"But once it's successful..." Zeun didn't continue, leaving it to their imaginations.
Illegal copying or rewriting of any documents posed the most significant challenge for the officials of the government of the Aisa Continent.
No matter how hard they tried or researched new countermeasures, a flaw always remained.
The best result was the discovery of Runic Ink, which couldn't be duplicated or modified. However, it was so expensive and challenging to produce that even Royals have a heart bleed using it.
Most tampering of official documents occurred among the nobles and lower-ranking officials. Thus, the discovery of Runic Ink provided little to no help.
Both of them looked at Zeun with gleaming eyes as drools started they started drooling about the paper's future potential.
Re gaining their composure, Russel asked, "So... what do you want? Since you revealed something like this, I am sure there is something equivalent you want."
Contemplating in silence, Zeun took his time, unfazed by the impatient stares growing in the eyes of King and Mira.
Almost five minutes later, he looked confidently into Russel's sharp eyes and said, "There are two options:
First,
I shall take my time researching because my Awakening Ceremony is only four months away.
Then, going to the academy and training there will consume most of my time and energy.
In this case, I may or may not successfully develop the desired results in ten years, if not more. What ever results be, I shall only take 30% of shares.
While in the meantime, you have to find my mom and guarantee my security."
Both Miria and Russel furrowed their eyebrows, clearly not satisfied with the condition. No body wants to go to Everlost forest. Its a sure death zone for most people , even the King Russel himself.
"Second,
I shall sell you the research, process, further development, and production rights—everything will be transferred to you. In return, you'll provide me with two bottles of pure Runic Ink each year and shall take 15% share . How about it?
However, if you're unable to develop the current version within the next 20 years, I reserve the right to develop something similar or better. In such a case, you will lose all rights, and the contract will be terminated."
The King immersed himself in deep contemplation.
Though it appeared to be a loss in both scenarios, with the unappealing prospect of either providing two bottles of Pure Runic Ink or venturing into the Everlost Forest, the long-term value became evident.
The currently developed paper model could effectively curb fraud in the lower levels of governance for at least 20 years.
Even if a countermeasure is developed, it would take at least a decade, if not more. In the long run, the profit outweighs the loss, making it a win-win situation.
That too excluding the honour and rewards from the Empire.
"Let me be clear, are you sure to sell this to me? You know its future potential is limitless, and if the Empire is interested..."
Zeun cut the King off in the middle of his
sentence and said,
"I don't want to be in the spotlight or involve myself in the political matters of Kingdoms and Empires. Truth be told, I didn't even want to come and meet you, involving myself with royalty...
Sigh.
If not for my mother and sister, I wouldn't even bother coming. So please, don't reveal this deal to the public or the Empire.
Just take all the rewards, honours and credit — I am satisfied with 15% share and Runic Ink bottles."
King Russel's mind was a whirlwind of reactions—disbelief, frustration, and a touch of irritation.
He couldn't fathom why Zeun, the possessor of such a groundbreaking invention, seemed so indifferent to the potential wealth and influence it could bring. In his mind, a few choice curses danced around, expressing his exasperation at the apparent lack of appreciation for the opportunity presented.
"Doesn't he realize the value of what he's holding?!" Russel grumbled inwardly. He pondered the irony of someone so nonchalant about dealing with royalty while holding a key to immeasurable power and wealth.
The King's emotions swung between bewilderment and mild annoyance, but beneath it all, there lingered a curiosity about the enigmatic little boy's motivations.
'may be because of his family ' he thought.
The unfolding negotiation left King Russel both intrigued and slightly vexed.
King Russel sighed.
"Okay, then let's sign the contract after your Awakening. Until then, you can either stay in the castle or in the inner area of the city. The core area is the safest in my capital city, but for that, you need to expose your identity as someone official of the Royal or as a contributor to the Kingdom's development."
As he spoke, he looked at the little boy, who was listening to him seriously.
"Alright, if possible, I'd like to take a villa in the inner area, close to either the outer walls or the inner walls please..."
Russel : "????"
'What a weird boy, hmm, scholars and geniuses are indeedweird by nature though..'
"But why sign the contract after my Awakening? I can sell them to you now and sign a contract. You shall get more time to study, research, and produce them. Why waste four months?" asked the confused Zeun.
Both Russel and Mira looked at the little boy weirdly before realization dawned upon them.
"You haven't attended Kindergarten school, have you?"
Zeun nodded, still confused. 'Am I missing something?'
Looking at this innocent cute boy's face, both of them glanced at each other and chuckled. This time, Miraina approached Zeun and, squatting at his eye level, said, "Come to the northern most building of this castle morning tomorrow at 9 am sharp. Don't be late."
Looking at the still confused cute face with red eyes and black hair, Miraina couldn't help but ruffle Zeun's hair before kissing his forehead.
Not expecting something like this, Zeun's face turned into a tomato. Both King Russel and Miraina started laughing at this scene.
-------
Early in the morning the next day, Zeun stood before a tall, majestic building. Many children, similar to his age and even younger ones, roamed around in the garden before the building. He observed from the huge gate where guards were standing.
"The magic paper Lady Miraina gave him is pointing at this place. How ironic!" Zeun thought.
"Voldemort Kindergarten," Zeun read out loud, looking at the massive entrance gate before him.
Beyond the entrance was a straight lane, and on either side were massive green grasslands where children were training. The building area was surrounded by very high walls with tight security.
Curious eyes from well-dressed children passing by stared at Zeun, who stood out due to his shabby clothes. Most of them had noble and royal upbringings, so they didn't appreciate commoners.
The well-dressed children, eyeing Zeun's shabby attire, couldn't hide their disdain.
"Look at this commoner! What's he doing here?" one of the nobles sneered.
"Probably got lost on his way to the fields," another remarked with a mocking tone.
"He's ruining the image of this place," a girl whispered, shooting disapproving glances at Zeun.
Such harsh words echoed through the air, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere around Zeun, who felt the weight of judgment from those who deemed him unworthy based on his appearance.
Feeling a bit awkward and embarrassed, wondering if the guards would kick him out due to his clothes. He sighed,' its okay, tolerating this will temper my heart and mind' still his heart felt very uncomfortable.
It's not like he didn't have money, but these were the best clothes available in Caspara City. Being a border fort, it lacked fancy clothing stores and after entering royal capital, he didn't have time for shopping .
The guards exchanged puzzled glances as Zeun, seemingly a beggar, stood before the castle gates.
Guard 1 thought, "What's a beggar doing here? How did he manage to get past our security?"
Guard 2 mused, "Must be some fool trying to sneak in."
Their skepticism turned to surprise when Zeun mentioned being sent by Lady Miraina.
Guard 1's inner thoughts shifted, "Sent by the Lady? That can't be right. Is this some kind of joke?"
Guard 2, equally shocked, turned extremely serious, "Kid, do you know who you are talking about??I suggest you not to take that name lightly in Voldemort Kingdom."
"???"
Zeun stood there with a confused face. Trying to know more about this lady who was so casual with even with the King.
"Isn't she just his Magisty's bodyguard?"
The guard looked around, as if seeing if anyone else heard them or not.
"Shh! Kid lower your voice, I don't want a kid to die this early."
I nodded understandingly , indicating I am eager to know more.
The guard looked around, as if checking for eavesdroppers.
"Shh! Kid, lower your voice. I don't want a kid to die this early," he whispered. I nodded understandingly, indicating my eagerness to know more.
In a hushed tone, the guard continued, "Listen carefully, in this Voldemort Kingdom, King Russel is the king. But the one who made and trained him to be the king is Lady Miraina. She might look young, but in reality, she is more than 300 years old."
I was shocked at this revelation as the guard proceeded.
"King's father and Lady Miraina were close friends. In a war against demons, the king sacrificed his life to save Lady Miraina.
On his deathbed, he requested her to take care of his son and protect him. So, since childhood, the King was like a nephew to her. She is also the strongest Aura user of this kingdom."
"Now do you understand..."
Zeun, having gathered the information he needed, didn't let the guard talk anymore and directly showed him the paper given by Lady Miraina.
The guard's eyes widened as he examined the paper signed by Lady Miraina. A mix of astonishment and realization washed over his face, replacing the skepticism he held just moments before.
"Wait, Lady Miraina sent you?!" he exclaimed in a hushed tone, the weight of understanding settling in. "Forgive me for the misunderstanding, kid. You're not just any beg....ahem ; you're someone sent by the Lady herself."
The guard's demeanor shifted from suspicion to respect as he processed the unexpected twist in the situation.
Zeun's revelation had not only silenced any doubts but also garnered newfound attention and reverence from the guard, who now saw him as a person of importance within the castle walls.
The guard himself escorted Zeun his allotted class as per paper.