The two had pleasant small talk while the carriage drove into the center of the city. The conversation came to a halt when the carriage stopped at a large building that cast a large shadow over the road.
The exterior of the building was a towering structure with a façade adorned with a symphony of brass, copper, and steel. Ornate gears, cogs, and intricate filigree work embellish the exterior. The exterior was covered in several massive arched windows with intricate stained glass panels. Towering buttresses flank flank the sides of the building, reaching upwards in a small mess of metal pipes and steam.
At the entrance a grand double door, crafted from rich mahogany and embellished with brass engravings. Above the entrance, an imposing clock tower houses a giant clock face with exposed gears.
Adelaide remained inside the carriage as Clementine hopped out and walked towards the door. She entered the building she was greeted by the sight of chaos, people hectically moving through the space with mechanical parts, large stacks of paper, and tools. At first, no one noticed her enter, as they ran around trying to fulfill orders and requests. Finally, someone noticed her, a lanky tan man ran up to her, and as he approached Clementine could see how tired he was, he had giant eye bags forming under his eyes and he was clutching a neon green energy supplement. Clementine ruminated that these inventors and workers looked far worse than college students as finals approached.
"I'm sorry you must be Lady Clementine. I'll escort you to the boss' office, he is quite eager to meet you." The man spoke in a raspy tired voice.
The man practically dragged Clementine away from the main hall and up the grand staircase. She stopped before a room and her escort's expression told her that this was where she would meet the elusive boss. Clementine knocked gently on the door, as her escort left her alone in front of the door.
"Come in." A seductive voice responded.
Clementine opened the door and entered the private study. The room was adorned with dark mahogany paneling and richly patterned wallpaper, it exuded an air of scholarly elegance. The walls are adorned with oil paintings depicting scenes of academic achievement, landscapes, and mystical creatures.
A small ray of sunlight pecked out from behind the partially pulled velvet curtains.
A Persian rug woven with deep burgundy and navy hues graces the polished hardwood floor. Two large bookcases tucked away in a small corner, each with a careful curation of tomes, both ancient and contemporary. A fireplace, adorned with a decorative mantle and surrounded by plush leather armchairs, invites moments of contemplation and relaxation.
The centerpiece of the study is an intricately cared, oversized oak desk, littered with stacks of papers, quills, and an imposing brass inkwell. Behind the desk a high-backed leather chair awaits. Above the desk a chandelier with flickering candles.
Leaning lazily on the side of the oak desk was a devilishly handsome figure, he was reading a report his gaze lazily looking over the report. The figure in question was quite tall, Clementine estimated that he was likely six feet tall, his lithe and athletic frame relaxed in such a way that would invite one to let their guards down before the predator made his final move.
The man's silvery hair fluttered gently as his hand brushed through it. His face was sharp and chiseled bearing the mark of aristocratic lineage. His vibrant ruby-stained eyes were framed by silvery glasses, the eyes held secrets and gleamed with a dangerous charisma that drew unsuspecting hearts into the depths of his mysterious allure. A subtle smirk plays upon his lips, revealing confidence bordering on arrogance as if he knew the world's darkest secrets and delight in the chaos he can sow.
He was draped in impeccably tailored garments of intense, crimson hues. His attire was adorned with subtle yet striking details, a silk black blouse covered by a heavily decorated crimson brocade vest.
The man's gaze caught Clementine's dopey ogling of him. He gave her a playful smirk as if he was used to being ogled but still found it amusing. He removed his silverly colored glasses and put down the paper report on his desk, walking towards Clementine.
"Greetings Lady Clementine, I'm Lucius Blackthorn the owner and head of the Mechanist Guild." Lucius introduced himself, his deep baritone voice carrying a seductive cadence that caused Clementine to shiver slightly.
As Clementine processed the name she instantly froze, she recognized this name from the novel. Lucius Blackthorn was briefly introduced in chapter eight as the person behind the terrorist act that killed off the cannon fodder. Right now Clementine was face to face with the villain of the novel, and knowing how villains work in stories Clementine was already in the losing position of this negotiation.
"I was very impressed by your Apollo automaton, it is an incredible work of machinery. I wanted to meet the genius behind its creation." Lucius said as he invited her to sit on the armchairs by the lit fireplace.
"You flatter me, I wouldn't call myself a genius," Clementine said acting slightly embarrassed, she was trying her best to disguise her true feelings to trick the man in front of her.
"You're far too humble the work you did was something no one else could replicate."
"I appreciate your high impression of me but I must ask expressing your admiration of my work wasn't the only reason you invited me here, correct."
"You are quite correct, my real purpose for inviting you here was in hopes of hiring you to work for me once you graduate from the academy in a year."
"That's surprising there aren't many businesses that would hire a woman to work for them, especially working as an inventor."
"Your impressive skill and knowledge is something that I truly want for myself. If you were to agree I would give you an incredibly high salary and benefits that you could find nowhere else.
For the most part, my inventors mostly work in the mining, energy, manufacturing, and military industries. You are free to settle into any of the preexisting teams or you could work on solo projects. However, I would personally like to see how your genius could develop the military automaton and weaponry."
"I do appreciate your invite to work for the Mechanist Guild but I would like to decline."
"Are you sure this offer is one you will likely never receive anywhere else?"
"I'm positive. And I'll have to disappoint you I would never use my intelligence to create something used to brutalize humans through violence."
"It's a pity but I understand. Thank you for coming even though we couldn't agree."
"I apologize for wasting your time. I'll leave so I don't interrupt your work any longer."
Clementine bowed slightly to Lucius and then she swiftly walked out of the room. Just as she was about to close the door she heard a small chuckle, the laughter was a melodic blend of mockery and charm, a sound that would likely haunt her dreams. Clementine shut the door and swiftly walked out of the building.
Waiting for her in the same space where she was dropped off was Adelaide's carriage. Clementine gently knocked on the carriage door, Adelaide opened the door inviting her in.
"My goodness, why are you so pale my dear!" Adelaide fretted as she took a handkerchief out of her bag to dab the sweat off of Clementine's brow.
"It's nothing. I just had to deal with a black-hearted schemer. Now that I'm done I would to leave." Clementine responded.
Adelaide opened up the small window connecting her to the driver urging him to get moving again. The carriage lurched forward as it briskly left the Mechanist Guild behind.
....
Lucius' gaze followed Clementine as she left the Mechanist Guild and entered in a carriage, watching it all from the large window in his study.
Clementine was a very interesting specimen, when he had first introduced himself he saw a brief flash of recognition, fear, and disgust appear in her eyes. He didn't remember ever running into the girl so he was slightly confused by the fear and disgust present, no one had ever seen past his kind facade, and those that did were seconds away from death by his hands.
Clementine's brave and resolute expression had impressed and charmed him. She was like a bunny going against a tiger, it was incredibly endearing in the way that a pet was endearing. Usually, Lucius would have those who went against him secretly assassinated but he didn't want to do that in this case. He wanted to see how she would try to escape from him, he wanted to see her succumb to her fears before he broke her.
"If you wish to stay safe you better not appear before me again Clementine. But if I ever see you again I hope you don't disappoint. Show me a beautiful struggle before I destroy your hope." Lucius chuckled cruelly.