Chimère Chapter 3: Beware the unknown

Read chapter 3 of Chimère by theBlynded on NovelPedia.

Luminar. The capital city of Rentiers and the jewel of the Northern Osud Continent. Home to more than ten million souls, Luminar served as a major travel hub for world trade. Ever since Veramire II launched the construction of the Bright Canal, linking the Felix Sea and the Antonizo Sea together, merchants of all nations flocked to Luminar to take part in the massive flow of money passing through the city. Through the canal, Luminar became a city unlike any other, radiating of all kinds of cultural influences, and prosperous enough to garner the envy of many other countries. And the kingdom used the canal to consolidate a vast network of interests revolving around it. The existence of the canal allowed the royal family to barter a peace deal out of the Heptarchy of Karan after years of skirmishes, allowing them to focus on their major threat: the Ergon Union. Ergon was the biggest country of Southern Osud, a nation of wealth and knowledge. It was also a country keen on encroaching upon the kingdom. The resources provided by the canal were the greatest motivator for expansion. And so the southeastern border of Rentiers, once delimited by the wretcher infested lands, were now wretchless and in the hands of the Ergons. The political landscape of the continent underwent a subtle shift however, as the Harani involved themselves in the Rentiers politics by backing Victor behind the scenes. In response, the Union backed Lucian to counter their bitter rivals. And now, Lucian was currently going to meet one of his backers. They were currently driving towards Hauteniche. Located on the northern side of the capital, the Hauteniche borough was for all purposes and accounts, where the richest people lived. Mansions and villas of all kinds could be seen from the sides of the road, scattered upon lush gardens of exotic colors. It couldn’t compare to the weight and beauty of a palace, but it was enough to generate awe for those who couldn’t even afford to own a house. His ride stopped at the gated entrance of one of the bigger mansions of the borough. Built in the Modern Ergon style: function over aesthetics, it held three floors within its rectangular form. The blue colored roof distinguished itself from the pale grey walls of the estate, bringing a touch of life back to the otherwise dead exterior. Lucian was received at the front door of the mansion, a servant waiting for him. “I greet his highness.” “Dispense with the formalities, I am here on a courtesy visit. Please inform your master that I wish to inquire on some matters.” Lucian waved his hand. “Please your highness, follow me.” The servant gestured towards the inside. As they ascended to the third floor, the prince glanced at the few accessories, and furniture spread across their path. Everything was prim and proper with not a speck of dust to be found with ones’ eyes. He hadn’t expected anything less of the Ergoni merchant. His obsessiveness towards cleanliness was well known worldwide. As they stopped before a door, the servant knocked on the door. “Master, His Highness Lucian has come to see you.” He announced. “Let him in.” The servant pushed the door and stepped aside. Lucian thanking him, entered the office. But to call it an office would be an exaggeration. It was more of a trophy room, the invaluable masterpieces hanging on the walls, the antiques that could be spotted throughout, the gramophone playing a soothing classical music or simply the cupboard shelved with beverages one could only dream to have a sip of. Such wealth could only be wished for, or passed down by generations of ancestors. This wealth however, was neither. Klifford Belhouse built his empire over the last 30 years, as the Belhouse Corporation invested into Epitech, producing novel means of transport, mineral extraction and pharmaceuticals. The Corporation did not distinguish between countries, as they could be found in Haran, Ergon, the Silver Confederation and the Virmirean League. The owner of this powe