Chapter IV

As the King with a sulkiness that wasn't present originally making Aryen smirk made their way to the throne room, Asteri made his way to his private quarters where he was in charge of the foreign relations and the work involved. He looked back through his memories and noticed that it was more paperwork and writing. Half of which was mere policy framework and getting approval merits. This made him wish for the modern administrative system mechanisms that were used in his previous life. Resolving to find a way, he reached his office. He took a deep breath and entered the room. It was decorated in warms tones of amber and ruby red with a hint of gold. At his mahogany carved desk sat a goblet of blood which he quickly ingested after smelling for anything weird.

Putting the goblet away, he looked around the room. It was definitely the set tone for an upcoming diplomat making their path. The room was covered with bookshelves holding a wide range of books and on the other side was the plush couches in dark purple velvet with gold touches. He looked to see a fireplace which had light mana stones to keep the room warm. Mana stones were crystals that held the magic in a concentrated form for a variety of uses and very much favoured by non-magic users. However, he noticed a painting in the corner. He walked towards it to see an unfinished painting and art supplies. The original soul also loved to paint. He saw the painting was of the bookshelf opposite to him. Decision made, he went to his desk and found a paint stained apron on the stool which he expertly tied it around him and picked up the brush.

He stared at the unfinished painting which consisted of an outline of the bookshelf. As he pondered over how to bring the painting to life, a memory appeared that seemed to correspond to the similar scene. Quickly picking up a pencil, he sketched out the details. Once he was satisfied, he picked up the brush and palette. He squeezed a bunch of colors from the tubes and began to paint. He was happily painting. It came to life with a huge ornate bookshelf full of books. Next to it was a roaring fireplace with the stone details and a Persian rug in front of it. Just a few feet away sat a plush green armchair with the figure of his mother holding a book in her hands. In her lap was little Asteri and on the arm of the chair was King Adonis. He captured the looks of fascination and love on both his parents' face while he painted on awe and childish wonder on his. Painting the final details, he heard a knock on the door. "Come in." Asteri called out setting the brush down and removing the apron off. In walked a knight dressed in a three piece ensemble of dark green, gold and black with steel armor on his body and a sword. He was quite tall with short cropped dark brown hair, brilliant ember eyes and dark skinned with a furious scowl on his face. This was the knight in charge of the foreign service troops for the overseas embassies, Santos Miriam, the third son of Marquess Miriam.

Asteri looked back in his memories to see that they had a cordial relationship tinged with resentment as Sir Miriam was unhappy with him for being weak willed and stupid. It infuriated that the original soul that this unfeeling man refused to see him for who he was but also at the fact that he is narrow minded. Asteri decided to assess him. " What has happened, Captain Miriam ? You certainly looked displeased." Asteri commented, seeing him from his peripheral vision while cleaning his brushes. "Your Highness, please control your attitude when it comes to my knights. They are not yours to do whatever you wish. You cannot send them on trivial errands and make them skip training. They are soldiers not your personal servants." Captain Miriam exploded. Asteri took a good look at him. He recalled that he dispatched two soldiers into town to get a feel of the residents in their opinion of the next round of trade negotiations with the Elves. The Elven Kingdom signed a trade deal with them regarding an exchange in terms of jewellery and herbs which was well received by both kingdoms. The fact that the Captain was taking up an issue with this was not surprising but tiring. "Captain, you and your men were assigned to the foreign corps. I asked them to just gather information and that to made it clear to do so in their spare time not on company time. If you have a problem with the work, we discuss a new arrangement." Asteri calmly replied stunning the Captain who was expecting clearly something else. This made Asteri feel smug in making the man feel off kelter.

Just as the Captain was about to reply, the door opened. A man in the knight uniform of black gold and silver appeared. He appeared to be in a higher status than the Captain based on the uniform. He was the same height but with long pink hair in a braid, fair skin, blue eyes and an ornate sword on his left. Asteri instantly recognised him as one of the Imperial Commanders, Cassian Giroldi. He was in charge of the Capital and the Palace Security but also a frequent visitor on his trips. He was one of the few people he trusted with his safety. He stood in front of me and bowed. "Greetings to the little Sun of the Empire. I am extremely sorry to disturb you but His Majesty has summoned you to the Royal gardens for an important meeting right away, Your Highness." he said. Asteri immediately put everything down and straightened his outfit. "Very well, I shall be ready. Would you kindly wait outside ? I would like an escort if you don't mind, Commander Giroldi ?" Asteri asked. Commander Giroldi nodded and left the room. Asteri turned to the quiet Captain. "If you would like to make a new arrangement, shall we meet in the office here at 9 am ?" Asteri asked. The Captain nodded, saluted to the officer and left the room. Asteri breathed a sigh of relief and straightened himself. He checked for any smears of paints which he found none. He stepped out of the room to see the Commander waiting. They left. They passed a series of hallways where they reached the entrance which was decorated with a green arch and blooming pink peonies.

As they entered, Asteri was greeted to a gorgeous array of green hedges with flowers of various varieties. In the center stood an oak tree. Under said tree was a table set for four which was occupied with his father and two distinguished nobles. They walked quickly. As he moved closely, he noticed that his father looked thoughtful and yet expressionless while the nobles opposite him were dressed in reds and blacks with ostentatious embellishments. They had cold looks with a medium skin tone, dark brown eyes and black hair that was short. Aryen was standing next to the King. Aryen noticed his arrival quickly announced his arrival. Asteri knew that it was showtime. He nodded his thanks to the Commander who nodded back with quiet interest. He turned around and bowed. "Greetings to the Sun of the Empire. Greetings to Duke and Heir Apparent Fozia. It is an honor to make your acquaintance." Asteri greeted with perfect etiquette and manners making the King smile while clearly receiving approving looks from the Duke and blank looks from the heir. Aryen gave a proud look.

"Welcome son. Come and sit. Aryen, pour some tea." The King commanded. Asteri quickly sat opposite to the heir who tilted his head in greeting. The boy looked like he would rather be elsewhere than here. Aryen put the tea in front of Asteri who mumbled his thanks and delicately picked it up to take a sip. "The reason why we summoned you Asteri is because we, the Duke and I, have a favour to ask. Heir Fozia is currently looking for a job to gain experience in terms of building relationships. We would like to assign him to your department." The King spoke. The Duke interjected. "My son is quite good at all subjects and proficient in economics and the like. You will not regret it." the Duke boasted. Asteri just looked at the man with assessing eyes. The Fozia Duchy was well known for being meticulous as well as loyal officers of the court. The boy certainly was interested but at the Duke's compliment spree he looked bitter. A classic case of unstopping boasting. Asteri stared before he finally opened his mouth.

"What is your opinion on the risk of increasing the trade of emeralds and thyme for us ? Do you think it is safe or risky ? If yes explain or if no elaborate the reasons ?" Asteri asked the question stumping everyone around him. Asteri decided to do this to seek an evaluation how the person's mind works and whether he will fit in the department. The work he does is quite important and cannot be ignored lightly. Asteri did not notice the quiet yet proud looks of the King, Aryen and the Commander while the Duke looked irritated at being interrupted but Asteri noticed a calculative gleam appear in the boy's eyes. He was definitely curious about the answer. It could make or break his decision.

The boy mulled over the question and opened his mouth to speak putting everyone out of their anticipation eagerly. "Your Highness....."