Shake sat at the head of the long table, a gold coin danced through his fingers.
A thick ledger lay open before him.
His fingers idly tapped against its cover as he pretended to focus on the numbers.
Across from him, Kein walked in, clutching a stack of rolled-up papers.
Without waiting for an invitation, he plopped down across from Shake, unrolling a parchment.
His expression was calm, but his voice carried a note of excitement.
"Shake, I've been studying alchemical theory."
Kein started, adjusting his glasses with an air of importance.
Shake gave him a flat look.
"Kein, do I look like someone who cares about theory?"
Kein ignored the comment and continued.
"There's this fascinating process for reinforcing steel. It involves a blend of rare powders and-"
"Kein."
Shake leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table.
"Do I look like someone who smelts steel?"
Kein didn't flinch at the interruption.
Instead, he raised an eyebrow and continued in the same tone.
"The point is that you could probably sell gear like that for a fortune in the markets. Not that you're hurting for money."
Shake grunted, leaning back in his chair.
"If you're suggesting I start smelting steel instead of running the black market, I'll pass."
Kein hummed, lips twitching into a barely noticeable smile.
"Fair enough. But don't worry, I've got something more relevant for you."
"Good. Because if this is another one of your brainy ideas, I'm gonna-"
"The Snake Boys hit one of your routes."
Kein interrupted, his tone now more serious.
The coin Shake had been idly flipping got caught between his fingers.
"What did you say?"
Kein leaned back in his chair, feigning an air of indifference.
"I said the Snake Boys hit one of your routes this morning. Took the cargo, left something like a 'calling card.'"
"Kein."
Shake frowned, setting the coin down with a light thud.
"Start over."
Kein raised an eyebrow, his expression amused.
"Oh, you want the full story now? Including the part about alchemical steel?"
Shake gave him a knowing glare.
"Kein, if you like having fresh coffee in the morning, I'd suggest skipping to the important part."
Kein chuckled softly.
"To think you'd target my love for coffee. That's just like you, really."
Kein ignored the glare, unrolling a map.
"Alright, here's the gist of it. The Snake Boys are getting bolder. They hit a route near the west, took everything, and left these behind."
He pointed to small, crude snake symbols scrawled across the map.
YOU ARE READING
Thrown Into Madness - Lord of the Mysteries
Historical Fiction"... I just wanted to read a book, What's with the bloody scene?! And what? I'm a child? And whose memories are these? Where am I? Who am I? I don't want this! Who would want this?! Get me back! I wanna go back! Please!" ... Who would think that bu...
