The beginning of all problems - part 2

When I had read the novel, I had hardly paid attention to the narrative beauty of its world-building.

I was someone who was always more interested in the fast-paced action and adventure part than the world in which this novel was based.

All I knew about this world was that it was written in a futuristic setting where the races had advanced far too much in technology even to be called advanced.

I would have never grasped the meaning of these words had I not seen this world with my own eyes.

To call the city we were heading to a modern masterpiece would be an underestimation. It was far more than that.

"Close your mouth or you'll catch flies. Do not let mother see your undignified actions or you'll not survive the day."

Once again, the thought of 'mother' sent a shiver of fear down my spine. I did not know if 'I' was the one reacting to that threat or my body.

"You will stay in the family villa for a few days so that I can do damage control. Then we shall discuss what to do with you next."

I wanted to protest but I had no energy to go against 'my brother.' The magical pressure he oozed was too much for me to feel comfortable with.

"Oh, and leave the dragon in the car for now. We don't want to spook people with its presence right now."

The said dragon was sleeping peacefully in my arms and I was reluctant to leave him behind.

But one glare was all it took for me to make my decision.

The mansion we arrived at was a modest two-story house with big grounds. It would be the first thing you would think if you heard the word 'noble' but not royalty.

I was so busy looking around at the wonders of this new world that I missed it when another radiant presence arrived at the scene.

"I see you made it back alive. Come here child, let me have a look."

My body moved on its own. I was getting tired of feeling like my body was not my own and not having any control over it.

This life was no better than being a slave to someone else and living my life under someone else's thumb.

Even when I wanted to step back and run far away from the cold stare of the 'mother' in front of me, I could not find it in my body to move.

Even when 'mother' cupped my face harshly in her hands, I could not look away from her eyes.

"I see that you survived that encounter. A shame for real to see you still alive but worthless. At least you have a will to survive which shall serve our clan well. Now go and rest."

Those were not the words I had expected to come out of my 'mother's' mouth. The cold and ruthless tone scared me and I wanted to see if I was the only one who had heard her words.

In the original novel, the queen had been a sympathetic figure that had helped Prince Edward a lot.

And for me, someone who had read the original novel, it was difficult to compare that magnificent and well-liked character with this cold block of ice.

'Things are not as the novel dedicated it to me. Would I be able to live a free life here when I lack so much knowledge?'

"If you don't like your circumstances then gain power. This is the only way to survive in this world"

Those words were spoken in a really low voice. I did not even realize that I passed Edward until I heard his voice in my ear.

I wanted to turn around and ask him more questions but he was gone before I could do that.

"That child is rude as ever. But at least he's not a failure so I can tolerate his disrespect. As for you, you are on your own."

The queen left me with those parting words and I realized a crucial part I had missed in my assessment when I chose my role.

The main reason I had chosen my role was that he was a minor character who had nothing much to do.

But just because the readers had not seen his struggle on the main page did not mean that 'I' was free to do what I wanted. To gain his freedom, he must have struggled a lot as well.

Had I knowns this beforehand, I would have chosen one of the main character roles where I knew what I needed to do.

"Young master, where should I put your pet? He is getting agitated inside the car."

All this thinking was going to give me a headache. So I decided to turn off my brain for now and think of a solution later.

"Give me a second. Don't touch Ryu since he tends to get irritated easily."

The servant stepped back as soon as I gave an order. I quickly picked up the dragon kid and hurried to my room in the mansion.

I did not have any memory of this place but my body seemed to remember this place and its internal layout.

And just in a matter of minutes after touching the bed, I was in a land of dreams.

===============

Sleeping proved to be the best decision I could have made at that time.

When I woke up, I felt refreshed and ready to think about my situation.

There were a few things I was being made clear by this world. And he decided to pay attention to them for my freedom.

First, I needed to get stronger. For me to gain my freedom in this world, I needed to become someone no one could go against.

But I also needed to avoid stepping on the protagonist's path while doing so or I will become just a plot point in the novel.

Besides, anyone who tried to take something that belonged to the protagonist ended up saying a horrible death. That was not something I envisioned in my future.

If I was going to die, it would be because I wanted to. Not because of any foolish plot point.

But even saying this, there was not a lot I could do. I did not have the same physique as the protagonists, nor did I have their cheats.

I also needed to maintain a distance from them and make sure to minimize my presence from the main plot.

But all that was easier said than done.

The only consoling point I had about my situation was my age. Since I was younger than both protagonists, I will not be forced into the same plot as them.

That gave me a little more freedom to act around.

But I also needed to think of a few ways to defend myself in this world. This world was not safe for anyone weak and I did not want to be a victim.

Even though I had Ryu, there would be times in the future when I would need to be separated from the dragon. And once Ryu got too big to accompany me, I would lose my edge.

As such, I needed to look for alternatives for my situation.

But the only thing I could think of was a contract summon with an Elementalist.

Unlike different species in this novel world, an Elementalist was a natural energy anyone could harness. It was divided into six main categories - fire, wind, water, earth, light, and dark.

Then protagonists were the only ones who could control all 6 due to their system. The rest of the word was stuck at being able to use one.

And I knew I would be no different.

Everyone was tested for these activities at birth and they were cultivated in such a manner.

I wanted to know my affinity. But the signs of what power you possessed did not leave any sign until you decided to sign a contract with an Elementaist.

So unless I signed my contract or somehow cheated and looked at my sheet, I would not know what affinity I had.

As far as I knew, Lawrence had no such contract in the original novel. But I wanted a contract. I wanted a contract so badly that I was willing to break into the royal library and look at the record book.

Every royal family member, whether adopted or born, had their affinity recorded in that book.

That was the only option I had left in my aisle to console me. That was the only way for me to be able to find out my affinity and help me plan.

And I was going to break into the royal library tonight and look at the book.

Once I had the list, I will make preparations for an elemental contract.

===============

"Don't stand outside my door like an invalid. Come inside now or leave"

The queen's voice came out clear and strong. The door opened and prince Edward entered the room.

It was a rare sight to see the two royal family members in the same room. Everyone knew that the royal clan did not get along very well.

"Mother, I was hoping to be able to talk to you in person. It would be appreciated if you send your dogs outside while we talk."

The servants around the room looked on toward the pair with a suspicious look. Nothing good happened when two members of the royal family decided to conspire together.

"I understand. Everyone leave this place."

"But madam. Are you sure about it?"

"Scam. Do not question me about this or you will all lose your lives."

The soldiers left the room as soon as they could. No one wanted to be the one to confront the queen when she was in a bad mood.

Prince Edward waited once everyone was out of the room before he turned toward the queen.

Prince Edward threw a stack of paper in front of the queen with a blank face. He watched for her to pick the bundle up before taking a seat.

"This? Are you sure about your findings?"

"I am quite sure. I witnessed this habit of his with my own eyes. This is why I am proposing this solution to you."

The queen looked at the papers in front of her with narrowed eyes. Her gaze challenged the words written on the paper to change, but the words did not even bulge at all.

The queen had no option but to give up and believe her son.

Had Edward not been the one to bring Lawrence's suicidal tendencies in a report in front of the queen, she would not have believed a word being said to her.

"I understand. So you want me to pull some strings and get Lawrence admitted to the academy with the new batch? Do you believe this will help us in any way?"

The queen did not sound opposed to the idea. It was difficult to tell what she was planning.

"Yes. Since I'm in the academy, it would be better for Lawrence to be near to me. I can keep an eye on Lawrence to make sure he doesn't die."

"I see. Then I shall be counting on your crown Prince Edward. Ensure Lawrence's survival till adulthood and make sure we get our treaty with the elves bear fruit."

"You are one cold woman. Playing your family like chess pieces. I wonder what you want to achieve in your life."

Prince Edward left with those parting words but the queen did not take them to heart.

She had heard worse from the court and nobles. And she was not afraid to hear even worse words while being in the role of the queen.

That was what being the ruling house of a race was all about. And the earlier Edward understood the need for sacrifices, the better for him.

As for Lawrance, he was a pawn till the end for her. The queen needed his help and she would make sure the prince survives till it was his time.