Isaac

Staring at the leaving contingent of armored men with the Royal Banner fluttering with the strong wind. Isaac sighed in relief, he lived, there was no blood shed and he was even given a new opportunity. For that he could smile warmly at, now the only thing that could bother him was the last remaining Knight.

The Knight who beared the Prince's flag as they arrived sat while getting comfortable on a rocking chair. Although he somehow got into the good graces of the supposed royal. The Prince he could surmise as a sly and playful one still left an eye on him. One he didn't protest against as a Knight for a guard was a deal.

Feeling the still warm wax on the scroll he was holding, Isaac pivoted back to face the relaxing Knight. Who stiffly laid back as the rocking chair did its thing, getting closer to the porch. Isaac passed by the Knight's horse, a large stead. Made for war he could conclude, stepping the first step, the Knight then stopped.

Silently looking at the Knight, Isaac waited as the Knight bearer stiffly got up. After a small thud, Isaac gave a curt bow. “Hello sir, as you know, I'm Isaac, the Scholar.”

With etiquette demanding him, the Knight opened his armor visor and gave a similar reserved smile. “Flag bearer of the Prince-Governor Altheon. Knight Franz Von Buchel, greetings to you too Scholar. Sorry for the childish actions haha!”

Seeing the seemingly simple Knight, Isaac chuckled with, while offering his hand. “haha… completely understandable sir, I was as stiff when I first sat on it, though I fear you'll get a tad bit lazy.”

“I'm a Knight, dizziness is nothing. But your gifts though, I and my other fellow Knights are thankful for those expensive mirrors!”

“I'm glad all of you like it.” Isaac's smile widened hearing his bribe worked. “It's only the least I could do after inconveniencing you all, especially his highness Altheon.”

“But giving all of us mirrors, and expensive robes? The inconvenience you caused pays off what you've done for the Empire 2-fold!” The Knight complimented again while patting Isaac's shoulders.

“Well I hope it will be, especially for hard working Knight's like yourself, Knight Franz. I pray my little gift will be bountiful.” Isaac accepted the Knight's words with a humble smile.

“You blaze my pride, Scholar! I'm no noble Knight with vineyards, but a tall brutish man. You can make a fine Knight in the Prince's retinue if book keeping doesn't work well Scholar Isaac!” Franz laughed loudly again, a bit forced Isaac thought. “And trust me Scholar, the one I court with vineyards will love this…”

“I hope the lucky maiden accepts the hands sir, or else she would be losing out.” Isaac kept on entertaining the small talk. “And your humility is palpable sir, a flag bearer such as yourself guarding the Prince which means you have sacrificed heavily, it makes me admire you more, please call me Isaac.”

“Haha! Very well scholar Isaac, you may refer to me as sir Franz, it would be an honor being friends with a generous man as yourself.” The Knight agreed wholeheartedly.

****

Altheon

Lounging down on a fur cushioned chair, Altheon with his ornate armor laid haphazardly on the floor. Twirling with the feather of a cavalier hat on his hands, while putting legs up on a small tea table. Uncaring with style, as the Prince thought of it, the stylish red doublet and new purple robe really brought out the flare he thought off while staring at himself in the large mirror.

But before he could kiss the handsome, tall, and redheaded man in the mirror though. Altheon heard a series of Knocks and a short woman came in hastily. It was Maria still with her hood covering her, and when she closed the door behind her. She saw the Prince admiring himself.

Although Maria would probably join in if it was any other time. For now though she had official business. “My Prince…” she softly said to gain Altheon's attention.

“Why so shy after barging in, my dear Magister?” Altheon commented as he put the cavalier hat down. “Did the administrator have long due complaints?”

“Shouldn't we take the scholar with us?” Maria asked while taking the chair in front of the Prince

“So shameless my dear Magistress, as always.” Altheon smiled as he put down the cavalier hat. “To answer your question, No. Not yet at least, I've let him stay in this countryside for two more weeks, with Franz as his watch. Although I really value your opinion dear, I still need to make sure that Isaac is actually a scholar. Besides, why the panic Maria?”

“Strange things my Prince, I've felt .” Maria answered while taking the seat in front of Altheon's desk.

“The scholars a fallen?” Altheon smirked as he glanced at his sword and armor via the mirror. “If you spoke of the extensive use of glass then I noticed it, that's why I gave him the village in the first place. So that he'll use his scholarly knowledge and create more.”

“That too is a point, but my Prince, inside the manor of that scholar, is steel and metals used for all kinds. Most importantly, the scholar wears an Adamantium ring, and there is another Adamantium thing inside that manor!”

With his arms folded and a squinting eye, Altheon just stared. “So what? You suggest I steal it? I don't need more Adamantium accessories or tools. My entire armor and weapons are Adamantium, I can commission the Holy see to bless more Adamantium, stealing is just not my thing.”

“You thought of that yourself my Prince, but it would be a shame.” Maria teased, a soft smile creeping to her lips. “In all seriousness though my Prince, the liberal use of metal and the exquisite craftsmanship speaks volumes, that scholar might know how to mass produce iron or, possibly even holding books lost from the burnt library. The ring speaks of it, my Prince.”

“Ahh, the classic hook I see!” Altheon whimsically said, while quickly getting back on track. “While that does sound interesting, to produce iron enmasse… certainly it would make the Administratum stronger, but…”

“So why not bring him with us already? That way he can't be poached or escape.”

“Patience. After two weeks, I've yet to assess his competence and character,” Altheon reasoned with a calculating look in his gaze. “After that, Franz will escort him, but I want the scholar to prove himself loyal and willing to listen. Scholars tend to be hardheaded and forcing them to give their knowledge might just push them away. So patience as always.”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

It was a sound precaution, but Maria just didn't like leaving a high potential talent alone. But, her Prince demanded it so. “So how do we explain to the Chamberlain, High Administrators, and Nobles your sudden departure?” She asked.

“I don't need to make an excuse, do I? Those scribes and pampered inbreds can complain as much as they want for all I care.” Altheon was laid back at the concern of his Magister, after all, what were they compared to a Prince like him? “The Chamberlain however might be a hassle to deal with… Bah, I'll deal with the old fool when I arrive. Anyways, prepare the ship and leave your horse so the Scholar has a ride my dear Maria.” Altheon ordered with a smile.

“Right away my Prince?” Maria clarified.

Standing up, Altheon did a little stretch and answered. “Of course, I'd like to arrive by noon tomorrow if possible.”

By noon the next day would be an impossible time frame for any normal journey. Especially with the distance and unpredictable winds, but with a Magister nearby, her Prince could ensure a fast and luxurious ride on a three masted ship. Something that would have been highly improbable if not for herself. And she annoyingly had to follow it through.

****

Isaac

Moving the last box into the garage, Isaac heaved a deep breath. Which amazed him considering he had dozens and dozens of random stuff, some his. But most of his friends, that he moved in a hasty manner and only managed to crack a single bead of sweat.

So with all the mess inside the house finally cleaned out. Isaac finally invited the friendly neighborhood Knight Franz inside. Despite meeting each other for only a few moments, Isaac, already considered the Knight as a friend, the other side he hoped as well.

“A luxurious, yet modest foreign interior, Isaac.” Franz commented as he examined the large abode of the foreign scholar.

“Well thank you sir Franz, I'm glad it fits your taste. Come follow me, I'll show you where you may sleep and change.” Isaac invited.

Passing by the elaborately designed vases, marble countertops, glass vases, and all kinds of things made from metal, strange things and the huge black mirror thing hanging atop a fireplace. Amazed Franz all things considered. “Scholar Isaac, I'd like to ask something, answering it would be up to your discretion. But did you create all these things here? Is this the knowledge of the Verdant Order?”

Understanding the question as something normal that any person would ask from the medieval period. Isaac didn't see a reason as to why he shouldn't answer Franz's question. “Did I personally? The short answer would be no, however, given enough time I could recreate all of this again, knowledge is my power after all. In regards to the thing you call the Verdant Order, I know nothing of it really. I'm just as confused as you all are about how I got here.”

“I see…” Listening attentively, Franz became confused, from his understanding and what was told to him the man was a scholar that studied the Verdant folks, lived in a safe spot from the fog of the High peaks. And inventing new things from the knowledge he learned, knowledge that would be helpful for the Empire, yet now the biggest question in the Knight's mind was the origin of the generous man in front of him.

“Here we are sir Franz, here you can make yourself at home while I cook ourselves a hearty meal.” Isaac opened the door with a smile and showed his guest the room he'd be staying in.

Seeing the comfortable room with a large bed, all worries disappeared from the mind of the Knight. All he needed to do was put his observations to a report and fly them back. And it was still day 0 of his mission as he still had 14 days more. With that all in consideration, he had to relax for the upcoming days ahead.

Isaac, with a calm pace, walked down the stairs after leading Franz to a guest room up the 2nd floor. He had nothing in his mind but to prepare them lunch, which considering he only really moved in to the small quaint university house a little over two days ago. He didn't have much in his fridge that could be cooked easily, by easily, instantly.

“I guess I'll have to cook huh?” Isaac muttered as he took out some slabs of steak, salt, spices, herbs and whatever flavoring. Taking them all out the back to where the grill was, thankfully, whoever kept the house in tip top shape also left firewood to be used.

As he couldn't really rely on an electric stove with minimal power in it. With the information coming in his mind that he wasn't on Earth anymore, that explained the lack of water supply. While also making the entire house rely on solar power, they were strong and large, but they couldn't power the entire house. So with all that setback, he had no choice but to rely on a grill.

After about half an hour of readying the cooked steak with a baked potato and some toasted bread on the side. Isaac called his guest, with Franz coming down soon after, dressed in a green tunic with brown pants. A befitting style for a medieval Knight out of armor he thought.

“Surely you didn't give the master bedroom scholar Isaac?” Franz mused as he sat down on the table side. “The beds are soft, the fabric intricately designed, decorations and paintings of the highest quality, I say it's comparable to the Prince's own bed!”

“I'm glad it's to your liking sir Franz,” Isaac gave a thankful smile while handling Franz's own plate.

“Porcelain and intricate silverware with a glass cup,” Franz was more than amazed at the silverware than the food itself. “Isaac, scholar my dear friend… one should be mindful of their kins treasure.”

Looking confused at the suddenly serious Knight, Isaac, with a glance at the plates, and the medieval Knight had a stroke of realization. Mirrors and purple weren't the only luxuries, a simple glassware and plate was a treasure for these people. “What is the use of treasure when it doesn't see the sun am I right?” Isaac chuckled.

Looking at the scholar finally sitting down on an intricately designed chair at the head of the table. Franz could feel the naivety of Isaac, the small slip up on the scholar's expression told so. “My friend, too much kindness leads to exploitation. When we leave this place, do be sure to have guards stationed to protect your manor. I'll help find you trustworthy ones.” Franz stated.

“I appreciate the help sir Franz.” Isaac gave an understanding nod, although Isaac really wasn't great with dealing people. His intuition told him that the tall Knight was a person he could trust, but intuition alone didn't mean a person was trustworthy.

With that small life lesson out of the way, an engineer from the mid-21st century and a Knight from probably the 15th century era had a nice perfect, medium rare steak. With conversations raging on as they ate, with both sides asking innocent questions here and there.

The Knight, being the first to inquire, asked about the manor, the history of it, which noble line the scholar belonged to, his expertise, his wealth, and mostly everything else. Especially the house, what the things inside where, the black mirror, their uses, origin, how it was all created.

With Isaac being a terrible liar when put on the spot, decided to be truthful. Answering everything, from his family line, expertise, wealth, and all the modern stuff within the house. The only thing he decided to not answer was the origin of it all. He already claimed he was ignorant of the fog thing that the Prince reasoned about. So he was more ignorant to how he got there in the first place.

‘I guess life in a medieval world is a much simpler life…’ Isaac entertained while Franz tried to understand how golden metal could make thousands of small little lamps light up, confusion written all over.

Scratching his head, Franz still couldn't understand all the jargon and logic Isaac told him. It was simply ridiculous, scholarly stupidity he thought of. “I just can't get my mind to understand all of it, you say metal can think for itself? That's just Magister stuff, yet you aren't a Magister, it's not witchcraft either, you're just a man, scholar Isaac…” Franz had no other way but to relent and believe whatever Isaac told him was true as scholarly truth.

“Unbelievable as it may be, it is the truth, I give my word.” Isaac hammered some more.

“Does that mean you can create one?” Franz asked.

“Right away? Not possible. Give me 2 centuries and it will be, only problem is if I live that long, just understand I have the knowledge to create it.” Isaac boasted while eating the last piece of steak.

“I'm sure you can,” Franz mockingly said, smirking at the straight fantasy way if thought. “But this potaytoe of yours though sure is an interesting thing, same for the sweet white bread, luxuries and exotic foods.”

“I was worried for nothing then,” Isaac gave a small smile.

“I'm a simple man, scholar Isaac,” Franz reciprocated the smile. “might I also ask though, what were the contents of the Prince's scroll?”

“The Prince's scroll?” Isaac replied with a confused look. “Ah! The scroll! I haven't read it yet, let me fetch it.”

Jogging to the living room, Isaac quickly identified the out of place scroll in a modern setting. With it in hand, Isaac returned to the dining room, slowly and gently peeling the wax with the Prince's own signet ring. Franz watching it with all his attention, eyeing the scroll and watching out for the scholars mouth.

“It says the Prince transferes the villages around the Hohen Adler? While giving me two weeks to prepare things before my presence is required by his highness Altheon, he has also left me a horse in the village of Vorm Spitz…” Isaac read the words written on the scroll cleanly, somehow he was able to understand the letters they used.

“Two weeks, that should be enough time to prepare you scholar Isaac?” Franz confirmed the demands to the talent his overlords wanted to secure.

“It should be yes, that's more than enough time…” Isaac affirmed after thinking it through.

“Very well, tomorrow morning I'll get the village administrators, and your new horse here. Does that sound good to you Baron Isaac?” Now asked in a more respectful and rigid tone.

“A baron? What do you mean?” Isaac asked, now more confused.

“His highness Altheon has essentially granted you, my lord, lordship.” Franz clarified with a congratulating smile.

“But why?” Isaac asked the important question.

“Why shouldn't his highness? My lord, you've given us a gift that as said before, could buy villages. And I think the Prince has plans for you to be appointed High Administrators, and those of such rank needs to be a noble, my Lord.” Franz answered.

Now it really hit Isaac hard, he knew mirrors were expensive in medieval times. But not to such extent, and all of this happened in a single day. In all honesty it was too much for him, absurdity in its finest, really stranger than fiction situation for him.