The worried look on Martins' face only seemed to grow even more as he kept reading the rest of the letter.
From what Sylus could gather after listening in on their conversation, there was an issue with delivering the rare materials to the factory in the city of Malgan.
The capital was one of the many other places in the kingdom with mining grounds; that said, only one city had the needed equipment to turn said raw materials into mana stones.
Mana stones were extremely valuable, so much so that if you happened to have a single one, you would probably be rich off it.
Everything that operated in the kingdom was because of the existence of these mana stones.
Mages used them for their spells and inventions for the betterment of the kingdom; they were also used for making military weapons and artifacts. Not to mention, a lot of the beasts tamed by the kingdom feasted on mana stones.
Their importance in the world is undisputed.
Which was why Martins seemed to be worrying so much.
Apparently, the land that led to Malgan had fallen prey to a magical glitch in the weather, turning the once summer land into a place raging with fallen ice and cold blisters.
Because of this, many people trying to deliver the raw materials to Malgan either end up dying from the intense death storm or turn back to save their lives.
And this has happened four times now.
'Never have I seen my father look this helpless.'
In fact, it appeared both of them had forgotten Sylus was still in the room with them.
"Alfred, do you think having them take another route will be for the best?"
"My lord, the raw materials can't be exposed to the atmosphere for over 20 minutes, or they will only end up being a useless blob. This route is the shortest and most effective route because of the border."
"That is true… are you certain there's no other road to take?"
"I'm fairly certain, Your Majesty. The requests for the mana stone shortage have been piling up over the past three days, some of which were from the allied kingdoms."
Martins pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Have the mages figured out what is causing the change in weather?"
"I am afraid not, although they are still researching it. With more time, they co—"
"We don't have time!!!"
Martins angrily slammed his hand on the chair.
The scene made Sylus smile a bit, although it went away just as quickly as he raised his hand.
"If the people delivering it are dying from the chilling cold, why not have them be warm throughout the journey?"
Alfred turned his gaze to the young prince.
"Your Highness, fire would not last a second in such a blizzard."
"I'm not talking about that. Burning coals will be more effective, no?"
Both Martins and Alfred were now fully focused.
"If they have burning coals below the vehicle, that could spread the heat faster while also keeping them safe from the blizzard.
And for the horses, we just get rid of them and make the vehicle move mechanically."
Alfred, for some reason, began jotting.
"Son, a wagon that moves by itself doesn't exist. I am very stressed right now; go to your room."
'Figured he'd never heard of a car before.'
Sylus got down from the bed, but instead of leaving the room, he moved closer to his father.
"Father, I'd like to make a deal."
Martins merely looked his way.
"Release my Mysteros, and in less than a week for a long term solution, and I will think of a short term solution for you in two ways."
"A solution?"
"Yes. One will be delivered to you today so you can deliver the needed materials, and the other will solve the issue involving the blizzard."
At first hearing, it simply looked like the bluff of a child.
Regardless of how much of a star Sylus was, there was no way someone of his age would cook up a solution that multiple adults had failed to do.
And yet, despite knowing this, Martins still smiled, patting his son on the head.
"I assume you are ready to face the consequences as well if you fail."
"Yes, Father." Sylus tried to hide his nervousness. "But only after you give Zani back to me."
"Very well. Alfred will release her, and she will be back with you. Keep in mind she will be locked up if you disappoint."
"I understand."
Right after that, Sylus followed Alfred to where Zani was kept.
Underneath the castle was a hidden chamber where many of the criminals and wrongdoers were kept.
Unlike a real prison, this was built to punish people until they were back to their senses. Alfred himself had once slept in this place.
Walking down the halls of the holding chambers, Sylus could see many people sleeping behind the iron bars. Some have probably not seen their families in a long time.
Right there, to his left, he finally saw her.
Zani was curled up in a corner, wearing the same expressionless face.
She had only been there for a couple of minutes, and the cell itself was already taking on a unique aura from the rest.
No doubt, Zani did not belong there.
Sylus said nothing.
He waited for Alfred to open the cell with his keys, and once that was done, he stepped in.
Silence hung in the air.
Even as he stood there, Zani was still spaced out, unaware of what was happening around her.
Just the sight alone made Sylus want to beat the living hell out of his half-sister.
He sighed; losing his cool wouldn't help the situation. Not now, at least.
Looking at Alfred, he uttered,
"Alfred, can I have all the books regarding construction and a dozen packs of toothpicks? And some glue while you're at it."
"Oh? As you wish, I shall send them to your room."
"No, bring them here; I'll be staying here for a while."
Alfred was shocked by what he heard.
Hell, even Zani was pulled out of her trance.
"Your Highness, why would you do that? If His Majesty hears…"
"Don't tell him then. I can trust you, can I not?"
"That's not—"
"…"
"Very well…I'll get it to you right away."
Alfred gave up on arguing; Sylus wasn't going to listen to him anyway.