"Remind me, what's our next class?" Grace asked, urging the sheep and goat to move faster since they were running late.
"Little big sister, you're always such a scatterbrain. It's philosophy with the blind grandfather," the boy replied from where he sat atop the cow.
"I'm not a scatterbrain, it's the heat. I feel like my brain will melt the moment I try to think. Aren't we on Nightingale? Why is it so stifling here?" Grace exclaimed.
"It's always like this in summer. Even though the day is very short, it's always hot here. Grandma Cornelia says it's because the plants and the soil are very dark and absorb all the light, so they heat up," Grey explained.
"I remember, it's like with clothes. Light ones reflect the rays, and dark ones absorb them, that's why we feel so hot."
"Exactly. By the way, did you finish your homework?"
"Mhm. Even though the blind grandfather's lessons are always interesting, he keeps assigning huge research tasks. That's why I prefer Constance and Constantine's history classes."
"I see, I see. Two-thousand-year-old vampires definitely have plenty to tell. I'm sure most of the events they talk about, they experienced firsthand," Grey replied to his older sister's unrelenting enthusiasm.
The children hurriedly herded the animals into the shed and dashed toward the blind man's house, hoping they were not too late.
Although the blind grandfather was warm and welcoming, he valued punctuality, and the twins suffered greatly because of it. It was not easy to determine the time precisely without the proper device. They had to rely on the sun and their internal sense of time, and that often failed them.
When the children knocked on the door of the small hut with the triangular roof, they were greeted by the venerable old man in his ever-present round glasses. Though the blind grandfather could not see, he continued to wear them out of habit rather than necessity.
He always appeared neat and presentable, and the hut itself was kept in perfect order.
"You are five minutes late, young gentlemen. Unfortunately, your tea has nearly gone cold," the blind man said, sounding faintly regretful.
"Blind grandpa, how can you keep drinking hot tea in this heat? I'd much rather have cold juice in weather like this," Grace asked innocently.
"Hot tea quenches thirst best. It also dilates your blood vessels and triggers perspiration, which allows the body to release heat even faster," the blind explained in detail.
The blind was the kind of person who seemed to know everything. His appearance and manner reminded one of a scholarly professor. He could speak for hours on any random topic without losing rhythm or tact.
His graceful posture and refined way of carrying himself were on par with the most distinguished nobility. He was easy to converse with, able to answer any question, and always seemed genuinely interested in whatever subject arose. Even the most mundane conversation about the weather could blossom into a lively discussion, to the delight of both him and his interlocutor.
Such breadth of knowledge likely stemmed from his profession.
In his past, he had been a con artist and a swindler. To succeed in that line of work, one had to win over the victim, earn their trust, display knowledge, and appear so competent that any expert would feel like an amateur.
He was a perfect example. The story of how he passed off a simple snake as a dragon and sold it at a worldwide auction was far from fiction.
In reality, the snake was completely ordinary — if one ignored the two tiny bony protrusions on its head and the strange, almost shimmering color that caught the sunlight. These features might have seemed like a whimsical quirk of nature to some, but not to him.
He immediately crafted a legend: that before them was a rare "dragon in metamorphosis," caught in a transitional stage between its juvenile form and true appearance. And the most astonishing thing —everyone believed it.
A little finesse, some prearranged historical "evidence," a sprinkle of rumors, and the deal was done. Merchants literally hurled coins at each other, trying to outbid one another.
Those had been good times…
"Grandpa Blind, how do you know so much? You're not even the oldest in the village, but you seem to understand almost everything," Grey asked.
The blind grandfather smiled and replied kindly, "My life's motto is: 'Every day, learn something new.' If you learn at least one or two new words each day, or master a new skill—you are truly living. If not—you're simply rotting from the inside. And that would be so very sad."
"He-he-he, um, Grandpa, you're right as always. So, what will you teach us today? I don't want to rot from the inside," Grace chirped cheerfully.
"Take a seat. But before we begin, tell me—why do you look so rumpled?"
[Ugh, he's blind. How does he notice every tiny crease in our clothes?] Grace complained silently, but she answered anyway:
"Sorry, Grandpa, we were by the forest stream and slightly wrinkled our clothes while tending the herd."
"Pay attention to your appearance. There's a saying: 'People are always greeted by their clothes, and seen off by their mind.' Do you understand what that means?" the old man asked, already beginning his lesson even though the children hadn't realized it.
"It means that if you wear expensive clothes, it shows your privileged status. In that case, the person you're speaking with will treat you as an important figure, someone to be approached carefully."
"Correct, Grey. But that answer isn't quite complete. The main reason you must take your clothing seriously lies in the importance of first impressions.
People judge you as a person primarily by your appearance. When they meet you for the first time, they decide whether you are worthy of their attention or not. The better you look, the more interested your interlocutor will be in continuing the conversation.
Who in their right mind would want to waste their time talking to a drunk, unkempt pauper? What good could come from such a conversation? What could that person contribute to your life?
While your natural appearance plays a huge role in winning someone over, you must not forget your clothing, which further emphasizes your importance in their eyes.
Even the simplest outfit, if clean and tidy, can inspire admiration and a desire to know you better as a person.
We live in a world where the strong will always rule over the weak. Connections and status are also a form of power. If you have good connections, you will lack nothing. Therefore, by appearing beautiful and well-kept, you increase your strength and authority.
Appearance, manners, and knowledge. These are the three strongest weapons for gaining power through your connections.
Do you understand?" the grandfather asked after his brief lecture on the importance of appearance.
"Yes / Umu," Grey and Grace replied, respectively.
"That's very good. Don't be so tense; I don't blame you. Who hasn't been a restless child? Fun is a wonderful thing. I just hope that one day my lessons will help you in life. Now, relax and have some tea," the blind grandfather suggested with a smile.
The children didn't even notice that they had been completely caught up in his pace, sitting a little tensely over their earlier mistake.
Lessons with the blind always unfolded this way—smoothly and positively, more like a heart-to-heart over a cup of tea than a boring class. The twins often noticed how quickly time flew during his lessons, and by the time they grasped the topic, the class was already winding to a close.
And today was exactly the same.
"Let's talk about geography. Grace, you've always wanted to travel, haven't you? Tell me what you know about our world and where you'd like to go."
"All right… Well, our world is called Eridania. It's a vast planet with eight continents and three moons: Nyx, Venera, and Mani. We're currently on the continent of vampires and werewolves—Nightingale. This continent, along with the demon continent at the south pole, is always accompanied by Nyx. On the continent of Alaz, where we lived with Mother until we were three, only Venera is visible."
"Did you know that the satellites of our planet are named after gods?" the blind man interjected, immediately noticing the hesitation creeping into the girl's voice.
She needed a moment to gather her thoughts, and he skillfully steered the conversation, giving her time.
"Nyx, also known as the goddess of night, favors all dark creatures. Mani is a saint in the Scandinavian pantheon, loving the whole world and shining brightly even in the darkest night. Venera is named after the pseudonym of Aphrodite, the most beautiful goddess of all. Though this goddess has no connection to the celestial body—the moon was named in hopes of attracting her attention. They say that just one glance from Aphrodite is enough to drive many gods to despair."
"Grandpa Blind, have you ever seen Aphrodite?" the boy asked, unable to believe that anyone could be more beautiful than his own mother.
"No, I haven't had the chance," the elder replied calmly. "And honestly, I wouldn't want to. Legend has it that anyone who gazes upon her divine form can no longer find beauty in anything else. Sounds terrifying, doesn't it? He-he.
But never mind that. Grey, tell me what other continents do you know?"
"Ahem, the continent of angels is at the North Pole, opposite the demon continent. I've heard it's called Everest, named after the massive mountain that spans the entire land. By the way, there's also the largest continent—Yggdrasil—where beastfolk and elves live. Cassia told me about it. That's where she was born and raised. And near Alaz and Nightingale is the continent of Velnora, home to witches like Grandma Albedo."
"Correct. You forgot to mention that Yggdrasil is named after the Tree of Life, which the elves protect. They are currently the strongest race, and the Tree of Life is the foundation of their power.
Velnora is a very dangerous continent, inhabited by the strangest creatures. Witches fled there to escape persecution and decided to create their own race, separating themselves from the rest of humanity. So you've named six out of the eight continents.
Not bad, not bad. You've done well. I'll tell you about the remaining two.
Near the continent of Alaz lies Pratos, the most chaotic of all continents. It is also inhabited by humans, but mostly cultists and barbarians live there. Endless wars rage across this land.
In contrast to chaotic Pratos, there is the Neutral Continent. All races gather there for trade. It is ruled in turn by the great races, with each ruling period lasting ten years. Currently, the Angels govern it. Only the most powerful forces can compete for the title of ruler. There are nine races in total: Witches, Vampires, Werewolves, Angels, Demons, Elves, Beastfolk, Humans, and Merfolk.
But I know a secret, do you want me to tell it?" the blind elder asked, sparking the twins' curiosity.
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Dear readers, I have to inform you that this work was rejected when applying for a contract without the possibility of revision. Therefore, I was forced to create a second version of the book, where I will publish the latest updates.
I will not give up on this version, but some chapters will be posted a little later than in the main one.
The book is called "The Mad Immortal"
https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-mad-immortal_34969618200258905###
Many thanks for your support, active comments and reviews.
This will help more readers to get acquainted with my book, which means my chances of getting a contract will increase and you will receive content more often. (The author also needs to eat and provide for his family)