Chapter 7: First steps

1 week later:

Although it was a busy week, the time was well spent and there were no surprising events.

Leon used his free time to understand and learn more about his ability. Attending the 'School of Nature' whenever he could, improving his abilities by practicing with Maiya and teacher Neivin. While other students were busy sparing with students from other schools, Leon decided to fully focus on the fundamentals of his ability. After all, what's the use of practicing combat, when you don't even know what the limits and true nature of your own ability is.

At night, he spent his time learning more about different kinds of flowers. Reading books and visiting flower stores, expanding his knowledge and discovering the cards he can play. He then practiced to his absolute limit, trying to grow multiple flowers as fast as possible, always aiming to break the previous records he has set. Only then, when he had no energy left, it was resting time.

Other than that, there were three important events he had to take care of.

The first thing was the bizarre man, who interrupted the social gathering with his rude words. It was this that kept Leon awake at night. No matter how many times he went through the scenario, he could not identify the motive. The interrogation was also not helpful, not yielding any satisfying results. It was a truly weird incident, something that Leon still thinks about.

Then, the second important matter which Leon had to attend, was Laverna. He paid her a visit, explaining to her how he would create a Monopoly for her group in the eastern territory, asking her to accompany him on his journey to the eastern parts of the kingdom. After a few drinks and a well spent evening, she agreed and joined Leon on his travels.

And after all that, he waited. Patiently waiting for the tragic news to reach his fathers ears.

2 days ago, inside the Kings private room:

"Do you know why I called for you?" - King Aubert asked, sitting at his desk and watching as Leon entered the room.

"I do not." - Leon answered, closing the door behind him.

"Sir Varon, Morven,Wallas and Austen...all of them died in an accident up on the mountains." - Aubert sighed.

Leon sat down, keeping his calm and serious attitude. This was his natural reaction. Anything else, something like sympathy or worries, would have raised suspicion.

"An accident...doesn't this sound too strange to be an accident? I understand that the odds of this happening are not zero, however..." - Leon tried to lead the conversation to the main topic.

"Are you saying that this could have been the work of someone?" - Aubert asked, not surprised by the idea, suggesting that he already had suspicions about it.

"Yes, that would be more realistic. Especially in times like these, there surely are some figures who would benefit off of this." - Leon said.

"I don't want to point my finger at anyone, but I at least have an argument as to why I believe this to be the work of a certain someone." - Leon added.

"You have a guess? Who is it?" - Aubert asked, interested in what Leon is about to say.

"Milson. I'm sure you haven't forgotten what I told you a few days ago. The incident that one of his guests caused. We both know what type of person Milson is. So, him working against us like this wouldn't be unimaginable." - Leon said.

.....

....

...

"Milson...he may have a motive, but this kind of behaviour does not fit him. He is not someone that schemes against us like that."- Albert said, leaning back on his chair and sighing out of frustration.

"I agree, he is not that type of person. That is why I'm only guessing." - Leon said.

Aubert turned around on his chair and looked out the window.

"Well...I'm sure we will find out who it was sooner or later. Maybe it truly was an accident, who knows? But, that is not why I called for you. The four small regions are now without a lord. I do not have enough influence to immediately assign lords to the regions, that are also capable of maintaining that place. So, in an attempt to fix this problem, I'd like to suggest you as the lord of all four regions." - Aubert switched the topic.

"Father, are you sure? You know what the people think of me, won't this be troublesome?" - Leon asked curiously.

"I am well aware of the situation. However, I have no other choice. And, who knows, maybe you'll be able to regain your reputation by governing those regions well. Success in multiple regions sound like the fastest way for you to regain the worth of your title, don't you agree?" - Aubert asked his son.

Leon got up and fell on one knee, bowing his head and putting his left arm to his chest.

"Father, I shall accept the responsibilities as your son. I shall rule over those regions and make sure to regain my reputation. I'll make sure not to disappoint you, father!" - Leon yelled with excitement.

King Aubert turned around, now facing Leon. 

"I know that you'll do well. After all, you are my son." - He said, smiling at Leon and looking at him proudly.

Back in the present, inside a luxurious caravan:

I wonder how Maiya and teacher Neivin are doing. I feel bad for being absent this long. Maybe I can move them with me? As far as I know, the new city doesn't have schools of any attribute. Leon looked out of the moving caravan, gazing at the beautiful plains in the area.

"What are you looking at, honey?" - Laverna asked Leon, clinging onto his arm and leaning in for a kiss.

"Who said you could call me honey?" - Leon replied, pushing Laverna away with annoyance.

Laverna blushed and kissed the hand that was pushing her away.

"You know I like this. Are we not a couple? Especially after that one eveni-" - Laverna said, before she was interrupted by the caravan stopping.

Leon coughed, leaving the caravan as soon as it stopped, walking out while still blushing. I originally only saw her as a stepping stone for my plans, but...I can't. Is this love at first sight? I was always busy with training, never even thinking about something like love. So maybe that's it? Did my iron-like heart get conquered this fast?

He then glanced over to Laverna, who jumped off the caravan and began walking towards Leon.

If I think about this for more than a moment, then having Laverna as a partner wouldn't be that bad. The future successor of the 'Coldguards'. If I help her out and make sure she succeeds in these regions, she will gain immense wealth and fame, her influence would rise drastically. 

"What's the matter? Is it time for your daily drink again?" - Laverna asked ironically, laughing at Leon.

Leon blushed. I have to get used to women, this is so embarrassing.

Both of them walked towards the entrance of the city they reached.

And to think that, not even a week ago, I even considered getting rid of her in the future. I really am not the wisest, not even considering other solutions. Well...I guess I'll just need to wait and see what happens. 

Both of them walked through the gates, entering the city and taking a look around the place.

The city, that they have traveled to, is called Kosa. A port city inside the Hutis region.

The Hutis region, formerly the four small regions that lost their lords, is a region inside the kingdom, located near the north-eastern border of the land. Hutis shares its borders with multiple neighbors, friendly and hostile. To the west and south are three more regions, controlled by different lords of the kingdom. To the north is the vast ocean. The eastern border is being shared with a huge forest, filled with magical beasts and creatures. Even further down, still going east, is the Retis Kingdom. Although they are not hostile, one can't say that they are on good terms with the Theanad Kingdom. However, the forest in-between both kingdoms prevents any conflict that may arise.

With Prince Leon as the ruler, the region is sure to go through drastic changes. The first one being the city Kosa, which is now the capital of the region.

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It's one of the only big cities in the region. However, the fact that it has a port and access to the ocean, is why Leon decided to make this place the capital. Not only that but, Kosa has the types of architecture that Leon was interested in. 

The gigantic tower in the center of the city, had a perfect view on all surrounding areas. The market around it was busy everyday. No space was wasted, everything had a purpose. Homes, smiths, training grounds, arenas and even a huge auction hall. This city had it all. Well, expect schools for any of the attributes, they were missing. However, it was more than enough for Leon. 

In his eyes, this was going to be his base of operations. The other cities were only an extension, although he does not plan on ignoring them. It will take some time, but the whole region will undergo changes. Kosa is only the start.

"What a beautiful city, I can't wait to get started!" - Laverna said, aweing at the beautiful buildings.

"Good to see that you are motivated. Your merchants are on the way, right? That means that the'll probably arrive within the next few days. Have you also invited the nobles that were on the list that I gave you?" - Leon asked.

"I did. They are all on their way. But, why did you invite those nobles? It's not like they are merchants." - Laverna asked curiously.

"You will see soon. In a few days, there will be a small surprise for everyone. For you too, just wait patiently." - Leon replied.

They arrived at the center, now standing in front of the huge tower.

"I have some business here. Can you go to our mansion and just check in there, making sure that everything is fine?" - Leon asked.

"Alright. I'll also get something for dinner, so be sure to come back in time." - Laverna replied, walking towards one of the many streets in the city center.

Leon looked up, amazed by the size of the tower. This sure is big. What a waste this tower was previously, just another attraction of the city. I'll change this to my headquarters, the core structure for my alchemy-association.

"Prince Leon, it seems like you have finally arrived." - A voice echoed through the area.

Such a loud voice. Did it come from the tower?

"Now, don't be so rude Tariq." - A different voice said.

In the distance, Leon spotted a silhouette, floating in the air. Is that the guy?

"Just give me a moment." - The voice said.

The silhouette in the sky came floating down. It took more than a few seconds for the, now clearly visible, old man to touch the ground.

"Forgive my slow pace, I'm not that young anymore." - The old man laughed.

"You liar! It's in your nature to do everything that slow!" - The previous mysterious voice echoed through the area again.

Then, the huge doors of the tower swung open, revealing the second old man that was talking.

"Vardan, why even were you in the sky? Weren't you supposed to work on yesterdays documents?" - The old man hissed.

"Oops, looks like I forgot." - The other old man laughed.

What a weird atmosphere. Not to mention, both of them look similar to each other. Are they twins?

"Thank you for your warm welcome. I believe there is no further explanation as to why I came here?" - Leon asked.

Both of them stopped arguing, turning their attention towards Leon.

"Let's continue talking about it inside." - Vardan replied.

Leon agreed, following both of them into the tower. The inside was rather empty. There was only one big staircase, leading to every single floor of the tower. 

They then moved to the second floor of the tower, making themselves comfortable at a round table.

"I was rather surprised when I got your letter. Wanting to turn this place into something where new and experienced alchemists could study alike." - Tariq said, making himself comfortable on the wooden chair.

"The same goes for me. The first question I asked myself was, how do you plan to achieve that? You would need an enormous amount of money. Buying all those ingredients, equipment and stuff like that." - Vardan continued.

"You don't have to worry about any of that, I already have that covered. I just need you two to manage everything here, just like what you were doing before." - Leon said.

"However, that would be a waste. I heard that both of you are prominent alchemists, able to brew a wide variety of potions. That is why I'd suggest you guys be teachers aswell. I'm sure that the students would be able to learn a lot from you guys." - Leon continued.

Both of them looked at each other, seemingly thinking about the same thing.

"Before we give you an answer, there is one more question we'd like to have answered. What do you want in return?" - Tariq asked with suspicion.

"What I want? Well, I only want one thing. Since I am delivering the ingredients and covering every and any cost, I'd like the potions that get created to be mine. I guess you could say that this place would be a big potion factory. However, everyone is able to learn something here, improving their skills without worrying about trivial stuff like materials or costs." - Leon answered.

"That doesn't sound like a good deal. Yes, not worrying about ingredients and costs is an attractive offer. However, the time spent in brewing the potions is immense. And all of that for what? So that the students can learn something? I get that we get paid, but the students don't. They could spend their time better elsewhere." - Tariq said.

Leon thought for a moment.

"Then, what about this. 80%. I want 80% of the potions you make. Think about it. If you brew potions, pretending this to be your full-time job, you would still get a decent number of potions out of it. With this, they wouldn't waste their time and I would get my fair share." - Leon said.

The old men looked at each other again, not sure what to think of the deal. Leon tried to rbeak the silence.

"I think that I know where the misunderstanding is. The potions you will be creating are not just basic potions." - Leon said.

"Not just basic potions? What do you mean?" - Vardan asked curiously.

"Silver Lotus, Golden Gardenia and the Burning Rose. These are just some examples, but I have plenty of those. You will be working with materials like that." - Leon answered, smiling at them.

The men had nothing to say. They just watched each other, not sure if they should believe Leons words. Leon then got up from the table and started walking towards the staircase.

"Contact me when you have decided. However, I'm pretty sure that I just made you an offer that you can't refuse. So, don't take too long." - Leon said, walking down the stairs and leaving the tower.

This should be done. There is no way that they'll refuse my offer, after hearing the names of those plants. I produced a fully loaded wagon this week, all containing those flowers. They should be on their way now, hopefully they will arrive within the next few days. Such extraordinary flowers, which only grow in certain seasons and are hard to harvest, are perfect for them.  

Leon, now outside the tower, picked up some soil from the ground and grew a plant.

This ability...is not useless. The amount of wealth I'll get...I really can't wait. But, when it comes to combat, almost everyone outclasses me. I need to find a way to make this ability useful in combat too. But how?

It was then, when walking through the busy streets and noticing a small smithy off road, when he got an idea. Let's see if this could work out.

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