บท 19: Work Like a Horse
On a green hill, a white castle with red tiles can be seen. On the castle walls you can see rose vines with red flowers blooming. Many knights were also seen standing guard on the castle walls.
Inside the castle, in a dark room, was a handsome man with long silver hair and ruby irises. The man looked to be around 30 years old although his actual age was over 40. That person's name was Marcus Bathory, a Marquis as well as the current head of the Bathory Family.
Marcus seemed to be sitting relaxed in his chair while enjoying a cup of warm red liquid that was still steaming. He looks so relaxed and calm.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Come in," Marcus said in a slightly feminine voice.
The room door opened, a young man around 17 years old came into the room. He has brown hair and green irises. Looking at Marcus, the young man immediately knelt down.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sir."
"Not at all. I actually feel quite sorry. Even though you just came back from a mission, I have to call you." Marcus shook his head lightly.
"I'm not tired at all, so that's no problem, Sir."
"I have something important I want to tell you. So sorry if I rushed you, Jean."
The young man named Jean looked up at Marcus. A doubtful expression crossed the young man's face.
"Jean... Kun, your father has died on a mission."
Hearing Marcus' words, Jean's body suddenly shivered. His eyes were blank, unable to believe what he had just heard. For him, Kun is a good and strong father. But the young man also realized that the world was so wide, there were many strong people. People like his father or himself are only considered like ants.
"Do you want to know the cause of your father's death?" asked Marcus with an indifferent expression.
Jean continued to stare at Marcus. Despite not saying a word, his eyes showed it all. He wanted to know the cause of his father's death.
"Azazel Dawnbringer." Marcus said in an indifferent tone.
"Dawnbringer..." Jean muttered with a cloudy expression.
Realizing that the cause of his father's death was a member of the Imperial family, Jean's expression became gloomy. He gritted his teeth, looking unwilling but at a loss for what to do.
"Do you want to avenge your father?" he asked.
"Avenge father?" muttered Jean. "But Dawnbringer..."
"You don't need to worry about that. Azazel Dawnbringer was the 8th Prince who was deemed useless. Even the Emperor kicked him out of the Palace."
"Is that true, sir?" asked Jean with an excited expression.
"That's right. But there is one problem." Marcus shook his head.
"Problem?" she asked.
"That's right. Right now you are too weak. Indeed you have the talent of a knight. However your level is still the same as Kun. Not to mention… you don't have the talent for magic.
Kun died for no apparent reason. It's possible someone is protecting Prince Azazel."
"That..." Jean's body trembled. The young man lowered his head with an increasingly gloomy expression.
"But I can solve that problem for you," Marcus said. "Would you like to know?"
"Please tell me, Sir!" Jean said firmly.
"I'm going to run an experiment. A few people have already been selected. If you agree, you will become strong after the experiment is over. But there is a condition... you can't see your family anymore and work in the shadows."
"Can't meet family..." muttered Jean.
"Don't worry. Even if you can't see each other, I will guarantee them. They will live a decent life. If you agree, your family will be moved to a better house near the city center. Of course… they will be given enough monthly allowance to live on. " Marcus said with a gentle smile on his face.
After thinking for a while, Jean finally said, "I agree, sir!"
"Good!" Marcus nodded. "Then hurry home and pack. Spend more time with your family."
"Thank you sir!" said Jean sincerely.
"Go."
Hearing Marcus' order, Jean immediately stood up and saluted before leaving the room.
After Jean left, the room became quiet again. Marcus again enjoyed a cup of the mysterious red liquid. Not after some time, suddenly a voice was heard from behind him.
"Are you really doing such an extravagant thing, Sir Marcus? unlike you."
From behind the shadow curtain, a figure covered in a black robe appeared.
Hearing the person's question, Marcus smiled. But not a charming smile, but a smile full of disdain.
"As an alchemist, all you need to do is complete the experiment. In that matter just now, of course I will support that boy's family. Well... only when the experiment is successful." Marcus said with a cruel grin on his face.
"You are really cruel, Sir Marcus."
"Hehehe... Cruel?" Marcus' eyes narrowed, giving the mysterious person in the black robe goosebumps. "I just remind you, nothing is free in this world. Understand?"
The person lowered his head as he replied, "I understand."
***
Seven days after Azel formed a soul contract with Elena.
In a laboratory, Azel looks frustrated when he sees several glass bottles in front of him. Seeing the purple liquid that had suddenly turned black, the corners of the young man's lips twitched.
"Shit! Failed again!" Azel exclaimed while ruffling his hair.
'Shouldn't the formula I made is correct? Whats the problem? shit! I look like a fake professor who forces everything!'
With the knowledge he got from the Imperial library, Azel could make various kinds of medicine recipes. Of course it was thanks to his 'Eye of The Lord' ability. But it's just a formula. As for making his own... it takes a lot of experimenting. After all, he had never touched potion-making tools before.
"If only I had a great alchemist under me, things would be easier." Azel complained.
An alchemist or potion master was relatively rare in the Demon continent. They are capable of making various kinds of potions such as healing potions, mana boosters, and others. Not all nobles could afford to recruit alchemists. It's possible to raise one yourself, but it costs a lot of money for each material to be used for the practice.
Perhaps due to cost issues, normally the nobles preferred to buy potions sparingly. If they wanted to manufacture potions, they preferred to hire a potion master. After all, it was more reassuring than raising a would-be alchemist whose success was uncertain.
"I still lack a lot of talent under my wing," Azel said.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Come in!"
After the door opened, a beautiful female figure entered the laboratory. Not Camellia or Elena, but instead Isabella.
Four days earlier, Azel had already assigned Camellia and Elena. Camellia takes care of all the paperwork regarding territorial affairs. Except for a very important documents, the girl takes care of them. Elena was given the task of watching over the old knights. She also trained a hundred promising young men chosen by Azel personally.
"Sir, this slave has come to report."
"Just tell me," Azel said a little impatiently.
"Farmers respond well to rat poison potions," Isabella said politely.
"Good!" Azel nodded.
"Sir, this slave doesn't give orders. But....wouldn't it be better for you to rest a bit? You haven't rested for three days already."
Actually, in these seven days Azel really threw away his lazy 'title' for a while. On the first two days, he managed to make rat poison and made quite a lot on the third day and then sent it directly to the farmers.
Maybe Azel was feeling a bit arrogant and immediately planned to make an insecticide as soon as possible. But reality is so cruel. He had divided the tasks between Camellia and Elena, but he still failed. Even in the last three days the young man could not sleep. He continued to curse his previous pride and self-confidence.
'shit! I need many talents under my wing!'
'I am an Imperial Prince! How can I work like a horse like this!'
****
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DemonicPrince
DemonicPrince for those who work so hard in order to survive everyday in this cruel world, I applauded you for your spirit but pls take good care of yourself and don't force yourself. sometimes we need a lil break for ourselves.
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