Nathaniel slowly sat up and stretched his stiff body. The blue sky shone through the window, and he chuckled at the thought of having slept in. He rose and dressed himself, but his ears perked at the sounds of laughter coming from the common room. When he opened the door, he found the women gathered around a short girl with her hairs in pigtails.
“What are you doing here Shizuka?” Nathaniel rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
Shizuka looked downward, but Bella placed a hand on her shoulder. “I invited her to breakfast. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t.” Nathaniel chuckled as he noticed the food scraps. Thankfully, there was a full plate for him. “I just wished you all waited for me.”
“That’s my fault master.” Bella said with a sheepish smile. “I didn’t want to wake you. It’s rare for you to get a full night’s sleep.”
“Thank you, Bella.” Nathaniel said sitting down. “You’re all getting along well?”
“Shizuka’s pretty nice, even if she does remind me of those evil men.” Hope beamed as she ran over. “Look, she even drew me a picture!”
Nathaniel smiled as he looked at the rough sketch. Though it wasn’t colored, he could tell it was Hope because of the ears. She was wearing a frilly dress with a poofy skirt and hearts decorating the seams. She was carrying a wand with a winged heart on the top, and she was posed with a leg cocked upward and she was smiling with her left hand by her cheek, the middle and ring tucked in and thumb, forefinger, and pinky outstretched.
Hope stared expectantly at him. “That’s lovely, sweetie,” Nathaniel said, “It makes you look even more like a fairy.”
“Shizuka says I’m supposed to be a magical girl.” Hope pouted.
Isn’t that what a fairy is? “I sorry, Hope.” Nathaniel cleared her throat. “I’m not sure what that is.”
“How do you not know what a magical girl is?” Shizuka gasped. “The magical girl is a staple in popular fiction. They’re very presence inspires hope and joy to all who see them.” She was staring into space.
“I was more into science fiction.” Nathaniel chuckled. “The kind with artificial intelligence, space travel, and robots.”
“That’s no excuse.” Shizuka snapped, pointing a finger at him. “You’re a geek just like me! You should be familiar with the concept of a magical girl. Have you been living under a rock!”
“I was more into the classics,” Nathaniel said.
“I’m sorry,” Shizuka whispered, fidgeting with her hands. “I just assumed that you would know. I’m such an idiot.”
“No, we just enjoy different things.” Nathaniel smiled at her. “Besides, it’s a lovely drawing.” Shizuka blushed a little.
“It’s much better than your drawings.” Hope laughed. “Yours are always so blocky.” She yelped when Nathaniel pinched her cheek.
“That’s because mine are diagrams, you goof.” Nathaniel laughed. “I draw them to get a better understanding of how my inventions will look.”
Ralia slid a piece of paper to him. “Master, could you make these clothes for me?”
Nathaniel flipped the paper. It was an image of Ralia, but she was wearing a tank top with tight leather pants. A leather jacket hung over her shoulders, and she had heeled knee-high boots.
“So, you want a biker outfit?” Nathaniel appraised the picture. “It’ll take me some time, but I should be able to make it.”
“Make mine too!” Hope jumped up and down.
Nathaniel petted Hope’s head and turned to Bella. “Did she draw an outfit for you that you want made?”
Bella pulled out a folded piece of paper. “I think I’ll make my own.” she smiled with a deep blush. She undid the buttons on her collar and slipped the paper into her bra before redoing her dress.
A knock came from the door, and a maid entered. “Inventor, master Quarmane is here for you.”
“It’s time then.” Nathaniel wiped his face and stood up. “Ralia, you’ll need to start training and try to get familiar with Duncan’s fighting style.”
“Shouldn’t one of us come with you?” Ralia said, looking at the others.
“It’s fine.” Nathaniel smiled at them. “Could you show them around Shizuka?”
“Y-yes!”
“Thanks.” Nathaniel waved at her. “You’re free to join us whenever you want.” He left the room before she could respond.
“Nathaniel, wait!” Shizuka ran to catch up. She fidgeted when he looked at her. “I-I’m sorry… about how you were treated at Cadarn. Had I known… I would have…” She stopped when Nathaniel placed a hand on her head.
“It’s fine Shizuka.” He smiled. She gave him a shy smile and returned to the others.
Nathaniel followed the maid down the hall. Another servant came into view, leading Porman behind her.
“Are you ready?” Porman said with a hungry smile.
“Ready when you are.” Nathaniel returned the grin. “Let’s see how much we can get away with.”
Porman laughed as they were both led to the King’s office. King Rogmier sat at his desk with his head deep within a stack of requests. Nathaniel’s eyes fell to the attendant standing next to the King. Helmer glanced at him several times with several beads of sweat forming along the side of his head.
“Sire, the Inventor and master Quarmane are here.” Helmer cleared his throat.
King Rogmier sighed deeply. “Let’s get this over with.” He growled as he gestured to the seats across from him. Nathaniel and Porman took their seats. “The Inventor has issued a challenge. His dragon-heart slave will fight against the Champion.” A smirk came to the king’s lips. “Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?”
“I stand by my challenge,” Nathaniel replied solemnly, “I’m confident my companion can best the Champion with my gear.”
“You plan to make her a set of power armor?” Rogmier glared. “You said you didn’t have the components. Don’t you need a power core?”
“I will not be making Ralia power armor.” Nathaniel took a deep breath. “It will be a set of standard armor with a weapon and shield.”
“Very well.” Rogmier’s smile grew. “Then the challenge will be this: the Champion and your slave will fight until one of them yields or is unable to continue.” His smile turned dark. “You should know there’s a possibility that your slave could die.”
Nathaniel’s fingers dug into his palms. “I have faith in her skills,” Nathaniel said in a strained voice, “As for the conditions of victory…” He looked to Porman.
Porman pulled out a slip of paper and placed on his glasses. “The Inventor demands the immediate control of the Treante dungeon be handed over to him, along with the village and surrounding area,” he said, “He also demands the right to sue the Guild for the money he would have made as the creator of steel, cement, and the anesthetic paste. He also demands the right to control how his inventions are deployed and their distribution methods.”
“Is that all?” Rogmier glared at the two of them.
“There are more, but I believe we should get the primary conditions out of the way first.” Nathaniel smirked. “No sense in us continuing if we can’t agree on the terms.”
“True.” the king smirked. “Then these are my conditions.” He pulled out a metal collar from his desk. The collar made a heavy thud when it landed on the desktop. “You will be a slave to the royal family for the rest of your days. Every innovation you’ve made and will make will belong to the royal family, and you will hand over your power armor to my son.”
“Not Duncan?” Nathaniel frowned.
“No,” Rogmier said, “What will it be, Inventor?”
Porman leaned over and whispered harshly, “It’s not worth it,”
Nathaniel sighed deeply and stood up. “Deal.” He held out his hand.
The king tightly grabbed his hand. “I’ll allow you to use one of the castle’s forges, but we won’t be providing the supplies.”
“That’s fine.” Nathaniel smiled. “I’ve already secured the supplies, and I commissioned the Quarmane Trading Company to negotiate the remaining conditions on my behalf.”
“Very well.” Rogmier smirked at Porman. “We’ll continue the negotiations this afternoon.” he returned his gaze to Nathaniel. “Is it true you released Helmer from his position?”
Stolen novel; please report.
“I didn’t release him.” Nathaniel scoffed, smiling wickedly at Helmer. “He quit when he abandoned his post and left me to die at Fort Cadarn.”
King Rogmier glared violently at Helmer. “Is that so.” he snarled. “I… apologize for entrusting your safety to him. Would you reconsider relieving him of his post?”
“I have no need for him,” Nathaniel replied calmly, “He’s proven himself untrustworthy. If I need anything, I’ll rely on my slaves.”
“Very well.” Rogmier nearly broke the pen in his hand. “Then as his last duty, he’ll show you to the forge you’ll be using.”
“P-please… follow me.” Helmer shook as he headed to the door.
“Helmer,”
Helmer stopped and slowly turned around. “Yes Sire?”
“Return here immediately.” The king growled. “We need to discuss your failures.”
Helmer bowed, but his knees were quaking violently. Nathaniel and Porman followed him out of the office and down the halls. They made their way through the castle and the courtyard and stopped at a small shack nestled in a corner of the castle walls. Helmer opened the double doors. A thick layer of dust coated everything, and the forge and smelter itself were cold and needing to be cleaned out. Nathaniel sighed when he noticed it was completely bare of tools.
“Unfortunately, the main forge is currently being used to maintain the equipment for the guards. You’ll have to use this back-up forge,” Helmer’s said with a vitriolic smile, “If you’ll excuse me Inventor, I need to get back to his majesty.” He quickly left before Nathniel could respond.
“You ruined that boy’s career.” Porman chuckled.
“I don’t care.” Nathaniel sighed as he opened the windows. “I have a lot of work to do just to get this place up and running, and I’ll need tools as well.”
“I’ll get everything ready,” Porman said with a smirk, “So you know boy, I’m going to make you pay through the nose for all this trouble.”
“I understand.” Nathaniel chuckled. “But I’d rather be indebted to you than the kingdom.” Porman laughed as he waved goodbye.
Nathaniel looked around the forge and smiled when he found a broom propped up in the corner. He swept the cobwebs and dust bunnies from out of the corners and out the door.
“My, my, what have we here? A hero who knows how to clean.” Nathaniel looked up and gawked at the beautiful red head. Gabriella smiled suggestively. “Remember me Inventor?”
“Of course I do Lady Gabriella.” Nathaniel cleared his throat. “I didn’t expect you to be here.”
“A little bird told me I should come to Gilbrant.” Gabriella slowly walked in taking in the sight. “To think that the Inventor Hero would come back from the dead.” Her eyes shine with mischief.
“You don’t sound too surprised.” Nathaniel took a deep breath, trying to keep himself calm.
“Oh, I was.” Gabriella approached to the point they were nearly touching. She stared up at him with a genuine smile. “Thanks for the weapons,” she whispered, “They’ve been a great help. Is there any way I can return the favor?”
Before he could answer, two women approached. “Master!” Bella and Hope stopped and stared at them. “Are we… interrupting something?” Bella smiled politely, but she clutched her apron tightly.
“No, I was simply saying hello.” Gabriella smiled. “Good luck with your challenge Inventor, I’m rooting for you.” She sauntered out of the forge with a small wave.
Nathaniel tugged on his collar, trying to cool off. “Master.” Both women were glaring at him.
“Nothing happened, I swear,” Nathaniel said, “Now, would you two help me clean out the forge. I’d like to get it ready for tomorrow.” Both women sighed but joined in cleaning.
----------------------------------------
Ophelia hurried down the halls until she came to the king’s office. She knocked on the door and entered when the king called out to her. King Rogmier set aside his pen and parchment when she entered.
“I’m sorry to pull you away from the heroes lady Ophelia.” Rogmier smiled at her. “However, there’s been a development that I believe you should know.”
Ophelia looked confused. “What happened?”
“I’ve finished negotiating the conditions of the Inventor’s challenge,” Rogmier said.
“And what did you agree to?”
“If the Inventor’s slave wins, then he’ll be given control over the village of Treante and the dungeon.” Rogmier scoffed. “If the Champion wins, then the Inventor will relinquish his freedom and become a slave to the royal family.”
Ophelia struggled to keep the smile on her face. “Sire, is that truly necessary? Hasn’t the Inventor shown himself to be an asset to the kingdom?”
“Not when he doesn’t know his place.” Rogmier sneered. “There has never been a hero with a crafter class, and do you know why.” He stood up to stare out the window. “Because there’s no honor in it. Our forefathers fought alongside the previous heroes, shed their blood, struggled, and died so that this kingdom could be the greatest on the continent. The very existence of a crafter hero is a mockery to my own predecessor.”
Ophelia bit her cheek. “Sire, the Inventor’s existence is not a stain on the former Champion. If anything, it proves that we truly don’t understand the summoning spell. Perhaps there are other heroic classes.”
“Like what, a Farmer Hero, or maybe a Miner Hero.” Rogmier’s laugh sounded unhinged. “No, heroes must have classes of noble stock, otherwise it just means they’re regular people.” The king returned to his seat. “Have you considered our marriage proposal yet?”
“I… have.” Ophelia cleared her throat. “I don’t think now is the right time.” Rogmier gave her a challenging look. “The heroes are far from ready to be left on their own, and now that the Inventor has been found, I’ll be even more busy. It simply isn’t the right time.”
“My dear, you’re twenty-two years of age. You don’t have much time left.” Rogmier sighed in frustration. “You shouldn’t be considering what’s simply best for you, but also for your family. You should know, your mother has already given her approval. We’re simply waiting on you.”
“But, to marry prince Ollimier…”
“You don’t have to marry my son.” Rogmier smiled. “I’d gladly have you as my second wife.”
Ophelia couldn’t stop her hands from twitching. “Sire, I’m honored, but what about queen Haelie?”
Rogmier’s smile slowly faded. “She’s become distant lately,” he said, “I believe she’s fallen for the Ranger, and I’ll gladly step aside so that they can be together. However, it would look bad if I divorced her and then took on a younger queen.”
“So, you plan on letting the two of them continue as lovers while keeping her reputation intact.” Ophelia nodded with a polite smile.
“Yes, and I’d gladly do the same for you.” Ophelia couldn’t stop herself from blushing. “When the Inventor is enslaved, he’ll have to abide by any command given to him by the royal family. If you were to join, then he’d have to do whatever you desired.”
Ophelia swallowed hard as her palms started sweating. “And what about his slaves?”
“They’ll belong to us of course.” Rogmier smirked. “The fey will be sold to the academy, but we’ll keep the dragon-heart and dark elf. You won’t mind if I keep them for myself, since you’ll have the Inventor.”
Ophelia’s heart throbbed violently as the image of Nathaniel in chains appeared before her. “I-if… the Inventor does lose… I’ll accept your proposal of marriage.” She felt the blood rush to her face, “B-but… why don’t we gift his slaves to the other heroes. After all, the Archmage is having trouble finding a new attendant, and the Saint could use a proper bodyguard.”
Rogmier smiled victoriously. “Very well, my dear,” he said, “I shall gift the dragon-heart to the Saint, and the Archmage shall get the dark elf. However, the fey will still be sold to the local academy.”
“I-I understand. If you’ll excuse me sire.” Ophelia rose with an uncomfortable smile. “I should get back to work.” She desperately clung to the front of her dress as she left the study.
When Ophelia closed the door behind her, she released a deep sigh. Her hands shook violently, and it felt like her legs would give out any second. She fanned her face, hoping to drive away the intense heat coming off her cheeks. She heard footsteps coming towards her, and she quickly composed herself.
“You don’t look too well, Lady Oracle.” a shiver shot down Ophelia’s spine. She turned to see Gabriella VuRant politely smiling at her. “Has something happened?”
“Nothing is wrong.” Ophelia returned the smile. “I was simply speaking with his majesty.” Gabriella nodded, her smile growing larger. Ophelia couldn’t stop herself. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”
“I’m here to deliver reports to his majesty.” Gabriella chuckled. “To think I’d be lucky enough to be here when the Inventor returns.”
“You knew he was alive, didn’t you?”
Gabriella’s smile turned to a condescending smirk. “What makes you say that?”
“As the Oracle, it’s my duty to look into everyone who shows interest in the heroes.” Ophelia growled. “With your [Deduction] talent and Spymaster class, you should have easily figured out that the craftsman was the Inventor.”
“Is that so.” Gabriella’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Perhaps, I was interested in seeing how the Inventor would grow on his own, or maybe, I was trying to keep him out of your hands.” her smile turned malicious. “What would the Inventor think when he finds out you’re conspiring with the king.”
Ophelia rubbed at the goosebumps forming on her arms. “I… was doing no such thing,”
Gabriella approached and whispered into Ophelia’s ear. “It’s terrible when other’s interfere with your plans, isn’t it. If you don’t want him to find out, then stay out of my way.” Gabriella leaned back with a sweet smile. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I must speak with the King. The VuRant family desires to aid the Inventor in his endeavors.” Gabriella stepped past her and knocked on the King’s door. “Excuse me, Sire. It’s Gabriella VuRant, may I speak with you?”
“Come in,”
“Have a nice day, Lady Oracle.” Gabriella’s words dug deep into Ophelia’s chest.
Ophelia stood there shaking violently. She ground her teeth together to keep herself from breaking down. After several deep breaths, she finally calmed down enough to start walking. She made her way back to her office on the second floor and stood there for a few seconds.
Her shoulders felt heavy, and her lower lip quivered violently. There was laughter coming from outside her window. Ophelia looked down upon the courtyard. Tucked in a corner was the small backup forge.
Nathaniel and two of his slaves were cleaning up the old forge. Hope ran around with a dusting rag wiping down random pieces of furniture that was sitting out in the yard. Bella stood there sweeping, she had accumulated a large pile nestled to the side. Her heart stopped for a moment when a shirtless Nathaniel came out with a wheelbarrow full of ash and coal. His sweat stained muscles glistened in the sunlight, and her gaze lingered on his well-toned muscles. Slowly, Ophelia started chewing on her forefinger nail.
“What are you looking at?”
Ophelia squealed and turned to face her guest. “Maria… you scared me.”
“I knocked but you weren’t answering.” Maria gave her a slick smile as she looked out the window. “So, what are you looking at.” Her eyes widened. “Damn, I didn’t realize Nate was that ripped. You don’t mind if I take in the view, do you?”
“You’re free to do as you wish.” Ophelia recomposed herself as she sat down at her desk.
“They look like a happy family, don’t they?” Maria chuckled with longing. “It must be nice don’t you think?”
“Yes… well, he deserves it,” Ophelia said, “Especially after Cadarn.”
Maria pulled herself away from the window. “And what about you?” She smiled as she sat down. “Don’t you want to be part of that happy family?”
“I want Nathaniel to be happy,”
“Dammit Ophelia!” Maria slammed her desk. “Why won’t you be honest with yourself.”
“You don’t think I want to.” Tears started streaming down her eyes. “I desperately want to, but then I’m reminded that he has others to rely on. I’m… not needed anymore.”
“But isn’t it common for heroes to have multiple lovers?” Maria smiled uncomfortably.
“Human lovers.” Ophelia wiped her face. “Contrary to what you believe, very few nobles take non-human slaves to their bed. It’s like… being intimate with a dog.” Her face turned deep red. “And yet, that dragon-heart…”
Maria gave her a stern glare. “They’re not animals Ophelia. They’re people, even if they aren’t human.”
“And I hate it!” She slammed her fists on her desk. “I hate it. I hate it. I hate it! Why can’t it be me.”
“Then why not use your visions to see into the future? Surely that’ll help ease your suffering.”
“It doesn’t work like that.” Ophelia tried to calm herself down. “I can only foresee that which is for certain to come to pass. That’s why [Fate Weaver] is such an important talent for an Oracle, and if I’m not in a right state of mind, then I could possibly damage the future.” She hung her head low. “My abilities… aren’t meant for my own selfish desires. If I'm not careful, then I could end up like the Sage. Besides, what if I’m not there.”
Maria rose from her chair and pulled Ophelia into a comforting embrace. She ran a hand along her back as her shoulder became damp from Ophelia’s tears. Ophelia tightened her grip as her emotions ate away at her heart.