Chapter 44
Chapter 44
General Soluten, slightly concerned by the young nobleman’s fierce pride, debated whether to offer advice. He finally spoke, “I agree wholeheartedly, but it would be best not to speak that way in Marquis Tygra’s presence.”
‘Marquis Tygra’ referred to Isaac. The title, bestowed by King Philip himself, was granted ten years ago after eighteen-year-old Isaac unified and pacified Downstream. It was the first title ever given to a Downstreamer, and a hereditary one at that. The “newly established House Tygra” had been a hot topic among Sky City’s elite.
Thirteen-year-old Benjamin had felt deeply insulted by the events. Only after his father’s explanation did he understand the rationale behind the decision.
‘It’s better to make him a vassal of His Majesty than to acknowledge him as a king on the ground.’
Marquis Tygra was now a vassal of the King, and his domain was Downstream. Isaac, now Marquis Tygra, dutifully paid “taxes” to the Sky City and received “gifts” in return. He was also obligated to welcome and protect the King’s envoys.
The people of Downstream considered this exchange of taxes and gifts a mere “transaction,” and they demanded the Hazard Investigation Team, periodically dispatched from the Sky City, be unarmed. Despite the humiliation, King Philip, prioritizing practicality, accepted most of the young ruler’s demands.
Benjamin was disgusted by this ambiguous power dynamic between Downstream and the Sky City. “You address him as ‘Marquis’ so readily, General Soluten? He’s of tainted blood, isn’t he?” Benjamin sneered.
His words carried a double meaning. Isaac hailed from Downstream, his parentage unknown. He hadn’t received a noble’s education and had reportedly only learned to read in his mid-teens. Such a man, a noble? No matter how much polish was applied, his origins couldn’t be masked.
“Marquis Lenota.”
“I understand. I too act on His Majesty’s orders. I won’t do anything against his will. I won’t offend ‘Marquis Tygra’.” Benjamin’s reply was stiff as he looked out the window.
The ground was at an angle. The airship was descending. Due to limitations in technology, flight paths were necessarily short. A transparent dome-covered mansion came into view. That must be the “Glass Dome Mansion” bestowed upon Marquis Tygra.
The Glass Dome Mansion was a jarring sight. Most Downstream buildings were dilapidated and consumed by pollution, the ground black and muddy. Yet, the Glass Dome Mansion stood pristine and beautiful, indistinguishable from those in the Sky City.
“That dome is the famed pollution barrier, isn’t it?”
“Indeed, Lord Lenota. A pinnacle of Sky City technology.”
“He should be grateful for His Majesty’s grace. They say he makes his servants wear uniforms there, mimicking high society. As if those Downstream insects know how to properly serve.” Benjamin’s tongue was sharp. General Soluten prayed it wouldn’t be so cutting in Isaac’s presence.
***
Meanwhile, in the annex of the Glass Dome Mansion, chaos reigned in Isaac’s absence. Canary, subdued during the two days spent with Isaac, seized the opportunity to cause trouble.
Arietta targeted the physician’s bag, snatching a pair of medical scissors, the very ones Isaac had used to cut Gwen’s tongue.
“Canary!”
Almost simultaneously with the physician’s shriek, Arietta lunged, aiming the scissors at her own carotid artery. She was intercepted at the last moment by Gamon, Isaac’s right-hand man, left behind at the mansion for precisely such contingencies.
The snake-like man grasped the blades of the scissors in his hand, stopping Arietta without touching her body. Instead of Arietta’s intended target, the scissors sliced deep into Gamon’s palm. Blood dripped.
Gamon’s face contorted in pain. Arietta, her expression cold, unlike the demeanor she displayed before Isaac, looked up at Isaac’s subordinate. “Did Izzy tell you to stop me?”
“He did.” Gamon’s dry reply was both a statement of fact and a warning. “If you attempt any further ‘nonsense,’ there will be consequences.”
This threat, too, must have been sanctioned by Isaac. Further attempts would be futile. Arietta threw the scissors to the floor.
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