Predestination and Harmony (1)

Fran decided to concentrate on his writing activities as he stayed in his rented attic in the Orails district. He still had uncertainties in Hydras Poisons manufacturing process and ingredients.

If people learned this is possible, there will be those who will want to take the poison. What I want is to uncover the truth and hold the offender responsible, not to stimulate public curiosity.

Fran was a conscious writer, as could be seen from his strict attitude.

But if I dont write about it, then writing a declaration of unity for workers would suit his temper.

Kleio shrugged a little, feeling like he was sponsoring an author who was sure to write a problematic book.

No, by the way if I become a bourgeois sponsoring the author of the workers manifesto, isnt this Engels position? Thats?

Kleio shook his head. It was absurd. In Albion, the union organization wasnt illegal, but it was possible to attach all kinds of charges to the strikers.

In that context, if it were Frans book that incited them, wouldnt it be better to have fewer people know who wrote it? Kleio reflected on himself in the mirror, his face filled with obvious concern.

The carriage has arrived.

Upon hearing Mrs. Cantons notice, his steps quickened. He had to respond to Melchiors call.

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Albions June was a beautiful season that was difficult to describe even with a thousand lines. The breeze contained the freshness of early summer, but the face of the young man standing alone in the garden in a suit with a top hat didnt seem to be enjoying it at all. The cottage garden where they were supposed to meet was located deep in the palace, so it wasnt easy to find.

Kleio let out a sigh.

Did I have to find it? He calls for me, and Im sent running.

Fortunately, the weather was good, and the humidity was low, so it was pleasant and cool even in the middle of the day. However, with Perception and Separation at full work, the weather wasnt his concern. Kleio walked, dragging his feet to the two-story cottage. At the end of the trail around the cottage was a small octagonal pavilion where the white painted pillars were peeling, and the roof spread out with bronze plates was rustedthe table located under that shade, set with a kettle and an old wooden box.

Standing beside the table was Melchior filtering the tea leaves in his standard gardening attire.

I cant get used to seeing it even though its the second time.

Even if he saw the sight a hundred times, it would be awkward.

Are you here? Sit down.

Kleio sat down, taking care to hide his expression.

Im glad you were doing well.

Despite the young mans stiff attitude, the crown prince casually poured the tea into a hand-made cup.

The trouble was solved. Thanks to that, I can afford some time. There was a break at a good time.

Kleio followed Melchiors gaze to the garden. Allium with purple petals, dandelions, cornflowers, and purple delphiniums was blooming side by side. The garden, where the noble summer flowers had been brought to harmony, matched the distorted appearance of its caregivers hand.

Thanks to that, I have a chance to see a beautiful sight.

Yes. The result of thinning grass is always more satisfying than thinning people.

Kleio sipped at the tea as he considered what to say next. It was impossible for him to make a habit of speaking to the deputy king. There were currently no people left in the country to do it, as Juleika and Aslan had vanished, and Duke Cruel had left his estate. Voices questioning the princes legitimacy had almost ceased. Melchior was already enshrined like a king, especially to those who understood the power of tiplaum. That had raised his recognition internationally, all the way to Brunnen and Carolinger. Foreign envoys, businesspeople, and tourists were all overwhelmed by the majesty of Melchior

Thanks to that, a lot of people can make money.

Melchior seemed to have read right through his thoughts.

I also heard that the lodging business in Orails is quite booming, but your expression is so dark.

Kleio smiled, keeping his thoughts to himself.

When it comes to hotels, thats Lady Katarinas business. Im just receiving rent.

If her work goes well, it will benefit you too.

I dont know. Lady Katarina seems to be struggling with the tax committee. It would be a great honor if they came to the hotel at least once to support the woman who led to Orails prosperity.

He pretended to be worried about someone elses business. It was laughable, but Melchior had a pleasant look as he listened.

Indeed. If the time is right, make sure to do it. This year, the queen and her son are absent, so a letter came to me asking for a visit to the debutante ball.

If you show up, it would be a great gift to the young ladies who are going out to socialize for the first time this year.

It will be an unusual social season in many ways. By the way, its the first time that the Debutante Ball will be held on the east side of the Tempus, but you dont seem surprised.

Kleio narrowed his eyes, watching and waiting for Melchior to drop the bomb.

Because I now have a younger sister of the age to debut in my family, I didnt think it over much.

Is it? I thought this, too, was part of your prediction. Its as if you knew in advance that Orails would prosper when you bought the land.

Fuck. He knows.

Kleio put down the teacup so that he didnt accidentally break it.

Im just an overworked agent of a God.

Ive indeed benefited from predictions, but I dont know everything of the future. Especially if its in the social section of the newspaper.

Huh? How about this? They have a photo of the princes in this weeks social section. Looking at the photo, Aslan has pretty long hair. Much more so than last time.

It was clear that last time didnt refer to months or years ago. Now, Melchior continued his conversation on the premise that Kleio knew everything about the previous life. He was a difficult opponent in a different sense than Arthur.

But why would the manuscript have details about Aslans hair length?! Why should I know?!

I dont know what you mean. Why is the length of the princes hair a problem?

Huh. You seemed to have mastered everything, but you behave like this. Isnt the ebony hair grown long a symbol of the Castillen Imperial Family?

I dont have knowledge about it.

Of course, the timing was different for each episode. How about this time? Are you trying to clear up Gods arrangements early?

It wasnt just a matter of hair length. He thought of Dione, who had previously read all that particular information from Katarinas postcard.

The Brunnen nobles prefer long hair How would I have known?

The signs of war were on the horizon, but he couldnt read into it because he had lived here only for a short time. Or perhaps it was because he couldnt internalize the mindset of the blue-blooded.

Thats why its a problem the country hasnt gotten rid of the king yet. Tsk.

Kleio kept his idle thoughts quiet and quickly turned the topic.

To get the information you want to know, it would be right to interrogate that Brunnen officer.

Oh, I cant do that. Mainrats arrogant knight quickly deteriorated after being transferred to the capital. I couldnt even send back a coffin as only an irreparable body remained.

He held the white teapot with a pure smile. The moment the afternoon light came through the pavilion pillars to touch the princes cheek, Kleio felt his mood sour. The red-golden area of his eyes was significantly wider than a few weeks ago. Looking into those eyes for a long time wasnt something for a human to do, even with Separation to protect them. Kleios gaze returned to the garden.

He used his skill against the officer for the aftereffects to be revealed. He mustve used some additional functions.

If Melchior had plucked through the officers head, he would know better than Fran or Kleio about the Hydras poison and Juleikas plans for it.

But he hasnt taken any action. Rather, hes preventing the spread of information and pushes Aslan to the end.

Even if he checked again and again, Melchior was the same. The deputy king wouldnt accuse Aslan of treason. If necessary, he would even damage evidence and kill witnesses.

Melchior has no intention of solving this situation. No, Id be glad if he just refrained from pouring oil on the flames.

Aslan was the one who drove Arthur to the point of death. Melchior gave up on killing Arthur, but he would welcome any development that increased the worlds complexity.

As a result, Melchior was in need of [Reduction], so Kleio had been called. How far has this deviated from Gods original plan?