Ben found himself looking at a building that looked like something out of a fairytale.

  The Royal Bank of Feruswich exceeded the architectural complexity of the Alchemy Guild building. It was twice as large and had a few more floors to top it off. The towers at the corners rose towards the sky, and the chiseled-out designs decorating the outer edges made it look more like a royal palace. At the front of the building, there appeared to be a large clock tower where the giant iron fingers displayed the time. Massive stained-glass windows covered the front facade, reflecting the rainbow's various colors.

  Ben was surprised they were able to create such a structure. He figured they must have had to bring in an army of artisans who must have used every medieval method known to man to finish such an exquisite design. The thing Ben was most glad about was finally knowing the time. The clock in his van had been reset when he had jump-started the van and had to rely on guesstimation.

  Har steered the cart into the courtyard, where various groups of soldiers led by knights either stood guard or patrolled the area. Countless fancy carts were parked on a large circular brick road around a central, well-kept garden. A path ran through the middle where people walked towards or away from a wide entrance four times the width of a standard double door.

  “It looks like one hell of an operation going on there,” Ben muttered.

  “Oh, aye. I’ve only seen it from afar before today. From what Lord Blackrock used to say, it’s the largest of the six banks in the Hollow Lands—many nobles and merchants from the Mesolands also used it. I think Arthel may have an account here, too. Common folk like myself are left with pockets and lockboxes to keep our money safe. I prefer it that way as I don't like the thought of other people controlling my money.” Har explained with hints of dubiousness filling his tone as he finished.

  Ben shrugged. “Where I’m from, almost everyone has a bank account. Some are even more powerful than entire governments and countries.” He remembered the deed in his pocket and asked, “Shouldn’t we get the notarization done before heading in?”

  Har shrugged as if he didn't have a clue. “I knew it needed notarizing, but I have no idea where or how it’s done. If you talk to one of those clerks there, they might be able to help with that.” He steered the horse towards where the other carts were parked and found a space before pulling in.

  Ben hopped off, and when he noticed Har's hand wasn’t doing the same, he asked. “Aren’t you coming?”

  Har looked around as if it was a silly question. “All these fancy folk walking, and there’s me dressed in my common clothes. I’ll make you look bad in front of all these people.”

  Ben shook his head. “What the heck are you talking about? Come on, Har, you mean more to me than any of these fancy folk, no matter how rich or noble they may be. Besides, I doubt they will care about your appearance as long as we’re there for business. Not to mention that you’re my only witness who can confirm my ownership of the mine.”

  Har let out a lazy groan before huffing a sigh. “Alright, let’s get inside.”

  As if the building weren't already surprising, Ben found the interior awe-inspiring when he entered. They were met with a large open space with finely carved wooden cladding decorating the low part of the walls. Above them were hand-painted designs and patterns covered in gold foil, which glinted in the exterior light coming through the stained glass.

  Large chandeliers hung from various points, and many wall mounts held metal storm lanterns, like the ones that used oil to create large dancing flames. The ceiling must have been crafted from metal plates polished to a mirror finish.

  “I can't believe this. It’s putting the Hollow Keep to shame, and that place was magnificent,” Ben muttered.

  Har nodded. Turning to Ben, he whispered. “Aye to that. I guess this happens when you give your money to rich people to keep it safe. They spend it on fancy things like to convince others to do the same.”

  They walked across one of the lines leading to the clerks' desks. Various guards gave them stern stares as if they were eyeing potential bank robbers or troublemakers.

  A few guards split up and approached a knight. Moments later, the knight started approaching the pair but suddenly stopped halfway. Around the same time, Ben noticed the system notification pop-up. The knight nodded and waved as if all was well before hurrying back to the guards and giving them what looked like an earful.

  “Serves them right.” Ben chuckled under his breath. “Thankfully, this faction system is more than just a tool for war.”

  “Oh, damn right.” Har agreed. “The soldiers and knights of the Hollow Moon have a sense of respect and camaraderie for other members of the order. From what I know, even if you find yourself without a place to sleep, you’ll be allowed in their forts and camps where a warm meal and bed are provided on the order. If you find yourself in trouble, they’re under oath to help regardless of the situation, even if it leads to their death.”

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  “Are you saying, with a high enough rank, I can just ask for things, and they’ll be provided?” Ben questioned.

  “Don't take my word for it. That’s just what I’ve heard.” Har shrugged.

  Like a well-oiled machine, the line started moving quicker as more clerks reached a few empty desks. It didn't take long before Ben was served.

  A middle-aged lady sat upon a raised seat, giving Ben a suspicious look as if he looked alien. She then glanced at Har, letting out a whispered scoff as if to say he didn't belong in a place like that.

  Ben frowned and gave her a narrow gaze. There was no way he would allow her to treat them like that.

  The clerk cleared her throat. “Welcome to the Royal Bank of Feruswich. How may I help you?” She asked in a condescending tone before glancing at the line behind them. “If you could please be quick, I have other customers waiting.”

  “I’m here to cash some checks, but before we can do that, my deeds must be notarized,” Ben explained, taking out the small pile of vellum sheets from his pockets. He placed the deed on the table.

  The clerk glanced at it briefly, as if dismissing it immediately, before asking, “Do you hold an account with us?”

  Ben shook his head. “I don't. But I want to open one to keep the business finances separate.”

  The clerk gave Ben a look as if she thought he was wasting her time. “If you could wait here, I’ll speak with my steward.” She hurried off towards a man in the distance before they both made their way back.

  “This man here wants to open an account and cash these checks, but he’s claiming his deeds need notarized.” The clerk explained. Her voice sounded very discerned as if something dodgy was going on.

  The steward glanced at both Ben and Har before asking. “May I take a look at the deed?”

  Ben gave him a nod. “Of course.”

  The steward grabbed the deed. “Hmm, let’s see the details of this property. The Blackrock Mine and its adjourning lands in the independent duchy of Meso. I’ve not heard much from that side of Great Malle, nor has Lord Blackrock appeared here at some time.”

  “Lord Blackrock passed away when the mine entrance collapsed,” Ben explained.

  “This type of deed allows the person possessing it to become the rightful holder as long it is legally notarized. But before that, you must have at least two witnesses.” The steward explained, he glanced at Har, “I’m assuming this man here must be one of your witnesses.”

  “Indeed, he was there when I took possession of the mine. There was another named Finnan, but he’s keeping the mine running in my stead while I conduct my business here.” Ben explained.

  “That's fine. And how did you come into possession of the mine?” The steward asked.

  “After helping the fine folks of Robynhill, they offered me the opportunity to reopen the mine. We cleared the entrance and exterminated the creatures that roamed within. Things are returning to normal there, and we’ll soon have regular deliveries coming here.” Ben explained.

  The steward nodded. “That’s fine. Does anyone with an official government rank approve the mine transfer?”

  Ben stroked his chin. The only official person who knew the transfer was happening was Le’Vieux. “The Grand Marshall of the Hollow Moon knows about the transfer and even instructed me to gather some special ore from within.” Ben shrugged, “Is that good enough?”

  The steward raised his brow, and his face became flustered. “If you’re trying to fool me into thinking that the Grand Marshall himself witnessed this transfer and even personally tasked you to do something. These are outrageous claims that someone like yourself knows someone of stature like the Grand Marshall.” He turned to the clerk, “Please may you call for the Knight-Captain. Falsifying information like that is a crime.”

  Ben crossed his arms. “Do what you must.”

  Har had started to chuckle by then. “It looks like they’ll get the shock of a lifetime.”

  A couple of moments later, the familiar clanging of steel emerged. A knight wearing armor similar to Alfred marches ahead, surrounded by knights and soldiers. The clerk pointed towards Ben and Har before they approached them. Silence had filled the chamber by then, and everyone eagerly stared at what was happening.

  “What’s going on here?” the knight-captain’s voice reverberated.

  The steward lifted his hand and pointed at Ben. “This man here is falsifying information about a Hollow Moon military commander. He’s claiming to personally know the Grand Marshall who witnessed the transfer of this deed.”

  The knight paused for a moment before replying. “He’s a Sergeant of the Hollow Moon.” He then shrugged before turning to Ben. “Falsifying information is a crime. Which knight do you report to?””

  “Grand Marshall Le’Vieux.” Ben replied.

  “To back those claims, I must insist that you grant me access to your quest logs.” The knight asked, placing his hand on the hilt of the sword.

  The passive aggressiveness didn't faze Ben. “That won't be a problem.” When the request came through, he gracefully accepted it.

  The knight-captain took a few steps back, almost crashing into the soldiers standing there. He turned to the steward and said, “Sergeant Bailey here reports directly to the Grand Marshall and was recently tasked with gathering Mirium ore from The Blackrock mine.” He turned to Ben and said, “I apologize for any inconvenience. I will speak to the soldiers and knights so as not to trouble you.”

  “Don't worry about it, it’s understandable.” Ben nodded before giving the knights and soldiers a thumbs up.” They looked completely dumbfounded when he turned back to the steward and clerk. “Are you both just going to stand there? We have other business to attend and don't have all day to be wasting here.”

  The steward lowered his head in shame. “Please accept my apology. We will call for the grand master, who can notarize your deed immediately.” He turned to the clerk and nodded his head towards the back, “Go on.”

  A few moments passed before the clerk returned with an old guy in tow. The man looked the same age as Malfor and even wore the same style of robes.

  The grandmaster nodded. “Sergeant Bailey, I’ve heard a quick recollection of what transpired. I do offer you my apology on behalf of the Bank of Feruswich. I hope this incident won't impact your decision to bank with us. Rest assured, I will deal with these two once I’ve helped you with what you need.” He glanced at the deed before turning to the Steward. “Go get a fresh sheet of the finest vellum.”