Chapter 143 – Approaching Summer

Chapter 143 – Approaching Summer

As the days passed, the weather became warmer and warmer as we headed into the summer. Still, we were already sweating buckets because Sasha and I were within the industrial complex, overseeing the construction of the base of our very first mech. With the tractors ready and the first batch safely delivered to Elliot, we dialed back on their production to focus on my 'little' project.

"Well... It is bigger than I thought it would be." Sasha mumbled, standing next to me.

"I increased the size after seeing that giant beast walking towards us. Still, it won't be taller than eight to ten meters after being finished." I nodded, watching as our workers slowly completed the first leg of the machine. For now, it was lying on the factory's floor, ready to be transported out into the open, where it would be later on assembled.

"We were lucky that we found the anti-gravity magic first!" she joked, which made me smile because that alone made things considerably more manageable, especially regarding handling the heavy, massive hunk of metal.

Looking at it right now, the one leg looked like a hollow skeletal structure, as we would need to install multiple components into it before it could be considered complete. One was the gyroscopes we would put into both of them, which are still being made by Kraus and his team. It would help with the machine's balance structure, and we also had the cutouts where the hydraulics would be placed, which were personally crafted by Sasha's hands. Then, there was the armor plating that was still further down the line, yet to be made. Still, considering everything, we were in a good place, and I began hoping that the prototype unit would be ready before the following winter.

"I am honestly amazed."

"Of what?" She asked, turning towards me with a smile.

"The speed we are operating with. I expected more issues, but the magic-reinforced machinery performed faster than expected. Then, there are our workers... I bet you that they could put together a tractor from scraps by now, heh. They are scary quick yet also precise!"

"Hehe, maybe our presence is inspiring them. How is the hydraulic fluid coming along? Did Marca and you manage to choose one, or are you still debating over it?"

"I have managed to come to a conclusion." I answered, nodding my head, "It is very close to what I wanted, and we can easily produce it from the local plantlife. She is solely focusing on making more of it, so don't worry!"

"Then I will move forward and start manufacturing the hydraulic system. When it's ready, we can also start building the base of its torso, attach the legs, and then begin creating mechanisms to control its movements. Have you worked on that?"

"That is..." I murmured, falling silent, closing my eyes, "Is still... being worked on."

"So neither you nor Merlin has any idea yet, huh?" She giggled, making me shrug because that was right.

"We will slice their kingdom up into three equal parts, as I mentioned." Pascal continued, explaining it calmly, "Each of those territories will be governed by one of you. I don't care what method you use, but bring those regions under our complete control and obedience toward the throne in ten years! You will be heavily rewarded if you can do it under less than that. Now... as for who will go..." When he began listing the first two names, they were both from old families, dukes who held noble ranks for many centuries and had proven their loyalties numerous times over. Yet, the last name surprised everyone. "Duke Kustov, you would be the last."

"..." Everyone expected an outburst of happiness or delight to appear on his face, but it was absent, surprising even Pascal. "My Lord... Can I speak freely?"

"Yes. Go ahead." He nodded, leaning forward, wondering why he didn't show any delight yet.

"I'd like to refuse the opportunity, My Emperor."

"WHAT?!" Multiple new or old dukes yelled out, unable to contain their shock and surprise, looking at Kustov as if he had gone mad. Not just by refusing the Emperor but by doing so openly. And denying the opportunity to live the life of a mini-emperor!

"Why?" Pascal asked, leaning back on the golden throne, asking in a whisper. He was curious about his reasons and began to value him and his family more and more.

"With all due respect, my family has only recently gained the rank of Duke. We are still in the middle of rebuilding and reorganizing, and my current subordinates and capabilities are not on par with the esteemed and respected dukes who were chosen before me for this position. I am not confident that my family's weak influence and sub-par abilities would live up to the task compared to the others."

"Weak..." Some of the dukes mumbled, looking down on him for his speech, but Pascal watched him with a different light in his eyes, gently scratching the bottom of his chin.

"He is better than I expected. Saying this out loudly warrants a backbone, just like how he had it when returning after failure. Good. Good! I wanted him to be my trusted spy, keeping an eye on the other two families and reporting to me, but... Now, I am considering making him into the number one family under the next Emperor. He would be a perfect candidate for the post and loyal like a dog..."

"Of course," Kustov continued, explaining calmly, but deep inside, he was cursing his bad luck, "if My Emperor orders, this servant obeys."

"No, I see the point that you have made, and I value your honesty no matter how hard it is to the ears, Duke Kustov." Pascal nodded, raising a hand, shocking the rest of the nobles once again, "I am going to name another family for the position."

While Kustov bowed, showing his loyalty by hiding the relief within his eyes, Pascal was thinking about the cheekiness of his refusal. Sure enough, even if he sends a newly risen duke away, they could amass great wealth and strength, but not influence, not within the capital. It was a short-sighted dream, and if Kustov wanted to solidify his family's position under the Ishillian bloodline, he had to stay within the city.

"The Gods always favor the wise. Keeping him alive and linking his family to us was the correct decision." Pascal chuckled, thinking to himself, feeling to be in a good mood.