19 Backstory
To say that Rowan was a little mad at Olinthus, was an extreme understatement.
The incompetent nobles were unwilling to do anything that would go against their interests, only wanting to do something when it benefitted them greatly.
He was severely criticized for even trying to control the nobles' spending, even if he had good reasons to give, they simply did not like to listen. Though, they would eventually give in when the royal family steps in and orders them to follow Rowan's directions. Not that he was grateful, he knew that the Royal family was just exerting their power over the greedy nobles.
They were the culprits that tried to squeeze every little ounce of worth out of him and took him on a roundabout trip, always saying that they would let him go once he completely fulfilled his "duty."
He remembered his "duty" well. After all, he was tricked into it.
Rowan was ten years old, just a few years after he met a strange old man who introduced him to the importance of wisdom. Well at least, how wisdom could bring glory and fame to himself. A bit of a childish dream, he admits.
Even now, Rowan cringes at how his younger self believed that intelligence would easily bring fortune to his unfortunate life.
His parents' left him a small and empty house to fend for himself, and they go off to who knows where. Rowan often walked aimlessly on the streets of the city and when touring by himself. Wandering all the time made him feel bored and somewhat lost.
Finding out that "simply" having a high IQ would bring a better life enticed him into studying vigorously for years. Stealing books, borrowing books, looking over shoulders to see the newspaper, all of that to broaden his horizons and become aware of the world around him.
Rowan had an excellent memory and great motivation. He had both book and street smarts, making him ideal in solving multiple problems. This enabled him to improve the world around him in exchange for a bit of cash.
At that point, it felt like what that grandfather had said was coming true.
He was being smart and he got the money he wanted.
The more he studied the world and society, he eventually becomes enamored with books. No longer pursuing knowledge for just money and fame, he just wanted the sheer joy of learning something. Helping others was a nice bonus too.
He just kept learning and kept helping people, gathering both intelligence and hands-on experience.
Eventually, he entered a scholarly competition for the cash prize and access to the royal library. The competition was simply presenting an oral essay in front of the upper class and proposing a solution for the country.
It could range from big to small problems; it didn't really matter. All he needed to do was impress them.
Thus, he just babbled on about how other countries used certain ingredients to ward off pests from crops since Olinthus revolved around agriculture and his essay presented an effective solution, he won.
Rowan does not actually remember much from his speech nor about the competition. All of that was blurred out by a tall man adorned with a shimmering crown, offering him to stay in the castle and help improve the country together.
He felt overwhelming honor and joy. Being able to work side by side with royalty! They would be able to change the country for the better!
It was like a trance or a hazy dream. Before he knew it, he signed a contract.
At first, he had the time of his life. Reading every day, solving problems, and giving advice.
Then, he realized that things were getting harder. They forced him to read every single thing, burning out his desire to learn what they give.
The nobles come to him to solve national problems, which left him scratching his head, but not wanting to disappoint, forces himself to find a solution.
People kept asking him what to do, how could they solve this or that problem, why they should even do something.
And this all escalated within a month.
Rowan increasingly felt trapped in the castle he once considered paradise.
He asked if he could leave. And in response, the royalty of Olinthus only showed to contract he signed:
"I, Rowan, pledge my services to the country Olinthus.
I will assist in developing this country along with the gracious nobles.
Until the Royal Family of Olinthus had deemed my deeds and achievements
as satisfactory or I have reached the limited of my abilities, I will remain
in the castle to help as much as possible."
A contract was not much of a big deal. After all, it's just a piece of paper. That didn't really hurt him. What really hit him hard was the fact that he willingly jumped into an obvious trap.
Even at ten years old, he wouldn't have made such a foolish mistake. Why did he sign it? He remembered reading it, he definitely signed it. But, why did it feel like he didn't do any of that?
