Jogid examined the list of names and locations Master Kaito had given him. The tax collector would visit Calmo Village in a few sun cycles, and his master was close to finalizing his meticulous documentation for each villager. However, there were still a few missing details that needed clarifying before the capital’s collectors arrived. Thus, Jogid had been sent to meet with these people directly.
He set off into the village with purposeful strides, consulting his list. Ah, first is Old An Thu and her pottery shop. He remembered the aged turtle woman well—he had assisted in stacking her roof tiles after the megnac beetle attack.
Upon arriving, Jogid was met with a toothless grin from An Thu. “Master Jogid! What brings your handsome snout to my shop today?”
Jogid smiled kindly in return. “Good day, elder. I come bearing questions from Master Kaito regarding your business income and expenses.”
“Ah, for the tax collectors! Ask away then, no secrets here.”
Think like Master Kaito! What would he do?
As An Thu shuffled around retrieving documents, Jogid’s gaze wandered over her wares, pondering. Casually he remarked, “These fine vases would fetch excellent prices at market. Have you considered seeking an apprentice to increase production?”
Her eyes lit up at the suggestion. Soon an entirely different but equally productive conversation was underway about limited batches, exclusive clients, and sustainability. By the time he departed, arrangements had been made to meet prospective apprentices, purchase a larger kiln, and procure some rare glazing ingredients.
Master Kaito would be proud.
At his next stops Jogid incorporated suggestions about value-adding wherever possible, marveling at how quickly ambition took hold. Soon his tax inquiries became secondary as exciting possibilities were explored. In his subtle way, foundations were laid. The seedlings only needed nurturing.
When at last Jogid returned home, he handed Master Kaito the updated financial records along with sketches and ideas for review. Jogid retired that night content in the day’s work. He even managed to gather support from the villagers for his other assignment. Progress on all fronts.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
The aroma of Kaito’s false thyme and parsley moonbread wafted through their cozy home.
“Will Mayor Zenith be joining us for dinner?” Jogid asked.
“I want to make sure this recipe is perfect before presenting it to Zenith’s refined palate.”
“Of course, Master Kaito. This will be the ultimate test for your new recipe. You’ve been working hard on this dish, I’m sure it’ll be perfect.”
Jogid is putting too much emphasis on this.
But it’s cute.
Kaito turned his attention to Jogid. “You’ve done well today, Jogid. I appreciate your hard work.”
Jogid’s chest swelled with pride. “Anything for you, Master Kaito.”
“Jogid, about taking away the mayor’s duties from you…”
Jogid held up a hand, stopping him. “Master Kaito, your plans are beyond what a mere mortal can understand, but I trust them. If you believe Mayor Zenith needs this experience more than I do, then I fully support your decision.”
That doesn’t sound right.
He really is the best disciple a master could have…I mean, if I really wanted to really train someone.
Jogid bowed his head slightly. “It honors me to serve you.”
“Thank you Jogid.” Kaito smiled, looking around his cozy home, filled with the scent of fresh bread.” Look at this peaceful life we’ve built here, Jogid. No one can take that away from us.”
Well, unless they’re allergic to parsley.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Paulus puttered around, tidying books and scrolls while Shagal stood with her arms crossed, staring out a window, the dust motes swirling within the sparse beams of light matching her mood.
She barely glanced up as Kota entered, his oversized robes still dragging on the floor behind him.
“Come to borrow another tome, boy?” Paulus chuckled under his long white beard.
Kota gave a cursory nod, making his way past the towering shelves laden with ancient texts. Before he could select one, Goren breezed into the room
“Ah, the assembly of the mighty,” he said with a sardonic smile. “I was en route to the king, but how could I pass up the chance to see our beloved Paulus?”
Shagal let out a derisive snort, barely audible.
“Goren, always a pleasure,” the old wizard sighed.
“It’s not every day you see all the heroes in the same room,” Goren remarked, eyeing the room.
“Not all of us,” She interjected gruffly.
Goren waved a hand dismissively, the emeralds and rubies on his rings glinting in the sparse light. “Orleado’s fall was unfortunate, but war demands its price.”
Kota spoke without removing his eyes from the bookshelves. “With Orleado gone, who steps up? Surely not the elf.”
Goren placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “You wound me, young mage. The role should go to whoever serves the kingdom best. And who might that be? Certainly not that hero...what’s his name?”
“Kaito,” Paulus chirped.
“Ah yes, the ‘prophesized’ hero. Didn’t even show his face, did he?”
Shagal’s eyes narrowed. “Would Orleado still be here if Kaito had?”
Kota shook his head, selecting a book from the shelf. “You ask the unanswerable.”
Paulus stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Rumor has it, this Kaito controlled the king’s guards upon his arrival. I’d be intrigued to witness his magic firsthand.”
Goren’s interest piqued. “Mind control of that level? Fascinating.”
Shagal’s fists clenched. “If he’s that powerful, then I’ll give him a good thrashing for abandoning us.”
Paulus held up a hand. “Calm, Shagal. We don’t know his reasons.”
“I don’t care for his reasons,” Shagal spat out. “He failed us when we needed him most.”
“But if he truly wields such power, even you might fall, like Orleado,” Kota remarked, his tone flat.
Shagal bristled. “Careful, boy.”
Goren raised his hands defensively. “Hey, hey. Don’t insult my disciple.”
“Don’t call me that. I’m only thirteen and we hold the same rank. In a few years It’ll leave you all behind.” Kota retorted, settling down next to a pile of books that was as tall as he was.
“Well then, I guess we’ll all be paying this Kaito a visit,” Goren said heading to the door.
“Don’t lump me in with the rest of you. I have my studies to entertain me,” Kota stated.
“Even better! More for me. Who knows perhaps, he’ll make for a decent challenge. Defeating that Lich King was too boring. Honestly, I don’t see how Orleado died.”
Shagal’s mana flared, boiling around her fists, in response, “You dare–”
“Gotta go! don’t want to be late. See you in one hundred years…or I guess you’ll be dead then.”
Jogid examined the list of names and locations Master Kaito had given him. The tax collector would visit Calmo Village in a few sun cycles, and his master was close to finalizing his meticulous documentation for each villager. However, there were still a few missing details that needed clarifying before the capital’s collectors arrived. Thus, Jogid had been sent to meet with these people directly.
He set off into the village with purposeful strides, consulting his list. Ah, first is Old An Thu and her pottery shop. He remembered the aged turtle woman well—he had assisted in stacking her roof tiles after the megnac beetle attack.
Upon arriving, Jogid was met with a toothless grin from An Thu. “Master Jogid! What brings your handsome snout to my shop today?”
Jogid smiled kindly in return. “Good day, elder. I come bearing questions from Master Kaito regarding your business income and expenses.”
“Ah, for the tax collectors! Ask away then, no secrets here.”
Think like Master Kaito! What would he do?
As An Thu shuffled around retrieving documents, Jogid’s gaze wandered over her wares, pondering. Casually he remarked, “These fine vases would fetch excellent prices at market. Have you considered seeking an apprentice to increase production?”
Her eyes lit up at the suggestion. Soon an entirely different but equally productive conversation was underway about limited batches, exclusive clients, and sustainability. By the time he departed, arrangements had been made to meet prospective apprentices, purchase a larger kiln, and procure some rare glazing ingredients.
Master Kaito would be proud.
At his next stops Jogid incorporated suggestions about value-adding wherever possible, marveling at how quickly ambition took hold. Soon his tax inquiries became secondary as exciting possibilities were explored. In his subtle way, foundations were laid. The seedlings only needed nurturing.
When at last Jogid returned home, he handed Master Kaito the updated financial records along with sketches and ideas for review. Jogid retired that night content in the day’s work. He even managed to gather support from the villagers for his other assignment. Progress on all fronts.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
The aroma of Kaito’s false thyme and parsley moonbread wafted through their cozy home.
“Will Mayor Zenith be joining us for dinner?” Jogid asked.
“I want to make sure this recipe is perfect before presenting it to Zenith’s refined palate.”
“Of course, Master Kaito. This will be the ultimate test for your new recipe. You’ve been working hard on this dish, I’m sure it’ll be perfect.”
Jogid is putting too much emphasis on this.
But it’s cute.
Kaito turned his attention to Jogid. “You’ve done well today, Jogid. I appreciate your hard work.”
Jogid’s chest swelled with pride. “Anything for you, Master Kaito.”
“Jogid, about taking away the mayor’s duties from you…”
Jogid held up a hand, stopping him. “Master Kaito, your plans are beyond what a mere mortal can understand, but I trust them. If you believe Mayor Zenith needs this experience more than I do, then I fully support your decision.”
That doesn’t sound right.
He really is the best disciple a master could have…I mean, if I really wanted to really train someone.
Jogid bowed his head slightly. “It honors me to serve you.”
“Thank you Jogid.” Kaito smiled, looking around his cozy home, filled with the scent of fresh bread.” Look at this peaceful life we’ve built here, Jogid. No one can take that away from us.”
Well, unless they’re allergic to parsley.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Paulus puttered around, tidying books and scrolls while Shagal stood with her arms crossed, staring out a window, the dust motes swirling within the sparse beams of light matching her mood.
She barely glanced up as Kota entered, his oversized robes still dragging on the floor behind him.
“Come to borrow another tome, boy?” Paulus chuckled under his long white beard.
Kota gave a cursory nod, making his way past the towering shelves laden with ancient texts. Before he could select one, Goren breezed into the room
“Ah, the assembly of the mighty,” he said with a sardonic smile. “I was en route to the king, but how could I pass up the chance to see our beloved Paulus?”
Shagal let out a derisive snort, barely audible.
“Goren, always a pleasure,” the old wizard sighed.
“It’s not every day you see all the heroes in the same room,” Goren remarked, eyeing the room.
“Not all of us,” She interjected gruffly.
Goren waved a hand dismissively, the emeralds and rubies on his rings glinting in the sparse light. “Orleado’s fall was unfortunate, but war demands its price.”
Kota spoke without removing his eyes from the bookshelves. “With Orleado gone, who steps up? Surely not the elf.”
Goren placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “You wound me, young mage. The role should go to whoever serves the kingdom best. And who might that be? Certainly not that hero...what’s his name?”
“Kaito,” Paulus chirped.
“Ah yes, the ‘prophesized’ hero. Didn’t even show his face, did he?”
Shagal’s eyes narrowed. “Would Orleado still be here if Kaito had?”
Kota shook his head, selecting a book from the shelf. “You ask the unanswerable.”
Paulus stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Rumor has it, this Kaito controlled the king’s guards upon his arrival. I’d be intrigued to witness his magic firsthand.”
Goren’s interest piqued. “Mind control of that level? Fascinating.”
Shagal’s fists clenched. “If he’s that powerful, then I’ll give him a good thrashing for abandoning us.”
Paulus held up a hand. “Calm, Shagal. We don’t know his reasons.”
“I don’t care for his reasons,” Shagal spat out. “He failed us when we needed him most.”
“But if he truly wields such power, even you might fall, like Orleado,” Kota remarked, his tone flat.
Shagal bristled. “Careful, boy.”
Goren raised his hands defensively. “Hey, hey. Don’t insult my disciple.”
“Don’t call me that. I’m only thirteen and we hold the same rank. In a few years It’ll leave you all behind.” Kota retorted, settling down next to a pile of books that was as tall as he was.
“Well then, I guess we’ll all be paying this Kaito a visit,” Goren said heading to the door.
“Don’t lump me in with the rest of you. I have my studies to entertain me,” Kota stated.
“Even better! More for me. Who knows perhaps, he’ll make for a decent challenge. Defeating that Lich King was too boring. Honestly, I don’t see how Orleado died.”
Shagal’s mana flared, boiling around her fists, in response, “You dare–”
“Gotta go! don’t want to be late. See you in one hundred years…or I guess you’ll be dead then.”
