"Greetings, Mr. Aljiandro de Lothon," Justus warmly greeted the tall man adorned in luxurious attire and sparkling accessories.
"Oh, hello! It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Justus. What brings you here today? Are you looking to purchase a book or perhaps acquire the entire library... Hmm, I suppose not, haha, don't take me seriously, I'm just joking," Aljiandro replied with a chuckle.
Justus paused for a moment before continuing. "Wait, do you know me?"
"Oh ho ho, of course! Who wouldn't recognize you, a renowned senator and leader of the esteemed Maurius family?" Aljiandro's eyes sparkled with familiarity. Indeed, Justus was a well-known figure as a senator in his city, Dulton, also referred to as "Ruhu," meaning "Outskirts" in the Geustanian language. His tenure as senator had once been the center of attention due to the peace he brought to his hometown. Despite his remarkable achievements, his illness had forced him to step back and rest, receiving care from doctors and healers.
"Excuse me for interrupting, Mr. Justus, but we still have a meeting to attend at Mr. Gesperius's residence," Titus interjected, smoothly steering the conversation back on track.
Justus then patted Titus's shoulder while smiling. "It seems like someone's a bit too tense around here!" Justus joked.
"Hahaha... Your sense of humor is amazing," Titus replied, chuckling. "Thanks," Justus responded.
The conversation continued until they reached a breakthrough, sitting at the table while sipping wine. Justus and Aljiandro discussed Justus's aspirations.
"I understand, but for me... publishing a book seems challenging—"
"Ugh, ugh," Justus suddenly choked and spat out his wine. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that..." Aljiandro apologized, realizing Justus had misinterpreted his words.
They locked eyes in confusion before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha, this is really bad," Aljiandro said, pouring himself another glass of wine after having spat some out earlier. "Sorry if you thought otherwise. To be honest, regarding the printing, I have to apologize because we're running low on funds. I know we didn't meet your expectations. This library is renowned for being the most magnificent and a hub of intellectual pursuits in the capital, but as you're aware, since King Nides ascended to the throne, our economy has plummeted. So, the library is currently in a state of recovery. I was hoping for better, but that's the situation."
"I understand, I understand... So, you're saying the library can't print any copies of the book?" Justus Aljiandro said, downing his glass of wine in one gulp. "It seems you need to know this, Mr. Justus. After looking at your manuscript, I'm not sure we can print or copy everything. Given the number of pages, and to be honest, I'm not even sure what you've written in there. Perhaps one copy might be feasible."
Justus shot Aljiandro a sharp glance. "Wowo, it looks like the conversation is getting tense, isn't it? Alright, I was just joking. Besides, we're short-staffed. Have you heard about what's happening in Seaberd City?"
"Maybe," Justus replied.
"Well, to be precise, near Seaberd City or the Tuloga waters, there's been growing tension due to strained relations between our nation and the neighboring country. As a result, paper exports from Quio, the eastern nation, have been disrupted," Aljiandro explained.
What Aljiandro said was true; the waters of Tuloga, particularly Seaberd City, known as the "Port City," were indeed heating up due to tensions between Geustania and Riversan.
Well, I understand. By the way, isn't His Majesty the King currently visiting the Khalidus nation in the Middle East?" Justus asked.
"Rumor has it so, but it's still unconfirmed. I'm just wondering why you, as a council advisor, wouldn't know about this information," Aljiandro replied, turning the question back to Justus.
As it was known, the ascension of the former King Nides' son, King Leopold, had brought about changes in the state's high cabinet, including Justus.
"It's simple really; I've been removed from my position because the new cabinet has undergone changes," Justus explained.
"Wow, I'm quite surprised to hear that. And, if I may ask again, please forgive my curiosity," Aljiandro said, winking.
"Of course!" Justus replied.
"I once heard a rumor, and it's been a while, but I heard you were suffering from an illness—" "Excuse me for interrupting, but your question is considered impolite," Titus cut in, irritated by Aljiandro's inquiry.
Justus took a deep breath and said, "Titus, please." Titus then apologized to Aljiandro and bowed. "Very well, Your Lord."
"Well, I understand. By the way, isn't His Majesty the King currently visiting the Khalidus nation in the Middle East?" Justus asked
"Rumor has it so, but it's still unconfirmed. I'm just wondering why you, as a council advisor, wouldn't know about this information," Aljiandro replied, turning the question back to Justus.
As it was known, the ascension of the former King Nides' son, King Leopold, had brought about changes in the state's high cabinet, including Justus.
"It's simple really; I've been removed from my position because the new cabinet has undergone changes," Justus explained.
"Wow, I'm quite surprised to hear that. And, if I may ask again, please forgive my curiosity," Aljiandro said, winking.
"Of course!" Justus replied.
"I once heard a rumor, and it's been a while, but I heard you were suffering from an illness—" "Excuse me for interrupting, but your question is considered impolite," Titus cut in, irritated by Aljiandro's inquiry.
Justus took a deep breath and said, "Titus, please." Titus then apologized to Aljiandro and bowed. "Very well, Your Lord."
After a long journey, they finally arrived home. On the porch, a boy who had grown taller sat holding a book. "Dad, you're back! I thought you'd be home tomorrow," said the boy, Gaizel, who had grown bigger.
"Hey, kiddo. How are you?" his father asked.
"I'm good!" Gaizel replied.
"That's great. Oh, hey, is this the book you bought in the capital city yesterday?" his father asked.
"Yes, it's the book I told you about, Dad," Gaizel said with a smile. The smile lit up the sky that was starting to darken. Gaizel was just entering a new chapter in his life, where everything was about to unfold.