Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 112: Debt to Julius

"Please, tell me more about this debt," Grim said, his voice gentler than before.

Korin pulled another chair close to his wife, who leaned slightly against his shoulder, her breathing labored even at rest. The contrast between his powerful, scaled form and her delicate blue-tinged skin was striking.

"It began with my father," Korin explained. "He was full dragon, one of the few who chose to live among humans rather than in isolated dragon territories. He established this forge nearly fifty years ago."

"Dragons are known for accumulating wealth, not debt," Huangyan observed from her position near the window.

A sad smile crossed Korin’s face. "My father was... unusual for his kind. More interested in creation than accumulation. He spent his resources developing new forging techniques, particularly those involving mana manipulation."

"Which led to financial difficulties," Grim surmised.

"Yes. Twenty years ago, he needed significant capital to continue his research. Lord Julius Luminaris offered funding in exchange for exclusive rights to certain discoveries."

Naia coughed softly, and Korin paused to pour her water from a small pitcher.

"My father died unexpectedly before completing his work," Korin continued after ensuring his wife was comfortable. "According to the contract he signed, all debts transferred to his heirs. As his only child, I inherited both his techniques and his obligations."

"And the total amount?" Grim asked.

"Originally, thirty thousand imperial crowns," Korin replied. "A substantial sum, but potentially repayable through commissioned work."

"But the terms changed," Grim guessed.

Naia spoke up, her voice soft but clear between careful breaths. "Lord Luminaris exercised a clause allowing him to adjust interest rates after my father-in-law’s death. The new terms made it impossible to reduce the principal. We’ve paid over twenty thousand crowns in interest alone over the past fifteen years."

"The current balance stands at forty-five thousand," Korin added, his tail twitching with suppressed emotion. "More than I could earn in a lifetime at current rates."

Establish leverage, then gradually increase pressure until the target was completely under control. This was how the rich stayed rich and kept the ordinary folks in their place.

"I assume Lord Luminaris also determines what commissions you’re permitted to accept," Grim said.

Korin nodded. "The contract gives him right of first refusal on all specialized work. In practice, this means I create exceptional pieces only for him, at prices he sets. All other clients receive standard metalwork."

"And if you attempted to market your special abilities more widely?"

"The debt would come due immediately, with additional penalties," Korin replied. "We would lose everything, including this forge—our only source of income."

Naia reached for her husband’s hand. "When we married ten years ago, I accepted this burden as my own. Then my health began to fail five years ago. The medicines..." She trailed off, another coughing fit interrupting her explanation.

"The medicines cost nearly everything we earn beyond the minimum interest payments," Korin finished for her. "Without them, it would make survival in this environment impossible."

"Why not leave the mining district?" Huangyan asked. "Surely your skills would find appreciation elsewhere."

"The debt is secured against the forge and equipment," Korin explained. "The contract prohibits removing or selling any tools or materials. And Naia’s condition makes travel difficult."

"Besides," Naia added with a weak smile, "where would we go? Half-dragons and water-folk aren’t widely welcomed in most imperial territories. Here, at least, diversity is tolerated due to the district’s labor needs."

Grim stood and walked to the window, considering what he had learned. The situation was both simpler and more complex than he had anticipated. Julius Luminaris had effectively enslaved a master craftsman through financial manipulation and personal vulnerability—a craftsman whose abilities could prove extremely valuable for Grim’s own plans.

"Master Silverscale," he said, turning back to face the couple, "what would you say if I offered to settle your debt to House Luminaris?"

Korin’s eyes widened, the vertical pupils dilating in shock. "My lord, the sum is... substantial."

"I’m aware of the amount," Grim replied. "I’m also aware of the value of your abilities. House Ambrose is establishing a new facility that will require specialized metalwork infused with various forms of mana. Your expertise would be invaluable."

Hope and suspicion warred visibly on Korin’s face. "And what would House Ambrose expect in return?"

"Exclusive service as our master blacksmith for a period of five years," Grim stated. "With fair compensation for each commission, comfortable housing for you and your wife, and appropriate medical care for her condition."

Naia gripped her husband’s hand tightly, her knuckles paling to light blue. "This sounds too generous to be true, my lord."

"It’s not charity," Grim assured them. "It’s investment. Master Silverscale’s abilities are worth considerably more than his debt, especially for the project interests have planned."

"Could it really be possible?" Korin whispered, almost to himself. "After all these years?"

Grim could see the fear of hope in the blacksmith’s eyes—the hesitation of someone who had become accustomed to what is basically slavery.

"There is one additional matter," Grim continued. "I have information that Lord Luminaris keeps the true extent of your abilities secret from most of his household. He’s commissioned special work from you over the years—work beyond standard weapons and armor."

Korin’s tail curled defensively around his chair. "Yes. Specialized items with... particular properties."

"I would need to know the nature of these items," Grim said. "Not to use the information against you, but to understand what Lord Luminaris might possess."

The half-dragon and his wife exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them.

"Most recently," Korin said carefully, "he commissioned a set of fire-absorption gauntlets. Metal gloves capable of capturing and redirecting flame-based attacks. Before that, what he called ’mist-piercing lenses’—devices to see through obscurement techniques."

The specific nature of these items confirmed Grim’s suspicions. Julius was preparing to attack him.

"Would you be willing to create similar items for House Ambrose?" Grim asked.

"I would create far better ones," Korin replied, the first hint of pride entering his voice. "Lord Luminaris understands results but not processes. He accepts whatever I produce without questioning whether it represents my best work."

"And does it?"

A small, grim smile revealed Korin’s sharp teeth. "I fulfill the letter of each commission, my lord. But I’ve never given him my finest work. That, I’ve reserved for the day I might truly be free to choose my own path."

Naia squeezed his hand. "Korin has created his masterpieces in secret, never to be sold or shown. It’s been his act of rebellion, small as it is."

Something in Grim responded to this quiet defiance.

"I would see these masterpieces," Grim said. "Before making my final offer."