Zeun, absorbing the gravity of the situation, furrowed his brow, deeply contemplating the intricate web woven within the walls of the house. Before asking, "Clara, right? What did you do before joining here, and how do you know Mom?"
Caught off-guard, Clara stuttered, "Yo-young Master, I-I worked as a private tutor in various noble houses, teaching their children."
Regaining her confidence, she continued, "In fact, the three of us worked as tutors. I handled basic studies, while John and Abraham took charge of training and teaching mana accumulation, respectively."
With no particular motive behind his question, only concern for their well-being, Zeun decided, "Okay, I understand." Closing the book in his hand, he instructed, "Call your two friends and inform all the other workers that there's no need to come from tomorrow."
Clara frowned but remained silent. "Yes, Young Master, as you wish."
Half an hour later, two burly men and a delicately beautiful woman stood inside the manager's office. In a calm tone, Zeun said, looking straight into their eyes, not at all beating around the bush.
"I am going to close this shop," Zeun stated, his voice calm, yet the words dropped like stones into the quiet office.
Clara, John, and Abraham exchanged glances, clearly shocked by the unexpected news, attempting to process this sudden turn of events.
Clara's concern-laden gaze puzzled Zeun. It was the first time they had met, and her eyes seemed to harbor a deeper worry that eluded his understanding.
Despite the perplexed looks they were exchanging, Zeun forged ahead, undeterred. "You've already received half of your payment as per the contract. Now, since the initial terms were to safeguard this building and its owner for two years, for the next four months, you three will accompany me in fulfilling your duties. Any objections?"
"No, Young Master," the trio replied in unison, their initial surprise shifting to unanimous agreement.
"Good! Now, you three may leave. Tomorrow morning, we'll be setting off for Eldoria," Zeun announced, signaling the beginning of a new chapter.
The trio exchanged perplexed glances, their expressions caught between curiosity and uncertainty. As they exited, whispers of speculation filled the air.
~~
The next morning, Clara shared an interesting piece of information. Apparently, the King had dispatched his men weeks ago, and they had been quietly residing in a nearby building. The twist was, they only revealed themselves when Zeun and his group were ready to embark on their journey, following the King's whimsical order.
"Sigh... Who could fathom the reasons behind his playful nature?" Clara mused.
With an amused grin, Zeun replied, "So he had been keeping an eye on us, huh? I expect nothing less from the King since the quality of our paper and its market is so huge, not only in this kingdom but across the whole empire. So it's obvious that the King would keep an eye on his golden goose until he tries to acquire the goose for himself... a man's greed is unbounded... we need to tread even more carefully."
The journey unfolded tranquilly, with the trio relishing the scenic flight. Amidst the joyous sights, Zeun remained unperturbed, engrossed in deep meditation.
Eldoria, the Magic Capital of Voldamort Kingdom, was like stepping into a fairy tale. Tall towers sparkled with magical lights, and the streets were full of stalls selling enchanted items. The air itself seemed to hum with magical energy. At the center of Eldoria stood the Castle of Voldamort, its towers lit up with colorful orbs. It was a city where magic was part of everyday life, making it a place of wonder and surprises.
He sought to calm himself and anticipate the myriad questions the King might pose. Crafting a narrative that danced on the fine line between truth and falsehood, he wove a tale with half-truths, leaving the other half shrouded in ambiguity. This intricate mental tapestry aimed to sidestep any lie-detection magic or tools that might be employed during the forthcoming encounter.
"One can never be too careful," he muttered to himself, mentally fortifying for whatever potential catastrophe might unfold in his path.
Still deep in thought, Zeun heard the voice of the soldiers. "His Royal Highness asked whether you are comfortable meeting him now or if you will rest for a day to make yourself presentable before meeting with His Highness?"
Zeun looked at his clean but short and lightly faded clothes and replied, "I don't think it would be a respectful gesture to make His Highness wait for another day just for a mere peasant like me."
The soldiers who heard Zeun's reply had mixed reactions among them. As Zeun moved through, a few soldiers' less-than-polite remarks reached his ears. Some muttered about his attire, expressing doubt about his understanding of royal expectations and noble decorum. One even sarcastically remarked, "Well, isn't he just a breath of fresh air for the royal court?"
However, as other soldiers observed Zeun's humble and eager demeanor to promptly meet the King, they viewed him in a positive light and gained a level of respect for his conduct. Zeun's choice to prioritize showing respect to the monarch rather than prioritizing his own comfort was seen as an admirable quality, creating a favorable impression in these soldiers' minds.
Zeun, an introverted soul thrust into the labyrinth of royal expectations, felt a storm brewing within him. The unfamiliar customs and the absence of his mother, a lifelong anchor, left him adrift. Sentimental by nature, his heart echoed with the weight of others' judgments. The hushed comments and skepticism from the soldiers wove a tapestry of doubt in his mind.
Amidst this tempest, Zeun clutched his past life's sentimental baggage, a constant companion in this alien world. His character, deeply introspective and considerate of others' words, absorbed the whispers like a sponge. Each comment felt like a small cut on his emotions.
Zeun, always absorbing what others said, soaked it all in. Yet, in this chaos, his strength showed. The storm didn't break him; it made him determined. In this uncertainty, a promise echoed in his heart – to face the unknown with grace and prove that sincerity could shine even in royal places.
Not long after, little Zeun found himself in the throne room. As he stood before King Russel de Voldamort, his heart pounding with a mix of trepidation and determination. The grandeur of the throne room, adorned with intricate tapestries and shimmering chandeliers, only amplified the gravity of the moment. Clad in his simple attire, Zeun felt acutely aware of the eyes upon him.
King Russel, a figure of authority, studied Zeun with keen interest. The air hummed with anticipation as the young visitor, navigating the unfamiliar terrain of royal etiquette, prepared to share his tale.
In that moment, the clash of simplicity against opulence created a tableau of contrasts, setting the stage for a meeting that would shape Zeun's destiny in the Kingdom of Voldamort.
King Russel leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "I've heard you've made some interesting discovery related to paper. Tell me about it."
Zeun, feeling the weight of the King's attention, cleared his throat nervously. "I am sorry, my King, but I didn't discover it. I just found a storage ring while fishing in the river. The papers were inside the ring."
King Russel raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Zeun's unexpected response. "A storage ring? Found while fishing? Explain."
Zeun, aware of the shift in the conversation, decided to act. "This is the ring that holds the rest of the papers." Zeun took the ring, worn as a necklace. The next moment, the ring floated in the air towards one of the King's personal guards. She was a tanned beauty with a fierce gaze and a mature figure that could make any man drool.
Zeun's eyes widened in astonishment as he witnessed the ring floating through the air.
"Yes, Your Highness. It was quite a surprise," Zeun continued, his voice steady despite the floating ring. "The ring, seemingly ordinary, held an extraordinary space inside it. Papers, unlike any we've seen, were neatly stored within."
The King's curiosity deepened. "So, this paper variety wasn't a result of your experimentation?"
Zeun nodded. "No, my King. It was a stroke of luck, a hidden treasure within the ring. I couldn't have anticipated it."
King Russel, perceiving the honesty in Zeun's responses, sensed there was more to the story. "Zeun, it seems there's a deeper motive behind your actions. Why did you really sell the paper in the auction?"
Zeun, his gaze unwavering, revealed the true reason. "Your Highness, it's not for research. I needed the money to find a cure for my mother. A month ago when we received your invitation, my mother was very happy. In order to celebrate the happy moment, she went to the Everlost Forest to bring some firewood... and she is missing since then."
Zeun's head hung low, tears threatening to fall as he remembered the departing silhouette of his mother. He continued, "And I'm doing everything I can to bring her back. Selling the paper was a desperate measure to gather the resources needed for her rescue."
The mention of Everlost Forest resulted in a hushed silence upon the court. The name carried a weight of notoriety, resonating with tales of peril and danger. The courtiers, well-versed in the lore of the Cerulean Planet, exchanged solemn glances, understanding the gravity associated with this treacherous realm.
King Russel's expression tightened, revealing a glimpse of concern. The Everlost Forest, known as one of the most dangerous places on the continent, was not to be taken lightly. Even the mightiest Sage Realm mages of the Empire had met their demise within its mysterious depths.
Touched by the genuine emotion in Zeun's revelation, the King's expression softened. "Zeun, I appreciate your honesty and understand the urgency of your situation. We will do everything in our power to assist you in finding your mother. You have the support of the kingdom in this endeavor."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zeun bowed deeply, folding his hands to show his utmost respect.
The courtiers and attendants, witnessing this unexpected turn, exchanged glances, their initial curiosity replaced by empathy for the young boy facing such a heart-wrenching ordeal. The atmosphere in the room shifted, with a collective understanding that this was more than a tale of paper and auctions; it was a child's plea for his mother's return.
While some unscrupulous nobles seized the opportunity. Greed glinted in their eyes, and sly smirks crept onto their faces as they saw a chance to exploit the vulnerable young boy. Whispers and murmurs circulated among these opportunistic nobles, discussing ways to take advantage of Zeun's earnings and use the situation to their advantage.
Their reactions were a stark contrast to the genuine concern shown by others in the court, revealing a darker undercurrent of manipulation and self-interest in the face of Zeun's plight. The room, once filled with shared apprehension, now held an unsettling mix of genuine empathy and the cold calculation of those seeking personal gain.
Zeun kept his head lowered amidst all this chaos, internally smiling. A devilish grin crept across his face, which no one seemed to notice, on the successful execution of his plan.
---
END OF CHAP
THANKS FOR READING:-)
ELAB AND EXP ...
Zeun's Astute Analysis: Zeun's reaction to Clara's news showcases his keen understanding of power dynamics. He's not surprised, readily accepting that the King would view his business as a "golden goose" to be acquired. His statement about "a man's greed is unbounded" reinforces his cynical, pragmatic view of the world and the need for extreme caution. This confirms his journey is not just a visit but a dangerous negotiation.
Eldoria - The Magical Capital: The vivid description of Eldoria establishes it as a vibrant, enchanting, and highly magical city. This immediately justifies why Zeun would go there, especially given his interest in mana and unique magical properties (like Royal Ink). It's a hub for magical knowledge and items, which aligns perfectly with Zeun's inquisitive nature and potential goals. The mention of the Castle of Voldamort being central also clarifies its importance as the King's seat of power.
Zeun's Decisive Action: Zeun's opening statement, "I am going to close this shop," is a bold and unexpected move. It immediately establishes his authority and commitment to his new, more dangerous path. This isn't a temporary closure for a trip; it sounds definitive, suggesting he's removing the potential vulnerability of the business itself.
Clara's Deeper Concern: Zeun's observation of Clara's "deeper worry that eluded his understanding" is intriguing. This hints that Clara might know something more, or have a greater personal stake, than Zeun (in his current form) can comprehend. It maintains an air of mystery around Helena's past and her connections.
Shrewd Contract Management: Zeun's explanation about the "half of your payment as per the contract" and the extended terms for "safeguard this building and its owner for two years" is a display of his meticulous planning and contractual knowledge. By extending their duties to "accompany me," he's ensuring loyal and skilled protection for himself on his dangerous journey, leveraging existing agreements. This shows his pragmatic and efficient use of resources.
Strength in Vulnerability: This section is very strong because it grounds Zeun in his humanity. After showcasing his genius and strategic mind, reminding the reader of his youthful age and emotional fragility makes him a much more relatable and compelling character. It prevents him from becoming a perfect, unfeeling protagonist.
King Russel's Perceptiveness: The King's immediate shift to "deeper motive" and his sensing "honesty" in Zeun's responses (even if not the full truth) indicates his shrewdness. He recognizes Zeun is withholding information, but also that there's a genuine underlying drive. This makes the King a formidable interrogator.
King Russel's Humanity and Pragmatism: The King's initial "tightened expression" showing "concern" is a rare glimpse of humanity for a ruler portrayed as cunning. His subsequent softening and offer of "support of the kingdom" suggests he was genuinely moved by Zeun's performance and the perilous location. However, it's also a pragmatic move: publicly offering aid to a sympathetic figure, especially one connected to a valuable resource like the Mana Paper, is good optics. It also allows him to subtly gain more control over Zeun's valuable asset by intertwining the kingdom's resources with Zeun's personal quest.
Zeun's Success: Zeun's strategy of feigned vulnerability and the "half-truth" about his mother's disappearance has paid off spectacularly. He's managed to shift the King's focus from suspicion about the paper's origin to sympathy for his plight. His humble bow further reinforces this image.