"Nicole, fantastic job. You actually finished them," Lucas said, giving Nicole a thumbs-up.
"It's only because the Master's secret formulas were so good; I just followed them," Nicole replied softly, shaking her head. While it was technically an experiment, Lucas had provided detailed steps for almost everything, and she had simply executed them.
"Then we can take a portion of them to promote at the exhibition, right?" Lucas said with a light smile.
"That is exactly what we intend to do," Nicole nodded seriously.
"Come on, walk with me and tell me what's been happening in Sedona City," Lucas said, heading toward the backyard. Mina, Annie, Nicole, and Lucy followed closely. The others had dispersed to attend to their duties, having satisfied themselves that Lucas was safe and sound.
Tramp, tramp…
Creak!
As soon as Lucas entered the study, he tugged at the collar of his robes. "This weather is truly getting hot."
"Master, it's summer now," Nicole said, stepping forward quickly to wipe the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.
"Take it off." Lucas unfastened his belt and shed the outer robe, revealing a short-sleeved linen shirt underneath.
"Master, have some water," Annie said, bringing a cup over.
"Thanks." Lucas took it and gulped the water down. He found himself wondering how Ayesha was doing and whether the saltpeter could be transported here soon. So many things required saltpeter, especially now that summer had arrived. A glass of iced watermelon juice or some ice cream would be heavenly.
Lucy watched the three of them interact. It was so natural, as if this was their daily routine.
"Those people haven't been making trouble, have they?" Lucas asked, setting down the cup.
"Not at all. Everyone is being very well-behaved," Annie said, her fox ears twitching as her lips curled into a smirk. "After seeing the newspapers about your grand victory, they all quieted down. They've even become quite humble."
"Good." Lucas nodded, then asked, "What about the things I asked you to prepare? How is that coming along?"
"Everything is ready," Annie said seriously.
"Excellent. Tell them that the day after tomorrow, they are invited to watch a play and enjoy some festivities," Lucas said calmly.
"Understood," Annie replied.
"How is the exhibition coming along?" Lucas turned to Nicole. The exhibition was crucial for promoting Sedona City's products. He had started delegating these plans to Nicole and the others rather than doing everything himself; he just needed to keep a hand on the overall direction.
"Everything is prepared and can start at any time," Nicole confirmed.
"Then let's start tomorrow to build some hype," Lucas said, clasping his hands on the desk. One must set the bait early to get people interested.
"Yes, master," Nicole and Annie replied in unison.
"You can spread the word that I intend to announce some industrial processes," Lucas added, his eyes narrowing slightly. That bait should be large enough. He had decided to trade away some technologies that were due for phasing out in exchange for alliances. There would surely be people willing to board his pirate ship.
"Understood," Mina replied.
"Lucy, Liam has been secretly transferred to the Security Bureau. How do you want to handle him?" Lucas turned to the silent Princess.
"Let's keep him locked up for now," Lucy said after a pause. "I haven't quite decided what to do with him yet." She wasn't ready to execute him, but she wanted to wait until she had the First and Second Princes in custody before making a final decision.
"No problem," Lucas nodded. He would certainly grant this small request.
Knock, knock, knock...
The study door was knocked and then pushed open. Florence, the mermaid, walked in.
"Ah, Florence." Lucas looked at her distressed expression. "Why the long face? Who bullied you?"
"Um..." Florence hesitated, not daring to look Lucas in the eye, lowering her head like a child who had done something wrong.
"Just say what's on your mind," Lucas said gently. He glanced at Annie and Nicole, but they both shook their heads; they had no idea what was bothering the mermaid. They had been too busy lately to notice her movements.
"I... I..." Florence looked up, her eyes shimmering as she looked at Lucas. She bit her lip and whispered, "Lucas, I've come to say goodbye."
"Goodbye?" Lucas was stunned.
"What? Florence, you're leaving?" Annie asked in shock.
"Yes. I've been out for a long time, and my injuries have healed. I want to go back to the Mermaid Bay and check on things," Florence said firmly. She had wanted to leave a few days ago, but since Lucas had saved her, she felt it only right to say goodbye in person.
"Will it be dangerous?" Lucas frowned. He hadn't forgotten that there were pirates in that area.
"It shouldn't be. We can just retreat into the depths if there's danger. Those pirates won't stay in the Mermaid Bay for long; they're afraid of us sabotaging their ships," Florence said quickly.
"When are you leaving?" Lucas asked warmly. He maintained his stance that he wouldn't force anyone in the castle to stay against their will.
"Tonight," Florence said, her lips curving slightly. She was glad Lucas wasn't forcing her to stay, though she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness.
"So soon?" Lucas frowned. "Why leave at night? I could arrange for you to leave on a merchant ship. Besides, Sedona City will be very lively over the next few days."
"I can just swim. The night provides cover," Florence said softly.
"You'll be exhausted that way," Lucas said, staring at her intently. "Stay for two more days. A merchant fleet is leaving then; I'll arrange a ride for you." Spending half a month swimming would leave even a mermaid exhausted.
"But..." Florence wanted to argue, but looking into Lucas's eyes, the words died in her throat.
"Florence, just stay for two more days. I'll prepare some gifts for you to take back," Nicole added.
"No need for gifts, I can't carry much," Florence said, waving her hands in refusal. Swimming in the ocean made it impossible to carry large loads. Furthermore, most things weren't waterproof; they would be ruined before she reached home.
"Fine. When you leave in two days, I'll give you a waterproof bag so you can take a few things back," Lucas said, guessing her concern.
"A waterproof bag? Does such a thing really exist?" Florence asked in surprise.
"You'll see when the time comes," Lucas smiled mysteriously.
.
.
.
.
You can read advance chapters and view R-18 images of the characters on pat reon page.
pat reon.com/GreenBlue17
200 power stones.
Top 100. All time.