Chapter 262- A family

A family

Mr. Thomas picked a speck of dust off his robe with the fingers of his left hand while standing. Clearing his throat softly, he then dusted the empty sleeves of his right hand. Shifting his weight, he waited until the urge to complete another similar cycle occurred. Ironically, he could find the smallest speck under the flickering torches.

"All that, Thomas? One would think this was your first time. Didn't you use to complain when she hogged the stir-fry bowl?"

A soft whisper entered into his ears from the smiling lady who leaned on his shoulder. She wore a black cloak with the fur-lined hood thrown back to expose her luscious golden hair. The glossing, rich outerwear, highlighted her fair hands and dimpled, mature face. Mr. Thomas was well aware that this cloak could stop a crossbolt fired from twenty feet away. Stitched inside it lay the leather from a variant red boar.

"That was before you spilled her secret. I merely thought she was a nobleman's daughter because she wasn't wedded. How would I know her true status? Only nobles and very few of the common people know the real importance of the sixteenth birthday. That is the age where one can truly inherit the name and status of their parents."

"So, I guess this means our little princess can now access the true powers of the Empire. I hope she doesn't hold a grudge against you for stealing her meat bun."

Overcoming the urge to pinch the dimples beside those teasing lips, he satisfied himself by twisting his lip. His wife placed her jaded fingers into his hand as she restored her posture. Sweeping an eye on the children nearby, her motherly advice took form.

"Amanda, remember your etiquette. Brella stop twitching, don't forget to bow. Sue, let Grandmaster Bing know you will discuss matters with him tomorrow. It's our turn next."

As if on queue, the thick curtains of the tent opened. A guard dressed in the attire of the Military exited.

"Her Highness summons the Thomas household."

He shouted while his eyes roamed across the strange group standing between the lighted torches. Tearing his eyes from the women walking past him into the tent, he ignored the deathly stare from the one-armed man. He had only stepped forward to block the entrance and assume sentry when an old man dressed in embroidered robes hustled towards him.

"Stop, you can't..."

His words barely exited his lips when a fist shoved the remainder of his words back into his mouth. Toppling on the ground, his watering eyes focused on his assailant. Not knowing when, a burly man stood, cracking his knuckles while towering over him. Glancing towards the tent entrance, the two Sersens guarding on either side simply watched the proceedings.

"Shove off, you cradle robber. I saw the lecherous gaze you cast at the little girls. If it wasn't for them, the Tower and my Alchemist Guild would still be brewing concoctions blindly. Wait for me to return, I'll deal with you then."

The snort came from the old coot who ambled unimpeded towards the curtains. Only now did he recognize the large crest embroidered on the back of the robe. Fresh tears sprouted from his eyes on knowing the fate of those who crossed the Alchemist Guild. How could he explain he was scrutinizing the two women and not the uninteresting children walking behind them.

The old man disappeared while his two muscled escorts joined the Sersens at the entrance.

When Grandmaster Bing entered the open tent, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had just completed their official greetings to the Princess of the Empire. Rising from the ground after kowtowing, they clasped their hands with lowered heads while stepping back. The children followed under the eyes of the accompanying officials standing around the sitting princess.

Mrs. Thomas had reminded them again and again that things were now different. To be summoned by the princess so soon after her ascension marked an honor to cherish for a lifetime. Not even the highest nobles of Frost City enjoyed this treatment. They, along with the high officials needed to wait until she entered the city. The status of the individuals present in the tent could only be imagined.

A large wide-shouldered man stood like a rock on her right while his bushy brows surveyed the newcomers. Standing in front of him was a wizened old man stroking his beard as he watched them with interest. On her left, the familiar figure of Mage Disparte smiled at the party. A hunched elder stood next to him as if struggling to stand upright from the weight of his knee-length thick beard.

Behind the high chair of the sitting princess, two old men silently surveyed the proceedings. An aura seeped from their shining armor partially visible from their red cloaks. Like the mountains in the north, they quelled any thoughts of rebellion and stifled one's pride. The bushy brows man completed his order in a booming voice.

"Harp, see to it that the arrangements are made for tomorrow's procession. Liaise with the Military and keep the south gate free."

"It will be done, Governor. Your highness, by your leave."

The old man bowed and waited until the princess waved him off. Retreating, he hustled from the tent, but not before glancing a second time at the strange group.

With his exit, Sahara sighed and slumped on the chair.

"Ahhh! this one can't believe those old coots from the Churches Union could read the heavens so well. Imagine how they surprised this one by springing this announcement."

"Princess, don't forget you also have guests..."

The large man on her left reminded. A bony hand dotted under years of potion and pill concoction dismissed him.

"Yes, yes, I think she knows, Governor Hails, stop being a stick. Old Earns, here you are, you wrinkled goat. I had messengers looking around for you for ages. Who knew you would leave your cauldron for a little ascension. Have you tried the experiment?"

"Grandmaster Bing, you wretched fowl. Who says I came for the princess alone? Do you know how long I stood here, listening to the drawling of politics? Of course, I conducted the concoction as in your letter. Where is this Grandmaster Sue, I just have to meet him."

The Frost City equivalent to Grandmaster Bing scanned the guests until his doubtful eyes fell on Mr. Thomas. He pushed forward and then halted. The creaking neck churned towards the Limerock Alchemist.

"Hey, you old crow, now that I think of it, why are you here? Are you so afraid I will steal away Grandmaster Sue when he sees our magnificent halls?"

Grandmaster Earns hollowed out a chuckle while his bright blue eyes roamed across the respectful group in the middle of the tent. Narrowing his eyes on the wrinkled face, he shifted his hunched body towards the freckled brown-haired girl.

"Grandmaster Sue, I presume?"

Sue nodded while trying to keep her head down so as to avoid looking up at the princess. Mrs. Thomas had informed them of the severe punishment when caught staring at royalty. Grandmaster Earns possessed a hunched back but his height yet exceeded her own. A pair of firm but prune hands grasped her shoulders.

"Hehe... It seems like my eyes have not lost their sharpness. I can recognize the hands of an Alchemist a mile away. Come, Grandmaster Sue, old or young, we men have a lot to discuss."

Grandmaster Bing coughed while standing at the side.

"Old Earns, you should remove your hands. Grandmaster Sue is a girl."

The hunched figure stepped back while scrutinizing the embarrassed girl standing in front of him. He turned to Grandmaster Bing.

"I see, so he is one of those types then. I really felt his shoulders feel unmanly just now. No matter, the Alchemist Guild favors all who contribute to progress. I think I can find a few fellows you would feel quite at home with... hehe."

"Ah, no you old crow. I mean she is really a girl... a young lady."

While Grandmaster Bing shook his head and tried to correct the misinterpretation, Mage Disparte locked Mr. Thomas in one of his own.

"So, will the heavens gifter be joining you in Frost City?"

"We haven't received word yet of his plans."

Mage Disparte nodded on hearing the answer.

"Council Mage Tarot sent word the boy returned to his farm. He nearly fainted when he learned of such a reckless move. We have all profited from the great gift he presented to Senior Norivak. With the aid of this magnifying stone, the Tower and the Churches Union expect enrolment to increase by the thousands."

Mr. Thomas sighed.

"He is truly blessed but he is also reckless when ready. Very few can control him when he sets his mind."

"Haha... Priest Lowe said such is the character of heaven's gifters throughout history. The Tower outpost in Karst has been informed to assist him should he request aid. We also have double the Military patrolling the roads to the town from Limerock. Soon the garrison will also be increased."

Mage Disparte said. His words removed a burden from the shoulders of the man. It also increased his awareness as to how valuable a person Chu had become in the eyes of the Tower. Any more than this and the boy would find himself restricted by the Tower Mages. One had to wonder why the Tower and even the Military didn't imprison him.

Seeing the princess signal Mrs. Thomas to forgo the official etiquette and watching the little girls skip chattering towards the raised chair, Govoner Hails dropped his head. When he departed the Capital to assume this position in Frost City, the princess had only been a little toddler.

He never believed the Emperor would have allowed his doting daughter to travel away from the Capital. Glancing at the young lady laughing and chatting away, he exhaled softly. Only a handful of individuals knew the reason why the princess was fated to travel from city to city. Time and time again, the Emperor summoned the seers of the Churches Union. Each time, however, the stars, bones, flames, or spirits whispered the same fortune.

Since everyone seemed to have forgotten the proper etiquette, Governor Hails, discarded his as well. Lumbering towards the chattering girls, he tried to tone his booming voice down to a reasonable standard.

"Princess, if I may ask, I request a meeting with your friend called Sakura?"

Sahara nodded while trying to shake off the fingers pinching her left cheek. Apparently her Big Sis from the academy didn't take to kindly from being kept in the dark. Pointing to the brunette who stepped and bowed before him in a formal fashion, Governor Hails masked his surprise and shock. The letter from Limerock spoke about this genius being young but he still required a minute to calm himself.

"Greetings, young lady Sakura. Since this meeting has descended into an informal one, I wish to discuss some matters with you."

Sakura raised her curious face while focusing on the open hand pointing to some empty chairs on one side. Like everyone in this tent who formed their own groups and chattered, Governor Hails obviously planned to do the same. Tilting her head, she smiled.

To be invited to a conversation by the governor of Frost City himself, she could only imagine the jealousy on Ming's face. Miki once said the greater the contortion on his face, the more you knew you attained greatness.

Walking across, she seated herself near the small table.

"Does Governor Hails wish to discuss matters pertaining to glass? Or does the Governor seek information about managing certain activities?"

"Something like that so I wanted to discuss it with you before you entered the city tomorrow. If what Steward Harp said rings true, I believe you will find yourself busier than usual..."

As the conversations in the tent showed no signs of abating, Grandmaster Bing sent his Sersen to acquire dinner. Mr. Thomas and Mage Disparte soon sat with the two Commanders from the Military as they discussed the potential of the Multishots.

Mrs. Thomas exhaled a soft sigh on surveying the tent. To be sitting along with the princess of the Empire was a thought she never dreamed of. Looking at the girls eating and talking, she shook her head.

"Princess, if I may, why did you summon us to your tent this evening?"

Sahara smiled sheepishly.

"The Empress, my mother, is already within Frost City awaiting my entrance. Since this one is required to make a grand entrance, I wanted to as Lady Thomas to assist me in looking at my best. I hoped to wear one of your magnificent dresses and jewelry when I enter tomorrow."

Mrs. Thomas bowed while smiling.

"The Princess only needs to ask and it shall be done. You can choose from both Miki and Lucy's dresses. As for jewelry, the Princess can have any she desires..."