The journey to the capital of Kyrovia was a smooth one and in no time, they had arrived at the outskirts of the large city but the rider refused taking them in.
"I'm sorry kids, I don't have my pass so it's impossible to go into the capital," he apologized to them.
Nux was having a difficult time understanding the man but Val seemed to understand him.
"Thank you very much, sir," he said and the old man nodded and drove away.
"What did he mean about pass?" Nux asked Val.
"Every citizen outside the capital is required to have a pass in order to enter the City. Without it, no one can go in unless he/she is from the capital City," Val explained.
"But how do they identify those from the capital?" Nux asked.
"It's very simple," Val said and pointed to one of the passerbies. "Look at that man's wrist," he said. "Every citizen of the capital is required to have that magical bracelet. From their birth to their death, it is never worn out unless they die. You see, the queen is the one in charge of the life and death of everyone in the kingdom, the day she dies, every single soul in this kingdom will die along with her. She really is doing her best to protect her people but the people around her are all gold-diggers."
"I see," Nux muttered, understanding everything that Val explained but some things didn't seem quite simple to him. For example , the people Val tagged as gold-diggers and the queen being in charge of everyone's life.
"We can't stand here all day, we need to get into the City and find somewhere to spend the night," Val said, pulling him out of his thoughts.
"But how do we get in? Didn't you say we need to have the bracelet before..." Nux paused as he watched Val approach a man that seemed wealthy from his rich attire. 'What is he up to?'
"Sir, my brother and I are looking for some jobs to do in the capital but we can not go in because we don't have our pass," Val said to the man who sized him up and down.
The man looked from his carriage and glanced at Nux who was staring at them. The moment his eyes met with his, he felt something for him.
"You say the both of you are looking for work?" He asked Val.
Val nodded his head hastily. "Exactly, sir. My brother and I can do anything."
"Anything?" The man asked, raising his brows.
"Yes, anything at all," Val replied. 'Anything for money'.
"Very well then," the man said to Val. "You two can come along but you have to walk alongside the carriage."
"I understand," Val replied and ran to call Nux over. "Come on, we can finally enter the City," he said to Nux who was staring at him in surprise.
"What did you tell that rich man?" He asked him.
"Told him you are my brother, we both are hoping to find jobs in the big City but we can't go in because we don't have our passes. I told him we can work for him, he said it's fine that we will walk alongside the carriage," Val replied.
"But working with him will affect our plans," Nux complained.
"I know but there is nothing else we can. Let's go, he's waiting for us. We will discuss as we enter the City."
The two boys ran over to where the man was waiting for them and together, they headed for the City, the capital of Kyrovia.
"We didn't make any grand plan for our stay in the capital, I'm just realizing it now," Nux whispered to Val as they walked.
"I thought about this earlier and came up with a quick solution," Val replied. "We are going to be working with him, right? I guess he has other servants so we both will be living with them as well. That way, we won't have to worry about where to stay... The cost of living in the capital is hundred times the cost of living in the towns and villages."
Nux was happy that Val was capable of coming up with a nice plan for them, he didn't expect him to be this smart.
"Nice plan, boy, you did well by coming up with a plan."
"Of course," Val replied, feeling proud.
Soon, they arrived at the capital.
At the entrance, which was a large gate wrapped with some mystical glowing energy were two giants stone beasts. It was carved in a unique manner that one could actually mistake them to be alive.
"That's the statue of protection," Val whispered to Nux. "The queen uses it to monitor the entry and exit of citizens in the capital."
"I see," Nux mumbled thoughtfully. 'Things are done so orderly here', he thought to himself.
When they got to the statues, the carraige stopped and then the rich man got down and went to stand in between the two statues that were at opposite direction. A bracelet in his wrist suddenly glittered and a second later, the gate opened on its own.
"Let's proceed," the man said to the boys and they glanced at each other in amazement before following the carraige into the capital.
The capital to them, was like a whole different world on its own as they entered the capital. Nux and Val couldn't help but feel amazed by the sights and sounds around them. The city was bustling with people, all going about their daily business. The buildings were tall and grand, with intricate carvings and designs that seemed to dance in the light. It was large enough to fit in the many people unlike the town they had left, it was too crowded, barely enough to fit in all the thousands of people living there.
The carriage wound its way through the streets, eventually coming to a stop in front of a large, imposing mansion. The rich man stepped down from the carriage and gestured for the boys to follow him.
"Welcome to my home," he said, leading them through the front door. "I am Lord Harry, and I will be your employer for the duration of your stay in the capital."
Nux and Val exchanged a look, both of them feeling a sense of wonder at the grandeur of the mansion. They followed Lord Harry through the halls, eventually coming to a large kitchen where several servants were busy preparing dinner.
"Everyone listen up, this is Nux and Val," Lord Harry announced, gesturing to the boys. "They will be joining our household staff, and I expect you all to make them feel welcome."
The servants nodded and smiled, welcoming Nux and Val to the household. Lord Harry then led them to a small room off the kitchen, where a stern-looking woman was waiting.
"This is Mrs. Rose, our housekeeper," Lord Harry explained. "She will be in charge of assigning your duties and making sure you settle in properly."
Mrs. Rose nodded curtly, eyeing Nux and Val up and down. "Very well, my lord," she said. "I will take care of them."
Lord Harry nodded, smiling. "Excellent. I leave them in your capable hands, Mrs. Rose."
With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Nux and Val to the mercy of the stern housekeeper.
"Now, let's get down to business," Mrs. Rose said, her voice firm. "You two will be working in the kitchen, helping with the cooking and cleaning. You will also be expected to perform other duties as assigned."
Nux and Val nodded, both of them feeling a sense of relief that they had found a place to stay and work while they gradually carry out their main plan. They were also determined to make the most of their opportunity and prove themselves to Lord Harry because when this happens, it may help them in their plan.
As they began their duties, Nux couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the grandeur of the mansion and the complexity of the household staff. He was determined to learn as much as he could and make a good impression.
At night, they both retired to their room to rest for the day. They fell asleep the moment their backs touched the soft mattress.
>>>>>>
Many days after they joined Lord Harry's mansion, the two boys continued working in the mansion, they couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the grandeur of the mansion and the complexity of the household staff.
Val, on one hand, seemed to be taking everything in stride. He was already chatting with the other servants, laughing and joking as if he had been there for years. The didn't care if he was a kid.
Nux watched him with a mixture of admiration and envy. How did Val do it? How did he always seem to know exactly what to say and do?
As the day went on, Nux found himself growing more and more comfortable. The other servants were friendly and welcoming, and Mrs. Rose, despite her stern demeanor, seemed to have a soft spot for the two boys.
At lunchtime, Nux and Val were invited to join the other servants in the kitchen. They sat down at a long table, laden with all sorts of delicious-looking food.
Nux's eyes widened as he took in the spread. He had never seen so much food in his life!
Val, meanwhile, was chatting with one of the other servants, a friendly-looking girl named Sophia.
"So, where are you two from?" Sophia asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Val launched into a story about their town, exaggerating and embellishing as he went along. Nux listened, amazed, as Val spun a tale of adventure and bravery even while they were all lies.
Sophia listened, entranced, and Nux couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Why did Val always seem to be the center of attention?
As the day drew to a close, Nux and Val were summoned to Lord Harry's study.
"Ah, good," Lord Harry said, smiling at the two boys. "I trust you are settling in well."
Nux and Val nodded, both of them feeling a sense of nervousness.
"I have a special task for you two," Lord Harry continued. "I am hosting a dinner party tonight, and I need you to help with the preparations."
Nux and Val exchanged a look, both of them feeling a sense of excitement.
"We would be happy to help, my lord," Val said, bowing low.
Lord Harry smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Fine then. I will leave you in the capable hands of Mrs. Rose. She will show you what needs to be done."
With that, he dismissed them, and Nux and Val followed Mrs. Rose out of the study.
As they made their way back to the kitchen, Nux couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. What would the dinner party be like? Would they get to meet any of the guests?
He glanced over at Val, who was chatting with Mrs. Rose.
"What's the plan for tonight?" Nux asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
Val grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I have no idea," he said, "but I'm sure it will be an great."
Nux rolled his eyes, laughing.
"You're impossible," he said.
Val just chuckled, clapping Nux on the back.
"Come on," he said. "Let's get to work. We have a dinner party to prepare for."
"Yeah, I know but don't forget I'm your elder!" Nux grunted.
And with that, the two boys set off to help with the preparations.