The Imperial Trade Summit was one of those mandatory political events that I had learned to navigate with practiced efficiency—a gathering of the Empire's most influential business leaders, guild representatives, and political figures designed to showcase economic achievements while providing networking opportunities for the powerful. As Guild Grandmaster, my presence was not just expected but essential, particularly given the Ouroboros Guild's recent expansion into all five continents.
What made this summit different from previous years was the subtle weight I felt on my hands as I moved through the elegant reception hall, greeting dignitaries and discussing trade agreements. Six rings adorned my fingers—each one a masterpiece of magical craftsmanship that represented promises made and futures intertwined in ways that would reshape the political landscape of the known world.
