"Draw up the framework."
Trade.
Alliance.
Infrastructure.
The first official step toward full integration into the United Kingdoms.
---
The circular framework towered nearly thirty feet high.
Runic steel ribs curved upward into a perfect ring. Embedded crystals pulsed faintly along its circumference, reacting to Jax's mana as he placed his palm against the activation node.
The structure hummed.
The air bent.
Reality rippled.
Vaelrith stood beside him as the portal flared to life.
Without hesitation, Jax stepped through.
---
Inside was a massive warehouse.
Empty.
Echoing.
Too big.
Jax frowned.
I really have to figure out how to compress this dimensional space.
Vaelrith followed, boots clicking against polished stone. They walked the length of the interior — nearly a hundred yards — before reaching the far doorway.
When they stepped through, sunlight greeted them.
They stood in Solmere's Transportation District.
Workers immediately noticed.
"Mr. Darquebane!"
"You did it!"
The area surrounding the inactive gate had been cordoned off, but the moment they saw Jax emerge from inside the dimensional structure, movement exploded into action.
Preparations began instantly.
Teams sprinted through the portal to establish receiving positions on the Elven side.
Vaelrith watched it all with open admiration.
"You truly built this," he murmured. "It is like a dimensional vault… with a back door."
Jax smirked.
"That's exactly what it is."
Dimensional storage was not new. The System allowed it in limited capacities. Some archmages specialized in it.
But linking two fixed dimensional pockets?
With synchronized entry points?
No one had attempted it.
Vaelrith shook his head slowly.
"You have reshaped logistics."
Jax shrugged lightly.
"I had help. Smart people. I just fund and connect ideas."
Vaelrith didn't fully believe that.
But he didn't argue.
---
They returned through the portal once final calibrations were complete.
Contracts were signed.
Transit fees agreed upon.
Revenue splits established — fair, clean, mutually beneficial.
Elven merchants would receive direct access to Solmere markets.
Solmere caravans would receive safe passage through Elven territory.
It was elegant.
It was revolutionary.
It was dangerous.
Because prosperity shifted power.
---
The Vixens gathered near the caravan.
Grim and Steed stood harnessed and ready.
The King, Queen, and royal family came to see them off.
The Queen smiled warmly.
"At least now, visiting you will not require months of travel."
Llandra maintained perfect composure.
"We would be honored by your visit."
The Queen leaned closer.
"I look forward to seeing this house I've heard so much about."
For a fraction of a second, Llandra's mind flashed—
Devices.
Custom bed frames.
Things best not discovered by parents.
"Well," she replied smoothly, "a lady of the house does prefer advance notice."
"I am your mother," the Queen replied playfully. "A little dust will not disturb me."
Nyxian chimed in.
"I don't think you understand how dirty our house can get."
Jax coughed loudly.
"We look forward to your visit."
He stepped forward and embraced the Queen.
Then he turned to Legos and Heiron.
"Thirty-two restaurants across twelve cities. First shipment this afternoon?"
"You know it," Legos replied.
"Pixie Mead begins moving in one hour," Heiron confirmed.
The Vixens perked up.
"Wait," Bunny said. "You're serious?"
Legos grinned.
"Joint venture."
Nyxian's eyes lit up.
"Oh hell yes."
---
Finally, Jax stepped toward the King.
They stood eye to eye.
Equal height.
Equal presence.
In this moment, they were not sovereign and subject.
They were men.
The King extended his hand.
"Thank you, Jax. For everything."
Jax gripped it firmly.
"Thank you, sir."
The handshake turned into a warrior's embrace.
"Take care of my daughter, son."
The word lingered.
Jax nodded once.
Then they mounted.
The caravan rolled toward the portal district.
---
Arrival in Solmere was quieter.
No festival.
No parades.
Just efficiency.
Workers.
Order.
Movement.
Jax stood on the platform as the first Elven caravan began passing through.
Zee leaned beside him.
"You already have product moving?"
He nodded.
"This shipment isn't for sale."
"What is it?" Bunny asked.
"Twenty refrigeration units."
The Vixens blinked.
"You're gifting them?" Llandra asked.
"Yes. Nobles and royal households first. Once they have them, everyone else will want them."
Nyxian smirked.
"You are terrifyingly good at this."
He simply smiled.
Influence first.
Profit second.
Always.
---
They were preparing to depart when an unexpected figure approached.
The Mayor of Solmere.
Not escorted.
Not announced.
Walking quickly.
Jax stepped down from the platform to greet him.
Firm handshake.
Professional.
"Mayor," Jax said smoothly. "What brings you personally to the Transportation District?"
The man did not smile.
His face was tight.
Serious.
"I believe the Slave Guild has gone too far."