CITY OF DESIRE [KINGDOM BUILDING]

Proofread by Thomas F

Onyx Halcyon, Beyhelm.

“We will start in an hour, Lord Halcyon,” said the detestable man. I wanted just a day more, but they were only giving me an hour.

After giving them so much, that’s how they are paying me back.

“Of course, Lord Danis,” I replied with a smile.

I have opened many casinos, both in the kingdom and outside of it, but none has excited me as much as the one opening in the Velvet Garden.

I wish I had been there. I had asked the bastards to allow it, but they quashed my request.

It had been a year since they had confined me to the city.

Even before the deal with the Velvet Garden, I had already planned to do precisely what I’m doing now—despite their pathetic warnings about the consequences.

They think their threats carry weight, but they’re mistaken. They don’t have nearly the power they believe.

If they dare do that to me, it will send a shockwave through every master of legacy in the kingdom for generations. There are far too many examples of what happens when people like them make that mistake.

…

Halcyon

‘We are ready,’ I said.

I am at the casino, leaving the party half an hour after it had started.

My heart is beating wildly like a drum. I am excited, and I wish my father had been here with me, but those bastards didn’t permit him.

Even when Silver personally requested.

The bastards have made my father a prisoner in the city for years. Not letting him leave and making excuses about his health and safety.

I took a deep breath and smiled as the first guest exited the elevator.

“Welcome to Velvet Halcyon, Baron and Baroness Lockridge,” I welcomed with my son and Madam Margaux.

I thought it would be Madam Caena with me, but that woman liked to remain in the background.

Soon, more and more guests appeared and walked inside. They were checking the various games but not yet playing. They won’t be able to until we open.

It is only a few minutes away.

A few minutes passed, and finally, Silver entered with Chief Salt.

They are one beautiful pair. The children they will produce will make even elves envious.

“Lord Silver, Miss Salt,” I greeted. “Miss Halcyon,” He replied.

I turned and looked at my son, who tapped on his glass. Soon, the people gathered in front of us.

I glanced at Silver, and he gave a subtle nod.

I was taken aback when he told me it would be my role to address the opening. Typically, someone like him—a noble—would never pass up the chance to step into the spotlight. They thrive on stoking their egos and taking every opportunity to level up.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Lords and Ladies, thank you for joining us for the grand opening of the Velvet Halcyon,” I began.

“A place born from the visions of Lord Theus Halcyon and Lord Silver.”

“It will be the place of excitement, luck, and endless possibilities! We open the doors to more than just a casino Tonight!—we unveil a world of thrills, fortune, and unforgettable moments.”

“May luck shine upon you, may fortune favor the bold, and may this casino become a place where magic and opportunity meet.”

I finished my speech and turned to Silver, who stepped forward to cut the ceremonial ribbon. As his blade sliced through it, every ribbon around the games fell, severed in one sweeping motion.

The guests eagerly took their places in front of the games, their eyes alight with excitement. The air buzzed with energy as emotion mist swirled around them.

“I wish grandfather could be here to see this,” said Aman. “He is not here, but he is seeing this,” I said, looking at three mages.

They had cast the spell to let my father see the casino’s opening.

It could not compared to him being personally here, but it is the only thing we could do.

I looked around for a minute before moving to mingle with the crowd. A lot of people had come, and many were even from Ilden.

Most of the people here are from the empire and merchant states.

Some masters have also come.

Right now, it feels incredible, but it will be even better after it takes the bite of our legacy. As long as it is able to take 10% of it, Velvet Garden will gain the aspect of a casino.

10% is hard, but my father is going to provide a helping hand.

The thought of it brought tears to my eyes, but I know the truth. Father is dying, and nothing can stop that.

Time passed, and soon an hour passed.

Things are going smoothly, which isn’t surprising. Our staff is experienced, and we have made preparations for everything.

“Miss Halcyon, your father wants to talk to you,” said Lirav, my mage.

I was going to talk to my father after I finished with the important guests, but speaking now is also fine.

I nodded and walked to my office.

A few seconds later, I sat down. Lirav extended his hand toward me. I took it.

‘Congratulations, my dear. The casino will be a resounding success,’ said the voice.

“It took a lot of effort, papa,” I replied, to which he laughed, and I laughed with him. It is rare for him to laugh. He used to a lot when Mom was alive.

“How are you, papa?” I asked. I am asking about his health, which isn’t good.

‘Now that I have seen your casino, I am good—better than I had been in the past few years,’ he replied, and I sensed something in his voice that made my heart tremble.

“Thank you, papa. I am coming tomorrow, bringing a lot of recording crystals that you will love,” I said.

There was no answer—a complete silence.

“Papa?” I asked, my heart sinking, fearing the worst.

“Goodbye, my dearest daughter. I hope you will find all the happiness in the world,” he said, his words shattering me, tearing my heart apart.

“Papa, please, speak to me!” I begged, but the spell cut off abruptly from the other end.

“Lirav, connect to my father!” I shouted, tears streaming down my face.

“Mom?” Aman asked, his voice trembling, his eyes filled with unspoken fear.

My father is about to die—and those bastards aren’t even waiting long enough for me to say my goodbye in person.

“He is not accepting,” Lirav informed me, making me cry even harder. Please keep trying.” This is all I could say, before I hugged my son and cried even harder.

…

Caena

As the people began to gamble, the spell activated on its own.

Seeing that, a relieved smile spread across my face.

If it hadn’t been triggered, everything would’ve been for nothing. But it did.

Hun!

I was basking in the relief when a surprise appeared on my face. Seeing how fast the spell is charging up.

It’s happening so fast! Much faster than I’d anticipated. The people I had sent to the Halcyon Legacy lit up, their bodies sparking to me as the spell on them completed and seamlessly connected with the primary spell.

I thought it would take hours, but all it took was seconds.

It was the first time I had ever used a spell like this—self-created, untested. I knew what could happen, but I wasn’t prepared for the sheer intensity of what was unfolding.

It wouldn’t have happened anywhere else.

The Velvet Garden is special. Witchcraft laid the very foundation of it, making it holy ground for witchcraft.

It’s a good thing—it’s hidden so well within the legacy, or witches would be flocking to this place in droves.

Powerful witches, the kind who could send even sovereigns into nightmares. That’s why I tread so carefully.

I wanted to coven. It would have magnified the power of my craft, but despite a few girls having a mind for it, I didn’t recruit members.

I am still testing them through various methods. I need them to be absolutely loyal to Velvet Garden.

Minutes passed and turned into an hour.

The spell is blazing now in power. If anyone could see what I was seeing, they would get completely mesmerized by it.

Still, despite that, I don’t know whether it will work or not.

Such spells are complex and need to fit like a perfect puzzle. Any slight discrepancy and everything collapsed.

I pushed that worrying thought and focused on the spell while mingling with people. I want to do nothing and focus on the spell in a quiet place, but I am The Madam. I have to do these things.

“Madam Caena, will you join me for the game?” asked a middle-aged blond man.

“You already have Balis, Mr. Carson. You do not need me,” I replied, looking at the girl in his arms.

We are letting patrons take the girls to the casino. The company of the beautiful girls enhances the patron’s experience.

This service isn’t available to anyone—only to those on a trusted list favored by the girls. It’s costly, but those with access can easily afford it.

‘In Miss Halcyon’s office, now!’

I was mingling with the guests when I suddenly heard Remus’s voice in my mind—filled with urgency.

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