"It is an enterprise of extraordinary wealth, valued at billions, that calls for your mastery of runes," Nuu elucidated. "The crux of the matter lies in these symbols adorning its groove, emerging at random intervals, thereby eliminating any possibility of deceit or manipulation," Nuu explained
"But I lack the talent for sculpting such objects," Yanis replied.
"Do I not possess a talented stepdaughter?" Nuu retorted.
"Aah, but wouldn't it be inappropriate to involve Jayla in creating such a scandalous sculpture?"
"Humph, spare me your excuses," Nuu retorted, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Or do you take me for a fool? If your heart desires her, it matters not to me. Just ensure my work is completed."
Yanis met Nuu's gaze with a slight smile, a glint of understanding passing between them.
Nuu continued, his tone firm yet measured, "I require a minimum of twenty-thousand replicas, to be completed within a month's time. If any skilled hands are among the servants, enlist them as assistants. Here, take this parchment. It contains detailed drawings outlining the specific requirements."
Nuu handed over the parchment, the carefully inked designs a testament to his exacting standards. "Once your task is done, present your efforts to Nylah. Only upon her approval, you proceed with the concluding touches to the Enchanted Carousel," Nuu concluded, his instructions ringing clear.
"Lord Oga's idea?"
"..."
"What are you are you trying to say?" Nuu eyes' narrow
"Well, you're not exactly business savvy, more inclined to go with the flow, so to speak," Yanis chuckled.
"You–"
After a brief exchange of words, Nuu departed, leaving behind a generous bag filled with monster cores—an act that left Yanis immensely satisfied.
Shortly thereafter, a gentle knock resonated on a door.
Not long after, a familiar countenance emerged from behind the threshold—none other than Gayle.
"Gayle, you may take your leave," Margaret instructed.
Gayle hastily departed the chamber, diligently avoiding direct gazes.
However, as she left, Nuu's voice echoed in Gayle's mind, "Why were you here?"
Only to receive a two-word answer, "Lord Oga!"
Nuu nodded with understanding. "Wake Sage and Nylah an hour from now, and have them prepare a ledger of all the servants, and slaves aboard this vessel, along with their monthly salary." His instructions reverberated within her thoughts.
"I gather you've engaged in close companionship with my handmaiden?" Margaret inquired, savoring the delightful scent of breakfast, as she savored a mouthful of her biscuit along with some sausage and bacon.
"..."
"It seems you are likewise in quite a haste. Could it be that you long for the company of our esteemed lady of the house?" she inquired, her words infused with a touch of wry amusement
"Such a crude statement. How can you speak of such a distinguished lady in such a manner? Or do you not find it rude to eavesdrop on others' conversation?" Nuu responded, casually taking a seat.
"Humph, spare me the theatrics... For a man who betrayed my great nephew, do you not feel any sympathy for the deceased? Your eagerness to solidify your claim over her is as clear as day, and I doubt you will find contentment in that alone."
"Do you plan to stop me?" Nuu inquired.
"I have no desire to meddle with Nathan's leftovers, so rest easy. As I told your brother, as long as you do not interfere with the succession, we will have no problems," Margaret retorted, a light chuckle escaping her lips.
"Well, you do know me quite well... But if I may, since Jard will not be competing, wouldn't it be appropriate to include Menos? After all, he's a spitting image of Nathan."
"What madness—"
"Hold on! Hear me out... Luca vs. Li vs. Berkin is simply a one-sided snooze fest. Do you really want to witness a 70-year-old man beating up young lads, aged 23 and 19?" Nuu responded, exuding an air of self-assuredness.
"Humph, that's not your concern at all," Margaret said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Menos is, fundamentally, regarded as a child born out of wedlock, and as such, he cannot ascend to the position of head. You ought to be aware of this."
Margaret paused briefly, then continued in a measured tone, "Even if I were to overlook this, would it truly be logical? Menos, with his childlike disposition, should not overshadow the legitimate offspring of Innessa and Dunja: Myra and Chole. Their names are duly recorded in the family archives."
"The unfortunate truth lies in their parentage under Innessa and Dunja. The recent amendment of Section 14, Article 7, which grants women the right to inherit estates and contend for the title of Master of the House, has not been favorable to them," Margaret reflected.
"Given that they are not the progeny of Consort Lia and Guilia, these changes offer them no advantage unless either of these two women were to adopt them."
Margaret pondered for a moment, then resumed, "In comparison to us, who are of noble birth without a direct bloodline, you should comprehend the absurdity of your proposition, Nuu. It's best not to delve into such matters.
Even in the scenario where all the legitimate heirs were to meet an unfortunate fate, Nathan still has a younger sister and her branch of the family tree."
Nuu's response came with a shameless chuckle, an audacious grin stretching across his face. "Oh, it's merely a harmless suggestion," he chuckled, his laughter breezy and carefree. "Tell me, is she a vision of beauty?"
Margaret's brows furrowed, her expression slightly taken aback. "Excuse me?"
"I'm referring to Nathan's sister, of course," Nuu clarified with a nod, his curiosity undeterred. "I don't recall him ever talking about her."
With a composed demeanor, Margaret replied, her tone measured. "She is a contentedly married woman with twelve children, wholly devoted to her Magistrate husband. I believe such a devoted life might not align with your inclinations.
And yes, I can confirm that she possesses remarkable beauty," she added, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Margaret raised her delicate teacup, taking a composed sip.
Nuu leaned forward slightly, his intrigue seemingly unquenchable. "Does she reside within the estate, then?"
Margaret's patience seemed to waver, a trace of exasperation entering her voice. "Nuu, it's difficult to fathom that your inquiries are driven by mere curiosity. I earnestly implore you to keep any distasteful intentions to yourself.
Caterina and Lia should amply satiate the desires of even one as depraved as yourself. It is my sincere hope that this discussion finds its conclusion here," Margaret said, her gaze unwavering as it bore into Nuu's eyes.
He could only chuckle and shift the conversation away. "Speaking of the devil, it appears that he graced you with his presence in the early hours of the morning…" Nuu remarked, deliberately dismissing Margaret's previous comment.
"You—"
"Humph, do tell me, is there any other reason for your visit? Surely, your intentions do not involve inquiring about your brother and myself," Margaret playfully taunted, as her poor attempt of concealing Oga's underwear left Nuu to chuckle.
"I must confess, I find greater solace in your guise as a dutiful knight, unwavering in service to your master, like the time your lips…." Nuu unabashedly retorted, his words carrying a hint of audacity.
"Enough, with the jest. If you truly have nothing to do, go and spent time with your wives."
"Already did," Nuu wink
"...."
"You truly have no shame…..Since you're already here, I have a question: Where is the map? I am aware it is no longer in the deceased Froh's possession, so spare me deceitful words," Margaret declared, setting the breakfast aside.
A brief interlude of silence permeated the room as Nuu contemplated his response. Then, he embarked upon a narrative, recounting the encounter with the Ninth Prince, deliberately omitting certain events and transactions.
"You truly are a fool," Margaret interjected, her voice heavy with disdain. "The worth of that map cannot be merely quantified in ducats. Do you not grasp the magnitude of your actions? By relinquishing it, you have bestowed upon the Ninth Prince access to an entire realm teeming with precious herbs and revolutionary research."
"Yet, a mere guard within your household managed to pilfer it right under your very nose," Nuu provocatively added.
Silence hung in the air, pregnant with unsaid words.
"..."
Margaret's voice trailed off.
"My responsibilities lie solely in the observation of prospective House Masters. It is not my duty to safeguard the Iron Vault. That responsibility rests upon Nathan," Margaret explained, but her words carried a trace of killing intent.
Nuu carefully observed the myriad expressions that danced across Margaret's countenance.
"I suppose you hold the answer to the map's disappearance, but that matter is for you all to resolve. What truly captivates my curiosity is your answer to joining our clan. But that can wait, I'm now intrigued by the nature of this groundbreaking research," Nuu inquired, struggling to maintain his composure in the face of this revelation.
"I have only gleaned fragments of knowledge through scatter records depicting our founding father, Bassal." Margaret began, her voice measured and steady.
"732 years ago, our esteemed ancestor, Bassal, pushed the boundaries of mortality to their limits without the advantage of a bloodline—a feat achieved by only a few. During his lifetime, our forefathers pleaded with the royal family to bestow upon Bassal a drop of their royal blood, but they not only refused; they cast him out of the royal city for his audacious request, banishing him to the Southern lands." Margaret paused momentarily, ensuring Nuu was following her narrative, before continuing.
"Thirty-one years had transpired when an exceptionally talented young man found himself blessed with a remarkable chance to embark on the journey of matrimony with the descendants of the esteemed Khan dynasty.
This extraordinary individual was none other than Neo Williams. From the very moment, this fortuitous union came to light, it encountered opposition from certain quarters, including our own House.
However, the regal Khan household wasted no time in asserting their dominance over House Maverik, reminding us of our insignificance. In response, great-great-grandfather immersed himself in the forbidden realm of research, a path that had been denounced by the late Empress Mogu herself; the Khan would not have anyone challenge their rule.
To stay one step ahead of the royals, Bassal would dismantle his laboratories and never remain in one place for more than a year, constantly on the move. I was fortunate enough to chance upon one of his many laboratories.
A diary chronicled the later portion of his life, and his fateful encounter with a suspicious cave that seems to lead further into the depth of hell."
"A cave or a Secret Plane?" Nuu inquired, seeking clarification.
But none was given. "Amidst his diverse experiments—Blood Augmentation, Human Experimentation, and Soul Splitting—there was a pivotal revelation during his exploration of the human condition," Margaret leaned closer, her voice laced with intrigue.
"And, as it seems, two of your esteemed ladies are presently subjects of this very experimentation. However, based on my observations, you are administering a low dosage of radiation, in the form of fluids, a little different than what my ancestor wrote, but the same principles are at play. I guess being a bloodline has its perks."
"Are you referring to the creation of Rare Humans?" Nuu inquire
"Indeed, Nuu!" Margaret affirmed, her unwavering gaze capturing his attention. "Great-grandfather was an extraordinary man. If he had persevered on this path after the royal family turned their backs on us, he could have accomplished so much more. Perhaps he could have made a breakthrough and ascended to the ranks of the Divine Knights. However, his envy of Neo clouded his judgment.
He could not bear witness to Neo's happiness. And so, he did what he believed was best—enticing Neo with news of a Secret Plane containing rare herbs, on the eve of Neo's wedding.
The man disappeared. When news of Neo's vanishing reached the Khans, they were consumed by fury. House Williams was accused of slapping the face of the Royal House, resulting in their Marquis rank being stripped away.
The only solace was Neo's pregnant bride-to-be speaking up for them, thereby appeasing the late Emperor Modu's wrath. Even so, she too was punished alongside House William, for giving her chastity to a man she has yet to marry.
Nevertheless, House William was demoted to a lowly barony and banished to the South. Yet, within the scattered pages, he inscribed his final words, 'It is accomplished, my lifelong goal''"
"So, if I understand correctly, your deceitful ancestor lured Neo and quite possibly caused his demise within the confines of the ruin?" Margaret furrowed her brow at the disrespectful words, but she couldn't deny the possibility.
"Well, if you wish to put it that way, yes. He deprived Neo of the opportunity to transcend his lowly status. Since that ill-fated day, House Maverik and House Williams have become eternal adversaries. Personally, I hold no regard for such trivial feuds.
However, concerning the map that you have given to the Ninth Prince, don't you think we deserve some form of compensation? I will not allow those conniving members of the royal family to reap the rewards of my family's tireless endeavors!" Margaret's declaration hung in the air, saturating the atmosphere with palpable tension.
"That's utterly impossible. It's not like I'm the one who stole your family's treasure, right?"
"..."
Nuu observed, taking a moment to witness the unraveling of Margaret's mind. "If I were to compensate those who have lost in battle against me, what purpose would there be for the victor to claim the spoils?" Nuu paused, contemplating the situation.
"Furthermore, the influence of the royal family runs deep. Considering the current state of my household... There is simply no advantage in antagonizing the Ninth Prince."
"I am thoroughly disappointed. I never expected a man of your stature to exhibit such cowardice," Margaret retorted.
"Humph! Another misguided assumption. Placing value on one's own life is not an act of cowardice, but self-preservation. You fail to grasp the true essence of being a Thornbrick. My loyalty lies with Oga.
At this moment, you are not even a member of House Thornbrick. There has been no exchange of rings, nor the Seraphic Soirée. Therefore, I ask you, what right do you have to give me orders?"
[ Seraphic Soirée - Dance of Matrimony]
Margaret gazed at Nuu with genuine curiosity.
"I'm afraid I cannot address that question unless you become a part of our family. Until then, you are merely a woman carrying a bastard!" Nuu coldly declared.
With those words, the room quakes violently. Glass on the table shattered into fine dust, "Take it back!" Margaret exclaimed, those unlucky passing through the hall, didn't realize it until it was too late.
Just like that, a few mortal servants' lives were reaped.
...
Have I uttered any ill words?" Nuu proclaimed with unwavering determination. "And to enlighten you, I have graciously agreed to your brother's proposal.
Henceforth, I am to be known as your brother's Consort. Should you persist in addressing my unborn son in such a disrespectful manner, the consequences will be dire!" With a graceful gesture, she presented her left hand, adorned with a captivating Nebula Star.
Resting upon her fourth finger was a round Nebula Star stone, delicately embraced by the leafy branches of Amethyst.
[A Nebula Star Stone, a jewel of incomparable worth, surpassing earthly diamonds in both value and rarity.]
Nuu sensed his knees faltering, a disorienting whirlpool engulfing his surroundings, compelling him to take a knee, while gazing upon her ring, his countenance consumed by sheer horror.
'This level of power!'
"Wait just a moment, what do you mean by 'son'? Surely not... That would imply you have transcended mortality... How is this possible?" Nuu experienced genuine fear, hastily retreating to the farthest corner of the room with some difficulty, while doing his best to escape her domain.
It all made sense—the overwhelming pressure, the undeniable revelation of her ability to discern the gender of the child.
The burning question lingered in the depths of his mind: How?
She was devoid of the illustrious lineage that typically accompanied such a revered and esteemed title. The unwritten laws had been shattered, for it was known that an Aura Practitioner without a lineage would ultimately meet their demise, unable to break through the sacred realm of the Divine Knight.
"Do you find it shocking, my dear?" Margaret's voice carried a hint of amusement.
"I assure you, I won't harm you. Besides, your brother would never forgive me if any harm came to his precious sibling," she continued, her words laced with a touch of playfulness. However, the crushing pressure still hovers in the air.
"Tell me, what sorcery did you employ to defy the heavens?"
"If you desire to know, then you must give something in return…" Margaret didn't even finish her sentence only to be interrupted by a reddish hue seeping through the chamber.
"Yanis, Don't…!" Nuu shouted, though his feet were not idle.
...
Margaret chortled, delicately tasting the blood residue on her butter knife. "What an exemplary servant you are."