EPISODE 153: A CHANCE 2
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
“Idiot boy —you are falling into the prince’s trap. Do not let petty jealousy blind you from envisioning the future. Kabal is only a tool in your arsenal, should you need to utilize it — Then Do So . You are solely focused on ensuring this system will not pass that you have not seen the opportunity it brings should it ,” Old King Stane said. His voice was deep, like that of the ocean depths. It possessed the majesty of a crown and snatched Tendra’s attention—regardless of whether he wished to listen or not, Old King Stane's voice held a magical might that could not be ignored.
His hair and eyes were blue, much lighter than that of Tendra’s, but they held matching long wavy hair. It was a calm sea blue that Tendra knew could change, just as a calm sea could turn into a violent storm within minutes. Those features possessed hints of white and grey as the elderly man stood there. Yet his age didn’t diminish his presence. Old King Stane’s skin was sun-kissed like Tendra’s but held a deeper shade closer to brown—weathered and aged by the stormy sea and hot tropical weather their island nation experienced year-round. A crown of glittering pearls and other gems that could be found in the sea’s depths rested comfortably, yet its weight seemed to drag the king down as he stood with a slight hunch to his back—the only blemish on his otherwise strong features.
Tendra listened to his father— NO , Tendra wouldn’t use that word to describe that man . He listened to Old King Stane as he attempted to keep his expression as neutral as possible. However, his pursed lips, slightly arched eyebrows, and hard stare at the mirror betrayed his feelings. Old King Stane didn’t care for his son’s feelings. He only held one job.
“Do not mistake your position, boy . You are a prisoner in a foreign territory. A prisoner , but one with rights and capabilities to ensure your own prosperous future. The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy is both good and bad for you. Should it pass, then you have the opportunity to place talents of your pick in places of power. If you could support the rise of a [Prime Minister], then that’s as good as having control of all the Edryan common population. Do not mistake this as a small force, a country’s backbone is their [Common] man.”
Old King Stane looked his son up and down. The full-sized mirror gave him more than enough room to fully view his second son—the mistake . He shook his head. How could a tiger born a dog-son?
“However, should you continue down your foolish plan of obstinance, then you must be ready to bear the consequences of the [Chosen’s] wrath. He has never been denied a want—what madness has you to believe you possess the might to halt his advance? Take heed of my words boy , use this…,” Old King Stane paused, spitting out the next words in disgust. “…Imperius Grand Summit as an opportunity to expand your connections in the lower society surrounding the Edryan capital. Hire who you can, and help fund them and their dreams—should you need the expenses, then you know whom to contact. Raise them into positions of power—is that understood.”
Old King Stane wasn’t asking a question when he finished speaking—no, Tendra knew better. It was an order , one that Tendra would have to follow to the letter or face punishment. It was impressive… the reach of a King . How could one man thousands of kilometers away still have such great might?
Oh, how could he not when Tendra’s men and protectors were his men?
Loneliness .
The mirror flickered and Tendra’s head gave the slightest, nearly imperceptible nod. An action easily caught by the powerful King. He shook his head, a look of disgust flashing across his face before the connection was cut. Yet, his final words easily entered the ears of Tendra.
“Hmph, useless thing .”
Drip…
Tendra stood in his study, his face blank. The previous emotion he allowed to show was gone the moment he was certain the connection was cut. It would take the magical device another three months to charge and be able to display a seamless connection like it just did.
Drip…
The liquid continued to flow, but it was only as the Prime System notified him did Tendra noticed the red liquid hitting the floor. A thick coppery scent entered the air.
Drip…
“Oh to be prince—how our stations are so close, yet so different.”
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“Pra… Praaa… Prince Tendra,” Carine exclaimed. His body shot ramrod straight as he swallowed heavily. Before him was the second prince of the Kingdom of Lorde. He’d never interacted with someone like this, but a moment later his etiquette lessons, paid for by Carine Sr., kicked in.
Carine gave a clumsy bow, to which Tendra paid no heed. Instead, his eyes turned back to the Magi Empowerment Act. Carine silently held his bow as he waited for Prince Tendra to acknowledge him. It was an act of disrespect to rise before being given permission.
“You may rise,” Tendra said after a moment longer. He seemed to have seen what he wanted as his gaze refocused on Carine Holmes.
“This Magi Empowerment Act—what is its purpose?”
Carine’s eyebrows scrunched up confused, unsure exactly what Prince Tendra was asking. The Magi Empowerment Act was pretty clear, but then Carine realized he’d never explained it to the Prince.
‘ Chance… A Chance .’
This was a chance for him to gain a backer. Once the thought entered Carine’s head, his entire demeanor seemed to shift. Although it appeared impossible, the young man stood up straighter as he explained the MEA to the prince.
“The Magi Empowerment Act is a system designed to keep the magi on top,” Carine began, excitement coursing through his veins. “It is a system in which we raise the value of magi-humans to be an integral part of society on a scale that encompasses our world. As His Highness Lawruthian begins his conquest, adding other nations and more diverse races to the Edryan population, what keeps magi-humans protected? What keeps them in power once they become outnumbered? We are a large race, yes, but there are millions of others out there who, combined, will easily outnumber us.”
Carine spoke like an experienced salesman. A habit he couldn’t shake, coming from a family of merchants. While he spoke, he pointed to certain sections on the board behind him that helped enhance his points. Tendra glanced on curiously, and Carine felt more and more confident that he was interested in his proposed law.
Tendra’s true thoughts were far from interest.
‘How is it even the lowest of commoners believe that their prince will conquer the world? Do they not question the madness—the impossibility of such a task? Is it Faith ?’
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“My solution is to introduce the Magi Empowerment Act early as a way to create a revetment between the magi and those who came behind. Ahem… as you heard earlier…,” Carine said a bit embarrassed. “The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy has been suggested by His Highness Lawruthian to establish a new system of government for our Great Edryan. Should it come to pass, then many changes will take place. One thing of note is how new territories are processed and how [Regional Overseers] are added to our country. I’ve read the documents and have noticed for the first few years, a liaison of the area will be placed in charge. Afterward, it will be up to the citizens of the population to vote on whom they wish to govern themselves. I don’t believe I need to explain how quickly the [Cluster Overseers] of the magi will be outnumbered—and it is the [Cluster Overseers] who help choose the [Prime Minister].”
Tendra looked at Carine Holmes with growing interest. This was a thinker and a man who properly viewed things Tendra saw himself.
“You have done an in-depth analysis of the system. It is clear you place great importance on the upcoming events,” Tendra stated.
It wasn’t a question, but a simple statement—an observation that was noticeable by any. Yet, how many could say they truly understood what this new system of government proposed? Tendra’s original obstinance against the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy stemmed from its origins. The Old Power faction, Lorde, Dioni, Adel, Ursisus, and Jarrah, always opposed first —then asked questions later, especially when it came to switching up the power dynamics.
Carine nodded at the words of Tendra. He truly did an in-depth analysis of what could occur, and if it should, how it would affect him and those around him. What he saw was a future for the well-off and perhaps even lucky [Commoners]. The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy broke the power of the country from large territories and cities under the control of a Great House and into small, malleable pieces. In its essence, the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy established districts that would vote for their [District Overseer], who voted for the [Cluster Overseer], and they, the [Regional Overseer]. The only requirements to be a [District Overseer]-[Regional Overseer] were a drive and the backing of your people. If you could get multiple districts to vote for you, then you could become a [Cluster Overseer], multiple clusters, and…
The competition for these overseer positions would be hot, and Carine held a fair chance at becoming the one for his area—their Holmes family was well known. However, the backing and endorsement of a Great House would greatly enhance his prestige and chances.
“I’ve done my best to understand the benefits and consequences if the system should pass. A few acquaintances of mine spent the last few nights discussing it,” Carine stated.
Tendra nodded, uninterested in the details. “What is your plan with the Magi Empowerment Act? How do you envision it in the future.”
This was it, Carine could tell. He took a deep breath and cleared his mind. When he spoke next, his voice was deeper, and he gazed at Tendra but didn’t really see him. Instead, he saw that future.
“ Domination —I cannot allow our magi to achieve victory after victory—for our Prince’s hard work and effort to go to waste for the benefit of others. We must support him in whatever ways we can—and, to accomplish this, I must ensure our people are always on top. I cannot…”
Tendra smiled, it was a soft, callous thing that didn’t appear in the eyes of Carine as he spoke. His vision of the future blinds his eyes to the second Prince of Lorde before him. By the time Carine’s sight returned, Tendra’s expression returned to normal.
“Good, well-spoken. How can I, Tendra Kaimon Lorde not support such a vision? Come under my banner and allow me to help that dream become a reality.”
He held out a hand, a simple gesture that Prince Lawruthian introduced when conducting a deal to solidify its beginning.
Carine swelled up with pride under the hidden disdain within Tendra’s eyes. He recognized the gesture and didn’t hesitate to enthusiastically shake the hand of Prince Tendra.
“It is an honor to work with you Prince Tendra—with your help, I’m certain introducing such a system will be escalated.”
Tendra smiled as Carine shook his hand. “Once the conclusion of this day finishes, I invite you and others I’ve chosen today to gather at the Zaydon Parlor. There we will discuss to further understand what your needs may be and how we can achieve them.”
Carine’s excitement continued to elevate as the goal he set out to accomplish just held its initial completion—he’d gotten a backer. “I will be in attendance!”
Tendra nodded. “Take this to let others know you are now back by the Lorde House.”
He gestured at one of his men, and they handed the family’s emblem forward and into the hands of Carine. He held on to it tightly, like it was a precious item of significance. And, with that, Prince Tendra gave his goodbyes and left.
Carine watched him move through the hall, a burning passion in his chest and a bright outlook on the future to come.
Simra felt happiness rising in her body that she hadn’t felt for a long time. She hadn’t realized how much she missed her time hanging with Lawruthian until they truly spent the day together. The trio found themselves slowly moving from level to level, and quickly, chibi golems followed in their wake. The masses unaware that their most idolized person walked amongst their midst.
Each floor of Temperance Hall was different from the last. The first floor was dedicated to those who had gone the farthest on their inventions and devices. They were the men and women who completed all the initial research and only required funding or perhaps a bit more to achieve their goals. Simra and Karla quickly discovered the second floor to be quite different from the previous one, as many blueprints and draft boards held concepts, if not displaying half-finished products. The young woman found it interesting, but not as much as the hidden prince in their midst. He practically vibrated with excitement.
“Do you see that!? They’re revolutionizing Edryan! An Industrial Revolution is nearly here—no…! It has already arrived.”
The women looked at each other, another silent communication exchanged between them.
‘Do you know what he’s talking about,’ Karla asked.
A hesitant response came. ’No, but we should probably be excited…?’
“That’s fantastic Law,” Simra exclaimed.
“Edryan will only grow stronger and better. It’s your achievement.”
“Not my achievement—it is an achievement we’ll share in,” he responded, smiling. “I’m a bit famished. Do you two want to grab something to eat? There are multiple food stalls here.”
Simra's eyes lit up and Law, seeing this, immediately took that as an affirmative. He turned to Karla next, who nodded in confirmation. Together, the three followed the smell of food until they found themselves along the walls of the Temperance Hall. And, moments later, they carried several plates over to an empty table. Around them, many sat on chairs conversing and eating their meals.
“It feels like we're at the academy,” Karla stated before biting into her food.
“A bit,” Simra said before turning to Law. She looked around hesitantly and seeing this, Law waved a hand. The surrounding sound dimmed significantly and Simra knew their conversations would now be much more private.
“Can you tell us about the [Seven Heroes] and the slain calamities,” she asked. Karla already got to know of the harrowing battle, and through her, Simra received the opportunity to learn a bit. However, nothing was better than hearing it from a direct source.
Karla sat up, her food nearly forgotten as a notebook appeared in her hands. The [Imperius Journalist] knew of the events, but it was more or less the minimal details needed for her to tell the story—like bones with only a few scraps of meat stuck to them. Now she’d receive the opportunity to sink her teeth into the thick of it. Law chuckled, but moments later he began to describe the tale to the two ladies. Time passed and eventually, they finished and left to explore the rest of the Temperance Hall.
“The third floor is designed for classes such as [Lawyer], [Scholars], [Historians], [Accountants], and more. Should they have an idea or law they wished to showcase, then this is the opportunity,” Law explained.
They stood on a rising platform that was taking them to said floor. The loud, bustling area that they came from was nowhere to be found on the third floor. Here the atmosphere was more muted, although the temperate was the same. The men and women on this floor were much more reserved.
The three stepped from the platform, and the moment they did, Law paused. There was a frown on his face as he gazed around. Simra and Karla weren’t sure what the problem was. They’d only stepped from one of the rising platforms to enter the hall. The two ladies looked around, wondering if they could spot what made Law halt. Yet, they didn’t notice anything strange outside the large number of similar house samples many of the men and women held before their booth. They recalled that the symbol showed what Great House the party decided to work with.
“Let’s go,” Law said.
The two glanced at each other and followed behind him, yet Law didn’t stop once as he surveyed the floor. His pace was quick, and Simra almost believed him to be using a moment skill as they nearly jogged to keep up. Everywhere they looked, a trident-splitting sea was shown before booths. It wasn’t at every booth, but it was enough for the two to pick it up. Suddenly, Law halted and turned to the two young women.
“I must apologize, but I’ll have to leave a bit earlier than expected.”
Karla nodded accepting this immediately. She hadn’t expected to spend all day with Law, let alone the few hours they already had. Simra, on the other hand, held far more disappointment. There was a task she held in her mind. It faded tremendously from the forefront of her thoughts as she enjoyed herself, but the moment Law spoke of leaving it reared itself—like a mosquito bite noticed later, it’d increasingly send an irritating itchy sensation from the moment of its discovery. Yet, before she could voice a word, Law waved and returned to a platform, several people converging on him.
Simra watched him go, her conflict known to none but her.