The cities were roaring with protestants. And many were thrilled to have a war. The neighboring Kingdom; Victoria. The arrogance of King Johannes created a conflict that led to a war against the Principality of Juvinile. As the Ruler of Kingdom Sage, Leighton must assist Juvinile. The Fatherland Laplace and Motherland Sage are the only ones being silent and patient about the war. The war sparked nearly a year ago, and this season was the best time to start it.
The whole city had gone through some rules that the citizens must follow to lessen any damage caused by the neighboring kingdom. Furthermore, immigrants should follow stricter rules, including living in isolated villages with armed soldiers watching over them. Any suspicious movements, the soldiers will not hesitate to slash.
Lawrence studied the war and prepared his estate for any future disturbances. He paid his workers 1.5 higher to support them financially. He also scouts the area for any threats that may cause unbalance to his peace.
He took a sip of his wine out the balcony, as he watches the stars. "The sky is bright. The estate is peaceful. But I shouldn't lose a glimpse of any intruders." he said, twirling the Rose wine glass. "Must I cut enemies like my former life? But I wish not dirty these hands. If only war ceases to exist." he added.
"If it were easier to have it ceased, it would have been so a long time ago." a voice huddled beside Lawrence's ear.
Lawrence smirked, "I might one day think that you are a trespasser trying to use me." he turned to meet her eyes, showing his glass to the lady in a cloak.
The lady raised a brow and went down the handrail of the balcony. "Aren't you too young to drink wine?" the lady asked.
"Aren't you too young to be a veteran assassin?" Lawrence abruptly returned her a question, smug implanted on his face.
"Touche," she replied, shrugging her shoulders.
Lawrence smiled at the lady and spoke, "What can I do for you, Julia?" he said, in his most endearing voice.
Julia smirked, "Must I say? You've gone way taller than the last time we've met, and even more handsome than the last time. It seems you are already in the phase of puberty, Lawrence." she said, leaning closer to Lawrence.
Lawrence slowly pulled Julia by brushing his fingers beneath her chin. "I am a Sage. You know for a fact that I don't go 'through' puberty." he let go of her chin and continued to speak, "Meaning, I have a free pass to skip puberty." he said, smug.
"Tch," Julia clicked her tongue, "I can't even tease him," she mumbled under her breath.
"What are you mumbling about?" Lawrence raised a brow.
Julia responded with a shrug and spouted, "Nothing~" she playfully replied. "Royal Bloodline is quite remarkable, if I might say. Not only does it amplifies human capabilities, but it also skips a lot of unnecessary experience. It's quite unfair, don't you think?" Julia approached Lawrence, caressing his lips with the tip of her finger.
Lawrence smirked, "It might seem so from another's perspective," he paused, "But maybe we were given this privilege for a reason. Gods are, after all, strange." he uttered, wandering his eyes towards a small forest of sizzling of insects.
Julia turned around and mumbled, "You're more strange than the Gods' themselves." she said in a growling tone.
"I ought to have heard mumbling," Lawrence stared at Julia.
"Not at all~" she replied.
Lawrence sighed and continued to go inside his office. "What are you here for, Julia?" he asked, not looking back at where she was.
Julia fiddled her fingers and followed Lawrence inside. "I had nothing to do in the palace..., so I came to visit~" she playfully explained.
"War is happening, doesn't that concern everyone in the palace?" Lawrence asked, brow raised.
Julia smirked at Lawrence, "Kingdom Arthur does not wish to have any conflict from the rest of the Kingdoms. I would be the first to know if it was." she said, smug.
Lawrence stopped and wondered for a second. He faced Julia, "Then are you part of the Imperial Family?" curiosity met his eyes as he stared intently at the flinching Julia.
Julia managed to shake the anxious movement she showed before making it too obvious, "Why'd you think so? Does it look like I have the features of an Imperial Offspring?" she joked.
Lawrence put up a curious face and placed his hand on his chin, examining Julia, while moving around her. "You do. But not only that, but you also have an extreme amount of talent. If I could recall, there are more possibilities of an imperial offspring to be a talented individual than other humans. So maybe you are an imperial member." he concluded. His eyes were serious, still examing Julia.
She froze, shaken by the observation of Lawrence. She was about to speak when Lawrence cut her off.
"Nah~ maybe I'm just hallucinating. Imperials also have manners and etiquette. There is no way an imperial would come here wearing ragged clothes. And an ugly cloak." he exclaimed.
Julia chuckled awkwardly and turned to Lawrence, embarrassed about her outfit, "Right? There's absolutely no way I would be an imperial...," she stated. She jumped on the handrail of the balcony and smiled at Lawrence. "It seems my time has come. May we meet once again, Lawrence," she said before trailing off to the forest.
Lawrence smiled back and waved goodbye before sitting at his table. "Is she, though?" he thought hard. "I might be able to study the records of imperialist of the Kingdoms of Aqes. Maybe next time."