“Honestly, it’s not much improved than before but actually got worse. King Edward's requirements are just never-ending. We provide monetary aid and also provide more than 40,000 proper knights as helpers in the kingdom's hard times, but yesterday, he still asked for guns and artilleries from the Ashford family treasury, which ended in a small argument with The King and father.” Thane explained in a sad tone while looking at Leor like analyzing him.
‘So is he suspicious of me? I guess my aura changed a bit.’ Thought Leor then provided some occasional supportive words
“Don’t worry too much, I think it would most likely end in a few months, I guess the kingdom requires a lot of support from all twelve royal families since they needed to give back what they already conquered and of course, these recent ideas are running in common people to make everything democratic”
Leor was right, Thane realized, eyes fixed as Leor spoke. After all, this was a time when people yearned for change—a new system where a leader could be chosen by the people. He remembered how Queen Victoria had granted their request, allowing a Parliament to be established, and even now, a president sat with powers… Yet, no matter how hard the commoners pushed, the president remained little more than the King’s advisor, unable to rival the influence of House Thornveil or the queen’s family, House Elarion, who held true power.
“I know, I know but isn’t that the best time to argue since once they settle down everything then it would be impossible to even speak up, and also those democrats think we are relics of, the past.” Vane said sighing and thinking silently ‘He is really good at analyzing even if he doesn’t have any real information, but why does he feel different today.’
Suddenly Vane felt a weird kind of pain inside his head and his eyes felt like they were melting, but it was not physical pain just like an internal feeling.
But it was too late, at this time he had already been in Leor’s contact for more than seven minutes so he was basically in his hand.
‘There are many opportunities now’ Leor thought and his eyes shifted briefly to the pocket watch in his hand. The click of its clasp closing was faint but sharp in the quiet. “It’s already time for the class, let's go,” said Leor in a hurried tone.
They both went to the class together running since they didn’t want to be late, fortunately, they made it in time. And we both saw a girl about 20 years old, her face pale white with perfect features, long black hair swaying while some covering her brownish red eyes, wearing a full black skirt and a high necked blouse of the same colour, while a black hat and a small woman bag also resting beside her.
She waved enthusiastically at us and we both waved back at her while walking towards her.
“You need to do something about your obsession with dark colours Alya” Leor teased. She was the daughter of Earl Alaric Stonehaven who was while being one of twelve royal families was also a wealthy Merchant, who owned many factories, banks, and farms with limitless wealth and one of the King’s supporters. Alya being the sole daughter of the whole family grew with lots of love and care.
“Don’t say that, and having something to be obsessed about is a good thing, otherwise life would be so boring” said Alya smirking, Then added after a moment of silence with some seriousness in tone “And to be serious colourful dresses piss me off, I don’t like dressing for others and I hate the people who act, dress and smile to impress people”
Vane chimed in with an enthusiastic tone “I for once agree with Alya, but most people are like this Alya, I don’t think hating them is the best choice.”
Leor said after some thought “But sometimes…you need to fit in with society, even by doing things you don’t like and dressing like someone else…someone you don’t know. You should’ve also experienced this Alya like at some important event, or banquet in Kingdom where you need to dress a certain way to look good for your family.”
Alya nodded in silence and then said “Yes, also while acting a certain way, talk a certain way which I learned after countless hours of practice, but to be honest my father is very lenient towards me in comparison to other Nobel’s children. I mean just look at Vane and yourself.”
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Vane felt kind of embarrassed while Leor said with a serious tone “Actually I like dressing like this but maybe subconsciously reason behind this is just like you said, to fit in.”
“Yes maybe it’s I am too scared to get a bad reputation in our circle as you’ve it now, I am sorry I can’t be as nonchalant about this as you, I also love to wear some light clothing but I can’t, even at my own personal mansion because even the servants start to gossip and weird rumours spread at light speed” agreed Vane in a solemn tone.
“Don’t be this serious you guys, I was just randomly sharing my thoughts.” said Alya trying to lighten the mood and continued “I cannot do that with anyone else other than you two, not even my sisters or brothers” After a moment she added “It’s already impressive that we all have guts to admit our feeling on something even though we act to fit in, not like some people who even act like they’re not like this, and immediately start refusing it”
“Yes! I always thought that this is the greatest ability a human can have, you know some people always judge from a high moral ground which ruins their judgment and true thoughts” Leor added with a smile.
And then Professor Julian Hale came casually five minutes late to class as always, he teaches mental psychology and is a great teacher.
“Hey Gentlemen and Ladies today we are going to study about the importance of always saying less than necessary, We’ll discuss why it's important, and you’ll get to put it into practice with a role-play. Each of you will choose a character and demonstrate this idea in action.” he clapped his hand then added, “Let’s get started.”
The class ended quickly because if a teacher is good, you don’t even get time to be bored.
“Haa, you know coming all the way here just for one class is really annoying, " Leor said to his two friends, yawning.
“But, it's more fun this way, you get the time to consume the knowledge with ease, and doesn’t put much pressure on students” Vane added
“I am going home now, Goodbye you two.” said Clara in a sharp tone.
“No No, let’s go eat something first preferably a dessert” Leor interjected
“Yes I am also in the mood to eat some tipsy cake” Vane supported Leor
“There is no convincing me as you both already know the situation in the kingdom, I heard that King Edward is interested in a political marriage between his son and me…..and I cannot let that happen no matter what, because I don’t want to be prisoned in shackles of marriage and with the future ruler of kingdom….No way, So I need to do everything in my power in advance to avoid this fate, do you both understand?” Alya said in an unusually stern tone.
Vane’s expression softened, the usual light-heartedness replaced with concern. ‘So that’s why you’ve been so determined to ruin your reputation,’ he thought sadly.
“Don’t worry you can ask for my help for anything you need, I will definitely help you with everything in my power” said Vane with determination.
“Me too,” I said with equal determination, and I was honest if I could help her in any way I would.
Suddenly I heard Cyrus’s voice in my head “Hey everyone has some ways to evolve their powers and I found yours is to push the limit with your power until your Aether core is completely depleted, and your eyes are bleeding” and with that, he went silent again.
‘Well surely this can’t be easier’ said Leor with evident sarcasm
With that Alya went her own way while Vane most likely went to church, but Leor was planning to follow him there. He made it like this so that he wouldn’t notice his presence even he was standing directly in front of him.
After some walking vane reached a small church’s charity where old followers of the Goddess reside and a beautiful church of the Goddess.
We slowly went to a staircase where I nodded and smiled at bystanders making them think that I am with Vane and Vane thought they were greeting him so he greeted them back with a smile.
Now we reached three flours underground and were in front of a cave like entrance. When in front Vane pulled out his locket and pressed the stone part of the locket on the stone wall. With that a slight passage was opened like the wall was never there and we both entered inside.
It was built really beautifully like a luxury palace with expensive Lamps, luxurious Tables and Chairs everywhere, with white Marbel walls and cream coloured marble on the floor. There were also high Chandelears hanging from on the roof.
Thankfully No one was there and the Luxurious place was completely empty.
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To be continued