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Last of The Fae Chapter 154: Return of The Autarch
🕑 Added 2025-04-22 01:31:24 +0000 UTC"I must say, Lord Fae, your sudden interest in Brazil's mining sector has left my office in a bit of a whirlwind," said Cármen Inácio, the Brazilian Minister of Magical Trade and Infrastructure, as she gestured for her guests to sit. There was a wide, almost bemused smile on her face, but it didn't entirely hide the fatigue beneath her eyes. "We are certainly intrigued by the potential for a lucrative partnership, but I'm afraid our capacity is somewhat... limited at the moment, as I'm sure you're aware."
Thane inclined his head, his tone calm and measured. "Yes. The roost of dragons that have migrated to the Serra do Mar range. Has there been any progress in identifying the cause of the relocation?"
Cármen sighed through her nose, folding her hands on the table. "None. It's an anomaly that's baffled our best magical zoologists. Even the Dragon Confederation hasn't offered a satisfactory explanation. Meanwhile, the Muggle Minister is running a PR nightmare trying to cover for shuttered mines, citing seismic irregularities and wildlife preservation."
"A costly narrative to maintain," Thane said, his voice lowering. "Especially when the losses affect one of your most profitable exports."
"Precisely," Cármen said with a grim nod.
"Then, with all due respect," Thane said, leaning forward, his tone sharpening like a scalpel, "let's set the niceties aside and speak plainly. I'm offering to resolve your dragon crisis. In return, I want exclusive mineral rights to a segment of the Serra range and an interest in flexible tariff negotiations on imports and exports related to Fae Incorporated."
Cármen blinked twice replaying Thane's words in her mind, which only caused her confusion to grow, "F-forgive me, but I don't entirely understand. Fae Inc. is a British-based company meaning any international trade is subject to taxes and tariffs set by your Minister who, last I checked, did not give you any form of executive power to negotiate such terms and conditions. In fact from what I've heard your company has recently come under some scrutiny for concerns of public safety."
Despite the almost naked accusation, Thane's demeanor didn't sour, in fact, he smiled as if Cármen had told a joke, "Yes that is the unfortunate reality however I assure you that the claims against Fae Inc. are completely baseless and without substance. A pigheaded move by an arrogant man who can't tolerate having his ego bruised."
For a moment Thane's voice dropped and a murderous glint appeared in his eyes, though it vanished as quickly as it came, "Which is why I have made the executive decision to cut all ties with Britain...besides my staff and personnel who will pay taxes on their income."
Cármen scoffed not in disdain but disbelief, "I-I'm sorry b-but I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean to tell me that currently right now, in this very moment, there is no asset of Fae Inc. associated with the British Magical Ministry in any way shape, or form?"
"Besides my tax-paying employees who on paper are employed by an international company but still reside in Britain, then yes," Thane replied before Mirabel reached into her bag and pulled out a thick folder that she placed on the table, "Here is a summary of all the legal loopholes that we had to jump through, but everything is above board. We haven't violated any statutes or laws. Unless the Ministry declares us a criminal or terrorist organization, there is nothing they can legally do that would interfere with our business."
Cármen stared at the folder like it would bite and pump her full of venom, "Even if Fae Inc. is protected, the Brazilian Economy isn't. If your Minister is even half the fool you're painting him to be any deal with Fae Inc. is sure to draw his ire. I'm not going to be the one responsible for starting a Trade war with one of the wealthiest countries in the EU."
"And I assure you that five years from now Fae Inc. will be the wealthiest company in the world. With resources and influence that make the EU seem like a joke." Thane swore his smile dropping away into a mask of absolute certainty.
Cármen stared at Thane as if he were a madman, "You can't possibly expect me to bet on such an extreme promise. While I admit your company has accomplished things that even magic struggles to explain...you're overestimating the appeal of your products."
Thane was silent for a moment before he nodded, "I see that you're going to need more than just words...fortunately I'm confident that Mirabel can give you an in-depth report of our projections. In the meantime, I'm willing to deal with your dragon infestation pro bono as a show of good faith."
"Lord Fae I-"
"Please, just entertain the notion," Thane interrupted, "It costs nothing to hear our proposal."
Cármen hesitated for almost a minute before her front of reluctance slowly crumbled under the weight of his promises, "Fine I'll hear your case. But how are you going to deal with the roost, even though they are a nuisance and extremely dangerous Dragons are a protected species, meaning we can't forcefully excise them from their selected habitat or organize a hunt unless they pose an active threat to a magic or mundane community."
"I can assure you my methods fall well within the guidelines and will cost your government nothing either in cost or damages," Thane replied persuasively, "In fact, if you have a large open space I can show you firsthand how I plan to deal with the dragons."
Cármen nodded, "I have just the space in mind, I just need to make a few calls first."
---
Within the hour Cármen, Mirabel, Thane, several attendants, and the magical law enforcement officers were standing in a large open pavilion surrounded by trees to provide a sense of privacy.
Looking around at the extra pairs of eyes Mirabel frowned, "Do you still think this is the best course of action with so many observers? It won't be long before word reaches Fudge and the rest of the international community?"
"Good, I'm tired of hiding and holding myself for everyone else's peace of mind," Thane answered, though instead of looking a Mirabel his eyes were firmly fixed on the sky above, with a deep look of longing.
"We're ready whenever you are Lord Fae," Cármen announced as she stepped up beside him, "Forgive me for inviting so many observers, but I was hoping that some of my experts could learn from your demonstration...whatever it might be."
"I'm afraid Minsiter that no one besides myself is capable of using methods I am about to employ," Thane informed his chest swelling with pride and arrogance as his lips pulled back to reveal gleaming white teeth. He was going to enjoy what would come next.
Cármen dipped her head in acknowledgment, "Very well, but still many have heard of you and your company's work in the magical zoological and wish to observe nonetheless."
Thane shrugged, before stepping forward, "Very well then Minister, let them observe but don't tell them not to blink otherwise they might miss it."
Without waiting for a reply Thane made his way to the center of the pavilion and felt every pair of eyes fall lock onto him. Instead of being intimidated, Thane was enthused and with a broad smile, he shed his final remnants of humility and restraint.
Mirabel heard the collective gasp as Thane began to transform, and having only learned of his ability a few hours prior she was just as shocked.
Within moments, the pavilion was bathed in a kaleidoscope of rippling silver light as Thane’s body distorted and surged upward, limbs stretching and cracking into new configurations with both elegance and raw power. His robes melted away in a flash of arcane energy, consumed by the transformation as the ground beneath him cracked from the pressure of his expanding form.
Silver scales, smooth as polished metal and laced with fine fractal runes, rippled across his entire form. His face elongated into an angular draconic muzzle, with horns of glimmering platinum curling back into a crown.
From Thane’s back sprouted a second pair of limbs, long and multi-jointed, ending in clawed fingers tipped with shimmering, curved talons. Thin, nearly transparent membranes stretched between the digits, catching the wind like sails. As they unfurled fully, they let out a thunderous snap that rustled the surrounding trees and sent a few of the smaller observers stumbling backward in awe.
Thane’s enormous draconic form slowly turned, glowing white eyes scanning those below. Despite the size and the innate intimidation of his presence, there was still intelligence.
For a moment the world went still, then Thane snorted before spreading his wings. Then, with a single powerful beat, he launched himself into the sky, breaking through the canopy like a silver bullet trailing arcs of lightning.
