CH292 Return I

***

Dread halted before the gnome, and Alex dismounted with practiced ease.

"You didn't have to come wait for me yourself, Sir Pinchcoin. You could have sent someone in your stead," Alex said as he stepped forward to shake the man's hand. "I am sure you're quite busy."

"Nonsense, Master Alex." Pinchcoin shook his hand firmly, his copper eyes gleaming. "For you, even if I'm drowning in ledgers, I'll always make time."

His gaze swept over Alex's figure, sharp and assessing, while his hooked nose twitched uncontrollably—like a drug addict catching the scent of their fix.

'Ah! As expected… the scent of coin!' Euphoria surged through Pinchcoin's mind, a high sweeter than any narcotic.

Alex studied the gnome in turn.

He didn't need anyone to tell him how well the Enclave's coffers were doing. The glow in Pinchcoin's rosy cheeks, the shine in his spirited eyes—those were enough proof.

For a man, or rather a gnome, who obsessed over every last copper, for him to look this relaxed meant the books were in exceptionally good order.

If not for the way mages were still scattering at the mere sight of him, Alex might almost have thought Pinchcoin had changed.

"Come. I'll lead you in myself. You're the Tower Master's favourite disciple. We can't have you going through some pesky checks." Pinchcoin gave a smug huff.

He strode imperiously toward the entrance guards, chin high, daring anyone to bar their path. Who would be foolish enough to stop Young Master Alex—the very patron whose lush funding had over-flooded the Enclave's coffers that it forced even him to have no choice but to pad their salaries?

Fortunately for the guards, their captain was no fool. A seasoned man, he recognised immediately that Pinchcoin wouldn't be so bold without the Tower Master's backing. Which meant the youth following him must be someone very important.

After all, even nobles from Duchies were routinely searched before being admitted. Only members of Grand Duchies and royalty were usually spared such procedures.

With that in mind, the captain barked an order, and his men hurriedly cleared the way.

It was only when Pinchcoin and the youth were passing through that the guard captain realised something.

'Wait… that boy wasn't from a Grand Duchy, nor was he royalty.'

"Young Master Alex?" the captain blurted out.

"Ah? Captain Guinness—you're the one on duty?" Alex turned with a warm smile. "How's the day been going?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Guinness' eyes. He hadn't expected the young master to remember his face, let alone his name.

"It's been slow," the captain replied, quickly straightening his back. "Just the way we like it."

"That's good." Alex nodded, still smiling. "My guard and I can head in, right?" His words carried the weight of courtesy, though they hardly needed permission.

"You jest, Young Master Alex. Of course, you and your guard may proceed," Captain Guinness said with a wry smile.

As Alex passed him, he slipped a small pouch into the captain's hand with the subtlety of a practiced noble rogue. He leaned close, whispering, "Your men must be new to the job. Give them a tip for their hard work once their shift is over."

Before Guinness could reply, Alex had already moved ahead to rejoin Pinchcoin.

"Captain, who was that? I've never seen him before," one of the younger guards asked, eyes wide.

"Oh, right. You lot only joined a couple of months ago." Guinness chuckled. "That was Young Master Alex. One of the Tower Master's disciples—and rumoured to be his favourite. The Tower Master even subsidised his education here by more than half."

"What?! The Tower Master personally gave him grants?" the guard gasped. "Isn't it said he's stingy, only giving a few percent discounts at most? He must really like this Alex if he gave him that much!"

"Exactly," Guinness nodded. "Not only that, when he studied here a little over half a year ago, he was often seen with either Sir Pinchcoin or Lady Zora—both of whom only move under the Tower Master's direct orders."

"I see…" The younger guard's respect was clear in his voice. "No wonder you treated him so courteously, Captain."

"Oh no, it's not just that." Guinness waved his hand. "Young Master Alex is known to be approachable to everyone—even to lowly workers like us. It's hard not to respect him."

He grinned, pulling out the pouch Alex had slipped him. "Plus, he always gives out little gifts like this."

"Congratulations, boys. We're getting a bonus today for all our hard work," Captain Guinness revealed with a grin. "Wait behind when the shift is over, and I'll share the bonuses then. But don't get cocky—I'll be watching you closely. If you slack off, I'll take the bonus away. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Good!"

-

Meanwhile, Pinchcoin and Alex were deep in conversation as they walked.

"Has Sir Haggleworth told you about the planned auction?" Alex asked.

"Of course," Pinchcoin replied with pride. "I've even received permission to open the Enclave's vault and put some items up for auction. It'll help boost the event's profile."

Alex gave him a sly smile. "Are you sure you didn't put those items up just to squeeze coin out of the wealthy attendees? Sounds less like helping us and more like you trying to profit from it."

Pinchcoin rubbed his hands. "Come now, Young Master Alex, there's no need to be like that. The Palace and the Enclave belong to the same family. Helping each other while benefiting ourselves is—as you usually say—a win-win for both sides."

Then, catching himself, he quickly corrected, "Nay, a win for the family."

Alex chuckled and chose not to press the matter further.

"What plans does the Enclave have for the event?" he asked instead.

"We've authorised it to take place on free land just outside the Enclave city," Pinchcoin explained. "The finance department has already allocated funds for fast-tracked construction of residences there. It'll be a little costly, but I believe the sort of people attending the auction won't mind paying such chum change."

His nose twitched as he imagined the wealth they could rake in.

"Is that all?" Alex asked calmly.

"There's… more that can be done?" Pinchcoin blinked, clearly surprised.

***

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