The Government and Technology
Lucian now heads from Halcyon (the city where the bakery was) to Civitas Primus. Civitas Primus was the main city where the government base and officials resided. Even from afar, you could see the castle where the Sovereign resided. But it was still nothing compared to the huge dome and the buildings behind it.
No matter how extravagant the government tried to be, they couldn't match what the Madman accomplished in a thousand years. Their fear of technology made the public perceive them as weak. The government had to use force and violence to establish their presence more as a monarchy than a true government.
That was what Lucian had heard from the people, but seeing the Minister before him, he began questioning whether the government and the officials were really as cruel as everyone had perceived them to be.
The government's strict ban on science and related fields had led to a degradation in technology compared to the past. The world wasn't so behind that one land appeared futuristic and another ancient.
The democratic system ceased to exist, and then came the Sovereign and the Council of Ministers. The world had returned to horse and carriage, factories shut down, research stopped, and science was labeled as blasphemy and considered forbidden.
This had always bothered Lucian, as Automara was just so much cooler. The various colored lights all over the buildings and skyscrapers, the way the dome looked and functioned like a magical barrier— for a child, it was simply magical.
Dorian
Just as Lucian was lost in his thoughts, he heard Dorian's voice. "We're here, Lucian."
Lucian, realizing how spaced out he had been, panicked and jumped out of the carriage, almost falling.
"Now, now, you can't be that nervous around me every time. Anyway, this is where I live," said Dorian, catching him before he could fall.
Lucian saw the mansion and was stunned into silence by its size. It looked like a mini castle with a garden and backyard so large it had a lake and ponds. He couldn't believe that he would be working at a place this big.
He saw a white-haired old man dressed in black. "He is Cyrus, my butler. He is very wise and efficient," said Dorian.
"I do not deserve such appreciation from you, Lord. I am just a mere butler," said Cyrus, bowing deeply. His every move and word had an elegance to it. Lucian was mesmerized.
"These two standing beside him are the housekeeper, Eleanor, and my bodyguard, Arlo."
Eleanor looked strict but kind, while Arlo appeared serious and buff.
"Looking forward to working with you all," Lucian said, and everyone nodded in agreement.
Cyrus then gave Lucian a tour of the place: his room, the kitchen, the living room, Dorian's study, the garden, the servant quarters, the library (which he wasn't allowed to access), and the butler's residence in case he needed any help.
He was then escorted to the study, where he served Dorian some tea. Dorian asked Lucian some questions.
"How old are you, Lucian?"
"15, sir."
"What is your full name?"
"Lucian Ashford, sir."
"Ashford... huh. Reminds me of someone," said Dorian.
"How did you live up until now?"
Lucian told him how he started surviving with Viril and eventually found refuge at Otto's bakery. He talked about how much he had cherished those moments.
"What about before you met Viril? Do you remember your parents?"
Lucian went silent, trying to recall what had happened before he met Viril. He remembered being about 6, but before that, he remembered nothing—just blankness, no memories of his parents.
Lucian was spaced out, sitting still and silent.
"What happened? You don't have to tell," said Dorian.
"I just don't remember anything, sir."
"Well, that's okay. You can go rest for the day."
"Thank you, sir."
Lucian, now confused, felt like he didn't know anything from before he met Viril on the streets. He entered his room, forgetting about all of that, and marveled at how nice his room was now.
Finally, he had his own room. He went to grab his bag, wanting to decorate the room with his personal belongings to make it feel more like home. As he reached into the bag, he found a pouch that he didn't remember having.