''Tch,'' Osborn, without paying any heed to the gritting sound, clasped his hands behind his back. He turned towards the stage, his sacred appearence of a Cardinal still overbearing. It made her, the source of gritting, more serious.
''You need to train more Little Wu, your performance gets worse each day.'' He laughed slightly, albeit its effect was not so small. Wu didn't respond before bowing down.
''F-Master Osborn, it's not fair. You are always checking the surroundings with Holy Perception, how am I supposed to evade that?''
''This is why you need to train more.''
''Master! Holy Perception is one of the peak surveillance magics and I'm 80 years younger than a Royal Mage like yourself.''
''Little Wu, don't put much importance on titles or grades. Even a weak priest can use Holy Perception if he is taught correctly and even a commoner can become a Royal Mage, if he contributes enough.''
''I understand...Still, it's unreasonable to make such a request.''
''Why so?''
''I-I just don't want to disappoint you.'' Wu's calm and collected voice shattered. Towards this man, who had raised her from her painful childhood to her current state, she had nothing but respect and love.
''Little Wu, why are you so worried?'' Osborn reached out with his rough hands. Feeling of a hard and slightly small hand hadn't been a foreign to her. It was the same thing when she was younger. She didn't oppose. She didn't care much about formalities or whatnot in front of her foster-father, only smiling. ''You are extraordinary already, even more than everyone in your age.'' Osborn said with pride pouring out of his eyes.
''You are also my daughter. I know you are working hard and I appreciate it. Even if you wanted to, you couldn't disappoint me.'' Though her father said these words with a carefree chuckle, Wu knew they were supported by an overwhelming amount of love and affection. His gands felt softer than the clouds.
''I understand.''
''Then don't call me master when we are alone, alright?''
''Ok-okay, Father.''
''That's my daughter!'' After laughing for another round, Cardinal retracted his hand. ''You are also a beauty now, I must say even I'm captivated by your figure.''
Wu's rosy cheeks became redder than hot peppers. She knew Osborn was teasing her but the wicked thought of him being honest was not a pretty thing. Incomprehensible words got out of her mouth. Her panic was sweet to the man before him.
''Hahahaha, I can't get enough of your reactions.'' 'It's a pity we are always busy.' He thought. He truly had to admit that his daughter became a real beauty. Her slender and gracious figure was something that made even a person like him shocked. Still, he didn't have any lust or anything similiar. He only felt pride. Though this was not the same for the man he talked a moment ago. 'Lust is one of the biggest sins, Mr. Goldenwing.
He felt accomplished to raise an excellent daughter. The excitement and happines he felt when he saw her on the stage for the first time. It was priceless. Wu was like a treasure to him. The one and only precious thing he had in this world other than the church he was raised in.
''My time is tight for now.''
She felt a bit disappointed. However, she still nodded and composed herself. Wu's aura changed without any notice. She was more close to an immature girl that didn't taste the wrongdoings of the world. Yet the same immature girl radiated the aura of a veteran murderer. The sharp blue eyes and the slightly puffed out rosy cheeks of her were now frozen. 'Kabuks of the north would be proud indeed.'
''So little Wu, what did you learn about Goldenwings?''
''Mas- Father, they are, per your wishes, using the Soulblood extracted from the villagers on the experienced soldiers. Only Marcus is blatantly lying to you. They are only using 20 to 30 soulblood per day.''
''What about the people who lost their will power?''
''They are kept but I'm unsure of the location. It might be at the southern quarters of the noble capital or the eastern factories. There are excellent spots to hide secrets at there. But-''
''But Marcus won't trust those excellent spots. Hmm, I was right to assign you. Even that Old Dream Phantom couldn't pass through their Protection spells.'' Her eyes shining with gratitude of being recognized, Wu continued.
''Looks like they are more biased towards Oracle Of Piety. They are organizing some open theatres for common populace.''
''Stories are about Piety's love and fight with Axi, I suppose?''
''Yes. I also saw several big figures of Capital like the Eastern Turtle Division's head as well as Blacksmith Cinderhammer.''
Osborn's displeasure was evident from his furrowed brows. Wu took a mental note of this from her early days so didn't bother her father with unnecessary questions as he struggled to find a way out of these unexpected developments. He probably didn't expect complete trust from Goldenwings but it was still a headache to not have loyal people around him. Their only role was to keep things steady at the front lines, though it was a question itself whether or not they would be successfull.
'Pope is old and there is probably 3-4 years before he will leave the position. With the new spot, there will surely be a lot of problems occuring. That self-proclaimed Oracle is a vermin. I'm not even sure how the other 2 approved of him.' Osborn sighed while rubbing his forehead. The pressure was increasing. Results weren't. He also didn't have the chance to investigate the matter of Aenon Empress' actions.
'That Aenon Empress, I don't know what she is thinking. Sea Of Blazes is not a place to conduct trade nor explore. Its a sea of misfortune!' The aims of Aenon Empress were ambitious. More high reaching than the Church's ambition of making Lore Kingdom a Theocracy. She wanted to establish a trade route between Exiled Lands, Elven Empire and Aenon Empire of her. Yet, it didn't have any probability of success.
'Sea Of Blazes is just impossible to traverse without luck. There are very few survivors because of the pillars of flames rising from the underwater Violet-Lava Crystals. It's rising patterns are also ever-changing so there is no way to protect oneself. How is she going to protect the trade ships?'
After sighing once more, Osborn ceased his thoughts. He was sighing more frequently these days, constantly reminding him of the dire situation they were in. What they have been doing was, frankly, betraying the kingdom. Still, this was for the greater good of people, as well as for the existence of Kingdom. If not, then they wouldn't have dared to draw the Soulblood of their people. Something that was essential to humans.
''May I continue Father?'' Hearing Wu's voice, Osborn woke up from his daze. He nodded. Wu could feel the troubles weighing upon his shoulders.
She could see her father getting older every day. Even the smallest of the wrinkles pained her. Yet, the thought of him giving all of his effort to do something was also heroic in someway. Just like the hero of the long fallen Damia, who defeated a 10.000 men army alone. Burying these feelings inside her heart, she continued.
''So it's like this...''
*********
''The essence of a Princeps is not just the Qi. It is not something exclusive to them. Qi is an universal energy, hidden beneath layers upon layers of seals inside of each living being. Though it's near to impossible, there are still a handful of people that can succed and gain a huge power.''
''Still, as a Princeps, it's entirely different for you. You can directly command the Qi hidden inside your body, in the air or even in the hidden dimensions inside our world. 'Use' and 'Command' are 2 completely different things. You are still 'Using' Qi, just like how mages use 'Soulpower' of nature to perform magic and auguries.''
''Yet, your father can 'Command' the Qi both inside and outside him. If its appropiate, it would be better to call him a god who controls 2 universes. One inner and one outer universe. That is of course just an example. There are no other beings to reach Godhood with the exception of Deus. Even so-''
''He only became a Half-God, then got executed by Axi himself.'' Leonardo cut in, slowly moving his numb and thin legs. The inside of the cell was darker than the past, the round and sticky walls were now more rough and some moss started to reach from the deep crevice beyond the entrance. Guards were indeed not taking care of their mazes properly, he thought.
''Yes, executed. Even so, that does not matter to us. The severe limitations of control is the problem most princeps encounter. Their body and soul are weak and their will is like a small sapling that needs a fertilizer to grow. That fertilizer isn't something easily found and can be different. The process of finding that fertilizer is also another hurdle. But-''
''But?''
''If a princeps was to succeed, another Half-God emerging wouldn't be a legend anymore.'' Stretching his old and weary back, the memories of the whipping he recieved when he was still a small child resurfacing just like always, Calder took the pen on the small table. His broken nose, colored hair that made him look like a man in 40's, and his always closed eyes which radiated wisdom and tranquality made Calder's lonely figure quite outstanding for Leonardo.
Of course, he chose to keep these thoughts to himself.
'Wish I could recieve news from outside...'
''When will you heed my advices?'' Calder suddenly asked, probably sensing the desolate aura hidden within Leonardo's eyes. ''Deteoriating of your body will only result in a mental collapse, nothing more. You might refuse to train or learn swordsmanship again with your right hand, that is acceptable. But its unreasonable to not keep your body in a fine shape.''
''Why would you care though? This is MY body. I can do whatever I want.'' Leonardo had a small answer for his own question, however, but he still pressed on the word 'MY'. It might be disrespectful, or even offensive to talk like this to a person who had been both a friend and a supporting pillar to hold on. Yet, he had some questions as well, real questions he sought answer for.
'Why do you care so much for me?'
Still, he didn't ask them. And of course, Calder didn't answer these questions, which Leonardo knew that Calder avoided to bring up such topics that involved their strange relationship.
''Hehe,'' Calder looked upwards, his non-visible eyes somewhat piercing through the layers of earth, rock, and soil that was covered by the huge castle called Lukr. ''I have seen many madman at wildlands, young Leonardo. Most of them dreamed about unreasonable things, some of them believed in myths and legends that were considered stories from fraud bards.''
''There are also some madmen who got crazy over material things like wealth, fine swords and even women from Kurklu tribe. You know, they have these crazy furs over their unrelated places. It sometimes maks you wanna stop from the pain, as they are just like spikes of the midnight pythons. Still, you want to go on from the joy of trying something new.''
''Calder.'' Leonardo's voice woke him up as he scratched his head. 'I never saw him talk about women, let alone sex...' The image of Calder was established into the mind of Leonardo in these past 7-8 months, or maybe longer, as a man who had experience and power with a strong dignity like his mother.
'I still know so little about him,' Leonardo thought. He sent a glare to Calder to remind the purpose of their talk. Then he continued to listen with a bit of dissatisfaction as the 'Old Pervert' started to talk again.
''Anyway. There are many more types of madmen, however, but I do not have the interest to talk about them. Yet I can say one thing. It is never pleasant to live with one of them. You can never know what they do, you can only guess. And let me tell you, it is a pain in the-''
''It is not nice to guess, alright I get it.'' Interrupting the words of the now not so dignified Calder, Leonardo brushed the matter aside. Still he had a bit of an idea why Calder mentioned this madman thing. 'Of course, being a madman doesn't sound good.' It might be a eccentric experience to look from the viewpoint of a crazy man but it was not a great choice to turn into one right now, Leonardo thought.
''Its nice to see you agree.'' After slightly angering Leonardo with his words, Calder retracted his gaze. He slightly massaged his neck while complaining about the pain looking directly above brought. Then without anymore wait he dropped down. He divulged himself in the joy of creating something new, something only for himself. Maybe not only for himself, a strange voice in his mind reminded. There was another person with him. It wasn't for himself, it was for themselves.
*********