Once the group of maids and butlers played their part, they evacuated from the area and allowed both Caesar and Joe pa.s.sage. The minister gestured for both of them to follow him, and he led the way through the s.p.a.cious halls.
The well-lit chandeliers and sconces layered the roof and walls respectively. Their flickering flames displayed the beauty of the palace, and a marvelous scent wafted through the air. Even Caesar couldn"t help but appreciate the excellence of the full hall; it was mesmerizing.
As they walked further and further down the corridors, the number of maids and butlers drastically dropped. In contrast, the solemnity in the air rose, and even Joe clenched his fists in nervousness.
This intense journey continued for another few minutes until they finally arrived in front of a rather small door. It was decorated somewhat humbly, and the minister did not hesitate to knock on the door softly.
After a few seconds of waiting, the minister turned the door-k.n.o.b and gestured for Caesar to walk inside. "Our crowned prince seems to be absent at the moment," he said, "for now, you"ll have to make do with his father, the king."
As the minister spoke to here, he hurriedly fled from the area, leaving both Caesar and Joe in the hallway. They hesitated for a few moments before entering; the scent of ink and books a.s.saulted their noses as they walked inside.
Inside the library, a few hundred bookshelves, ladders, and even a spiral staircase were present. On the second floor, an almost dazzling table was present. A rather beautiful tea set was placed on top of the table, and a nearly o.r.g.a.s.mic fragrance erupted from it.
An older man sat at the table with crossed legs, he held his cup of tea with his pinky finger at the base and sipped it elegantly. His squinted eyes scrutinized both Caesar and Joe for a few moments before redirecting his attention back to the table.
He adorned a raven black robe with golden linings. No crown sat on top of his head, but his high stature and imposing figure showcased his position. Caesar enjoyed conversing with people of similar caliber, so he calmly walked up the stairs.
A professional smile was plastered on his face as he finally reached the white table, where he then sat down in front of the king. He too elegantly sipped a gla.s.s of tea while Joe remained next to the door, deciding not to eavesdrop.
A strange silence descended upon the room before the king finally decided to break the ice, "your father mention you in a few pa.s.sing letters," he said, "apparently, your capabilities are not to be taken lightly."
"Please, you are too kind," Caesars replied, "my father is merely boasting, as most fathers would when talking to their friends." he continued with a smile, hinting at their friendship; to which, the king did not deny.
Instead, he chuckled. "Let"s skip the formalities and pleasantries, crowned prince," The king said after a moment of silence, "your relatively small kingdom has procured plenty of materials that you are not yet capable of defending, let me provide you with an offer."
Caesar nodded.
The king tapped the table, "We will excavate the resources ourselves, on top of offering your kingdom some protection. In exchange, I require some fees–for every month of protection, I want 20 platinum coins delivered to my kingdom."
Caesar licked his lips as he leaned forward in the chair, "this is simply a robbery in broad daylight. Do you not fear your reputation falling from such a scheme?" Caesar asked a tilt of his head while calmly sipping his tea.
In response, the king once again chuckled, "fret not; the story will become whatever I wish it to be. Whether or not I am perceived as magnanimous, or a snake is up for me to decide. On the other hand, you have practically no say in the matter." he said with a slight smile.
Caesar crossed his legs, "is that truly so? I believe it would be unbecoming of Limbo kingdom to a.s.sa.s.sinate and declare war on another kingdoms prince. It would surely invite trouble from the other large kingdoms; giving them an excuse to attack you."
"Hmm, who said I would declare war on Rahvin kingdom and a.s.sa.s.sinate you? Why would I commit such atrocities and dirty my clean hands?" The king asked curiously.
Caesar stood up from his chair and gently placed the cup of tea on a nearby platter, "well, that is quite simple… I decline your offer," he said, "you see, a few of the other larger kingdoms have already given me a better deal, I doubt you would be willing to start a huge war."
Naturally, This was a mere fib. However, it caused the king to squint his eyes dangerously. "How presumptuous of you, a crowned prince of a minor kingdom. You dare to question my authority? I can have you beheaded by tomorrow morning If I so pleased it."
Caesar glanced at the king, "I do not fear you. My allies are just as strong and have promised me great things. As I said before, you are not in a position to do anything to me," Caesar paused, "if you wish to change your offer, I may decide to listen, if not, I will be taking my leave."
As he spoke to here, he turned around with a broad smile playing on his lips. Not a single word more needed to be uttered. The threat regarding one of Limbo kingdoms enemies gaining the vast amount of cloud steel was huge.
The king contemplated deeply as he inspected Caesar"s departing back. He was unsure if Caesar was speaking the truth. However, his confidence was evident. He could not take the threat lightly, nor could he solve it very quickly.
Soon, Caesar exited the library, and the king threw his cup of tea at a nearby wall, creasing his brows deeply. Suddenly, laughter escaped from his lips, "very well, Rahvin kingdom, you"re not as weak as I predicted"