บท 25: 25: Amell Hubard
Amell Hubard. The man standing in front of him was once a proud captain. His mother's personal guard. He had known him since young. If not for his mother's protection and connections, the Queen's evil schemes could have killed him. He had not seen the captain when he left the palace.
However, just a year ago, he accidentally discovered the former captain's whereabouts when he ventured into the darkest streets of the slum. In order to repay the favour to his mother, Amell pledged his loyalty to him. It has been a year since then, and now the two have reunited again.
"Indeed," Amell paused for a moment. He then gave his command, "leave us."
Everyone in the small tavern was compelled to obey his orders. Before walking out, the old bartender even gave the boy a scrutinising look.
"Please, this way, Your Highness." With a small smile on his face, Amell finally led Rowan towards a hidden door.
Giant shelves welcomed them as soon as they stepped into a large space. The ancient and crispy scent of all the olden scrolls, books, and documents wafted in their noses. The torches that hung from the walls were the only thing that lit up the place.
"So, the proud captain has now become a librarian? What's with all of these?" As he observed the room, Rowan couldn't help but ask.
"Kind of. What brought you to my humble abode, My Liege? I am sure that you are not here for some chitchat."
"Then I wouldn't beat around the bush. I am here for one reason. I wanted to know everything about the portal. The one that was believed to be the gateway towards the underworld."
"What portal?" Amell asked. His face became serious as he eyed the boy in front of him.
"The portal that was sealed by the first Emperor himself when he defeated the invading demons during his reign. The portal towards the demonic realm."
"The world of the demons? But that was only a myth. I heard that some stories about the first Emperor were exaggerated." Amell reasoned as he stared at the boy with his onyx eyes, seemingly wanting to read his mind.
"Others might not know, but do not forget that evidence from the first war was everywhere. I needed that portal to reach the underworld." Rowan slowly said. His patience grew thinner as the seconds passed.
When he got no response, he continued.
"Do you believe I am ignorant? One of your great-ancestors tried to search for it, decades after the first Emperor sealed the portal. The reason for this search was unclear. However, I am sure that your ancestor was aware of something that even the Emperor is not. That was why he tried to come up with a method to send his own seed by the portal…" Rowan trailed off. He looked into Amell's eyes.
Instead of being embarrassed, Amell just smiled, revealing the tiny dimple on his right cheek. "What are you implying, Your Highness?" Even in the presence of royalty, he kept his cool as he slowly sat on his swivel chair.
Rowan followed suit. He sat on the sofa, and with a taunting smile on his face, he finally said what he wanted to say. "To breed. His great ambition to create a new species pushed his own family to disown him. The Empire branded him as an egoistical madman and banished him, never to be seen again. His wicked schemes soon led to his downfall."
There was a moment of pregnant silence before the laughter of Amell shattered the intense atmosphere. His brunet hair barely covered his eyes at the sudden movement.
"You really are a dangerous child. No wonder the Queen was afraid of you. Of the man that you would become. However, I must apologise, Your Highness. It was obvious why only the first Emperor knew where it was and why the Emperor's seal wouldn't let anyone in. Even individuals bearing his lineage couldn't gain entry."
Instead of getting frustrated at the response, Rowan just chuckled. "There's no need to play around with me. This ancestor of yours actually figured out its whereabouts after decades of research. He even knew how to enter and leave at his own accord."
"So, you wished to go there?" Amell stared at him intensely. Having realised what the boy in front of him truly wanted.
Rowan met the man's gaze and smirked. "I have my own plans. I came here to know the full details."
"Then I must apologise again, Your Highness. The thing you wanted to know was outside of my knowledge." Amell shook his head as he leaned backwards on his chair.
Rowan was unperturbed by what he said. He strongly believed that aside from the first Emperor, no one knew the portal better than Amell's clan since their ancestors were one of the original Royal Knights for Emperor Mallus.
"Is that so? Then you wouldn't mind it, even if I flipped. When I do so, your little family would be reduced to nothing but ashes. At that point, the Hubard Clan's long history would cease to exist. No traces would be left, forever erased from the river of time!" Rowan declared. His patience had already run out.
"Your threat was useless. My family's glory existed only in the past. It had already long vanished the moment Luana kicked us out of the palace," Amell responded. His baritone voice carried a trace of pain, anger, and regrets.
"Do know that it was not an empty threat. If I wanted to, just a snap of my fingers would be more than enough to make your family name truly disappear from this empire's long history." Though a part of him doesn't agree with his own statements, Rowan knew that this would be the best way to get the information he needed.
"I also wanted to tell you, My Prince." Amell once again shook his head.
"Unfortunately, even if I wanted to tell you, I also don't know the answer because my ancestor wasn't yet born at that time. He only grew up with the stories of how his great uncle turned into a traitorous madman, nothing more, nothing less. I apologise, but I would not be of much help to you on this matter, My Liege."
"I see," Rowan finally replied after awhile. "It's no surprise that he abruptly disappeared without a trace. Even when he became a NOMAD, he still could not let go of his thirst for power."
"As it is. No one could. Not even a god with their immortal lives," Amell slowly replied. He eyed the boy in front of him intensely. "I could see that it was the same for you. Your eyes shone with an unredeemable anger and regret. A young individual who aspired to demonstrate his abilities by utilizing the portal for personal growth."
"The compassionate child you once knew already died. Yes. You are correct. I I am seeking it, not for improvement, but for my personal objectives." Just as soon as the words escaped his lips, Rowan suddenly stood. "Since you do not have the answer, it was time for me to leave. I have wasted too much time in here."
"Your Higness. No one could answer your question except the first Emperor himself. However, if you really do reach that place, then I pray that you will finally be able to fulfil your desires. When that happens, then the world will truly be beneath your feet."
"The success of this trip would not determine my path. This would only serve as the vanguard for my true goals. When the time was ripe, then even the gods and devils alike would have to suffer the judgements that I would plant for them. Only then would I say that I have accomplished my true desires."
Amell's expression became solemn. At his age, he hadn't engaged in a meaningful conversation to this extent in a long time. Others were only looking at the moon in the water or the reflection of the flower in the mist.
"The judgement of the heavens and earth," he mumbled under his breath.
"I must go now. See you around, Amell." Without waiting for his response, Rowan quietly ambled towards the door.
****************
When Rowan stepped out of the small tavern, the sun had already begun to shine its magnificent rays on the horizon. The morning breeze's cool rays seeped through his clothes, and he almost trembled when he felt the bone-crushing cold.
In front of him, Rowan observed a dozen wild dogs going about their business, likely in search of food. However, his face contorted as soon as the smell of trash and shit hit his nose.
"Damn it. This place stinks!" Without wasting any more time, he quickly ran out of that dark and abandoned alleyway.
The street was already buzzing with people when he stepped out. The business owners were busy opening their shops, while some were arranging their products on the street.
The fragrant smell of freshly baked bread tingled in his nose, making his stomach growl in response.
'That's right. I have not eaten anything since yesterday.' At that moment, he made his decision. He swiftly walked towards the nearest shop and entered.
"Welcome to my shop, dear customer." The old man greeted Rowan warmly. He was probably in his sixties. The man had a pleasant smile on his face as he waited for him to reach the counter.
"What would you like to have, young sir?"
Rowan stayed silent as he inspected the breads that were inside the glass. There were a variety of options that he could choose from; however, only one really got his attention.
"I would like some Piadina Romagnola," Rowan stated. The bread was also widely known as the bread for the poor, and he wanted to know why.
"Coming right up. Would you like some green tea to help with digestion?" The old man smiled as he scanned the boy in front of him.
He appeared to be no more than nine or ten years old. The clothes he wore were similar to those of the children in the slums. Old and dirty. However, the moment he stepped inside his shop, down to the way he carried himself, he knew that he was not a normal child.
"Alright. Make it jasmine tea."
The cold voice instantly snapped the old man out of his trance. He blinked a few times as he chuckled. "Right. Coming right up. You can sit wherever you like, as I prepared your order." Without wasting any time, he quickly turned around to do his job.
Meanwhile, Rowan ambled towards the far corner of the shop near the window and sat on a lonely chair. From there, he could freely see the street. The sun had already fully revealed itself, providing the surrounding area with the necessary illumination. The number of people had also doubled compared to when he first entered the shop. Children, clothed in rugs with numerous holes and patches, were also present. However, their loud laughter could be heard all over as they all played happily. Their joyous laughter was a stark contrast to their impoverished circumstances.
'If I was born a normal citizen, would I have been as happy as those children? Would I be able to run wild and laugh freely until my throat hurts?' Rowan sighed at his own thoughts.
"Here you go, young man. Enjoy your meal."
After awhile, his food finally arrived. Rowan just nodded in response. Looking at the small tray, he saw a medium-sized piadina wrapped in a maroon table napkin. 'It looked tasty.' Without any second thoughts, he grabbed his food and was about to take a bite when the door suddenly banged open.
Two knights swiftly followed and entered.
'That symbol,' Rowan thought as he narrowed his eyes upon the feather symbol that was engraved by the two knights's armour.
'The symbol from Marquess Chatilet's mansion. What are they doing here?'
"Dear Sir Knights. I understand the reason for your presence; however, is it necessary for you to repeatedly plough through my door?"
From where he was, Rowan quietly observed the situation. Though he pretended to eat, his whole attention was on the current scene.
"Old man. Your time was up. Pay us now, or say goodbye to this place," one of the knights said in a cold tone.
The old man's eyes widened at what he heard. His hands clasped together in front of him as he tried to search for the right words.
"I accumulated enough money to repay my son's debts, but my wife got sick a week ago, and I used the money for her medical bills. Please! I am begging you. Just give me more time. I promise, I would have it ready by next week." The old man begged like his life depended on it.
However, before he knew it, he suddenly fell to the ground. With a loud cough, blood flew out of his mouth. A sharp pain in his abdomen almost knocked him unconscious.
"Do you think we cared? We've already given you enough time, but that's it. Blame it on your fortune for having an unfilial son!" The taller of the two spat.
"Please. Just give me three more days." Despite his condition, the elderly man managed to speak.
"What's taking you so long?" A deep voice suddenly reverberated in the small shop.
"My lord." The two knights immediately bowed their heads as a fat man entered. He wore luxurious clothes and had a pipe in his mouth.
"Daddy. What is this place? It stinks!" A high-pitched voice followed soon after.
From the corner of his eyes, Rowan saw a girl walk inside. Golden hairpieces and ribbons adorned her long, ebony hair. Like the man, she also wore an expensive light green dress. A buttoned nose, pinkish lips and black eyes made up her small oval face. Someone destined to become the flower of high society in the future.
"Ancelyn! Why did you get out of the carriage? I thought I told you to wait. You would become unclean if you stayed here."
"But dad. I got bored while waiting for you. Was this the man who delayed our trip to the palace?"
Rowan, who at the moment was in the process of drinking his tea, stopped. He quietly observed how the scene would unfold.
"You do not need to worry about him, sweetie. Just go back to the carriage and wait for me."
Instead of following orders, Ancelyn approached the elderly man and, without hesitation, kicked him in the stomach.
"A mere servant like you dared to delay my trip to see the third prince! You must have a death wish!" Ancelyn spat out venom. If words could kill, then the old man would have been dead already.
"Please! I apologise! I would not dare!" The old man writhed in pain and begged. His own blood had already stained his white uniform. However, the girl had already turned a blind eye to her victim.
"Ancelyn! Don't. We got company."
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