13 Chapter 13 - Aureus Astrea 5 (1/2)
”This elevator you mentioned sounds interesting. If it were to be successfully implemented, we can triple the living area at the southern settlement.” Aureus looked interested as he considered the concept.
”For now, let us not bother with the flintlock rifles you mentioned, our spheres are far more powerful artifacts at any rate.”
Aureus and Edward then discussed various technologies and issues well into the night…
—
”Highness, I take it that your discussion with Edward was very interesting? I did not even dare to enter the study last night when I heard you were still in discussion with Edward.” Tarin opened up as he entered the study.
Aureus nodded. He then expressed that Edward's worth as an engineer outstrips his worth as a potential adamant combatant.
Tarin clutched at his chest as he pleaded in a high voice that Aureus not use his former rank so casually as a frame of reference.
Aureus refused to even acknowledge Tarin's actions as he continued ”Remember the discussions we had regarding implementing railway systems in cities? Apparently, Edward's engineering skills can help with that. As well as with many other matters.”
Tarin was frowning as he said that while he acknowledges that Edward may have advanced engineering skill, working with magitech engineers is a different matter.
”His realm developed a similar railway system that our magitech engineers envisioned- about one or two centuries ago. Even his basic level of understanding of railway systems is more advanced than our magitech engineers in certain areas.”
”A potential adamant combatant, former military commander and a skilled engineer to boot, eh. It would appear that if we do not recruit him, we would be letting our Empire down.”
Tarin looked sombre as he pondered ”Only his status as an outworlder is against him. Should that be found out, he will be hunted down indiscriminately. Even we will be implicated then.”
”Beyond my bloodline ability, I am inclined to trust my gut. I do not believe Edward will turn out to be malicious to the three realms after observing him these few weeks. There are other factors to consider of, what is your opinion of Edward becoming an enemy of ours if he were to recruited by the Eastern Coalition or the Reich Dynasty?”
Tarin looked even more serious, ”He would definitely pose a high level of threat to our Empire.”
Aureus nodded gravely before replying, ”Let us wait for Johan to discuss this further.”
—
Aureus was at the roof of the castle that night, staring into the starry expanse of the outer realm.
The stars appear to burn with a certain vigor tonight.
An outworlder possessing such knowledge and skill with only his background being a question…
As a prince of the Astrea Empire, what decision should I make?
As Aureus's thoughts wandered , a venerable looking old man with a white beard and white brows appeared in his mind.
”Young Aureus, including your father. I have served two generations of Emperors. Did you know? I was born the son of a farmer at a remote border village. My family scrapped and clawed every single dollar they had to send me to the nearest educational facility. Fate appeared to take a liking to me, I became the top scholar of my cohort at the imperial examinations and 2 decades later; I was appointed as tutor to your father- the crown prince then. Impressed with my services, he heavily recommended me to his father, your grandfather. I made first chancellor of the Empire during the last years of your grandfather's reign.”
”Lad, if ever the day a person's background troubles you deeply with no answers in sight, I hope you remember this old man's tale. Would you have expected the son of a farmer to ever make first chancellor of an Empire?”
Aureus's eyes blazed as he recalled Sage Mynir's words.
As if in a duet, Tarin's voice sounded in his mind,
”Exterminating the innocent in the name of prevention… Triem and I were not saints, but we did our best where we could…”
”We did our duty…”
Aureus clenched his hand, I will recruit Williams and bear full responsibility for it.
As Aureus made his decision, his Aether core began pulsing rapidly.
Aureus tilted his head to face the heavens and his eyes blazed with greater intensity.
As his pupils dimmed , Aureus gave a half smile and left the roof.
—
”Williams!”
”Highness, what brings you here?”
”I came to recruit you.”
”Highness, it is an honor but I do not understand. Frankly speaking, I am a risk factor. If our positions were reversed , I would not recruit myself.”
”That is why, I am the Prince and you are the potential hireling.”
”Jokes aside, I have matters to discuss with you and those matters relate to my
recruiting of you.”