As soon as the portal moved them to the cave, Augustus dragged Klaus with him, leaving poor Lilith, who was still not recovered from recent events, to be bullied by Gorald and Egor. The prince tried to wriggle out of it and go with everyone to the dining room, but his attempts were unsuccessful. Having accepted defeat and having cast aside the hope of talking to Egor again, Klaus nevertheless gave himself up to be torn apart by his brother.
"You are a born enslaver," said a well-fed and satisfied Augustus, waving a glass of wine. "It was hard for me to hold back and not laugh out loud when Twig almost shit his pants from fear."
"I don't see anything funny. Put yourself in his place, naturally he was scared. His head could have flown off not only his shoulders."
"And yet you managed successfully. You were so confident in yourself that even I began to believe that you were aware of his dealings, and you didn't share this knowledge with me."
"I had no other options. We were lucky that he was an open book. I think he will need a couple of weeks to come to an agreement with other families, which means I have some free time."
"And how do you plan to spend it? Shall we make devious plans and drink wine?"
"No, I want to visit my uncle. I am already late, he may start looking for me. This could bring trouble to this town."
"Don't worry about this place. There is a protective barrier against search abilities. Another invention of our geniuses."
"Do you have many of them here?" Klaus raised an eyebrow.
"There are twelve people now and about twenty more enthusiasts with a head on their shoulders, but a lack of knowledge. Like students. I even allocated a whole wing for them in the very depths of the caves. You know, their inventions are not always useful and often do not work as they should."
"When were you planning to take me there?"
"Actually, I wasn't planning to. I thought it would be enough to show you the finished devices. I like to impress, especially you," August winked.
"I want to see this underground laboratory."
"Laboratory," August said slowly, "although I already know what it is, it still sounds strange. We need to introduce this name into circulation. Are you planning to exchange your position as a powerful king for the apprenticeship of wise men?"
"I'm not the king yet and yes, I am interested in seeing and studying what I thought was impossible in Isorobia."
"Let's put this off until later. There's too much you want to cover, I'm afraid it's better for you to focus on one thing right now."
"On your father."
"Yes, for now he will be the first. When are you planning to move? We need a couple of days. There are some initiative people ready to help. You need to talk to them."
"Initiative people?" Klaus was surprised.
"Well, yes. You were the one who started the speech about supporting each other and something else. Some took your babble seriously and prepared proposals."
"What proposals?"
"Different ones, someone wants to start developing this city, someone thinks that the territory needs to be expanded. In general, I didn't really get into it, it's your job."
"Maybe you should do it yourself?" Klaus grimaced.
"Nooo, dear brother, you are our future king, wanting to be closer to the people, and I am just your advisor and protector."
Klaus looked gloomily at the cheerful captain and resigned himself to the fact that he was facing the most difficult few days of his life. It would be better if someone attacked them, so that they could use the protection of citizens as an excuse for not wanting to communicate with the people.
***
Since early morning, Klaus had been sitting in an improvised office, namely, a hastily erected tent in which they had set up a table, a chair, and seated the prince himself. There were more people in the hall than the unfortunate man wanted, but no one, as always, asked his opinion.
Augustus did not hold out for an hour, although the captain swore that he would steadfastly go through all the torment along with his younger brother. In the end, only Lilith remained true to her word, sitting in the corner on soft pillows. She smiled dreamily and read something.
Among those who dared to speak out, there were, indeed, several useful suggestions. Klaus usually replied to such:
"Thank you. I am interested in your idea. I would be grateful if you described it in detail so that I could study it more carefully and find a use for it."
Naturally, not everyone could write, as well as read, but people happily agreed, rushing to find those who would help and write down all their thoughts to the prince. In just half a day, the insightful inhabitants of the underground town built something like a writing department, where they recruited those who knew how to read.
But most of the statements were still useless. Klaus said to such people:
"Thank you for your courage, I will think about what can be done with this."
Or:
"Thank you for thinking about this issue, we will pay attention to this after we resolve the issues of primary importance."
Closer to evening, August returned, satisfied and rested, and dispersed those who were still waiting for their turn. As soon as the captain entered the tent, Lilith apologized and ran away, citing business. Klaus was so exhausted that he was not even surprised that the girl decided to walk alone for the first time, without an escort.
"Brother, you are somehow gloomy," August addressed him, trying to make a serious face.
Klaus only frowned at him.
"I suggest combining business with pleasure!"
"I have no time for your games now. Back off."
"How rude!" August gasped "I am coming to you with all my heart, and you!"
"Okay, what do you have there?"
"I asked to bring food to the bathhouse. Today they built something like private baths there. How do you like the idea?"
"If it allows me to eat and wash at the same time, I am not against it."
Separate baths, or rather it was a mini cave with a lake in the center, where folding tables were conveniently placed at the edge. After quickly washing the day's dust off his body, Klaus appreciated the convenience of such tables. He sat down, still basking in the warm water, and folded the table back, turning it for maximum convenience.
Despite the practicality of a separate bath, where the prince could be alone and enjoy relaxation to the fullest, Klaus suspected that when Augustus came up with this idea, he imagined something different. For example, tables for wine and fruit, and half-naked girls around him soaping his hair and more.
The prince did not soak for long. He had other things to do. So he quickly ate, washed himself and left the indignant August to enjoy his new private place alone.
Klaus still needed to take his notes to his room in order to spend the rest of the evening usefully, namely to find Egor and finally have a normal conversation, but his plans were not destined to come true.