Bribing the way to the Capital

Ming pulled the thick quilt tightly over his body as another bout of shaking assaulted him. Lucy sat beside him on the bench, a shawl draped over her, with Amanda standing behind, massaging her shoulders. The oil lamps provided light in the workshop, flickering on the anxious faces of the men locked in a discussion.

"Boy, are you certain that's what happened?"

Ming nodded his head, sipping a cup of warm water held between two shaking hands. He had told the truth of what happened according to his point of view.

A guard acted as a scout, walking in front as they made their way into the forest. Looking for a suitable game, they ventured along, until the man ended up injured by a wicked trap. Trying to rescue him proved futile as the guard bled to death. When they prepared to leave, they found this creature hiding nearby in the bushes, carrying a pouch filled with gold.

Sersen Akey decided to continue on for a little way so as to understand the meaning behind this discovery. They walked further into the forest until another guard stepped on another trap. They split up then, with the injured guard and a helper seeking to return.

These returning guards then ended up being ambushed by wildcats, causing Sersen Akey to rush in to help. In that fight, Sersen Akey became injured along with the remaining guard. All through the fights and skirmishes he and Lucy hid on the side.

Sersen Akey had bandaged his arm and approaching them when the Jaga jumped on him clamping its jaws on his head. The two of them scattered on the sight, seeking a place to hide without waiting to see the fate of the Sersen.

"After fighting the wildcats, Sersen Akey did approach us while waving his sword. I thought he looked frightening at the time, but it turns out he wanted us to run. Maybe if he didn't care for us, the Jaga would not have surprised him..."

Ming lowered his head, shaking it while recalling the dreadful sight.

"Now, now. The most important thing is that he saved you, at the cost of his life. That is how a true Sersen repays the people of the Empire. Take comfort that you lived."

Young Master Wu comforted in a gentle manner. The loss of a Sersen for the six Houses was no small matter. Even for powerful Houses they only had around ten followers, most of whom had been family members sent to Frost City and returned with luck.

For Griz to actually have a Sersen following him out of gratitude for his father, already spoke wonders. Most of the Sersens in the Empire settled in one place; Frost City's Military.

"The boy speaks the truth, the forest floor did have a pool of blood near a tree. It may have been from the guard they tried to bleed out the poison. We found and brought back a foot, blackened with poison-- likely the victim from the last trap."

Sersen File spoke up while facing the representatives sitting at the table. He and another guard who had experience in scouting made a careful observation of the bodies before listening to the children's tale. Nothing warranted suspicion. Unknowing he had followed the steps Jim guided him along to match the story.

Since a Sersen had died, this investigation needed the collaboration of all six Houses. This ironclad rule of the Empire required the involvement of everyone present because their Houses had been part of the search party. Doing this eliminated any room for objections and prevented retaliations.

All the discussions here was really intended to clear Chu from being blamed. If his status had been one of a simple commoner, this farm would have been razed, because of zero nobility ranking. Luckily the other powerhouses had been present, otherwise, he might be riding a wagon down to the Capital in tears.

"We are lucky this time, those kids survived, or else this might have led to a nasty and lengthy investigation."

Grandmaster Yang said. He recalled one time in the past when his House end up feuding with Clan Wu because of a suspicious Sersen's death. Back then the late Emperor had to intervene in the dispute, costing House Yang their share in the slave trade. Any objections or cause of suspicion here would certainly wipe this farm off the map.

"It's already late at night, and those kids have suffered enough. Since everyone had a chance to conduct their investigation, we should let the children rest. Don't forget we all have to submit our reports on this incident to the Keeper of Records when we return to the Capital."

Young Master Wu suggested, being the first to stand.

Everyone left the workshop, returning to their respective lodging. Young Master Tian was the last to leave. He intentionally moved slower, making his way to the children on the bench and patting them on the shoulders for comfort. He glanced at Amanda standing behind Lucy, before leaving the workshop now without his Sersen escort.

When everyone exited the farm they looked on as the gates closed with the wolf watching them from behind it.

"Though they raised it soft and like a coward, it still makes a good guard dog out here near the forest. I don't expect any fall out from the Sersen issue, but I am concerned about the Goblins. I know we all agreed not to frighten the kid, but we will have to do something."

Mage Disparte said.

"Hmph, only an idiot would try to find trouble by bringing up this death after everyone present had no objections. With both the Church and the Tower here, you think anybody is that foolish? Not even the Grand Vizier would dare to do something like that."

Priest Lowe snorted.

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In the barn, the same group gathered like before, this time including a raging Mr. Thomas.

"Boy, you really know how to live on the edge, testing me like this."

Mr. Thomas said as he removed his stranglehold from Chu's neck. The boy spluttered and coughed, more so from the surprise one-handed attack than from the grip of the hold.

"It worked better this way since it had you showing genuine concern. The men from the Houses are not hard to fool, but those two from the Churches Union are even more so. I suspect their standing in the group is not one to scoff at, both are adept in reading a person through expression and movement."

Chu said while rubbing his neck. He continued

"I think the group would make plans for the garrison to inform and have mercenaries and adventurers begin to mobilize in trying to scout out the forest, sooner than expected. All we have to do is hold on for a few weeks until they arrive."

"I agree, that plan to throw in the Goblins in the mix did help in achieving a bonus objective. I only hope the group does not try to haul us off, using it as an excuse."

Mr. Thomas mused.

"We won't have to worry about that. I certainly can't leave here, especially now that I have decided on our real means of making money. Not to mention the little scheme that will net us true power in this world... hahaha"

"Brat you always have the knack to confuse me."

Mr. Thomas grumbled.

Chu just looked at him, and then turned his face towards the rest of the children in the low light from the flickering lamp. Under their expectant gazes, he pushed the little piece of success in the middle of the table. He had been arguing with Amanda and Sakura on the day the Houses arrived, but this time left him with no doubts of success.

Looking at the faces filled with frowning brows, tilted heads and open mouths he laughed.

"This is the key to our future, of that I have no doubt."

He turned to Amanda who had a questioning gaze.

"We can share everything but this. Have Finn and Sherry ready tonight, its time to net some fish."

***

Priest Lowe had taken a warm bath and sat in the lodge finishing his report under the candlelight. As a man raised and groomed by the Church, he developed a habit of reading and writing under the light from a candle. This practice of his helped to keep his mind calm and allow for periods of quiet thinking and relaxation.

The water had been heated by the farm, the candles had been brought by him.

"Lowe, we have a guest. They say the young inventor calls us tonight."

Mage Disparte called out from outside, interrupting his quiet time.

Priest Lowe frowned on the request but did not hesitate to exit the lodge. The teen escort walked with a limp and took them inside the gate in silence. Leaving the two old men with the young inventor, the teen then left the workshop. Chu looked over the table at the two confused men.

"I called you over because I wanted you to be the first to see this before tomorrow. I value the Church and the Tower for their contribution in all worlds, in aiding and bringing mankind from the darkness."

Chu said. As a modern-day man, he acknowledged the input religion played on advancing civilization. All religions contributed to their respective civilizations. Too bad, just like everything else, man always succumbed to greed. The same with scientific discoveries, people always found a way to spoil a good thing.

He walked over to a table, and gently removed the light cloth covering the invention. A flat surface, filled with number glyphs and a pointer, stared back. The polished white wooden surface seems to reflect the dim light. Only now did the two of them hear the sound of a ticking noise, the timed beating, seem to occupy the room.

"Tomorrow I plan to auction this out to the highest bidder who will make me the biggest percentage cut. I will provide the plans for this invention, all I ask is for some gold. Soon I plan to move to the Capital and create my own Clan."

Chu said as the two men came closer and began inspecting the device.

"This thing is the first of its kind and might still have a few kinks to work out. It's bulky and needs someone to wind the spring every two hours, but it matches the time of a sundial perfectly. I call it a clock, and this is how it works..."

Later that night...

Merchant Windit had no idea why this limping teen came this late to invite him over to the farm. The boy moved like an antisocial hermit, refusing to make conversation. Good thing he had Sersen File for company, or else he might have cursed the wind.

He entered the familiar workshop to find Chu standing near the table. Following the hand gesture, he sat at the table, Sersen File standing beside him.

"I beg Merchant Windit for forgiveness, but I have called you over to find out like the others before, about that Goblin creature..."

After a brief chat and some input from Sersen File, the talk concluded.

"Before you return, I am planning tomorrow to reveal this new invention and partner with the person who would provide me with the most benefits. I trust Merchant Windit the most. Take a look at this cloth here, no matter how much you try to throw water on it, whatever it covers cannot become soaked. I call it waterproof material..."

After practically having to tear the stubby hands of the fat merchant from his legs, Chu greeted the next sucker venturing into his enticing nest.

"Master Roak, I heard about how much land you cultivate in the north. I want to give you first preference to see this new invention I will demonstrate tomorrow. Its called an iron plough, and can cut the time and effort for preparing the land by half..."

Next came Grandmaster Yang

"I admire Grandmaster Yang from the bottom of my heart. I feel I am connected to Senior Yang more than others because of our Artisan bond. Senior said he is in the salt business, but I have this plan and drawing that I will share tomorrow. I will give Senior a sneak-peek and hope he will gain it for his own use. It's a building called an icebox..."

Chu looked at the face of Young Master Wu seated at the table. By this time, he and Fatty Tian would have understood something had been taking place tonight. The handsome young man bore no signs of ill-will on his face at being called so late.

"I thank young master Wu for the help and information. Young Master has just mentioned his family focus on mining in the mountains. I have this plan that I am willing to share tomorrow after a little demonstration. I believe we have been brought together by fate, this device is called an Archimedean Screw and is perfect for removing water from deep mines..."

Next.

Chu breathed a sigh of relief as the last young master left. Fatty Tian exhibited a grumpy mood while trying to milk him for snacks to satisfy the early morning munchies. The guy kept glancing around as if expecting someone to join them. On seeing him off Chu felt he just relieved himself of a major headache.

Tired, but happy after noting the amazed and desperate looking faces, he glanced at Jill who had just joined him.

"Thank you for the help. Without your information, this might have taken me some effort to sell."

"Boss is too modest with his words. Even without me telling you what each of these Houses specialized in, I think you would have done great."

Jill replied, her face not masking the awe she felt for this Boss. He had taken her information and tailor-made his inventions to suit each House. All done since he first learned about their impending arrival. Tomorrow those guys would bend their backs to try to please him with their offers. She knew every single one of them would experience a restless night.

Chu stretched his arms and let out a huge yawn.

"What a great feeling, I am going to sleep like a log for the rest of the night."

He remarked.

Jill watched him as he trotted out towards the barn.

"What a shrewd little demon. Master would love doing business with this guy."