Book 3: Chapter 65: Catching up on Things

Book 3: Chapter 65: Catching up on Things

Zeke stood in front of the window, looking down at the hustle and bustle. The constant flurry of movements was balm to his nerves. His biggest fear had been that something in the estate might have gone wrong during his absence.

However, nobody seemed alarmed or panicked in the least. This was a good sign. The fact that he had even been worried was strange in and of itself. He really should be putting more trust in his people. After all, he had little to nothing to do with the daily goings on of the estate. And this was ignoring the fact that David had been running the household for years before he had ever shown up.

Zekes gaze wandered over the different sections. From the busy workshop area to the newly built spell repository. From the gardens of the mansion over to the training fields. Gradually, a content smile spread across his face. He had come far no, they had come far! He had not done this alone.

It had only been a few short months since his household had arrived in the city. But instead of the safe haven they had expected, they were greeted by a deserted ruin. On top of that, they were settled with a crushing debt. Day after day, people left, assured in their belief that the family was done for akin to rats fleeing a sinking ship.

But what about now? Where were they all? And where was he?

His smile widened as he counted three completed Gondolas next to the workshop. They were finished and ready for delivery at the end of the month. This would be another 300000 gold for his family. By now, mountains of gold were piling up in the treasury, and Zeke would have to expand the room or invest his money elsewhere

[Notice]

Somebody is approaching rapidly. Identification matches 99.5% as David.

Before he could even react, the door was flung open. David stormed into the room with an uncharacteristically cheerful expression. You are finally awake, young lord.

A smile spread across Zekes face as well. Thanks for worrying about me.

[Notice]

David visited your room 89 times during the past two weeks. He is ranked 4th on the list of most frequent visitors. The first spot is held by Maya with 193 visits.

Zeke took that in, idly wondering about the number 2 and 3 spots as he stepped away from the window. Did anything of note happen while I was indisposed?

He regretted the question right away as he saw Davids cheerful expression transform into a professional demeanor. Indeed, young lord. A lot has happened since.

Zeke made his way toward the lounge and motioned for David to take a seat as well. The older man complied and took the spot across from him. Can you walk me through what happened?

We were worried when all the guests had already left but there was no trace of you. We were just about to force our way in when Mr. Albert Thorsten informed us about your duel against the young miss, David recounted with a twinkle in his eye.

Dont give me that look, David! Zeke protested. I had no intention of causing any kind of problems this time. It just it just happened, ok?

Certainly, young lord.

I am being serious here.

So am I, young lord, David replied, but the slight curve to his lips betrayed his real feelings on the matter.

Zeke rolled his eyes. Since when was David so playful? What happened next?

We were informed that you were exhausted by the fight and were given a chance to rest, David explained. But when you were brought out several hours later, you were in terrible condition. You were screaming and thrashing and could barely stay conscious for more than a moment. At first, we feared the worst

It must have been quite a shock for David and the other guards to find him in such a condition. He had been the picture of health only hours earlier but was returned to them in an unresponsive state. He didnt even want to know how he would have reacted in Davids place.

Fortunately, David continued, Lady Eternexus was patient with us, despite the high tension and lets say explosive tempers of some.

Zeke groaned. What happened?

Nothing major but somebody might have made some threats.

David smiled. Of course not! It means that your mother has finally gained their trust and they dont feel the need to consult with me anymore. This is what I had hoped for.

Lena and Marissa had been working for the family for years. If the two Mind Mages felt like his mother was ready to take that step, then Zeke would trust their decision.

This leads us to the last part of my report, David continued. There are a couple of matters requiring a decision.

Zeke focused his full attention on David. What are they?

David took out three letters from his neatly pressed suit and put them on the table in front of him. The first one is from the Bloodletter family, David explained, pointing at a dark red envelope. It is an official request for you to rejoin the family.

Bloodletter My fathers house? I thought they had disowned him. What right do they have to demand my return? Zeke asked.

David shrugged. They dont demand anything, yet. The letter is merely a request.

Zeke thought about it for a moment. Lets ignore it. This will delay them for longer than outright refusing. If we are lucky, this will solve itself with time.

David nodded and pointed at the second envelope. This is an official notice from the Office of Administration. Its the confirmation for the spots in the Advancement Ceremony.

Zekes eyes widened. I completely forgot about that! Did I miss it?

Its the day after tomorrow. But we were worried if you would make it in time.

Zeke sighed in relief. Dont scare me like that. Of course, we are still going.

David nodded and pointed at the last envelope, his expression turning somber. This last letter is regarding a rather concerning development. There is going to be an emergency conference between the empire and the leaders of the alliance here in Tradespire. Miss Lara Sonnenstrahl sent us the notice.

Ohh? What prompted this? This news didnt really worry him. After all, the alliance loved holding meetings and conferences. This had probably happened hundreds of times already. The only noteworthy difference was that the empire would be sending a representative as well.

I didnt have the contacts to find out for certain, but there are rumors

This managed to pique his interest. What rumors?

The Seers of Seraven made a prophecy, David stated. From what I could gather, it doesnt paint a promising picture of the future for the alliance and especially, Equinox and Invocatia.

Zekes expression slowly turned severe. From how he understood the role of the Seers, they didnt often get involved in the affairs of the world. They only made announcements about the most horrendous of tragedies. The fact that they warned of the coming war made it likely that this would have far-reaching consequences for everyone. Did Lara confirm the Rumors?

I did not contact her, David replied.

What? Why not?

David sighed. Young lord, the von Hohenheim house is not allied with the Sonnenstrahl family, nor do we have any other official allies. You have a personal relationship with Miss Sonnenstrahl, but that doesnt give me or anybody else the right to demand her time.

Zeke grimaced. This was right, just because he was on friendly terms with Lara didnt mean that they were allies. She had made that abundantly clear the last time they spoke. But this brought up another question. If Lara went through the trouble of informing us, then there must be more behind that meeting.

Thats the reason I consider this to be a concerning development. The content of the letter suggests that this might be the start of the war. At least, Miss Sonnenstrahl believes so.

Zekes gut clenched. He had hoped to have more time, more time before open war broke out. As he was now, there was very little he could do to oppose the empire. He wasnt ready yet and neither was his house.

When is that meeting?

David sighed. The meeting was scheduled for early next week. Five days from now.

Zeke nodded slowly. There was no point getting sidetracked by something he had no control over. He would attend the Advancement Ceremony in two days and try his best to find out what he could to help his people advance. As for the conference whatever would happen would happen.