appreciated, Lady Halen, but Von and I must return for Lyra. Miss Oltan only agreed to watch her until midnight."

Von nodded in agreement. "The carriage can return for Vel and Celia tomorrow."

Lady Halen's smile didn't falter. "As you wish. The children, at least, should enjoy the comforts offered. It's not every day one has access to such luxuries before Academy life begins."

Vel caught Celia's eye across the small space between them. The flicker of uncertainty in her expression mirrored his own thoughts. Lady Halen's generosity had been substantial—the scholarship, the party, and now this lavish accommodation. Each gift, however, felt like another strand in an invisible web being woven around them.

"We would be honored," Vel replied with practiced politeness, though his mind raced with calculations. The more they accepted from Lady Halen, the deeper their obligation would grow. Debts in this world, he knew, were rarely simple transactions. They came with expectations, unspoken demands, and political leverage.

As Lady Halen instructed a servant to show Von and Mari out, Vel leaned closer to Celia.

"You don't have to stay," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the distant music. "If you want to go back with my parents, you should. I can handle whatever Halen is planning."