Chapter_32: Younger Brother

"Can you turn on the light, please?" As the confident voice requested, a shadowy presence rose from the ground.

The presence headed directly to a switch. As the presence toggled the switch, the light from the bulb grew, taking over the entire room.

"How did you acquire this wine, Mr. Blackwood? Is it from the event?" Mr. Khaveh asked softly, with the bottle of cornberry.

"Yes, this wine was one of the beverages the helpers delivered for the visitors," Damian sighed as he said, before giving additional data.

….

Before entering the main mansion of the property, Damian and Kylor, along with the women, unexpectedly encountered one of the city managers, Mr. Khaveh Kiloo.

It was quite surprising for them to encounter a high ranking official of the office that runs the city. But to think that they would encounter a city manager? A man who has an overwhelming impact on both political prowess and city management.

They were experienced "Royal Knights," but their perception of celebrities remained the same as when they were rookies. As any average person would do, the knights had to get beaten by their urges.

The women were more enthusiasts than the men themselves. As usual, Aldai and Freya revealed a pen and paper for their twenty-first autograph since they were rookies.

Damian and Kylor had to join the conversation too, since they were waiting for them.

As the discussion between the knights and one of the city managers continued, Damian heard an intricate plan inside him.

Something—a voice—echoed within Damian's mind. The voice murmured a plan—a plan for his forsaken brother.

….

"I encourage you to taste it, Mr. Khaveh. It is definitely one of my favorite beverages."

"Is it really that good?" Mr. Khaveh asked with uncertainty.

He was definitely unsure of whether to drink or not, since he hadn't heard of a beverage like this one.

He gazed at the bottle for longer than a second before glancing back at Damian.

"It is good, Mr. Khaveh."

"Your favorite beverage is coffee, right? Well, it does taste like pure coffee beans, so I was hoping you would like it." Damian grabbed the bottle from Mr. Khaveh as he poured the wine into his wine glass.

"Well, if you say so," the city manager replied back, pouring the wine into his wine cup.

Meanwhile, Kylor stood as the bisector of their distance. He stood cluelessly and innocently.

"Do you want to drink, Kylor?" Damian asked worriedly.

"No, no, I don't drink wine or alcohol," Kylor stated with an embarrassed face.

Before continuing the conversation, the men in the room continued drinking peacefully. Meanwhile, Kylor was now sitting down, lost in his own thoughts.

But the peacefulness would soon disappear as Mr. Khaveh spoke.

"This does seem pretty good. I like your taste, Mr. Blackwood." Mr. Khaveh praised Damian with a sly smile on his face.

Despite Mr. Khaveh's polite offer to call him by his last name, Damian waved it off with a gesture and asked simply, "Please, just call me Damian."

As the conversation progressed, Mr. Khaveh's jovial tone subsided, replaced by a sense of urgency that was palpable.

He asked Damian and Kylor, "Why have you brought me here all of a sudden? What is the reason behind it?" His sudden change in demeanor revealed his seriousness about the matter at hand and his desire to understand what was taking place.

Kylor, who was lost in his thoughts, was shaken by the unexpected demeanor. Meanwhile, Damian stilled his composure as he replied to Mr. Khaveh.

Damian remained quiet for a moment before asking his question: "May I have your assistance, considering you are a genius?"

"Mr. Khaveh," Damian began, setting his wine glass aside and kneeling before the man, "I would be most grateful if you could aid me in locating my late brother's killer. Would you be willing to help?"

As Damian kneeled before him, making his request clear, Mr. Khaveh was caught off-guard. He couldn't fathom what it was that prevented him from immediately accepting the request. He wanted to help Damian, and yet, there was something he was missing—something he didn't know.

A sorrowful expression remained with Mr. Khaveh. Kylor noticed this expression, and he knew what would happen.

"In the honor of my name as the city manager of this very city, I would like to aid your problem, despite my own title of the city and the amount of work I would do every single day." Mr. Khaveh's sorrowful expression disappeared as a sly smile showed itself in his appearance.

"What?!" Kylor's surprised face remained for seconds.

A tear from Damian's eyes fell from the darkness within himself. That tear disappeared inside the realm of sorrow inside him. The tear became glorified and became the symbol of hope for his soul.

"Mr. Khaveh, I will remember your name for eternity, even after my death!" Damian's eyes bawled out tears inside him. He continued to cry in front of a manly person. Yet, that manly person accepted his tears.

"No, don't remember my name. There are more people that are special than me. I am simply here because of my intelligence, not my character." The whitened, sly smile remained as the conversation continued.

…

At the center of attention, "The Event."

The event was a lavishly luxurious affair, with staff running around to serve special meals during the long and tiring break.

After the break, Ms. Seraphine, the second MC, stood up to alert the visitors about the next session: the "Pearl Project" by Mr. Loid and Mr. Lowille.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the event is hereby resuming. There is only one session remaining before the promotion of these worthy knights," Ms. Seraphine said as she gestured at the knights. "And that session is the 'Pearl Project' introduced by two of our finest businessmen: Mr. Lowille and Mr. Loid. They will now take the stage."

With a light bow, Ms. Seraphine left for the officials, making way for Lowille and Loid to take center stage.

The businessmen ascended to the stage with deliberate steps. One of them had striking northern-red hair and piercing sapphire eyes, typical of affluent men. The handsome man stood in a masculine pose, a new layer of proof that he's in his early 30's.

Another fellow strolled on the stage; this time, the person was an elder. Unlike Mr. Loid, he was wise in his appearance.

A wave of applause ruled the entire room as both businessmen strolled to the middle of the stage. They smiled in every direction at the visitors before starting their speech.

"Devoted special citizens, crucial guests, and tourists from other cities, Masters of Ceremonies, Ms. Seraphine, and Mr. Lauren," Mr. Loid's deep voice resonated.

"High-ranking officials from the councilors, for the upcoming promotions of these knights, for the elegant mayor, Mr. Smith, and his beloved children, Ms. Meika Smith, Mr. Ludren Smith, Mr. Heinzen Smith, and the future mayor of this city, Ms. Ana Smith," Mr. Lowille's elegant and old voice took the highlight.

The same flashlight was then utilized to project both an image and sentences onto the surface above. As Loid's finger toggled the button, a full-on page of details and an image were displayed on the parchment.

"The Pearl Project is a project supported by fine politicians and branches all over the realm. Unexpectedly, it isn't like our previous projects like the 'Highfire District,'" Mr. Loid halted to cough.

"In our current era, technologies are used, specifically 'Cortium'. The current cores are being examined in every way possible for our future," he halted again, but this time to gesture at the image on the parchment.

"See that sketch?"

It was a sketch model of the project. An inverted right triangle with stories of balconies on the clear side. On top was an inflated, gigantic balloon floated to support the whole structure. Meanwhile, four specialized, giant engines were built beneath.

"That sketch is the model for our transportation vehicle." A short stop by Mr. Loid. "Yes, it's a transportation vehicle used in the sky like a Thor and a hot-air balloon."

"Furthermore, our Pearl is supported by branches in the region, including the enigmatic Philosophicus Branch."

A group of elegantly dressed men and women nodded in silent approval as the two businessmen on the stage continued their presentation.

"I am grateful for your support, Mr. Loid and Mr. Lowille," an enigmatic old man in a wheelchair said in a weary yet compelling voice.

…

"Additional branches include the Crescent Sapphire and the Purple Sun."

A shade of a smirk revealed itself in a man

"Isn't that intriguing, Mr. Sun? We are part of it."

A shadowy figure stood beside him, draped in garments that concealed every inch of his skin, leaving only a veil of mystery in its wake.

"In the whispers around me, I sensed the allure of their generosity."

…

"Unlike the Thor, our 'Pearl' doesn't rely on wings. Truth be told, the Pearl isn't even an aircraft. It has principles of an aircraft, such as being powered by an engine. But the Pearl diverts the elements and principles that make it an aircraft, so it cannot technically be an aircraft, but it is at the same time."

"The minimum number of people that can be inside a single Pearl ship will be around 200. There will be five tickets available: economy class, business class, premium class, first class, and VIP class."

"The structure of the Pearl will be built of hardened steel and protected by hardened copper. This can ensure the safety of our passengers. Our Pearl can fly up to two days maximum with no breaks, even if the pilots are resting since the Pearl is automatic and will only require the pilots to take off and land. Furthermore, our Pearl can reach 5 miles per hour with V4 Golden Engines."

…

"You know, these wealthy people don't know how to stop yapping," Xavier said, gazing at Ragnar with an innocent smile.

"That's how it is kid, when you're young." Regardless, Ragnar avoided eye contact with him.

"I'm telling you, I'm not a kid!" He walked up to Ragnar and attempted to punch him. But Ragnar was skilled and easily restrained his skinny arms.

"Ouch! You're hurting me, mister!" Xavier screamed and revealed a smirk to Ragnar.

"Hey, stop screaming. The people might misunderstand it." Ragnar tried to reason with Xavier. But it was too late.

As soon as he screamed, guards from the area ran to the loud noise. But, as the guards were approaching, Mr. Xavier revealed a more menacing smirk and spoke to Ragnar.

"I'll let you escape this in demand for an interrogation. You don't need to know what the small talk is about. You take the deal or no?" A menacing, long smile appeared on Xavier's face, leaving Ragnar flabbergasted.

This kid is smart. I have no choice but to agree on the kid's deal.

"I'll take your deal. You've won... only this time," Ragnar sighed with regret left in his eyes.

"It's your choice," Xavier said, his menacing personality fading away.

The deal was sealed just as the guards arrived, accompanied by a few butlers and maids. The guards brandished their weapons, ready to confront Ragnar. The tension in the air escalated as onlookers shouted, "Release that child!" "You're a madman!" and "Guards, apprehend him!" The whole scene was a chaotic spectacle.

As soon as Xavier reassured the people that he was a friend, not a stranger, the scene came to an abrupt close.

The guards, still unsure, asked Xavier if he was absolutely certain, to which Xavier reiterated his assurance for the second time.

Despite Xavier's repeated assurances, there were still looks of disgust directed towards Ragnar, clearly indicating that not everyone was convinced of his friendship with Xavier.

…

"Don't concern yourself with those individuals; they were simply uncertain. Be confident that they will change their perspective," Xavier reassured Ragnar with a comforting smile.

That was regrettable. It would be even more unfortunate if Lady Ana were to hear that I caused another disturbance.

After creating such a commotion, they found solace sitting together on a quiet bench outside.

"Xavier, what did you want to discuss?" Ragnar inquired with a weary sigh.

Xavier gazed at the ground with a sly smile, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Let's not talk here; the noise from the event is too distracting. I have a better idea. How about we continue our conversation in a more serene setting?"

Xavier's smile widened as he looked at Ragnar expectantly.

"Do you know where I'm thinking of, Ragnar?" Xavier's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Ragnar followed Xavier's gaze and then nodded in understanding.

"The bar," he said, pointing towards the distant building, away from the bustling main mansion.

…

After a leisurely stroll, they finally reached Mr. Xavier's beloved spot—the bar.

The bar's structure was sturdy, and it had a timeless quality, as if it had been standing for a hundred years. It was an old, charming establishment with a sign that simply read "The Bar."

"I can't wait to have my favorite cocktail," Xavier exclaimed, his excitement evident in his eyes.

"And what about you, Ragnar? Do you have a favorite drink?"

"Ah, yes. I tend to enjoy a good beer when I take a break from work," Ragnar replied slowly.

Xavier paused, and his curiosity piqued as he approached Ragnar. "What kind of work, Ragnar?" he inquired.

This kid is really annoying! However, I don't have a choice.

Ragnar hesitated for a moment before responding, "I don't have a full-time job. I prefer to do part-time jobs from different companies near my village."

Xavier nodded, impressed. "You sure are a hard worker, Ragnar."

"How about we cut the chatter and head inside?" Xavier suggested, to which Ragnar nodded in agreement.

As they approached the entrance of the bar, Xavier suddenly halted in his tracks.

"Ragnar, before we go in, I have a question for you," he said, turning to face him with a sly smile and a glint of excitement in his eyes.

"Are you really Ragnar, or are you pretending to be him?"