Rune System: The Crimson Knight

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“I trust your journey went smoothly, my lord.”

Michael Craig’s relaxed baritone flowed clearly into Draàl’s ears, courtesy of small, neon-blue earbuds that were handed to him by two quiet men wearing leather jackets, dark shades, and stony expressions, shortly after he’d gotten off the plane. Then they’d escorted him to a brand new chrome-colored SUV waiting in the parking lot, promptly pulling out of the airport and driving into the lively city.

“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t,” Draàl responded. Settled in the highly comfortable backseat of the rather roomy vehicle—which appeared spacious enough to accommodate half a dozen passengers—he took a sip from a glass of champagne balanced in the cup holder next to his left arm, with classical music wafting softly through the high-definition speakers as they cruised smoothly through traffic.

“That’s excellent to hear, my lord,” Michael stated, his voice indicating a smile. “I followed your tip, by the way. Concerning the corrupt executive you told me about. Turns out my very own secretary was in on the act as well, selling classified information about the company to rivals across the country and beyond. They tried to get the poor cleaning lady fired after she stumbled upon documents of their suspicious activities. A few years in maximum security prison should teach them not to mess with me or my business.”

“That’s a proper thing to do,” Draàl agreed, not knowing what else to say.

“Indeed, my lord. Also, please do forgive Adrián and Felipe if you can. I’m sure they’re being terrible escorts.”

Draàl didn’t need a psychic to know that Michael referred to the men in the driver’s and passenger’s seat respectively, though it didn’t lessen his confusion in any way. “Why do you assume so, Mr. Craig?”

“Their level of loyalty and commitment is steadfast and higher than most men I know,” he clarified. “That’s why I assigned them to you, coupled with the fact that they’re partly Peruvian by descent. But their inadequacy stems from their lack of social skills. They simply won’t speak unless they’re spoken to; a trait I find highly uncomfortable.”

Draàl actually chuckled lightly at that. “If that’s all you’re worried about, Mr. Craig, then you can give it a rest. I do enjoy the company of quiet people.”

Michael gave a sigh of resignation. “As long as it pleases you, my lord. Now, Peru was quite a sudden location—one where I don’t have a fancy penthouse waiting idly, unfortunately. However, with the black card, you should be given the grand suite at the Hacienda Sol Luna, which happens to be the finest hotel in the city of Lima. Hopefully, that should suffice for the time being.”

Slipping his hand into his suit, Draàl extracted the flat piece of plastic from his pocket, beholding its ink-black hue and golden accents. Michael had handed it to him a day earlier, moments before he’d departed the company in a personal helicopter, claiming that it would give him unrestricted access to resources and establishments across the globe.

“An unsuspecting piece of plastic,” Michael had told him with a grin. “But it carries billions of dollars within, as well as VIP permits to restaurants, hotels, and even medical facilities. Use it as you deem fit, my lord. What’s ours is yours.”

Ours. Draàl pondered over the word. Despite being filthy and unapologetically rich, he bore a strange feeling that Michael wasn’t working alone. After all, if there were people who were aware of the Dark Queen’s existence—especially those who’d pledged their allegiance—then the chances of a secret organization of wealthy individuals operating in the background weren’t far off from a fact. Draàl, however, decided to keep his suspicions to himself.

“Damn it,” Michael swore abruptly.

“Everything alright, Mr. Craig?”

“No… yes! Everything’s peachy, my lord. Just peachy. I’m just trying to wrap up some business transaction here, so let me get off the airwaves for a moment.”

Draàl didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t push it either. “Very well, Mr. Craig.”

“If you will, my lord,” he added with a nervous laugh. “I’d prefer to be called Michael. Or Mike, even. Takes the formal sting out of the name, if you catch my drift.”

“I don’t. Rest well, Michael.”

Draàl unplugged the buds from his ears, placing them on the seat next to him. It was well past seven in the evening when they finally arrived at the hotel, with its majestic structure looming against the backdrop of the glimmering night sky. As the vehicle slowed to a stop at the steps to the entrance, with Draàl and his companions stepping off, a young man in a royal blue valet uniform rushed forward with an eager expression etched on his face.

“Welcome to the Hacienda Sol Luna, gentlemen. Please allow me to park your vehicle while you check in.”

Pausing for a moment, Draàl stared at the young man. Though he had short, brown hair, tanned skin without freckles, and a chubby physique, the resemblance to Finn Slattery was rather uncanny. Maybe it was the enthusiastic stance he carried, or his cheerful demeanor—Draàl wasn’t sure. Regardless, he nodded as he acknowledged the elegant environment around him.

“You know, I used to work at a spot just like this,” he said wistfully. Then he gazed down at the young man and winked. “Except that this place looks much better.”

The valet cracked a proud smile. “Thank you, señor. That’s wonderful to hear.”

“What’s your name, boy?” Draàl inquired gently.

“Mateo, sir. Mateo José.”

“Mateo,” Draal repeated with a faint smile. “Interesting name, kid.”

He straightened his posture and gestured towards Adrián on his right.

“Give the keys to the boy,” he instructed. “And add a generous tip as well.”

Draàl felt an odd sense of fulfillment when the young man’s jaw nearly dropped with shock, his hands shaking as he received wads of cash.

“¡Por Dios!” he exclaimed with a whisper. “A thousand dollars? All for a tip? Gracias, señor. I’m… I’m at your service whenever you need me.”

“Don’t be too eager to please, kid,” Draàl advised as he began to ascend the steps, his escorts following closely. “It’s not always worth it.”

“I… I’ll remember that, sir,” Mateo called out. “Enjoy your stay!”