As Ezekiel left the restaurant, I stayed back to savor the delectable food that had a subtle hint of mana from the meat.
Turning to Andrew, I asked for his opinion, "What do you think of Ezekiel?"
"He could be useful, but he may not agree with all your methods," Andrew replied in his usual monotone voice.
"I don't plan on involving him in everything," I assured Andrew. Ezekiel was my means of gaining access to the northern territories and kickstarting my influence. All I needed was for him to feel indebted to me.
Taking another bite of the delicious dish, I added, "By the way, Andrew, feel free to order some for yourself. It's really good." I was currently eating a succulent lamb curry. The meat is cooked to perfection, so tender and juicy that it melts in my mouth. The curry has a rich and creamy texture, with a blend of spices that awaken my taste buds. But what sets it apart from any other lamb curry I've ever tasted is the subtle yet distinct flavor of mana infused into the meat.
"I must remind you, Master Lucas, I am your knight. I need to be ready at a--" Andrew was abruptly cut off by a waiter entering the room.
"Lord Lucas, the King's advisor, Augustus, wishes to meet you!" The mention of the king's advisor piqued my interest. "Invite him in" I quickly replied to the waiter, she went off to retrieve the man.
As Chancellor Augustus entered the room, I immediately noticed his towering height and piercing red eyes. They were the same eyes that I saw in the box while fighting in the coliseum. Andrew's guard was up, his hand resting on his sword hilt.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Chancellor Augustus," I greeted him with a smile, he gave me a nod and just took a seat on the opposite side of the table directly from me.
"So, Chancellor, what brings you here today?" I asked, curious as to why the King's advisor had sought me out and his intentions.
In his steady and monotone voice, Chancellor Augustus replied, "I come on behalf of the royal family to offer their deepest thanks to you."
Confused, I asked, "For what exactly? I haven't done anything for the royal family or even earned their recognition."
"You helped the southern territories when they needed it," he explained, taking a sip of his drink. "Just a few years ago, the southern lands were plagued by disease, illegal activities, and poverty. Since you started your business and made deals with the southern territories, the people have been able to lead more meaningful lives and the region has started to heal."
He took another sip of his drink, his piercing red eyes never leaving mine. "But have you ever thought, Sir Lucas, why the King would let the southern territories end up like that? Why did he sit in his mansion surrounded by riches while the people of the south struggled for scraps?"
I raised an eyebrow at his words, sensing a hint of something beneath his calm exterior. "I am sure the King has his reasons," I replied carefully. "I would never have such thoughts as I am satisfied with the King's current arrangements."
Chancellor Augustus let out a small chuckle, "I'm just kidding with you, Lord Lucas. You would be crazy to go against King Arthur." His voice remained steady and his eyes remained locked on mine.
"Well, I guess it's time to end this little chat. It was nice meeting you, Lord Lucas," he said, his piercing red eyes still fixed on me.
"The feeling is mutual, Chancellor," I replied, a hint of curiosity still lingering in my mind.
He paused at the door, turning to face me one last time. "May you stay safe, Lord Lucas," he said before exiting the room, leaving Andrew and me alone once again.
—----------------------------------------------
As Lucas and Augustus engaged in a conversation, a young boy named Ezekiel sat in contemplation. He had just entered the inn and headed straight to his room, lost in thought about Lucas' offer and the words he had spoken.
Ezekiel had left the barony because of his father's infidelity. The mere thought of his father's face and the acts he had committed made Ezekiel want to take his life. He had hoped that leaving would help him forget and move on, but seeing Lucas had brought back memories he had tried so hard to forget.
As he sat on his bed, Ezekiel couldn't help but contemplate Lucas' words. "Is it possible?" he thought. "Are my nightmares a sign from God? Does He want me to take matters into my own hands?"
The memories of his mother's death flooded his mind once again, and he couldn't help but ask God, "Why must you torture me with the memory of her cries? Is it a sign that I should take revenge?"
Ezekiel's heart was heavy with emotion as he struggled with these thoughts. He knew he needed to make a decision soon, but the weight of his past made it difficult to move forward.
Ezekiel sat in his room for what felt like hours, lost in contemplation. He remembered the day of his mother's death vividly as if it had just happened yesterday. He could still hear her screams and cries echoing in his mind, a painful reminder of the tragedy that had befallen his family.
As he sat there, Ezekiel couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt for leaving his mother behind. He had run away from his problems, hoping that by leaving the barony he could escape the pain and start anew. But now, faced with the possibility of seeking revenge, he couldn't help but feel conflicted.
Ezekiel had never been a vengeful person. He was raised to believe in forgiveness and moving on, but the memory of his mother's death left a deep scar on his heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to do something to make things right.
Ezekiel bowed his head, closed his eyes, and prayed to God
"Lord, forgive me for my vengeful thoughts, it's against your word"
"But the memory of my mother's cries and screams
Haunts me day and night, it seems"
"I have decided to take matters into my own hands
And seek revenge on the man who broke your commands"
"I know it may not be the path of forgiveness and grace
But my heart feels heavy and out of place"
"Lord, guide me on this journey, and help me find peace
For this burden in my heart feels like a heavy fleece"
"I trust in you to lead me down the righteous way
And to forgive me for my sins today"
Ezekiel finished his prayer with a heavy heart
But he knew he had to do what was right from the start.