“You appear far too worried for someone who simply took their child to school, Vice President,” JD said with a smirk.

“Is this not normal?” I asked.

JD shrugged innocently as he adjusted his glasses. “I wouldn’t know, I’m afraid,” he said casually.

The man’s deep blue eyes looked around the room as he chuckled and said, “A rather amusing thing that the two most important people in the foundation haven’t even set foot in their own offices.”

“Busy times…” I said.

JD nodded bitterly. “Yes…I suppose it is,” he said.

He waved the gloom away as I asked, “I take it construction of this place and the others has gone well?”

“With enough funding and fame, anything can be done at a reasonable pace. It also helped that we built this place on an already existing foundation. But yes, overall, everything has gone smoothly regarding building,” he said, admiring the shiny new office.

The Dragonheart Foundation was originally just meant to help the various orphans and, in the future, act as another group that would funnel slaves out of the City States and into other places, harming their business in the long run. But given the circumstances, expansion was necessary.

And JD had received the orders months ago to build various places. The central office in the capital was just one such place.

The office meant for me was spacious, although it was only second to Sylvia’s; it was fully furnished. A perfectly crafted wooden desk made from a dark wood. A deep red carpet spread across the floor where a small section of chairs and couches sat, all made from high-quality leathers, I was sure.

A beautiful circular stained glass window with the Dragonheart’s symbol let in a cascade of warm light into the room. It was…a little over the top. But one had to act the part, I suppose.

The room probably cost me a small fortune…I don’t even own my own house yet.

“Your idea to create a central administration apart from the orphanages was rather wise. It gives you a healthy distance and degree of insulation, never allowing one single orphanage to capitalize on being the primary one. Of course, with your most recent letters, it appears you have far more plans now than before,” JD said with a hint of curiosity.

“We do indeed…and I would like to thank you for running things so smoothly up til now. Your help has been nothing short of a miracle,” I said, purposely ignoring his hidden question.

It’s not that we can’t trust him or Bowen. But the less who know, the better.

JD smiled thinly and said, “Well, appropriating a healthy supply of the kingdom's grants and your own income is but a simple matter. One only needs to put the right people in the right places. However…speaking of income.”

“Yes…I’m aware it’s a problem,” I finished.

JD nodded and put a finger to his chin. “Truly, it is a unique situation. You have a treasure trove of priceless goods. But that in itself is a problem. You can’t flood the market with them, lest they lose value. So you can only sell portions over long periods of time to keep their prestige,” he thought aloud.

“But the funds I have should be more than enough for the time being. I’m thinking of auctioning off a small portion to maximize the profits,” I said.

“A wise choice indeed. An auction could see the cost of the goods reaching unimaginable heights. Luminar is apparently not selling theirs and keeping them for research, development, and bargaining. Which means outside the black market, you would be the only legitimate seller of Dragon parts,” he said.

“And yes, your current funds that you have allocated to the foundation are sufficient. The current budget, even with rapid expansion, will last for many years. That is, if prices remain the same,” JD said as he eyed me.

“Food…” I said.

JD nodded approvingly and said, “Food is correct. As you are running an orphanage, food may turn out to be your most significant cost. And if the costs continue to rise, the current coffers may not hold for nearly as long. And if another war is to break out…”

“There would be even more children in need of help,” I finished.

JD chuckled. “I’m glad someone is there to think about them. I don’t doubt the crown will leave them be as well. I’m sure you will receive emergency funding if needed. And Bowen has instructed me to tell you that if such a need does arise, we will step in to assist where we can,” he said.

“Good, I continue to owe you and him even more,” I chuckled.

“A good man on a righteous path should be rewarded with the same kindness he shows others. At least, that is my take on the matter,” JD said with a smirk.

“I…don’t believe I’m such a noble hero,” I said.

JD shrugged. “I wonder about that…well, either way, there must be something done about income, and it seems you have already planted the seed, mmm?” JD said.

“Yes, I have. Did your background check come back?” I asked.

JD shook his head disapprovingly. “Truly, you are a lucky man, Kaladin Shadowheart. The man known as Aien is actually a noble child of the Viscount Whispersilver. To be exact, the thirty-second son,” JD said.

“Thirty-second…” I mumbled.

“The current Viscount Whispersilver has been in power for over two hundred years. It’s not uncommon to have that many children at that point, even for an Elf,” JD added.

“So, is this good or bad news?” I asked.

JD chuckled as he explained, “Aien, like many children, so late down the line of succession, took the path of least resistance. He received a formal education and graduated from a minor school. From there, he worked at a small trading company, removing himself from the succession line, and continued moving goods during the war, and was rather well respected and successful. The merchant leader noted that ‘Aien left only because there was nothing else he could teach the boy.’”

“So a prodigy then…not bad,” I said.

JD smirked as he adjusted his glasses. “Only if that was the end. Unfortunately for a young Aien, he ended up with a drinking and gambling problem shortly after,” he said.

Damn… I wouldn’t have imagined that. I thought if Mom trusted him, then—

“However, that was short-lived. In a rare turn of events, the man paid off his gambling debt himself in record time and, according to rumors, utterly ended his drinking. From there, he became a solo trader, doing work across the continent and even reaching Syn'nari. He has a solid reputation with the Adventurers’ guild, and many minor regional nobles keep in contact with him just in Luminar alone,” JD added.

“Such a drastic change. Is there a reason behind it?” I asked.

“A woman, most likely. Although the man is not officially married to anyone, it is believed he has a lover, as he often travels with a Topaz-ranked adventurer who has been on his ‘payroll’ for years, and rumors say they are quite close. It’s not difficult to connect the dots. She must have played a crucial role in his turnaround,” JD answered.

“I believe you’ve found a gem long before it’s been polished. Mr. Aien is undoubly a worthwhile investment,” he said approvingly.

“I suppose I’m just a good judge of character,” I said.

JD chuckled as he shook his head. “That would be one way to look at it. I prefer to say you got fortunate. In the future, I would recommend perhaps running checks on prospective partners before you engage in business with them,” he said.

“Duely noted,” I said. “Speaking about partners. Lord Faboren Wyll has proven to be quite the man, according to your report.”

JD readjusted himself into a more serious state before saying, “Yes, Baron Wyll is a man of many talents, and he has proven himself. It is not far-fetched to say he has been my most successful appointment. And although he has not accepted a position from me, I highly suggest you hire him officially. He is a rare find, and his beliefs directly align with yours.”

Faboren Wyll…a low-ranking noble from Luminar. He was an orphan, adopted by the previous Baron of his family. Despite not being of the family’s blood and having four half-siblings gunning for the heir position, he quickly and efficiently swept them aside and secured his position through skill and grit alone.

It’s a fascinating story of an orphan turning into a noble. And I’ve read through many reports of his success in the foundation. And the information was not only from JD, but I had Lin and her agents do some digging as well.

The man stayed loyal to Luminar the entire time, even sending his troops to fight the rebels in the capital. He was deeply involved in various orphanages since taking power and was very generous toward them, often acting as a donor if he was not handling it personally.

“I’d like to meet him, face to face,” I asked.

“He’s already waiting outside,” JD said. “Baron, please come in.”

A bald man wearing black and red robes walked in, closed the door behind him, and gave a deep bow. On first impressions, he looked rather curt and gave off the authority of a man not to be trifled with, despite his slim build. His deep, dark brown eyes carefully observed me before he smiled from ear to ear in a warmth that did not match his appearance.

“Sir Shadowheart, it is an honor to finally meet you in person,” Faboren Wyll said.

I stood from the chair and extended a hand. “Baron Wyll, the honor is mine. Thank you for your work. The foundation wouldn’t be prospering so quickly if it weren’t for you,” I said.

The man rose from his bow and shook my hand. “Your words are too kind. When JD told me about your plans, I truly thought it was nothing more than a political stunt. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Your magnanimity knows no bounds, Sir Shadowheart. Those children you saved…truly an act of kindness,” he said warmly.

“I was just doing the right thing,” I said.

“Just because a man ought to do the right thing, does not mean he does. Actions of good men often speak for themselves when the words of the wicked are so honeyed,” he said.

I chuckled and nodded in agreement. “I heard you have refused an official position? Why is that? Was our offer not good enough?” I asked.

The man straightened himself and stared back at me. “Nothing of the sort, Sir Shadowheart. I believe it’s not my place to accept such a gracious offer. I am more than pleased with my position,” he answered.

He was technically a higher-ranking noble than I. I was just a mere knight. Yet he was clearly speaking as if I were his superior. Well…in a way, I suppose I am.

Then shall I try a different approach.

“Oh? Then, if perhaps I ordered you to take a position, would you?” I asked playfully.

The man chuckled. “I believe orders are not phrased as questions, Sir Shadowheart. I would…consider it…perhaps?”

“We require a head director. I believe a man of your accomplishments would fit right in. Will you take it?” I asked.

Faboren Wyll’s face hardened as he asked, “Do you plan on continuing down this path, Sir Shadowheart? Many have sat in your position; few have remained. This is not a lucrative business.”

“Do you think so lightly of me? I’ll be here until the very end. It’s up to you if you would like to come along,” I said firmly.

A slight smile hit the corner of his lips. “Perish the thought. The hero leaving the people? I suppose the sky would fall to the earth before that,” he said.

Baron Wyll extended a hand, and I took it, “I’d like to see this end you speak of, Vice President.”

“Call me Kaladin, Baron Wyll,” I said.

“Faboren will do for me,” he said.

JD clapped and smiled, “Ah, Baron Wyll, congratulations. I do pray for your sanity. I’m afraid these young ones may work you to this ‘end’ long before it actually comes.”

Faboren chuckled and said, “It’s a good thing I have no hair to lose then.”

“I’ll be certain to send the documents for everything soon, Baron,” JD said with a polite nod.

“Of course, these are busy times. I’ll continue as I have for the time being. I’ll take my leave then. Kaladin, it’s been an honor,” Faboren said with a bow before excusing himself.

JD let out a deep breath. “Went better than expected…perhaps that fame of yours is more powerful than I anticipated,” he said.

“What makes you say that?” I asked.

“Baron Wyll is notorious for doing things his way. He is a very righteous man and is openly against many of the operations and preening nobles are so accustomed to. Either way…this not the end of our converstation today,” JD said darkly.

“Uh…what else is there? I planned on going to the orphanage after this,” I said retaking a seat.

“Yes, yes, a good idea. However…” JD trailed off as he grabbed a large basket at his side.

He dumped the contents onto the table at the center. Dozens upon dozens of sealed envelopes, scrolls, and letters were released like a waterfall. JD pointed to a second basket and pointed a finger at me.

“This…has become tedious. I’ve had to stop assigning people to respond and just outright reject new letters. But they continue to come in, bogging up our mail system. If not for yourself, then for the sake of your next employee, please, announce that you are engaged,” JD said sternly.

Uh…what?

I grabbed one of the letters in my hand as JD said, “Yes, these are all marriage proposals—every single one of them. Even if everyone is aware of your relationship with Sylvia, as long as it’s not official, people will continue to pester.”

“Isn’t this…excessive? Why didn’t you mention this?” I asked.

“Because it had nothing to do with the operations of the foundation. Even a simple official announcement of your engagement will shut it all down. And you can just do…whatever it is that you want to do after. Many nobles won’t test the waters with an engaged man, as it is socially unacceptable. Not that it will stop all of them from doing it in private…” JD mumbled.

JD waved a hand and said, “Besides, I fail to see why you seem so surprised? You are clearly together and have an adopted daughter. You are a family, just not in an official capacity.”

“Ah…well…I haven’t exactly asked Sylvia to marry me?” I said with a weak chuckle.

JD looked surprised, then shook his head as he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“Are you serious?”