Chapter 181
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Caesar led Ahri through the desolate streets and headed towards the palace, where Elizabeth and his father currently resided. Although it was late, he was quite aware of Elizabeths bad tendency to stay up past 12.
Not to mention his father who generally stayed up even later than even he, himself. He normally remained up until the dead of night, stamping his approval on an assortment of documents and signing his name, such were the responsibilities of the king.
Thus, Caesar quickened his pace and pulled Ahri through the respectful guards, into the palace, where many maids and butlers greeted them with a deep bow. "Welcome back, your majesty," they said in unison, to which Caesar responded with a slight nod of his head.
Instead of exchanging formalities, Caesar passed by the maids and headed toward the dining room, where he presumed his family to be. He wanted to surprise Elizabeth and talk about a few important matters with his father, Crowley.
With this in mind, they quickly reached the thick, luxurious door that separated them from the dining room. Caesar grabbed onto the silver handle and pushed ever so lightly, causing the door to creak open, wafting up a bit of wind with it.
The bright lights erupting from the kitchen temporarily illuminated Caesars and Ahris figure, causing Elizabeth, who was wearing a short red jacket and wide, sky-blue trousers, to look over. The small piece of chocolate dropped from her mouth as she shot up from her sitting position and ran over to Ahri.
Ahri as well, couldn't restrain the tears from welling up in her eyes. Once the little lass got closer, she crouched down on the ground, swooping Elizabeth up and twirling her around in circles. Cute giggling mixed with relieved sobbing escaped from Elizabeth's mouth as she spun in the air, not too sure what to feel.
Their grandiose reunion was beautiful, however, Ahri's dress was unfortunately dirty, as she hadn't changed since entering Rahvin kingdom. She wore a pale, green dress that barely showed even a glimpse of her cleavage.
On the other hand, Elizabeth's attire was quite lively and fitting for her age. Alas, it didn't match her sophisticated beauty, which no child of her age-group should possess. Her facial structure was must sharper than most children, who normally had rounded faces.
Caesar, who was at the side, smiled lightly and walked over to Crowley who was seated at the very end of the table. Important documents were stacked in front of him and he occasionally ruffled his hair in a frustrated manner.
Naturally, Elizabeth had informed him of Caesar's request, which was to buy the entire western region of Rahvin kingdom. However, money wasn't the main problem, it was moving the people currently living there.
For many years now, the west side has been the living quarters for the homeless and poor, they simply congregated towards the closest place where they wouldn't be scorned and imprisoned at. Loitering around shops and disrupting the peace had long become illegal, as such, the police and guards that roamed the streets were often quite brutal toward thieves and the homeless.
A pair of reading glasses rested over Crowley's eyes as he deeply scrutinized the papers in front of him. He was so absorbed within the pieces of parchment that he did not even notice Caesar looming over him.
Caesar quickly snatched the glasses that were covering Crowley's eyes and sat down next to him, patting him on the shoulders as he sat down. "Rest for a bit father, I have brought Ahri back," he said softly and gestured toward the still twirling girls at the entrance.
Crowley was first shocked and then relieved as he slouched down in his chair, breathing out a deep sigh. "well," Crowley said, "I will have nowhere to place the residents currently living within the west side if you purchase all of the buildings and land there." he explained.
Seeing that Caesar was not immediately replying, he continued, "if those poor and sick citizens start moving to other locations, I'm afraid disease and unrest would spread, disrupting our current peaceful times."
Caesar had not yet thought this far and nodded his head gravely, "I can grant some of them low-paying jobs within my business… I'll simply create some cheap homes on the outskirts of Rahvin kingdom." Caesar proposed after a few moments of thought.
"It will work," Crowley said, "however, they are not great workers, whether or not they supply you with satisfying numbers is not guaranteed, in fact, I believe that you will lose money on this endeavor." he further explained with furrowed brows.
He was quite aware that his son was a very intelligent and wise young man, however, he couldn't quite understand why he was doing this for a group of strangers. He figured that it had something to do with Ahri and the dwarf, alas, he would have to wait until Caesar decided to tell him.
Caesar knew of his father's worries, but he simply brushed them off with a shrug of his shoulders and crossed his legs on a cair. He would use his trusted aide, Veronica, to handle the dirty and tedious work. Just imagining the woman pulling out her hair and frowned brought a sadistic smile to his face.
As he was contemplating on how to overwork his employees, Ahri walked over with Elizabeth on her lap. A happy smile hung on her mouth as she sat next to Caesar and exchanged formalities with Crowley.
At the other end of the table, Ginger could only watch on as a seemingly happy family conversed with each other. No room for her belonged, and she couldn't strike up a conversation with her new friend, Elizabeth. Her heart stung and she felt extremely bitter as she stood up and glanced at Caesar a bit hatefully, "I'll be leaving" Ginger said, "along with my soldiers, of course, we have remained here for far too long."
Ahri wasn't even aware of Ginger's appearance until now and Crowley had long wanted her to leave, thus, their reaction was minimal. However, Elizabeth gazed upon Ginger sadly, "how come you have to leave?" she asked.
Ginger carefully observed Caesar's calm smile for a few moments before placing hands on her hips, "fret not," Ginger said, "you will be companying me on the journey so that you can join the church with me! You possess an extremely strong talent for holy energy and once it's unlocked, you'll surely become a paladin very speedily."
Her words echoed out within the dining room and both Crowley and Ahri couldn't help but glance between Caesar and Ginger. They both somewhat knew of the intense hatred he bore for the church, thus, they were quite curious as to what his reaction would be.
Indeed, Caesar's smile seemed to widen at Gingers expected words, "so they can brainwash and use her as a tool of destruction, much like you?" he asked with a tilt of his head as he stood up from the table, "you, who were bound by the church at a young age were drilled with their ideologies and philosophy, not being allowed to think for yourself" He continued.
Caesar slowly walked toward the absentminded red-haired girl, "your ideas are grand, and your people fight for what they believe is right. However, have you have thought that what you were doing was, in fact, wrong?"
Caesar continued walking and preaching until he reached Gingers back, "how many people need to die before what the church deems to be "evil" is eradicated? How many more children need to be used and indoctrinated until they are strong enough to complete their noble mission?"
Slowly, Caesar tapped Ginger on the shoulder and brought his face closer to her ear, "perhaps, the church is trying to hide the truth from you. They can't give you what truly want, nor do they feel obligated to do so. To them, you are simply an expendable tool" He whispered cruelly into Ginger's ear and he could feel her tremble with his hand.
"However," Caesar's tone suddenly changed as he raised his upper body, "I can give what you want, I can provide you with unbridled freedom and a peaceful life. But, you must first do something for me." he added.
Slowly, Caesar struck down Ginger's initial thought process and the teachings of the church. Supplying her with half-truths and his own philosophy, manipulating her into finally becoming capable of thinking for herself. Naturally, she wouldn't so easily turn her back on the church, but it would stop her from taking Elizabeth to the church.
Besides, it was more of an investment for the future. He believed that Ginger was a potential asset, a strong one at that. Thus, even while Ahri and the others watched, he slowly manipulated the poor girl on a whim. He would not force, nor teach her anything immoral, instead, he would explain the true colors of the world.
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Caesar led Ahri through the desolate streets and headed towards the palace, where Elizabeth and his father currently resided. Although it was late, he was quite aware of Elizabeths bad tendency to stay up past 12.
Not to mention his father who generally stayed up even later than even he, himself. He normally remained up until the dead of night, stamping his approval on an assortment of documents and signing his name, such were the responsibilities of the king.
Thus, Caesar quickened his pace and pulled Ahri through the respectful guards, into the palace, where many maids and butlers greeted them with a deep bow. "Welcome back, your majesty," they said in unison, to which Caesar responded with a slight nod of his head.
Instead of exchanging formalities, Caesar passed by the maids and headed toward the dining room, where he presumed his family to be. He wanted to surprise Elizabeth and talk about a few important matters with his father, Crowley.
With this in mind, they quickly reached the thick, luxurious door that separated them from the dining room. Caesar grabbed onto the silver handle and pushed ever so lightly, causing the door to creak open, wafting up a bit of wind with it.
The bright lights erupting from the kitchen temporarily illuminated Caesars and Ahris figure, causing Elizabeth, who was wearing a short red jacket and wide, sky-blue trousers, to look over. The small piece of chocolate dropped from her mouth as she shot up from her sitting position and ran over to Ahri.
Ahri as well, couldn't restrain the tears from welling up in her eyes. Once the little lass got closer, she crouched down on the ground, swooping Elizabeth up and twirling her around in circles. Cute giggling mixed with relieved sobbing escaped from Elizabeth's mouth as she spun in the air, not too sure what to feel.
Their grandiose reunion was beautiful, however, Ahri's dress was unfortunately dirty, as she hadn't changed since entering Rahvin kingdom. She wore a pale, green dress that barely showed even a glimpse of her cleavage.
On the other hand, Elizabeth's attire was quite lively and fitting for her age. Alas, it didn't match her sophisticated beauty, which no child of her age-group should possess. Her facial structure was must sharper than most children, who normally had rounded faces.
Caesar, who was at the side, smiled lightly and walked over to Crowley who was seated at the very end of the table. Important documents were stacked in front of him and he occasionally ruffled his hair in a frustrated manner.
Naturally, Elizabeth had informed him of Caesar's request, which was to buy the entire western region of Rahvin kingdom. However, money wasn't the main problem, it was moving the people currently living there.
For many years now, the west side has been the living quarters for the homeless and poor, they simply congregated towards the closest place where they wouldn't be scorned and imprisoned at. Loitering around shops and disrupting the peace had long become illegal, as such, the police and guards that roamed the streets were often quite brutal toward thieves and the homeless.
A pair of reading glasses rested over Crowley's eyes as he deeply scrutinized the papers in front of him. He was so absorbed within the pieces of parchment that he did not even notice Caesar looming over him.
Caesar quickly snatched the glasses that were covering Crowley's eyes and sat down next to him, patting him on the shoulders as he sat down. "Rest for a bit father, I have brought Ahri back," he said softly and gestured toward the still twirling girls at the entrance.
Crowley was first shocked and then relieved as he slouched down in his chair, breathing out a deep sigh. "well," Crowley said, "I will have nowhere to place the residents currently living within the west side if you purchase all of the buildings and land there." he explained.
Seeing that Caesar was not immediately replying, he continued, "if those poor and sick citizens start moving to other locations, I'm afraid disease and unrest would spread, disrupting our current peaceful times."
Caesar had not yet thought this far and nodded his head gravely, "I can grant some of them low-paying jobs within my business… I'll simply create some cheap homes on the outskirts of Rahvin kingdom." Caesar proposed after a few moments of thought.
"It will work," Crowley said, "however, they are not great workers, whether or not they supply you with satisfying numbers is not guaranteed, in fact, I believe that you will lose money on this endeavor." he further explained with furrowed brows.
He was quite aware that his son was a very intelligent and wise young man, however, he couldn't quite understand why he was doing this for a group of strangers. He figured that it had something to do with Ahri and the dwarf, alas, he would have to wait until Caesar decided to tell him.
Caesar knew of his father's worries, but he simply brushed them off with a shrug of his shoulders and crossed his legs on a cair. He would use his trusted aide, Veronica, to handle the dirty and tedious work. Just imagining the woman pulling out her hair and frowned brought a sadistic smile to his face.
As he was contemplating on how to overwork his employees, Ahri walked over with Elizabeth on her lap. A happy smile hung on her mouth as she sat next to Caesar and exchanged formalities with Crowley.
At the other end of the table, Ginger could only watch on as a seemingly happy family conversed with each other. No room for her belonged, and she couldn't strike up a conversation with her new friend, Elizabeth. Her heart stung and she felt extremely bitter as she stood up and glanced at Caesar a bit hatefully, "I'll be leaving" Ginger said, "along with my soldiers, of course, we have remained here for far too long."
Ahri wasn't even aware of Ginger's appearance until now and Crowley had long wanted her to leave, thus, their reaction was minimal. However, Elizabeth gazed upon Ginger sadly, "how come you have to leave?" she asked.
Ginger carefully observed Caesar's calm smile for a few moments before placing hands on her hips, "fret not," Ginger said, "you will be companying me on the journey so that you can join the church with me! You possess an extremely strong talent for holy energy and once it's unlocked, you'll surely become a paladin very speedily."
Her words echoed out within the dining room and both Crowley and Ahri couldn't help but glance between Caesar and Ginger. They both somewhat knew of the intense hatred he bore for the church, thus, they were quite curious as to what his reaction would be.
Indeed, Caesar's smile seemed to widen at Gingers expected words, "so they can brainwash and use her as a tool of destruction, much like you?" he asked with a tilt of his head as he stood up from the table, "you, who were bound by the church at a young age were drilled with their ideologies and philosophy, not being allowed to think for yourself" He continued.
Caesar slowly walked toward the absentminded red-haired girl, "your ideas are grand, and your people fight for what they believe is right. However, have you have thought that what you were doing was, in fact, wrong?"
Caesar continued walking and preaching until he reached Gingers back, "how many people need to die before what the church deems to be "evil" is eradicated? How many more children need to be used and indoctrinated until they are strong enough to complete their noble mission?"
Slowly, Caesar tapped Ginger on the shoulder and brought his face closer to her ear, "perhaps, the church is trying to hide the truth from you. They can't give you what truly want, nor do they feel obligated to do so. To them, you are simply an expendable tool" He whispered cruelly into Ginger's ear and he could feel her tremble with his hand.
"However," Caesar's tone suddenly changed as he raised his upper body, "I can give what you want, I can provide you with unbridled freedom and a peaceful life. But, you must first do something for me." he added.
Slowly, Caesar struck down Ginger's initial thought process and the teachings of the church. Supplying her with half-truths and his own philosophy, manipulating her into finally becoming capable of thinking for herself. Naturally, she wouldn't so easily turn her back on the church, but it would stop her from taking Elizabeth to the church.
Besides, it was more of an investment for the future. He believed that Ginger was a potential asset, a strong one at that. Thus, even while Ahri and the others watched, he slowly manipulated the poor girl on a whim. He would not force, nor teach her anything immoral, instead, he would explain the true colors of the world.
Caesar led Ahri through the desolate streets and headed towards the palace, where Elizabeth and his father currently resided. Although it was late, he was quite aware of Elizabeths bad tendency to stay up past 12.Not to mention his father who generally stayed up even later than even he, himself. He normally remained up until the dead of night, stamping his approval on an assortment of documents and signing his name, such were the responsibilities of the king.Thus, Caesar quickened his pace and pulled Ahri through the respectful guards, into the palace, where many maids and butlers greeted them with a deep bow. "Welcome back, your majesty," they said in unison, to which Caesar responded with a slight nod of his head.Instead of exchanging formalities, Caesar passed by the maids and headed toward the dining room, where he presumed his family to be. He wanted to surprise Elizabeth and talk about a few important matters with his father, Crowley.With this in mind, they quickly reached the thick, luxurious door that separated them from the dining room. Caesar grabbed onto the silver handle and pushed ever so lightly, causing the door to creak open, wafting up a bit of wind with it.The bright lights erupting from the kitchen temporarily illuminated Caesars and Ahris figure, causing Elizabeth, who was wearing a short red jacket and wide, sky-blue trousers, to look over. The small piece of chocolate dropped from her mouth as she shot up from her sitting position and ran over to Ahri.Ahri as well, couldn't restrain the tears from welling up in her eyes. Once the little lass got closer, she crouched down on the ground, swooping Elizabeth up and twirling her around in circles. Cute giggling mixed with relieved sobbing escaped from Elizabeth's mouth as she spun in the air, not too sure what to feel.Their grandiose reunion was beautiful, however, Ahri's dress was unfortunately dirty, as she hadn't changed since entering Rahvin kingdom. She wore a pale, green dress that barely showed even a glimpse of her cleavage.On the other hand, Elizabeth's attire was quite lively and fitting for her age. Alas, it didn't match her sophisticated beauty, which no child of her age-group should possess. Her facial structure was must sharper than most children, who normally had rounded faces.Caesar, who was at the side, smiled lightly and walked over to Crowley who was seated at the very end of the table. Important documents were stacked in front of him and he occasionally ruffled his hair in a frustrated manner.Naturally, Elizabeth had informed him of Caesar's request, which was to buy the entire western region of Rahvin kingdom. However, money wasn't the main problem, it was moving the people currently living there.For many years now, the west side has been the living quarters for the homeless and poor, they simply congregated towards the closest place where they wouldn't be scorned and imprisoned at. Loitering around shops and disrupting the peace had long become illegal, as such, the police and guards that roamed the streets were often quite brutal toward thieves and the homeless.A pair of reading glasses rested over Crowley's eyes as he deeply scrutinized the papers in front of him. He was so absorbed within the pieces of parchment that he did not even notice Caesar looming over him.Caesar quickly snatched the glasses that were covering Crowley's eyes and sat down next to him, patting him on the shoulders as he sat down. "Rest for a bit father, I have brought Ahri back," he said softly and gestured toward the still twirling girls at the entrance.Crowley was first shocked and then relieved as he slouched down in his chair, breathing out a deep sigh. "well," Crowley said, "I will have nowhere to place the residents currently living within the west side if you purchase all of the buildings and land there." he explained.Seeing that Caesar was not immediately replying, he continued, "if those poor and sick citizens start moving to other locations, I'm afraid disease and unrest would spread, disrupting our current peaceful times."Caesar had not yet thought this far and nodded his head gravely, "I can grant some of them low-paying jobs within my business I'll simply create some cheap homes on the outskirts of Rahvin kingdom." Caesar proposed after a few moments of thought."It will work," Crowley said, "however, they are not great workers, whether or not they supply you with satisfying numbers is not guaranteed, in fact, I believe that you will lose money on this endeavor." he further explained with furrowed brows.He was quite aware that his son was a very intelligent and wise young man, however, he couldn't quite understand why he was doing this for a group of strangers. He figured that it had something to do with Ahri and the dwarf, alas, he would have to wait until Caesar decided to tell him.Caesar knew of his father's worries, but he simply brushed them off with a shrug of his shoulders and crossed his legs on a cair. He would use his trusted aide, Veronica, to handle the dirty and tedious work. Just imagining the woman pulling out her hair and frowned brought a sadistic smile to his face.As he was contemplating on how to overwork his employees, Ahri walked over with Elizabeth on her lap. A happy smile hung on her mouth as she sat next to Caesar and exchanged formalities with Crowley.At the other end of the table, Ginger could only watch on as a seemingly happy family conversed with each other. No room for her belonged, and she couldn't strike up a conversation with her new friend, Elizabeth. Her heart stung and she felt extremely bitter as she stood up and glanced at Caesar a bit hatefully, "I'll be leaving" Ginger said, "along with my soldiers, of course, we have remained here for far too long."Ahri wasn't even aware of Ginger's appearance until now and Crowley had long wanted her to leave, thus, their reaction was minimal. However, Elizabeth gazed upon Ginger sadly, "how come you have to leave?" she asked.Ginger carefully observed Caesar's calm smile for a few moments before placing hands on her hips, "fret not," Ginger said, "you will be companying me on the journey so that you can join the church with me! You possess an extremely strong talent for holy energy and once it's unlocked, you'll surely become a paladin very speedily."Her words echoed out within the dining room and both Crowley and Ahri couldn't help but glance between Caesar and Ginger. They both somewhat knew of the intense hatred he bore for the church, thus, they were quite curious as to what his reaction would be.Indeed, Caesar's smile seemed to widen at Gingers expected words, "so they can brainwash and use her as a tool of destruction, much like you?" he asked with a tilt of his head as he stood up from the table, "you, who were bound by the church at a young age were drilled with their ideologies and philosophy, not being allowed to think for yourself" He continued.Caesar slowly walked toward the absentminded red-haired girl, "your ideas are grand, and your people fight for what they believe is right. However, have you have thought that what you were doing was, in fact, wrong?"Caesar continued walking and preaching until he reached Gingers back, "how many people need to die before what the church deems to be "evil" is eradicated? How many more children need to be used and indoctrinated until they are strong enough to complete their noble mission?"Slowly, Caesar tapped Ginger on the shoulder and brought his face closer to her ear, "perhaps, the church is trying to hide the truth from you. They can't give you what truly want, nor do they feel obligated to do so. To them, you are simply an expendable tool" He whispered cruelly into Ginger's ear and he could feel her tremble with his hand."However," Caesar's tone suddenly changed as he raised his upper body, "I can give what you want, I can provide you with unbridled freedom and a peaceful life. But, you must first do something for me." he added.Slowly, Caesar struck down Ginger's initial thought process and the teachings of the church. Supplying her with half-truths and his own philosophy, manipulating her into finally becoming capable of thinking for herself. Naturally, she wouldn't so easily turn her back on the church, but it would stop her from taking Elizabeth to the church.Besides, it was more of an investment for the future. He believed that Ginger was a potential asset, a strong one at that. Thus, even while Ahri and the others watched, he slowly manipulated the poor girl on a whim. He would not force, nor teach her anything immoral, instead, he would explain the true colors of the world.
