Path to Power (Chapter 4) - The King, The Nobles & The Servant -

[TzenToku]

Zhang once again woke up hours before dawn broke. He could not sleep properly due to the excitement he had experienced meeting Manami in the market place of the capital. He got up, walked out of his room and towards the bathroom to get cleaned up before William got up. While walking to the bathroom, he walked passed William’s room and two of the bodyguards were wide awake guarding.


Zhang: Good morning guys. Did you two sleep at all last night?

Bodyguard 1: We’re just about done with our 2 hour rotation. We were only awake for less than 2 hours anyways.


Zhang then continues walking to the bathroom to get cleaned up. He was about to change from his pajamas to his servant uniform when he realized there a smell of fruit juice from his shirt. He then remembers that he had spilt some juice all over himself the night before when he choked while drinking.


Zhang: Damn it!! Why did I wear these out last night!!


An idea then struck him. He looked into his pouch for the perfume Sophie gave him and started to spray a little on his clothes. The smell of the perfume was strong, but the smell of the fruit juice became fainter.


Zhang: Thank you so much Sophie (Talks to himself).


While in the bathroom, he looks out of the window into the dark sky and can faintly see some creatures flying around the sky. Zhang continues getting cleaned and walks out of the bathroom once he was done. When he came out, he noticed the bodyguards who were guarding before were now gone and two different bodyguards took over.


Walking down the stairs, he admired the paintings that were hung on the wall. Most of them were paintings of the surrounding hills of the capital. But there was a painting that caught his attention and he spent a few minutes examining it. To Zhang, it looked like a young man on a Pegasus carrying a flag with the Flourite family emblem on it.


Zhang: Wow…. The guy in the picture looks a lot like a younger version of Lord Flourite. But can it really be him??
Below the painting was a gold tag with words written on it. It was written:

- Victor R. Flourite -
Head Mage of the Vanorse Royal Magic Council (1389 – 1397)
Founder of Jesselton


Zhang: No way!?!? William’s father???


Zhang walks out of the Villa and to the front yard to do some stretching. There he found Ranjen, sharpening his sword on a bolder.


Zhang: Good morning Ranjen. Did you just wake up?

Ranjen: Morning stable boy. I couldn’t sleep. Damn those gargoyles! They wouldn’t stop flapping their wings, kept me up all night.

Zhang: Really? I couldn’t hear anything. How is it possible to hear anything outside the Villa from inside?


Only then Zhang remembers that Ranjen had one of the sharpest ears and hearings in the whole of Vanorse. His long training as a military man has given him the ability of sharp and acute senses to always be alert at all times.


Zhang: Wait… What gargoyles??


Just then, a gargoyle flies down behind Zhang. Zhang got the fright of his life when he turned back to find a creature he had never seen before with its face just inches from him. Zhang screamed a while and fell to the ground.


Ranjen: Hahaha!!! Don’t worry boy!! He’s harmless. He only attacks whomever his master orders him. Right now, he’s here to protect the nobles and their escorts here at the second level of the capital.

Zhang: Ohhh… So these are the statues that Lord Bismarck was talking about yesterday. Wow… They look so much scarier when moving than they are in statue form.

Ranjen: Hahaha… Believe it or not. This gargoyle here is actually vegetarian. We’ve been getting to know each other for the whole night.


The gargoyle starts smelling Zhang all over his body.


Ranjen: He must really like you stable boy. Or maybe it’s the perfume you’re using. It smells very familiar. If that the young Lady Flourite’s perfume you have there?


Zhang: Yeah (Feeling tickled by the gargoyle). She gave it to me before leaving the mansion.


Now the sky was getting brighter and once the gargoyles realized it, they quickly scrambled to their sleeping posts. The gargoyle whom Zhang had just met did the same. It quickly took off into the sky and flew onto the second layer wall and posed as if someone was about to take its picture. When the sun was finally high enough, all the gargoyles around the capital immediately turned to stone. It was then when the Wyvern, Griffin, Hippogriff and Nazgul riders took and assumed their duties in the day.


Moments later, William walks out of the Villa with the rest of the bodyguards.


William: Gentlemen!! We’ll be having breakfast over at Lord Bismarck’s place today. Immediately after that we will be heading to the third level of the capital. That is where the royal family’s castle is, along with the Parliament Building.


All of them walked over to the Villa where Ganth was with his bodyguards and had breakfast together. There, they were welcomed by the Villa’s staff and ushered to the dining room where Ganth and his bodyguards were already waiting. Ganth, William and Zhang sat together at one table while the others sat at different tables.


Ganth: So William, have you thought of a way to approach Lord Mansoor or Lord Kaneshiro yet?


William: I should have no problem with Lord Mansoor as we have done some trading in the past, but I might have a little problem with Lord Kaneshiro. The Oracle told me that he would come to me but advised me that I should stay close to him to be noticed.

Ganth: Huh… That’s lucky of you. I hope the Oracle’s visions are accurate. You wouldn’t want to have to come all the way here, not do anything and end up not getting to talk to Lord Kaneshiro because the Oracle’s misunderstood vision right?

William: He had not given me the details on anything we discussed when he came to visit. Every instruction given to me was so vague. I hope everything would go well and that I’d be able to get their cooperation. Their participation in this plan is essential and a necessity.


The group continued eating their meal and talked a while until it was about time for the meeting. The bodyguards scrambled onto their mounts and awaited their masters’ further orders. When both William and Ganth came out of the Villa their bodyguards immediately brought them their mounts. William got onto a pure white Pegasus while Ganth got onto a Griffin. Zhang pulled William’s Pegasus and guided him to the third main gate, which lead to the third and final level of the capital. At this time, the second gate was locked tight and the third gate opened with several elite knights guarding it.


All the other nobles who were present in the second level were also prepared to enter the gates to the third level. As each noble and their bodyguards entered, an announcement was made on which noble family they represented. When it was William who entered the gates, the knight on duty recognized the flag the bodyguards were carrying and made the announcement.


Knight: Presenting Lord William D. Flourite, Head of the Flourite Family, Lord of Jesselton!!


Ganth and his company followed from behind and again the knight made the announcement.


Knight: Presenting Lord Ganth V. Bismarck, Head of the Bismarck Family, Lord of Urundi!!


Every noble made their way towards the parliament building which was located about 200 meters away from the castle. They each got off their mounts and walked in the parliament building while their escorts waited patiently outside. Some walked with their servant while others went in alone. Zhang at the time was escorting William while Ganth had previously excused himself for he had some dealings he had to settle with another noble head.


The Lords walked into the parliament building and made their way into parliament hall. The nobles’ bodyguards were outside on standby, inside parliament building were elite knights patrolling every corridor. The place was locked up like a fortress; there was no place for errors in security, especially when lords and royals were all gathered in one place at the same time. Some nobles mingled with others before taking their seats while others immediately too their seats.


Parliament hall had a special seating arrangement for the nobles and royals. There hardwood tables were arranged in three rows of ellipse on either sides. The outer row was the largest and stood on the highest deck. The middle row stood in on deck about 1 foot lower. The inner ring was the smallest another foot lower. In the center of the inner row, where everyone seated would be facing, was an empty space for whomever was to present a long speech would speak.





The left half of the inner row was for the top ten most powerful mage in the nation. The Right half of the inner row, were ten seats for the top ten greatest warriors who consisted of knights, swordsmen and archers. The left half of the middle row was for nobles who were blessed with magical abilities but did not make the top ten mage position. The right half of the middle row was for nobles whose family’s fighting skills were highly recognized and respected by others. The whole of the outer row was for nobles who were neither blessed with magic nor knew any fighting skill. Most of the lords of the middle and outer row had their own personal servants standing by their side. Finally there was the largest table located between the sides of the ellipse and this was where the King of Vanorse would be seated.


The walls of parliament hall were decorated with flags with the emblems of each noble family and the royal family.


William: Zhang, look over there at the person with the turban, the one on the second row directly in front of us. That’s Lord Mansoor. We’ll have to approach him during the break time in two hours. I need you to keep an eye on him. He tends to disappear most of the time during the break to avoid any confrontations with the other nobles.

Zhang: But my lord, if he doesn’t wish to speak with other nobles, do you think he’d want to speak with you my lord?

William: I can only hope the old trading relationships we had years ago would come helpful now.


A few minutes passed and the announcer made his announcement.


Announcer: All rise for His Majesty, King Moriarty and His Highness, Crown Prince Valtrana!


Every noble lord stood as a sign of respect to the royal monarch family. The king stood behind his seat at the high end of the parliament hall for no one was to be seated any higher than the king. Prince Valtrana, recognized for his skills in swordsmanship, represented the royal family’s fighting discipline, joined the other lords on the first row of the swordsmen side. King Moriarty then calls the meeting to order.


Moriarty: Greetings fellow Noble Lords and brothers of Vanorse (Bows).

Nobles (As a whole): Greetings King Moriarty, Ruler of Vanorse, chosen by the Sun God Helios himself and blessed by the Moon Goddess Selene (Bows even lower).

Moriarty: You may take your seats (Everyone sits down except the servants). Thank you Lords for coming under such short notice. A state of national emergency has arisen, but none the less, we shall follow regular proceedings of parliament meeting before discussing other matters. All forty-eight lords shall present their reports if there is any before we move on.


The Lords were being called on in chronological order of which province joined the Vanorse from first to last.


Moriarty: We shall begin with Azerath, Capital of Vanorse. May I call upon Prince Valtrana to present his report is any?

Valtrana: I thank you your Majesty. Greetings fellow Lords, heads of noble families, and allies to the throne of Vanorse. I thank you for your presence here at parliament today. The report I shall now present to you today comes from the frontlines of war that has been going on between our beloved nation and the neighboring country Fanlarg. To those who have supported our military campaign thus far, I thank you my brothers. Our soldiers are fighting hard to prevent the enemies from taking over small villages and towns near the Vanorse - Fanlarg borders. However we are short of supplies in both food and weapons, for that I ask of you all, please support us for the safety of our country. That is the end of my report (Sits down).

Moriarty: Thank you Prince Valtrana for your report. May we now continue with Lord Kim, Ruler of the “Gyu’Soh-la” Province.

Kim: Thank you your Majesty. Greetings fellow Lords, I shall now present my report. Due to the ongoing war, recent economical trades between “Gyu’Soh-la” Province with neighboring provinces and foreign countries have been declining. My people and I have long supported this military campaign, but I fear if this economical recession is to continue, my people may begin to starve and will lose all reason to support the campaign. That is the end of my report (Sits down).


The King continues to call upon the nobles to present their report and many of them gave almost similar reports as Lord Kim. The people of Vanorse have been heavily affected by the war and soon they may have to starve. It was clear that a peace treaty had to be signed or new economical strategies must be brought up to resolve the economical recession before it became a depression.

Moriarty: May I now call upon Lord Flourite, ruler of the “Jesselton” Province to present his report.

William: Thank you your Majesty. Greetings fellow lords and brothers of parliament. I shall now present my report. The people of “Jesselton” province have managed to sustain their regular lifestyle without having to starve. This war has affected every province of Vanorse’s economics but the lifestyles of my people have not changed. People of small villages have for decades relied on food and support from the capital. However due to the ongoing war, supplies have been diverted to the military. The Flourite family has dedicated their lives to ensuring that our people does not starve and have always relied on trade to do so. New trade routes have been established between villages of Jesselton and neighboring provinces to ensure a constant flow of food and supplies between villages. I hereby encourage every lord present here to take into consideration, to open up trade routes and reduce trade taxes on business people and entrepreneurs to encourage trade. This is the end of my report.


Many Lords were surprised with William’s speech where he claimed his people had avoided poverty even through the war. Many lords have suffered riots within their people due to starvation and have failed many times to come up with an effective solution.


During the war, sanctions were imposed on several provinces of Vanorse by countries allied to Fanlarg. This has caused a cut in trade with several countries, bringing forth poverty to some small villages. This was a war strategy used by both sides to force the other into starvation, where food would be diverted away from the citizens to the military. This would in turn cause a riot when the villagers of small towns and villages lose their tolerance for their leaders’ ignorance to their people. If the riot problems were not solved quickly, it may very soon turn to a civil war.


Both Vanorse and Fanlarg have suffered greatly due to the sanctions they and their allies have imposed on one another. As the Lords continue to present their report until the last one, King Moriarty decided to call for a break before the meeting resumed.


Moriarty: Fellow Lords, we have come to an end to the first session of our meeting. We shall now recess for 1 hour.


King Moriarty and Prince Valtrana stood first and exited through the main door while the other Lords followed. The Lords were ushered to the main dining hall where high tea was served. They mingled with one another where some discussed political matters, some talked about economical matters, while others talked about personal matters. Several Lords approached William to praise him of his speech while others asked for advice and economical support for their people.


Zhang was always by William’s side. He was now on full alert for Lord Mansoor’s whereabouts. He did not understand much of William’s plans with Lord Mansoor, but he knew that with the involvement of the Oracle, this was a matter of most importance. While keeping his eyes for a gentleman with a turban, he took the opportunity to study how noble would deal with one another in matters such as what William was facing at the time. He studied their greetings and gestures, important topics and details of those topics.


Things went on until he spotted Lord Mansoor all the way on the other side of the dining hall with his servant. They exited through one of the glass doors leading to the balcony. Zhang informed William of Lord Mansoor’s whereabouts and William excused himself from the other lords.


William: Where is he?

Zhang: He went outside onto the balcony with his servant my lord.


Both William and Zhang made their way through the crowd of nobles and out onto the balcony. There they saw Lord Mansoor gazing at the royal castle which was located right next to parliament building and down below them, outside of parliament building were the hundreds of bodyguards who came with their masters. William approached Lord Mansoor from behind and greeted him.


William: Greetings Lord Edhas Mansoor. It’s been a while.

Edhas: (Turns around) Hahaha… It truly has been a while Lord Flourite (Gives William a Hug). I personally wanted to thank you after the meeting for your daughter’s help.

William: What do you mean my daughter’s help?

Edhas: You don’t know? Your daughter has help established several trade routes between small villages to ensure a steady flow of supplies to the people. She’s been helping you do your job you know?

William: Hahaha…. I see. I do know that my daughter has always wanted to help small village like I always talked and lectured about. I told her that I would not interfere with any of her plans or work, but she would still have my full support. Which village would are you saying she has established trade with?

Edhas: Hahaha…. You really need to pay more attention to your own property William. A trade route was established between the Village of “Wir” of “Jesselton” province with the Village of “Qu’Sar” of “Lang” province. And I do believe she has done far more than you know.


A flashback struck Zhang’s mind as he remembered he was escorting Lady Sophie at the time when this deal was made. He had no idea that it was with another noble’s village Sophie was trying to establish trade with. He also had no idea how highly recognized her work was to the community and felt honored that he was present at such an event.


William: I’m proud of my daughter’s work and see her as a valuable aid as well as an important family member. She is the last of my family I have since my wife died during visit to the soldiers at the borders to enforce a peace treaty to be signed.


Edhas: You have my condolences William.

William: I thank you Edhas. However today I come to you in attempt to once again establish a stronger trade between our provinces.

Edhas: William, I know it is the “Shiva” gems that you seek. And I tell you now, none of those gems will leave my land for it has caused much suffering.

William: Edhas, I have no plans on using it to aid the war. You know all too well that I have always enforced peace for our country.

Edhas: None the less, the Shiva gems are too dangerous to leave the mountains where they came from, which was why I closed down all the mines. Even Prince Valtrana has been pressuring me to have them mined and sent to the frontlines.

William: Edhas, calm down and listen to me. I have a plan to hide these gems so that it can never be used for the war efforts. The Oracle has already seen me regarding this matter.

Edhas: There is no way the Oracle would have gone to see you. He sees no one, and he even rarely goes to see the King himself. Why should I believe you?

William: (Takes an envelope out of his pocket) Edhas, this is a sealed letter from the Oracle he asked me to give to you when he came to see me. I don’t know what it contains but I was told to inform you to only open it once you return to “Lang” Province (Gives envelope to Edhas). Now listen to my plan. I plan to have all the Shiva gems mined and brought out of “Lang” and buried within the northern lands of “Ju-Sang” Province where it would be kept secret forever.

Edhas: The “Ju-Sang” Province? But that land belongs to the Kaneshiro family. Lord Kaneshiro has never traded outside of his province and has no military or economical allies. What makes you think he would agree to your demands?

William: I truly have no idea if he would even wish to speak to me. However the Oracle has already predicted that both you and Lord Kaneshiro will cooperate. Now I ask you, if I can get Lord Kaneshiro to cooperate, will you help me?

Edhas: I live to seek peace for our country. If you are able to get Lord Kaneshiro’s help, I will immediately reopen the mines and have the gems sent to his lands. But you must make a promise to me as noble to noble that those Gems will go nowhere else and shall not be used for war.

William: You have my word Edhas (Both lords bow to each other).


It was now time for the meeting to resume and all the lords were being called back to parliament hall. William was still very frustrated trying to think of a way to approach Lord Kaneshiro for he had never spoke with him or had any economical dealings with him.


The lords entered and took their seats while waiting for King Moriarty to resume the meeting.

Moriarty: We shall now resume the meeting. As you all know, our country has been at war with the neighboring country of Fanlarg for 22 years. Many lives have been lost, villages destroyed and there has been no clear result of who is winning or losing this war. However today I bring to you all a very disturbing news that the course of the war may be drastically changed in the next few months. If action is not taken soon, the empire of Fanlarg may soon cross the borders and destroy the Great Helios Fortress which has for more than two decades protected our lands, making us vulnerable. Our spies have uncovered a secret weapon the enemy nation has been developing for the past few years and is expected to be completed in 15 months.


Whispers could be heard in parliament hall. The lords were shocked with the news presented by Moriarty.


Moriarty: Fellow lords!! Now is not the time to panic, for there is still chance for us to take control of the course of the war. As you all know, our nation has the largest number and the most powerful Mages and spell casters in the world. We have been able to secure 22 years of security due to the aid of our mages and spell casters. However we have never been able to win this war because the people of Fanlarg have cursed their own lands to prevent any magic to be used on their lands. Fellow lords, the purpose for today’s meeting is to ask for your military cooperation. I ask that all lords send every available military support to the frontlines under the commands of Prince Valtrana who is also overseeing the course of this battle.


There was a pause for a moment in parliament hall and a few seconds later, one of the lords stood and shouted “This is outrageous!!” This was followed by the angry voices of the other lords. “Have you lost your mind?!” “You want us to send all our soldiers to the frontlines?!” “What should we do if the enemy gets past the frontlines?!? We’d be sitting ducks for them!” “This plan is insane!” “There must be another way!” These were the words echoed in parliament hall, as the Lords were not happy with the Moriarty’s plan.


At that moment, in the echoes of angry voices, one of the Mages sitting in the first row, stood up and slammed the palm of his hand on the table. A deafening echo rang throughout parliament hall, silencing everyone and drawing their attention towards him.


Tai-Zi (Mage): Fellow Lords!! There should be order in parliament hall. Calm down and let his Majesty continue briefing us of his plans.

Moriarty: Thank you Wang Tai-Zi, head of the Vanorse Royal Magic Council. I shall now continue with the meeting. There is not only a need for ……….


Meanwhile as Moriarty continues.


Zhang: (Whispers) Lord Flourite, who was that man just now?

William: (Whispers) Ohh…. That is Wang Tai-Zi, currently the most
powerful mage in the whole of Vanorse. He is not of noble bloodline, but his reputation as a powerful mage and service to the military for decades has helped him move up the ranks. He is now head of the Vanorse Royal Magic Council.


Back to Moriarty.


Moriarty: ….. But there is another way to solve this matter without having to increase military personnel in the frontlines. For that I would requite cooperation from Lord Mansoor, ruler of the Lang Province. Please rise Lord Mansoor.

Edhas: Yes your Majesty (Stands up).

Moriarty: Lord Mansoor, you do understand that Lang Province has the largest Shiva Gems deposit in the whole of Vanorse. I ask that you reopen the mines and send as much Shiva Gems to the frontlines as soon as you can to avoid sending anymore soldiers there.


Every Lords now turn to look at Lord Mansoor.


Edhas: But your majesty, Lang Province has long been depleted of Shiva Gems. What could you possibly want with more Shiva gems?

Valtrana: (Stands up) Don’t play dumb with us Lord Mansoor!! We know you have been hiding the fact there are still huge Shiva Gems deposit beneath the mines Lang Province!!

Moriarty: Prince Valtrana! Show some respect to Lord Mansoor! (Turns to Edhas) Lord Mansoor, you do understand that only with the Shiva Gems, our mages and spell casters can cast their magic in Fanlarg territory don’t you?

Edhas: Your Majesty, with all due respect, I would supply the military with every last Shiva Gem we have. But unfortunately our land has already long been depleted of such mineral.

Moriarty: Lord Mansoor, if you would grant Prince Valtrana full permission to search the mines of Lang Province just to ensure there is no more Shiva Gems left. If such a statement is confirmed, all suspicions of there still being Shiva Gems in Lang Province will be gone and you will receive a full apology from me. But if there should be large amount of Shiva Gems found, you and your family will be held accountable for crime against the throne and your lands will be confiscated.

Edhas: (Now looking pale. Pauses a while and looks at Moriarty) You have my word. Prince Valtrana shall have full permission to search Lang Province for any signs of Shiva Gems. If a large volume should be found then I, Lord Edhas Mansoor, Head of the Mansoor Family and ruler of Lang Province, shall willingly surrender myself to the mercy of the king for crime against the throne.


Whispers could be heard throughout the parliament hall as Edhas took his seat. The meeting continued with Edhas looking sick the whole time. The members of parliament continued discussing both new economical and military strategies which they believed could be changed to improve the country’s administration. This continued for another few more hours until it was almost sunset and the meeting finally came to an end.


Moriarty: That is our last agenda on the list. I thank you all for coming under such short notice (Stands up and everyone follows). Thank you all, Lords of Vanorse for your dedication to the welfare of our country and have a safe trip (Bows).


Nobles (All together): Thank you King Moriarty for your wisdom and guidance, long live the King (Bows even lower).


Moriarty and Valtrana were the first to walk out of the parliament hall before everyone else followed. Edhas immediately pushed his way past everyone, making his way out quickly to his escort and giving William no chance to catch up to talk to him. By the time William got out of parliament hall, Edhas was already making his way out of the capital.


William and Zhang were now in the hallways of the parliament building. Some lords were making their way outside to their escort, some walked to the dining hall to get something to eat before leaving while others just mingled with one another inside parliament hall. William was now extremely frustrated because he hasn’t had the chance to speak to Lord Kaneshiro.


William: (Shouting really loud) Damn this!! The Oracle told me I would have the chance to speak to him!! And why didn’t the Oracle see that the Kind would have Lang province investigated?!?! (Punches the wall)

Zhang: (Speaking in a nervous tone) My lord, perhaps Lord Kaneshiro is still around parliament building.


Just then, a child who was walking along the hallways saw William and Zhang. The kid was wearing a hood with a silk cloth covering the lower half of the face. From about 10 meters from where Zhang was standing, the kid shouts.


Manami: Zhang!! (Runs to Zhang, jumps at him and gives him a hug and they both fall on the floor)

Zhang: Ummm…. Sorry who are you??

Manami: (Takes the silk cloth off) It’s me!! Manami!! What are you doing here in parliament?? And are you wearing the same clothes you were yesterday?? I can still smell the fruit juice from yesterday. (Giggles)

Zhang: Manami!! Hey there!! I told you. I told you, I’m here with my master. He’s got some business here.

Manami: (Looks at William and gets up on her feet) Hello sir (Gives a lady bow). I’m Manami. I wanted to thank you so much for bringing Zhang here with you. I had lots of fun exploring the capital with him last night.

William: Hello young lady (Smiles). I’m Lord Flourite, It’s nice to meet you (kneels and reaches for her hand and kisses her hand). You sure have good manners. What brings you here to parliament building? Who are you here with?

Manami: I’m here with my father. We were at the meeting just now, I saw the two of you in the meeting hall just now but I wasn’t sure if the little boy was Zhang. I tried looking for you during high tea (smiles).

William: Hahaha I see… Who’s your father Manami? We better go looking for him, otherwise he’d get worried.

Zhang: Ohh Manami, here’s your handkerchief from last night. Thank you so much. May I ask what does KNSR stand for?

Manami: (Smiles at Zhang) That’s my family name. You can keep it. KNSR stands for….


Just then, a man walking very fast came out the dining hall.


Kurosaki: Manami!! Where are you?!?! (Walks towards Manami) Manami!! I told you not to leave my side!!

Manami: Otousan!! This is the boy I was telling you about last night!! He was the one who I walked around the capital with last night!! And this is his master who brought him here.

Kurosaki: (Bows to both William and Zhang) Thank you so much boy for watching out for my daughter last night. She really gave me a heart attack when I woke up to find her missing. I am Lord Kaneshiro Kurosaki, Head of the Kaneshiro family and ruler of the Ju-Sang Province.

William: (Shocked but tries to stay calm) I am Lord William D. Flourite, Head of the Flourite family and ruler of the Jesselton Province. It’s great to finally get a chance to talk to you Lord Kaneshiro.

Kurosaki: Ohh?? You have something you wish to speak to me about?

William: If you would honor me with the opportunity to chat with you out in the castle garden, I have some very important matters I wish to discuss with you.

Kurosaki: Lord Flourite, I do thank you for your servant for watching over my daughter last night. But it is against my policies to discuss any matters at first meeting.

Zhang: (Kneels on the floor) Lord Kaneshiro!! I beg of you!! Please hear Lord Flourite out for a moment! (Head now on the floor)

Manami: Otousan!! Please!! Don’t embarrass me in front of my new friend!! I won’t talk to you if you’re always like this!! Zhang please stand up (Helps Zhang up).

Kurosaki: (Grins for a moment then looks at William) Forgive me Lord Flourite, it’s been old habits for me to act like this. Please, let us take a walk around the castle garden. It would be an honor to have a little chat with a new friend.


William and Kurosaki, followed by Manami and Zhang walked out of parliament building only to be greeted by their head bodyguards.


Ranjen: My Lord, shall we be on our journey back to Jesselton?

William: Not so soon Ranjen. Zhang and I will be going for a walk with Lord Kaneshiro in the royal garden. You will be more than welcome to provide security.


Kurosaki tells his bodyguards the same and both convoy proceeded to the royal garden which was located within the third layer of the capital, not far away from parliament building. Both groups of bodyguards stationed themselves at strategic locations around the garden but kept a distance away from both lords. It was considered rude for nobles to have too much security too close when having a friendly conversation or a walk with a friend because it was a sign of lack of trust.


Both lords were walking while talking with both Zhang and Manami following them from behind.


William: Lord Kaneshiro, you do understand the stakes at hand don’t you? What is your opinion on how the King had interrogated and accused Lord Mansoor of hiding Shiva gems within his province?

Kurosaki: If Lord Mansoor is hiding Shiva gems within his lands away from the military, then I respect him with highest honors for such a deed is very noble, but also very stupid and considered insane to be going against the will of the royal family.

William: I see that you are familiar with what grief the Shiva Gems bring and even more familiar with its powers.

Kurosaki: The Vanorse Royal Magic Council needs a large supply of Shiva gems to be sent to the front lines for their mages and spell casters to use. Only with the Shiva gems in their possession can they begin to cast their magic in Fanlarg territory. However when carrying these stones in possession for long term, it will have a negative effect to the bearer’s body. They will start getting sick, slowly lose their magical powers and possibly die.

William: There is also more negative effect where once the magical property from the gems are depleted. The military would just dump it anywhere without realizing the Shiva waste will cause the land around it to turn barren. Crops will never grow and waters will dry. If a large amount of waste is accumulated at one area, it may even turn rain forests into deserts.

Kurosaki: The existence of Shiva Gems has been damned by several lords, including myself for the problems it has caused to their people and lands. It brings grief in both gem and waste form. Only destruction may come from it.

William: And it is for that reason I have come to seek for your help Lord Kaneshiro. I ask that you would give Lord Mansoor access to the “Sand Graves” where he will dump all the Shiva Gems he now has in his possession to prevent anyone from accessing it.

Kurosaki: (Looks at William surprised and takes a step back) Have you gone out of your mind! To assist in such an agenda is to betray the will of the throne!

William: Lord Kaneshiro, I know your interest lies in the welfare of the people of Vanorse. Your generosity to this matter would most benefit the people and the country as a whole. The “Sand Graves” is a desert located in the Ju-Sang province with no strategic economical or military properties. It has been barren for centuries and no one ever goes there for one could get lost in the constant changing landscape. It is the perfect location to hide the Shiva Gems, away from anyone’s expectations and where no one can find it.

Kurosaki: I do understand your good intentions Lord Flourite, but I must decline such a request. I will not risk jeopardizing my family’s noble status for anything in the world.

William: (Takes an envelope out of his pocket) Take this and read this only once you return to the safety of Ju-Sang province. It is a letter from the Oracle. We’ve met before coming here to the meeting called by the King and he advised me to see your help for this matter. His instructions were to hide the Shiva Gems away from the military at all costs for it will only bring great grief once it falls into the hands of the military.

Kurosaki: (Takes the envelope and gives it to Manami to keep) I will think about it and discuss with my advisors. I cannot give you a definite answer right now, but I am sure our fates will cross once more in future.

Manami: (Takes the envelope and puts into her backpack) Otousan, I believe whatever decision you take will be the best for our people.


Both lords along with Manami and Zhang walked out of the garden to their convoy and prepared to set on their journey back home. They talked for a little while before leaving.


Kurosaki: I shall send you a messenger once I agree and will directly contact Lord Mansoor to offer him my assistance. If not, I shall still send you a messenger to inform you of my disapproval and want no further participation in this matter.

William: I will look forward to receiving your message. Take action with haste for Prince Valtrana will mobilize to Lang Province to investigate in less than two weeks time.

Kurosaki: I understand the significance of this matter. May Selene bless your journey. (Bows)

William: May Helios protect you all. (Bows)


Both lords have finished discussing their matters with one another and returned to their convoy. Manami and Zhang talked for a little while longer before leaving with their convoy.


Manami: I never thought I’d see you again, with you wearing the same dirty clothes from yesterday (giggles). Makes me wonder if you’ve even showered since the moment you arrived.

Zhang: Hey!! They invented perfume for that. It’s a little inconvenient to bath in such a tight schedule.

Manami: But Zhang, I really wanted to thank you for last night. It was really fun exploring the capital with you and really glad I made a new friend here in Azerath. If you ever do come by Ju-Sang province, be sure to drop by!! Don’t pretend you don’t know me and never come!! And be sure you give me a big welcome when I come see you at Jesselton Province!!

Zhang: I will… And I want you to meet Lady Flourite sometime soon. She’s like a big sister to me and she was the one who lent me this perfume.

Manami: No wonder why it smelt so nice. There would be no way a guy would have such a good taste for perfumes. I hope to meet her soon!! I’ve got to go now, everyone is waiting. I hope to see you soon!! (Gives Zhang a big hug).

Zhang: I hope to see you soon too (hugs back).


Both kids returned back to their convoy and were set on their journey back home. At the time it was already dark and they expected to arrive back to their own homes early the next morning. Both convoy marched side by side past the third gates, then the second and finally parted ways once they exited the first main gates.


William and Zhang who were in the chariot were again escorted by Ranjen and the others back home, but this time without the company of Lord Bismarck or his bodyguards.


Zhang: My Lord, won’t Lord Bismarck be accompanying us back?

William: (Looking very happy) Ganth has other matters to attend to with the other lords in other provinces. Our task is done for now. All we can do now is wait for Lord Kaneshiro’s approval and Lord Mansoor’s cooperation.

Zhang: My lord, what has been your plan all this time? To oppose the will of the throne? What was the reason you brought me here? I don’t think I’ve been any help to you all this time.

William: My plan has always to seek peace for our nation and to protect our people. I will not allow the Shiva Gems to fall into anyone’s hands anymore for it has already cost too much damage to this world. And you have no idea how much you have helped me. Without you, I might not have been able to talk to Lord Kaneshiro. Do you remember? We only got the chance to talk because his daughter approached you first. Opportunity approaches from many different and strange ways. We must only open our eyes and pay more attention and realize it.


Zhang look surprised and thought back and realized that much of what they had achieved during their stay at the capital were due to his presence. And later he realized that it was the Oracle who advised William to bring Zhang along the trip. Zhang has yet to realize that he would soon in years play a huge role in the conflict between the two nations.


Both Zhang and William continued to talk until Zhang finally fell asleep.