Chapter 6: Random dream and consequences

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Location: The council of the boys

3rd

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“Everything is moving accordingly, let’s promptly move onto the discussion of famine prevention” A middle-aged version of Jame spoke.

“It’s about time man, we need to ask Margarete to hand over part of the agricultural land to us.” Another James spoke, but he looks more childlike.

“Not now Myself. It’s too early for that. Our investigation of crops still requires at least a month”, then comes another James who looks like an innocent child.

They all sat down at a round wood table, discussing topics relating to farming. The stable environment around here is completely white. The sacred ground is some sort of milky liquid. In front of the Gurus are three familiar figures all dressed in fashionable clothes from the earth. They all wear a name tag.

The middle-aged James' name tag said “ME”. He is adorned in a professional black business suit and wore round glasses.

While the teenage James tag said “MYSELF”. He wore a casual black hoodie. His temper seems short.

Lastly, the child James tag said “AI”. Sitting snugly with his knees to his chest, the innocent kid is fidgeting with a rubric cube. He wore a navy jacket.

“…For that we need to negotiate with the underground guild”, Me said.

“No need. We just need to create Zyklon B and gas out their whole base. Hahahaha”, Ai replied.

“We can use them to create strategic mayhem within the population to gain political support later”, Myself suggests.

“Accepted”, both Me and Ai nods affirmatively.

Gurus' conscious mind is foggy. Exhausted, his critical thoughts are in dismay. His bleak vision is getting blurry. The three boys continue chatting unawarely of Gurus' existence.

His odd sight is getting dark and dizzying. Their political voice starts muffling. Gurus' last drop of consciousness vaporizes and inevitably falls into a deep slumber.

‘Odd dream’

———————

 

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Location: Duchess Singha estate.

3rd perspective

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“With all due respect, Lady Caitline. This is a matter of privacy that the creator demands from us.” Margarete holds her formal smile.

She sits, confronting an elegant woman. Her skin is pale white. Critical eyes are dye blood red and shine like a ruby. But besides their radiant beauty, they carefully bear the mighty weight of nobility and power. Observing closely, when she smiles, one may sight a glint of her unusually long canine. Silver hair flow down her shapely neck and shoulders.

Deceive not by her grace and charm, for the truth of her nature is covered in blood.

Caitline Singha, grand duchess of Singha. Her name harbours the fear of her enemies and the delight of her allies in battles. The uncrowned queen. Lord of blood. Crimson death. They are some of the honorary titles that Caitline sustained throughout her life.

“Shame. I guess we have to leave it at that”

Margarete gently let out a slight breath of relief. However, when she perceives Caitline’s eager eyes, Margarete knows it is not over. Caitline wouldn’t have called her here for a small chat.

Caitline sips some fragrant tea that retained an unusual rose color. She carefully places the cup back down which creates a slight ringing sound.

“Gurus Touhan. That’s the name of your son I presume?”, she asks rhetorically, looking at Margarete with anticipation.

The pupil dilates, and Margarete regains her dignified composure.

“It is an honor that you know his name.”

“He is quite impressive for his age.”

“I am not following what you…”

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“Don’t underestimate me, Margarete,” Caitline said sternly. Her peaceful expression grew a little grim. Margarete's face remains stoic, unflinching. She stays silent intentionally, knowing Caitline will continue.

“You and Coson had rejected many marriage proposals of your son, even those that came from highly outstanding nobles.”

Marrying a son off to another house represents an establishment of a deep connection between their family. Some even offer a ‘male trade’, where the dutiful son of each family is exchanged with one another.

“… I wish my son to have the freedom to choose his path in life”

“Really? Then what did he do to deserve that freedom? Perhaps his extraordinary talent. It is rare for you to be so stubborn.” Caitline rise from her luxurious lounge, followed by Margarete.

“What do you want?”

“My young daughter wants to meet your son”

“Huh?”

“She tries tracking down the person who produces the pencil because the pencil that you gave us ran out.”

Getting impatient with waiting for the pencil, Caitline’s young daughter search for the brilliant inventor of the pencil out of curiosity. Clever spies and private investigators were promptly sent to dig up necessary information about the Touhan estate.

Caitline was equally interested in how the Margarete region's economy improved rapidly. The spreading of single and double-entry bookkeeping systems came to the Singha state.

The economic innovation in accounting along with the various production methods that Gurus mentions in his paper are impressive. Hence, duchess Caitline willingly spent effort on finding the secrete of the Touhan estate. Coson and Margarete are trying hard to conceal the source of these innovations.

Obviously, they could tell bullshits, but lies remain a heavy crime within the alliance. So Margarete casually dismisses it as private matters. Additionally, it is identified that the Singhan bloodline had a special ability to smell dishonesty and deception.

“And now she is heading to your son's place”,

“She what?!”

Sure enough, they naturally got into contact with Gurus' old tutor. Then, the cat is out of the bag. Additionally, rumours of Gurus from servants within the estate further support the claim.

News of a youthful prodigy within Touhan reaches Caitline. It is pretty simple to link everything together from there. Why Margarete and Coson were adamant about holding onto their son, and where did the recent advancement come from, are sufficiently explained.

“Don’t worry Margarete. She is only there to get some pencils. My beloved daughter is a kind person~”, Caitline grin childishly and moves over pat Margarete's shoulder. Margarete couldn’t fathom what was going on anymore and just pinch the bridge between her eyes brown. She seeks her best to protect Gurus while knowing it’s only a matter of time.

“My son is not fond of women”

“You never know. Hehe”

“This is amusing to you.”

“Yeah. It's rare to find my daughter enthusiastic.”

“… I’m wedding him off.”

“That won’t be up to you,” Caitline flicks her finger. A faithful maid suddenly appears, kneeling. She is holding up a piece of paper wrapped by a red string. Caitline eagerly grasps it and untied the document then deliver it to Margarete.

“This is just a copy of the original contract.”

Perplex, Margarete carefully unfolds the ominous document and carefully skims over the official letters. Her face contour and eyes widen the further she reads.

“…T...This”

“I happen to found while sorting out paper laid down by my mother. Turn out, it will be valuable”

“Don’t do this Caitline.”

“It’s up to my daughter.” She laughs victoriously while jerking Margarete's shoulders slightly like a lifelong friend. Margarete sighs and surrenders the fate of her dear child.

‘Gurus. I did my best.'

Here it comes. Thanks for reading this far. Suggestion, question and criticism are welcome in the comment. 

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