章 72: Living in the mansion (1/2)
Oh no, this new rule isn't good. Should I tell the truth? But why would someone without faith be contacted by the heavens?
"Sir, I confess there are people more religious and faithful than me," Rafael admitted, lowering his gaze as if ashamed.
"Hmph, I knew this pious act was just a facade," Frederic remarked, interpreting Rafael's words as confirmation of his lack of true faith.
"Tell me, where did you learn all that knowledge and those ideas?" Frederic squinted, leaning forward to scrutinize Rafael closely.
"Believe me, sir, when I say that these ideas truly came to me while I was sleeping and dreaming. Despite my weak faith, I do believe it was something from a higher plane that imparted this knowledge to me."
"Hmm... Now, tell me about all the knowledge you received in your sleep. In detail." Frederic grabbed a parchment, quill, and ink. Half an hour later, he held a parchment filled with four innovations plus some food recipes: paper, cement, the printing press, and distillation.
"Those ignorant priests banned the distillation knowledge. I believe they made a mistake because I can think of some revolutionary ways to use it," Rafael suggested, noticing the Baron's growing interest.
"How revolutionary? Explain," Frederic's curiosity was piqued once more.
"You can use it to purify beer or ale and produce pure alcohol."
"Pure alcohol? But why would you want that?" Frederic probed, eager to understand Rafael's reasoning. If the idea proved beneficial, it would be added to his list of innovations. Also, he didn't know what alcohol was.
"I had a vision of how to use it when the light gave me this knowledge in my dreams. In its pure form, it can easily catch fire, make stronger drinks, and, most importantly, clean wounds," Rafael explained with the enthusiasm of a salesman trying to sell his product.
"Hmm, those are interesting applications. Fine, I'll try those once I get the purified alcohol. Now tell me more about the other two."
Rafael explained how to use cement, how to turn it into concrete, and ideas for its application, such as paving roads, building houses, structures, and sewers. The printing press required little explanation in terms of its usage. Frederic carefully jotted down everything he heard.
"That will be all for now. Take him to his new room. And remember, Robert, you're my property, and I'm being lenient with you. If I notice anything strange or suspect you of trying to escape or hide something from me, don't expect a pleasant future. Go." Frederic waved for him to be taken away before turning back to examine the parchment in his hands.
With this... there's no way I won't achieve my dreams. With this... I've won!
"Servant! Bring the counselors, Avice, and Godwin here," he commanded a butler-like man who promptly left the room. "There's much work to be done," Frederic murmured to himself, already assigning tasks in his mind.
Rafael was led by a servant and two soldiers to the right side of the mansion. His room was smaller than a commoner's house, with space only for a bed and a small chest. Damn... no window or table. At least the bed has a wooden frame, so no bugs crawling on me.
"You'll be living here from now on. You can get your food from the kitchen as you've done the past few days," the servant girl said before turning and leaving, not caring if Rafael had any questions. One soldier followed her while the other remained stationed a few meters from his room as a sentinel.
Sigh I'll grab something to eat before sleeping. Rafael noticed the soldier following him. Guess he's afraid I'll try something.
Only the chef's apprentice was in the kitchen, so Rafael took some soup with bread and left. As he walked back, he heard laughter nearby, and suddenly a little girl appeared around a corner, trying to hide. Is she Frederic's daughter? He kept walking, soon approaching her.
The little girl peeked around the corner, only to be startled as a taller girl appeared and grabbed her arm.
"You can't keep behaving this way, Adelaide. Mother already told you the consequences!"
"Nooo! I want to go outside!" Both were wearing light white dresses. Rafael continued walking, avoiding eye contact, but the taller girl noticed him. Her eyes widened momentarily before she quickly looked away.
No... please don't tell me she's falling for me! The last thing I need is to be killed by her father because she wants to marry a commoner and a criminal like me! Rafael noticed her sudden change in behavior and the quick, furtive glances she shot in his direction.
"Please, Ella! Let's go outside!" Adelaide pleaded, nearly in tears, but her older sister ignored her. Ella lowered her head, holding Adelaide's hand with one hand while keeping the other hand clenched close to her chest.
Rafael avoided looking at them, but just as he was about to pass by, the soldier rushed forward and stood between them, shoving Rafael with one hand. "Walk faster! I'm sorry, miladies, but please keep your distance from him."
You bastard! I almost dropped my soup! Rafael kept walking but glanced back to curse the soldier for pushing him without reason. As he did, his eyes met the taller girl's, who was still watching him.
"Why? Is he a slave?" the little girl asked after hearing the soldier's warning.
"He's not a slave but a criminal who is now Baron Frederic's property."
"A criminal? What did he do?" Ella asked, her curiosity piqued. Rafael heard everything, even after passing by them.
Yes! Tell them my crimes and make her afraid. All he wanted was to avoid more problems.
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