Chapter 9 Ch. 9: Afternoon Tea [1]
Chapter 9 Ch. 9: Afternoon Tea [1]
"Thank you for today's lesson, Count Andreas."
Damian lowered his head and Chislon nodded. The fastest record in learning Elementals Fusing for the first time was 6 hours, yet Damian broke the record with just three and a half hours. As expected of a genius and prodigy.
Damian Atreilight, the second Prince of the Chrono Empire.
He was known as a genius and prodigy of the Empire. Most people would change because they were swayed by their fame.
However, it had been three years since Chislon had become Damian's tutor. Yet, Damian showed no change in his demeanor, he was cold and indifferent as usual.
Sometimes Chislon wondered, was Prince Damian bothered by the title? Because he really didn't act like a typical six-year-old child. He lacked expression and words.
Damian was talented and a fast learner. What Chislon didn't understand was, why he looked so desperate as if he was racing against time. Chislon thought that the Prince was still young, way too young.
'It's alright to slow down a bit.'
.
.
.
"Your Highness, have you ever set your feet out of Aeon Castle before?"
"No, I haven't."
I couldn't help but frown. Well, I was not even allowed to leave my Palace let alone leave the Castle. But I could go in and out of the Empress' Palace as much as I liked. Why was he asking?
"May I give you a little advice, Your Highness?"
"...sure."
"There's no need for you to rush. It's okay to slow down a bit."
What the--Ah, it seemed that he had mistaken me as someone who wanted to set many records, to prove to myself that I deserved my title while in reality, it was the opposite. To be honest, I didn't give a damn about the title they gave me.
The reason why I wanted to get stronger was simple. Apart from avoiding my death flag, it was to survive in the long run in this mad world. In a world where monsters spawned and many absurd events occurred, getting stronger was not an option, but a must.
"There's an amusement park at Agora in the Njord Region. Since our next class is next week, how about using that time to go on vacation to relax a bit?"
I blinked my eyes a few times to digest what in the world he just said. Now I didn't know, was it me or him who wanted to go on vacation?
But then again, I thought it was an opportunity to see the world beyond these thick walls rather than read it through a book. Oh come on, I need some real experience.
"Could we really visit Agora? I mean, are you confident in convincing Her Majesty the Empress?"
"Agora is the Economic Center of the Empire. We could use this as our 'alibi' to visit Agora in the name of an educational trip. So, what do you think?"
Hmm, aside from Ardeen and Hephaestus, there was also a place that I wanted to visit.
"Actually, I had a place in mind."
"Oh? Well, as long as it's not in the Egon or EvimerÃa Region, I think it's fine."
"No. It's in Agatha."
"It'll make things easier then."
'Easier? Are you sure?'
I couldn't help but laugh inside.
"It's... the Arcanist Tower."
I could vividly see how startled he was.
"P-Pardon?"
"The Arcanist Tower."
The corner of his smiling lips wriggled.
Damn. I wanted to roll on the ground and laugh out loud right now. Just looked at his face. Pft, ahaha...
Built under the orders of the second Emperor. The Arcanist Tower was a place where the most talented Alchemist, Herbalist, and Elementalist gathered in one place.
In the past 400 years, the Tower had become the most influential institution in the Empire. Many products created by Arcanist Tower were known throughout the continent.
Thanks to them, the Empire was ahead in terms of weaponry, medicine, and technology. That was one of many reasons Chrono had to solidify the Empire's title.
Arcanist Tower was not a place that anyone could visit. But, if one of the Head Division invited me, it might lead to another story. I saw Chislon trying to open his mouth but before he could say his protest, he was cut off.
"Your Highness, it is time for your appointment with Her Majesty."
Hearing Fedel's voice from behind, I turned to him.
'Ah, that's right. The afternoon tea.'
"I understand."
Gave my attention back to the Count, I lightly bowed.
"Count Andreas, it seems I have to go. I wish you luck in convincing Her Majesty. Have a nice day."
"B-But--"
Chislon sighed in defeat.
"I understand. Have a nice day too, Your Highness."
With that, I left the training ground along with Fedel and the maids. Somehow, it was hilarious to see how his serene angelic looking expression crumbled. Guess, he didn't expect me to say that.
Since the Arcanist Tower was directly under the Emperor's command, the target to convince was not the Empress anymore but the Emperor himself. Hehe, I wondered what Chislon would do.
Well, I was pretty close to the Count but not really that close. I liked him because he was different from my other tutors. His lessons were easy to understand and easy to implement especially in Elementals' lesson. Overall, he was my favorite tutor.
"I received information that another guest will be joining the afternoon tea as well."
'Guests? All of a sudden?'
"Who are they?"
"Her Highness the Consort and the First Prince."
I abruptly stopped my step. Holy sh--the first wife! No. I didn't have a problem meeting with her, the problem was her son! The First Prince! My half-brother! The main character of this world, the one who would kill this body! Fuck. I was not prepared for this!
I massaged my temples. I could feel my head throbbing in pain. The headache had guerilla my rationality. Damn it. Was this an instant karma I got because I teased Count Andreas too much? I exhaled a deep long sigh.
'That's why you shouldn't make fun of older people.'
Damn.