Bab 115: A new beggining (2/2)
Because of the deal with Prince Threo, Avice's chest of gold coins was once again full. The agreement had exceeded her expectations, enabling her to embark on the next phase of her plan.
She hired metalworkers and carpenters to build printing presses and began purchasing and stockpiling limestone.
Avice was also scouting for a suitable location near a river to construct a cement production facility. With these two ventures underway, she was confident that wealth would soon follow.
Rafael had warned her about the priests accompanying them, who were aware of everything she knew. She was racing against them to be the first to capitalize on these new opportunities.
Using a portion of her newfound wealth, Avice repaired their homes, making them barely acceptable for a baron to reside in. Ella assisted her mother in managing these tasks, keeping her mind occupied and distracted from the tragedies and the people she had been forced to leave behind.
Bella continued to be a source of support, always talking, helping, or simply providing companionship.
In the castle, the dynamics shifted dramatically. Following Threo's announcement, both princes began attending every meeting with the generals and the king. Threo's opinions were solicited, often leaving his older brother visibly irritated.
Pepin felt wronged, as it had taken him numerous meetings before his opinions were sought. Nevertheless, he knew his younger brother's presence was unlikely to jeopardize his own claim to the throne.
The discussions covered various affairs and necessities of the kingdom.
"I've noticed a rising commotion within the church. The priests seem to be directing an unusually large number of clerics," Duke Wallhart reported.
"I've observed the same. It's peculiar. We should inquire about what's happening," one of the advisors suggested.
"I agree. Please go and find out," the king instructed. The advisor nodded and departed.
Prince Pepin, initially indifferent, became alert when he saw his brother's reaction. Threo had been smiling and slightly distracted since the meeting began, but his demeanor shifted noticeably upon hearing the report. Pepin noted Threo's intense gaze at the advisor as he left.
He knows something. I'll need to contact my informant, Pepin mentally noted.
At the end of the session, Duke Wiglaf announced that Count Cuthred's son, Icarus, and his family were arriving with a small caravan, fleeing their besieged city. Cuthred had stayed behind to defend it.
Two days later, Avice and Prince Threo met again to discuss their agreement and its impact.
"Thank you truly. Without your assistance with the papermaking process and the crossbow, I'd still be insignificant in the eyes of everyone."
Avice noticed Threo's tone was no longer overly formal, as it had been during their first meeting. "I'm glad to hear that, but remember, we made a deal. My family and I sought protection and had nowhere else to go, so we did what we could."
"Yes, of course. What do you think of this place? I know it's not ideal for a baron, but it's the best I could find that was unused. I've noticed you've already made some improvements." Threo observed the better furniture, carpets, curtains, and paintings.
"Don't worry, Prince Threo. I'm very grateful for your help. I've been fixing and arranging things to my liking. Would you like to see the rest?"
Threo, initially reluctant, agreed out of courtesy. It wouldn't look good for a soon-to-be king to refuse such an invitation. As they toured the house, Threo felt increasing regret for accepting her invitation.
"So, how are you handling the church? They should be planning to produce paper by now," Avice asked, noticing his reaction.
"Ah, them. There's not much I can do at the moment, but that will change in the future," Threo replied, lost in thought. Avice observed him with a knowing smile, confident about her next proposition.
"Prince Threo, I have another offer for you, if you're interested."
Threo was taken aback by the sudden proposal. "I'm all ears."
"I offer you my assistance in ensuring that you become the next king, after your father Robert." Avice almost laughed at the array of emotions that crossed Threo's face—shock, fear, amusement, and confusion.
"Don't worry, there's no one here to overhear us," she assured him. The revelation could jeopardize everything for her if the nobles found out. They might pressure the king to strip her of her title, leading to her downfall.
"It's no secret that I aspire to be king, but even I am unsure of my chances. If something happens to my brother, everyone will look to me, even if I've done nothing."
"So, how do you propose to help me?" Threo asked, crossing his arms and tilting his head.
"We need to demonstrate that you are more prepared and qualified than anyone else," Avice said with a radiant smile.
"And how do you intend to achieve that? I've garnered more attention with the crossbow and paper, but it's still not enough. Do you have something else that could make a difference?" Threo asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Perhaps. But there are other ways to gain notoriety and attention that your brother overlooks."
Threo's mind raced, trying to guess what she was hinting at. Avice led him to a room with an open window overlooking the streets. They saw the people of the city passing by. The realization dawned on Threo. "The people," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Meanwhile, inside the castle, Prince Pepin was meeting with his informant, a priest who had been his eyes and ears within the church for two years.
"A group of clergymen arrived from Calistoga and brought with them..." The priest hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
"Dammit, just speak already!" Pepin demanded.
"They brought... Holy knowledge! Miracles! Never before seen!" The old man's voice quivered with tears of excitement.
"Wait, so you're saying they shared only knowledge with you? No new weapon?" Pepin pressed, stepping closer with each question.
"Does this knowledge reveal how to end the war? How to fix our problems? How to make my brother disappear?" Pepin's face was inches from the priest's as he demanded answers.
The priest took a fearful step back. "Forgive me, my lord... N-no, the knowledge we received cannot end this war, but it can transform our kingdom! We now know how to make paper, produce Roman liquid stone and mass-produce books! If these don't interest you, then..."
Pepin's initial anger shifted to intrigue as he listened to the priest's enthusiastic explanations. By the end, a wide smile spread across his face, his eyes shining with new possibilities. His hands rested on the priest's shoulders as he contemplated the potential.
There was still one invention that the priest withheld, pending evaluation by the high priests, adding to Pepin's growing curiosity.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone