Levi Jackson is a briliant criminal psychologist, graduate chemist and a private detective with a knack for reading people. He uses his twisted genius to help the police solve crimes, together with his best friend Marco Evans.

Sam Gray is St. Thomas's Director of Forensics, and is considered one of the best, if not the best Forensic Pathologist in the World, other than that she is a mystery to the World.

And everyone knows Levi loves a good mystery.

Levi Jackson is a brilliant criminal psychologist with a knack for reading people. He uses his twisted genius in making a name for his private detective agency ‘Jackson Detectives’ with the business motto of "No case is too insignificant, as long as you're willing to pay."

Presented with the case of a missing accountant, he is forced to seek the help of Guy’s Hospital resident genius, and Director of Forensics, Dr. Sam Gray.


Join them in their adventure in solving different crimes and pissing people off along the way. 

........



Disclaimer:

(Please note that I do not own the cover art; it was created using canva app. Should this be yours, I'll gladly remove it upon request.)
 


IG:https://www.instagram.com/vanlauredel/
discord: https://discord.gg/ppNn947

A normal girl with a normal life that all changes because, a mystery figure came into her life. All because she thought that her best friend she could trust. Enjoy!!

William took his routine morning run around the park, with his earphones on and Nike sportswear 6 in the morning. Smiling occasionally with his fellow runners, greeting them good morning. His blond hair was soaked with sweat, and his damped shirt clung to his toned body more as he ran. When in a corner he smelt paint, he jerked immediately, only to find nothing around.
He swore his heart beat even faster, that it rang in his ears, recalling her. William jogged slower till he was walking in a leisure pace and gazing at the empty park, wondering where she was.
Was she merely in vacation? Possibly. Since she didn't have the local English accent, yet she spoke the language fluently.
The thought of her just vacationing gave him dread, if that was the case, it was merely impossible for him to see her again.
His life had been good, imcredibly busy but good. He just finished shooting a 1830's movie and was now preparing for his new role, as a lead to a movie based on a novel by R.E Devlin.  R.E Devlin is a mysterious author, who's person is still unknown to the public. Francine, Robert's wife is the one who invited him to audition for the role, since she is one of the Producers.
William had auditioned for the lead after doing his research on the character by reading the novel itself. After a number of callbacks, he was given the role. However, he felt a hint of doubt with his portrayal, and felt the need to know the character more. During their meeting last week, he asked the director and producers if he could meet R.E Devlin, in hopes that he'll be able to play the role perfectly if he understood the character deeper. The group gave him looks, as though it was a close to impossible request. They barely even managed to get the deal from Devlin's team.
Then they turned to Francine who made it all possible. Francine was the one who fought tooth and nail to secure the film rights of the book, and everyone knew many had tried and failed before. She was the one who was able to get that sweet 'yes' from Devlin's team.
Francine sighed knowing full well, it wont be an easy task. "I'll see what I can do, but I wouldn't get my hopes up." She said.
In privacy, the Francine and William spoke. "I'll try and talk to her Agent Cam, but I wouldn't be able to tell if Devlin would agree to meet you, seeing as he values his privacy. And when I say 'he', I meant as a gender neutral pronoun." Francine explained, careful with her words. This was one for the vows she made when she met the Author. Devlin was not as she initially expected, she'd read many theories on the web of who she actually is, and the revelation had shocked her.
Will noticed all the secrecy she needed to keep. "I consider Devlin a friend, and his identity must be kept a secret--I am literally under contract, Will." Francine revealed and William understood completely.
R.E Devlin was considered one of the best mystery writer of this century, selling more than 700Million copies, and constantly on the International Best Sellers List, R.E Devlin had been a household name and it has a horde of fans from Twitter, Instagram, Facebooks, a number of dedicated websites and Fan Clubs.
Yet, his identity, gender, race or even age is known only by a few people. One of those people is his Agent Cameron, who William only knew of from his strict reputation. Cameron had always gone the extra mile for his clients, protecting them like no tomorrow. He was a former stockbroker in New York, and now he's infamous for his colorful language against the Press. He would sue them left and right, thus, he was both respected and feared by the media, especially with the R.E. Devlin Mystery waiting to be cracked. 
William was in his flat studying the script, anxiously waiting for Francine's promised call regarding his request.
His phone rang around 1 in the afternoon, seeing the name on the screen he answered. 
"Fran."
"Will! Great news! I was able to convince Cameron! He gave me instructions. Follow them carefully after you sign the non disclosure agreement I emailed you!"

Bonafide Hollywood actor William Knightly first met her in unorthodox way, with her strutting inside the Men's Room like she owned it. It was a red flag, right there. 
First thing that came to mind was, 'CRAZY FANGIRL'.
Then she told him to join her in a cubicle, and said: "All you'll do is stand"

This scene was not William's romantic idea of a cute-meet. But what can he do? That was how he met El, the mysterious  woman who has a knack for trouble.

IG:https://www.instagram.com/vanlauredel/

"Zach, I just confirmed what we had been thinking all along. Angelica Marie your ex wife and Anastaxia Maria your dead wife.. They are the same person."
"You can't be serious Emmanuel!" His voice rose several octave. The unrealistic truth rendered him with the biggest shock of his life.
"Why would I kid at this too complicated situation?" He took the the cup of coffee and took a sip. The tension was drying Emmanuel's throat.
Zach shook his head. Eman was right why would he be kidding at times like this? The day Xia died, their life had been filled with mystery that kept them curious to know the truth up to now.
It was not Emmanuel's forte to kid around and say a practical joke as the one he said. Of all his friends, it was Emmanuel who was the serious one
"And here I thought Anastaxia and Angelica are long lost twins." He brushed his head in exasperation wondering how the hell that happened.
"It what my assumption at first. However, Catherine, my younger sister happened to be investigating the case and she found out the truth." Eman replied too seriously.
The Cafe they were inside was now filled with patrons but it the noise around them drowned from their own thoughts. They ignored the crowd that had been looking at them the moment they entered the place.
They have a hard time to absorb the shocking truth that none of them expected. It was the last thing they thought and it was actually the truth. It was the first time in their whole life to met such a remarkable case of Multiple Personality Disorder.
Emmanuel handed him a thick piece of sealed envelope. It was heavier than he imagine and took it with both hands then gently lay it on the table. His cup of coffee was already forgotten. His full attention was now settled on the contents inside.
Zachary Benedict opened the envelope with his fingers trembling as the feeling of excitement and dread poured at the same time. He discovered It contains birth certificate, old pictures actually there are lots of them, hand written notes and many more document that all pointed on the same woman.
"She have a hard life Zach." Emmanuel said softly knowing that he was in pain watching the evidence in his fingers. "It was the street which serve as her home Zach until she was taken into an orphanage that made her life. much much worse."
Zachary Benedict swallowed hard and fought back the tears by clenching his fist under the table. Watching the pictures he held in his fingers made him realize that during Xia's younger years, there was none which captured her smile. All the pictures he held contained the woman hardened by time. Her round eyes were cold while her lips was firmly pressed together into a thin line like an adult when she was just ten years old at the picture.
Xia's younger self was bullied most of the time because she was born different than the rest around her who had been born with an ordinary face and an ordinary personality. Her well kept hair fell from her waist like a beautiful silvery waterfall while her rare grey eyes spoke a thousand of emotion when one looks upon it. 
The beauty that would have been praised by the higher society if she happened to be influential backfired. Instead, it is what she was hated for. Her amazing rare beauty was a double edged sword that started all the hate around her. Poor Xia! She was just an innocent orphan trying to fit in but in the end she was treated differently.
"She's almost fifteen years old that time Zach . It's just the beginning for another hell for her." Emman butt in after seeing the picture he was now holding. "She was at the age of fifteen that she was recruited to be an Assassin. I could say that none of them ever guessed she's going to be their top legend assassin.
Zachary Benedict cursed inwardly as he fought back not to punch Emmanuel in the face for making him feel worst. Just looking at the picture was already painful and he need not remind him of the pain Xia suffered under the heartless and selfish individuals who was taking her as hostage to serve them.
He cleared his throat in order to stop the tears amd eventually returned all the pictures including some other documents for him to examine once he was inside the privacy of his room.
"I thinks she develop her mental illness due to the trauma she had experience that all began when she was an innocent child Zach." Emmanuel took the coffee to his mouth and drank the contents until to the last drop.
He on the other hand, had not touched his coffee even once. He was a coffee addict and there's not a cup of coffee he will allow to pass without even drinking. However, today was different he will surely throw up if he force himself to drink the coffee's bitterness. He lost his appetite and he was sure as hell that he was not going to eat lunch, nor dinner.
"Her soul was beautiful." He began, looking on the distance with no one in particular as he imagined her sweet smiling face looking at him with appreciation. "She'd been through a lot of difficulty that her soul created someone strong enough to handle all the pain which her single soul cannot manage. That personality of hers thought her how to be simply her. It thought her to smile and to be happy."
Despite what had happened he start to smile as he remembered how she became so strong that he admired everything about her. Most especially he admire her unyielding courage.
"Have you forgiven her for almost killing you Zach?" Eman asked without filters.
"It was her duty to kill me but she did not. She spare me from death so I could marry her someday in the form of Xia. I would be forever grateful for her. Yes, I forgive her already." He replied and he felt the lighter as if a heavy burden had been lifted away from his chest.
"I was expecting for you to say that." Emman replied and took another sip to his cup only to realize it was empty already.
"I must be going now. " Zach said standing up already. I still have to buy a ring before I return to Brittania."
"Whoa? You're getting married Zach?" Emman was dumfounded as he slowly digest his words. He almost knock dow the cup on the top of the table from the intense shock.
"Yes, I'm getting married. You're the best man." He added before leaving out of the door in a hurry.
___
Zachary Benedict entered the Jewelry shop and from that moment everyone turned to his direction in surprise. It seems he was easily recognized. However, he was thankful when no one came to bother him as he began to choose the best ring for the woman he love.
The Jewelry shop was the best in all the jewelry shop in Cordova. It was actually Michael Angelo, his now best friend who recommended him the shop. He was not disappointed after eyeing the display, they are all beautiful and magnificent. However he was searching for something else. Once he sees it he will understand what he was looking for.
"Can you recommend me something else? Probably your best sellers?" He inquired politely to the sales lady.
"Please follow me, this way Sir." She lead him to the opposite side of the store where a heavily vaulted selections of couple ring are hidden.
"Our current best sellers Sir is the Puzzle couple ring, the eternity couple ring and lastly, the infinity bond."
The items was presented to him and he intently choose the ring which he will give Anne tomorrow. Among the top three designs presented on him the Eternity ring captured his attention most. It's as if the ring was pulling him to actually buy it.
The Eternity ring was simple yet elegant looking with dotted diamonds on the center. He knew that the ring will look so good to Anne's dainty fingers.
"I will buy this one." He finally decided as he try to conceal the excitement on his tone.
"Very well Sir, what size you wanted?"
"Please give me five and twelve." He mumbled then paid the item with his card without glancing at the price that caused a fortune.
He happily walk out of the Jewry store with the wedding ring now on bis hands. He can't wait to return this evening to Brittania to propose with Anne. He missed her badly that a week without seeing her was torture for him.
When he arrives to Brittania, he will be quick to propose so he could marry her. He knew what Anne will be shock to see her tonight. Finnally, He will met again. 


[ON HIATUS] 


[CURRENTLY UNDER MASSIVE EDITING] 

***

Xia, heiress of the Echevarria clan runs away from home after she caught her future husband into her step sister’s bed after a wild night of sex. Disguised like a nerd to hide her true beauty and identity, she hides to the country of Belavia to start a new fresh life.

Xia suddenly meets Zachary Benedict Kassanov, the enigmatic CEO of the Blaze Empire Company and at the same time the Crown Prince of the Country. She instantly becomes his secretary.

Just like Tom and Jerry, Xia and Zach could not get along with each other. She was made of fire and he made of ice, they are an impossible match. But as the saying goes, the opposite attracts. They soon found their selves entangle in the web of love.

Just like every ordinary love story the biggest test to their relationship began. On the day of their church wedding, Zachary Benedict's father dies in an assassination. He was suddenly forced to sit on the throne as the king of Belavia.

It was a decree for the King of Belavia to marry a woman of the highest rank. Xia was not a princess and Zach could no longer marry her. Their life was suddenly shattered.

Zach was soon assassinated but Xia shields his body with her own and die... But that is what they thought.

After a lengthy coma Xia, she wakes up and realizes she has become a totally different woman. Gone was her nerdy and unattractive look. She became a beauty that could launch a thousand ships.

It was not only her physical appearance that changed but her disposition as well after discovering she had a child with Zach. Which she eventually hides from the world as she joins the Selection... And she wins!! 

She steps into the throne and becomes the admirable Queen of Brittania and marries Azrael Cain Raine, Zachary Benedict's mortal enemy. She suddenly seeks retribution to the enemies who wronged her in the past.

(Translated by Diodra)

In the bedroom.

At this time, Xia Ping was sitting cross-legged on his bed, cultivating Pure Yang Immortal Art. He was refining the Fire Bear meat he just ate. Warm energy raised from his stomach, flowing to his meridians, and strengthening his body's vitality.

"Wow, as expected of top-tier cultivation technique."

After circulating the energy for one rotation, Xia Ping opened his eyes that glittered with a faint light. His vitality increased a little, in a few breaths, the Fire Bear meats completely refined becoming his true qi.

If it was a normal cultivation technique, without days of effort, it wouldn't be possible to completely refine such energy. And after you finished refining, most of the energy would dissipate and excrete to the outside of the body.

But, when he was refining with Pure Yang Immortal Art, he felt his stomach seemed to turn into a burner. It instantly devoured the beast's meats, eliminated its impurities, and refined the essence to become true qi.

This was the benefit of high-level cultivation techniques. Its efficiency in processing the energy alone couldn't be compared with normal cultivation techniques.

"It's a pity the amount is too little. If there are more, it won't take me half a month te reach fifth-layer Martial Apprentice realm." Xia Ping squeezed his fists.

If you can eat this Fire Bear's meat every day, with an unlimited amount supply of food, he believed his progress would be extremely fast. Breaking through the fifth-layer Martial Apprentice realm was a simple matter. And if this fast progress could be kept, there wouldn't be a problem to reach a good result in the entrance exams of the first-rate university.

However, the price of the medicinal pills and beast's meat was too costly. One thousand and two hundred federal credits per kilogram, his family couldn't afford so much.

"No wonder those rich-second-generations with average talents still can cultivate faster. With money, accumulating resources are simple matters to them. They can just consume any medicinal pills and beast meats and they will progress far ahead of anyone with poor background despite their painstaking efforts," Xia Ping couldn't help but lamented the injustice.

In school, some rich-second-generation always looked down on ordinary students. Consuming beast meats and various supplements became their routine daily. With such extravagant expenditure, it was within reason that their cultivation base improving faster.

Ordinary students could only cultivate painstakingly to absorb a little amount of spiritual energy between heaven and earth. Of course, they couldn't be compared at all, the gap would become larger and larger over time.

"But with the system help, as long as I have enough hatred points, I can also buy some medicinal pills from the shop, "Xia Ping's eyes flickered. Before he left the dueling platform, he got 220 points.

Because there were more students involved, it was only natural that he got more than when he was in the class.

"But still, these points are hardly enough. I need to be picky about using these points. I couldn't just keep provoking others at all times. Otherwise, the consequences will be hard to bear. This system is a double-edged sword, such a sword must be used with caution."

Thinking to this point, he was helpless once again, "It seems like earning money is the only way. Without money, I can't buy any pills or meats, it will be hard to progress faster."

If he was the average student like before, his dad's arrangement was the best for him. He was satisfied with just ordinary life.

But, after memory fusion and also this wonderful system in his hand, it awakened his ambition to see what kind of scenery someone who reached the pinnacle of martial arts looked like.

"The question is how do you make money?!"

Xia Ping was thinking hard. He was still an ordinary student. Even with the top-tier cultivation technique, he was still at the forth-layer Martial Apprentice realm. With this cultivation base, he couldn't do much in society.

He didn't have any experience in setting business. Hunting monstrous beasts with such cultivation base, he would only deliver himself as food to the beasts. As for a part-time job, such as a waiter and the likes, it couldn't make much money, it was not enough for cultivation.

"Ahh, I know! Become a novelist!" Xia Ping's eyes suddenly brightened up.

"Even in Yanhuang Star where the sciences and technology are far ahead of the Earth's world, the people's enthusiasm for literature hasn't faded. The top novelist can earn one billion federal credits every year, which is no less than an annual salary some top experts of the martial arts. It shows this industry has a quite good prospect.

The good thing is almost no piracy happening. The copyright is protected by the law and heavy punishments for the violator. The number of paying users is numerous, make the industry is prosperous."

With his memories from the Earth, he knew countless novels that sold well. And because of the memory fusion, he could remember them clearly as if he just read it a moment ago.

After deciding to write a novel, now which novel he should choose. There were many kinds of genre novels, fantasy, urban, martial art, sci-fi, history, romance, mystery, and et cetera.

"These fantasy and martial art won't work for certain."

Xia Ping eliminated these two, because this world where martial arts thrived. It wouldn't have a good prospect because here, those kinds of things were reality. It might have good acceptance on the Earth, but not on Yanhuang Star.

Urban novels wouldn't be good either, they had different societies, so there was no reference at all.
History and romance were beyond his consideration too.

The mystery was good, but there was no guarantee it would be successful here either.

"Uh, does that mean writing novel is the wrong move? No, there's no doubt that this kind of novel will become popular," Xia Ping became full of passion suddenly. "The erotic novel! Right, I can write this genre!"

The erotic novel, in another word, was porn.

Such novels were prohibited in Earth China and couldn't be spread on the web either. They would get blocked by the relevant bureau if they saw ones.

Censorship! Punishment!

Some novelists of this genre were arrested and went to prison. Even if some novels rubbed that part a bit, their works also got banned. It was simply restricting their freedom of expression.

But, even with such restriction, there was some erotic novel that was so exceptional, that it could be regarded as a holy book by countless men.

"Alright, Erotic novel it is then!"

Xia Ping clenched his fist hard, "Although different worlds, different societies, different technological developments, but in the end, we are all human. We have the same needs, especially down there. This book was on fire on the Earth, it the same here too."

More importantly, this kind of novel was not prohibited on Yanhuang Star. This world was quite open-minded. As long as you were above twelve years old, you were allowed to read this kind of novel.

"For the money, I'll write porn then!"

Xia Ping's eyes brightened sacred light, finally found his way to get rich.

But what novel should he write as his first porn? Although there were so many classic ones to choose from, it had to eye-catching and immediately became best-sellers.

Found one! He should write 'Teacher Bai Rong'. Xia Ping remembered clearly this classic erotic novel as it was his first novel of its kind. He remembered countless lonely nights he spent, who knew how many tissues were wasted. It was a true divine novel.

If this novel didn't become popular, then no other novels could.

“Shameless Xia Ping, not only did you steal my martial arts manual and medicinal pills, you even took my fiancée! We’re not finished!”

“He’s the embarrassment of the Martial Way and a parasite of the human race. A complete scumbag.”

“There’s nothing that he won’t do. Not only would he not help an old person cross the road, but he would also steal the lollipop of a three-year-old.”

“He causes problems everywhere. All of the geniuses of those big families have been beaten up by him before. Now, he’s no longer tolerated by either humans or gods!”

Countless martial arts experts of Yanhuang Star hated Xia Ping down to the very bone. They were just itching to completely crush him into pieces.

As for Xia Ping? Facing the hatred of so many people, he just calmly pulled up the interface of the “Grand Hatred System” and looked at all the wonderful things there. He rubbed his chin, “I’ve already saved up so many Hatred Points. What should I exchange for now? Saint-grade medicinal pills? Or perhaps that Primordial Pill? The peerless martial art skill, Tathagata Palm also seems pretty good too. But then there’s that divine weapon, the Cosmic Cauldron. It is too difficult to choose!”

Author  : 拉姆

The ride to the centre of the capital was rather quiet, so I took my attention outside. The city was lively. People were selling their wares all the way down the streets. Fruits, vegetables and meats were being sold by sellers with stained aprons and raucous voices. The ones selling the vibrant materials and Gollian pottery were just as loud. Everyone seemed to yell around here.
 
Then we faced some traffic due to the many coaches, carriages and rickety wagons lead by aged donkeys. So, it was quite crowded in the lower quarters of the city. There were some street kids darting in and out of the masses, the clothes barely clinging to their skeletal figures. The dilapidated buildings bordering the streets were pressed close to each other as a sorry attempt to conserve space. Then there was the smell. The stench of unwashed bodies mingled with sweat due to the harsh sun of Goll was almost unbearable. I had to cover my nose with a scented handkerchief. 
 
 
Fortunately, the crowds thinned out as we got closer to the centre until I could only see carriages and coaches with some well-dressed men and women walking briskly from building to building. The women wore crisp and clean dresses with little to no embellishments. This must be the business district. Fortunately in Goll, women were allowed to own businesses in order to push the nation's economy, in order to make it the best.
 
The ruling monarchy two hundred years ago said that everyone should be allowed to have equal opportunities to make something of themselves, so our nation could be powerful. So that it could be the best. So even girls were taught to fight as part of their school curriculum so that if we were ever attacked again, we could all defend our nation. Anything to be the best.
 
"We're here," my father announced as the coach rolled to a stop. The coachman opened the door for us and helped me down. Standing on the cobblestone road, I gazed up at my father's place of business. It was a double story building made of red bricks, with only two large windows at the bottom floor and smaller windows on the top floor. As I entered, I saw my father's jewels displayed behind glass cases, glittering in the late morning sunshine.
 
Glass. It was a mystery to most Gollians as to how it was made but all we knew is that the Royals had something to do with it. Brushing my fingers against the cool glass, I marvelled at all the emeralds, rubies, diamonds and sapphires. The gold was kept somewhere else. And the rings, bracelets and necklaces were kept on the other side of the shop.
 
When I went upstairs, I entered an apartment which was surprisingly lavishly furnished. Ferandian rugs covered the floor and a heavily cushioned seats graciously sat upon them. A polished oak table stood near the kitchen. I then entered the washroom and I saw a strange silver pump above the tub. When I pushed it, wonder of all wonders, water came out! That's new. Going into my room where my bags had already been placed, I marvelled at the canopy bed which sat proudly at the back of the room, draped with velvet curtains. I now saw why my parents travelled here so often. This place was gorgeous!
 
Why did we ever live in Tristia? 
 
Before I could give it anymore thought, my mother peaked her head through the door. "It's nice isn't it?" she beamed. I nodded speechlessly. "Come on, let's go and eat at the Minny's Inn down the street and go dress shopping for tonight!" I agreed and walked out with her. We passed my father who was now seated at the front desk writing a letter. Only my father could start working as soon as he arrived at a place. 
 
"Why did you live in Tristia, when you could have lived in luxury in the Capital?" I asked as soon as we were out in the street. My mother seemed to be contemplating something before she answered, "We wanted you to live in a safe environment so you could have the best childhood; but I suppose it isn't that safe anymore," she ended with a frown. I wanted to ask what was wrong but she abruptly returned to her smiling self. 
 
She always did change her moods quickly.
 
"I can't wait for you to taste Minny's honey cakes. They're absolutely divine!" she gushed and then dragged me down the street. That was a sudden change of topic but I wasn't in the mood for interrogating so I let it pass. I might as well enjoy what time left I had with her before being thrown into this marriage madness.
 
A few hours later we returned to the apartment with my a new packaged dress in hand. My father practically pounced on us as soon as we went through the door, telling us to hurry up or we'll be late. I took a quick bath and carefully wore the dress my mother had picked out for me. I wanted to choose a plain dress which would have made me look as boring as possible but my mother clearly had other ideas. She went all out in selecting an off the shoulders red dress with a tight bodice covered in detailed lace which then billowed out from the waist and swept the ground. I looked like I was going to a ball, but my mother said that it was perfect for the occasion, for my future husband was apparently very rich.
 
I bet he's a total ass. 
 
Leaving my curly hair to rest on my shoulders, I entered the drawing room. My mother gasped while my father remained silent, studying me.
 
"You look beautiful Becky!" she gushed and twirled me around. "I suppose she does," my father eventually agreed. I felt so self-conscious because I was generally uncomfortable with compliments. "But you're missing something," my father observed. "What?" my mother and I asked in unison.
 
My father disappeared into his study for a few moments but when he returned, he was holding a red flower in his hand. As he drew closer to me, I realised that it was a striking red rose. I loved roses. And as cliche as it sounded, I have always had an affinity for the red ones. Scarlet especially, always drew me in with its intoxicating scent. My mother had noticed my morbid obsession with them when I was younger. I used to put roses everywhere. In my hair, dresses, pets and even my food. I just thought roses were the best thing to ever happen in this world. You could never have too many roses as far as I was concerned. But then one day I passed out when I was playing in her rose garden and wouldn't wake up, which lead to my mother rushing me to a healer.
 
I don't what the healer told my mother but my mother ended up destroying her rose garden after that. I was depressed for months until my parents decided a change of scenery would do me good and they sent me to boarding school. And I hadn't encountered roses since. At least until now.
 
"It's so beautiful" I whispered as my father now used a pin to clip it into my curling mass light brown hair. 
 
"What do you think, Mother?" I asked hesitantly, fully aware of our history. 
 
Her face looked troubled but it smoothed out as she said, "You, my darling, look beautiful, even murderously so," She ended that by giving my father a pointed look, but the man just looked smug. 
 
My father held out his arm to me and said jovially, "Take my arm Becca, for your destiny awaits," This was the first time he sounded happy about going somewhere, so I was a bit suspicious. Especially with the fact that he was giving away his only daughter to another man. But this might be the last time I would ever see him like this.
 
So, I took it.

Name: Aris
Meaning: Bane or Ruin

The Rose of Aris was known to bring out the worst in people. A hypnotic, magical flower tied to the very foundation of the universe had disappeared and had not been found for centuries.
This has created a new dynamic in the world where only the select few possess magic to control the many. But how long will it take until total mayhem breaks out? Especially when the Rose’s tragic pull taps into the life of the unsuspecting Rebecca Everly, disrupting everything she knows.

August 1, 2013 – Thursday 10 AM – Vagner Studios
"That concludes the report for the first month of 'Miss Sellers'." Anthony finishes his words on the podium.
"…" Despite his calm exterior, Anthony is very very nervous looking around the people in the conference room. The people he just addressed are the board members of Vagner Studios and the investors in 'Miss Sellers'.
"…" The board members can only mull over sullenly the poor ticket sales of 'Miss Sellers that Anthony reported.  
"I've heard from people that you had something to do with this?" One investor asks in hidden anger.
"Yes. Even though we lost 20 screens from Centurion, we managed to work something out with our distribution branch. We were able to offset our losses from Centurion by grabbing more screens from smaller theaters and independent ones. I also got last minute product integrations which saved us millions." Anthony reports wanting to neutralize his faults.  
"Everyone." Vagner Studio's CEO, seeing the unfriendly gazes of the people in the room towards him and Anthony, takes the attention.
"Let's just admit it, we were outdone. Anthony here at least did something that made us break even despite his… unconventional methods. We just can't dictate what the people want to see, and the people wanted to see Isaac's film more than ours. It's as simple as that." The CEO defends Anthony.
'What the FUCK?! That's what I said yesterday! You f*ckin dressed me down and now you're parroting me?! FUCK YOU!' Anthony curses the CEO with a glare.  
"I know you could have done better, but you're not wrong either." The chairman of the board speaks up. "What I'm more worried about is the future." This makes everyone in the room perk up.
The Chairman continues. "At least we broke even. The films of the smaller studios can't even sell tickets; they are f*cked. And if we don't get our sh*t together, even though we're big, we're f*cked too."  
"What do you mean?" An investor asks on behalf of those who are not in the know. Those who are in the know like the CEO and Anthony on the other hand, have an inkling of what the chairman is talking about.  
"The rumors about the sequel for that gangster film, I've confirmed it's true." The chairman reports to everyone.
*murmur* *murmur* The people look at him skeptically.
"A handful of the people who have a history with the Coniglio Family already saw it. There are even rumors that there's still a sequel after the sequel because the first sequel did not wrap up the story." The chairman erases the skepticism.
*MURMUR* *MURMUR* The room descends to subdued panic.
"So it's not just 'Miss Sellers' we should be concerned with, but the sequels 'Yard Blues' and 'Love Campus' too." The chairman says as he looks at the CEO and Anthony.
"And if Isaac is not the forgiving type, and he found out what you did, Anthony, what do you think he'll do?" The chairman concludes with a rhetorical question. Anthony's face crumples at this.  
"That's right. He'll do what we've been doing. Release his sequels alongside our films'." The chairman says to make the others understand.  
"… Why don't we uh… sue him?" A young board member suddenly proposes, saving Anthony.
"What?!" The others are dumbfounded.
"On what grounds?" The CEO asks.
"Let's just get some random guys, have them claim that 'Gold, Blood, and the Deer' is their work and that Isaac stole the idea from them. Rinse and repeat." The board member says.
"Intimidation suits? Are you fuckin stupid?" The chairman yells.
"What? We do it all the time against journalists." The board member says.
"You're not talking about libel or defamation, but copyright infringement! We're gonna get sued back for fraud if a judge doesn't slap us with it first." The CEO shoots down the suggestion.
"What's more stupid is that you're not just suing Isaac. You're offending Coniglio family too. Hell, I wouldn't even be surprised if someone in this room is connected to them and the Coniglio will find out about your stupidity before you even leave the building." The chairman says.
The board member swallows his spit but recovers his guts immediately.
"Then what the hell are we supposed to do? Wait it out? Wait until Isaac does not have a film on theaters?" The board member counters.  
"…" The CEO and the chairman are stunned by the unintended suggestion.
"Huh… Aside from making films that can match Isaac's film, which right now is hard to do? … Waiting it out… might just be the best thing we can do." The CEO says.
"Usually, we make others not want to compete with us but this time, that might just be the right move." The chairman shakes his head.  
"Really? That will just end up with more losses." The board member grumbles.
"We might save ourselves from losses…" Anthony butts in.
"Ah! Excuse me. May I talk to you for a moment?" The CEO however immediately grabs Anthony's arm with a warning glare.
Anthony ignores the warning and returns a look of defiance while brushing the CEO's hand aside. 'F*ck you. You approved of my plans. You also tried something, so you're going down with me if this don't work out.' Anthony thinks as he takes the center of the podium again.
The CEO can only give up and retreat to the side of the room as to not get caught in what he thinks an incoming crossfire.  
"?" The attention of the room goes back to Anthony, their curiosity intensified from the interaction they just witnessed.
"Without Isaac's film, 'Miss Sellers' could have been the best-selling film this year. To be quite honest? 'Miss Sellers' is just as good as September Ninth. It might even be better than September Ninth considering the details we put in it.
"That means that we've done great in applying Isaac's style and enough people liked it. If we can re-write 'Love Campus' and 'Yard Blues' into a better story, while making their quality the same with 'Miss Sellers', we will catch up with Isaac. We make money while we learn." Anthony concludes.  
"How confident are you?" The chairman asks.
"50%, tops that we can compete, 75% chance that we can break even every film until we catch up. But I'm 100% confident that our people are competent. They are learning on the job every day. Let's look for new talents too. There are many young and obscure indie film makers competing right now in different film festivals, and they have adapted Isaac's style well. Even though we can't compete with Isaac for now, we'll do well enough to survive." Anthony says. Anthony's confidence somehow calms the room down.  
"Another thing. Last year, there was a total of 100 million or so ticket sales in America and 40 million of those are by 'September Ninth' in only four months. The first seven months of this year, we saw 62 million tickets sold and of those, 35 million tickets are sold by 'Gold, Blood, and the Deer' in only six weeks." The board members are shocked at this report.
"We… can't keep Isaac do this to us…" An investor chimes in.
"We can't. However, we have a take away from this. In the previous years, before Isaac's debut, the highest we've seen in ticket sales in the country is around 90 million and that was in 2007, 10% less than last year.
"Looking at Isaac's 'September Ninth', he earned way more in ticket sales than DVD sales. That isn't normal in the industry. It's either 50% tickets, or 50% DVDs/Blu Rays. This means that Isaac actually  made movie viewers go to the theaters instead of them just waiting to buy or rent DVDs or Blu Rays." Anthony concludes.
"So you're saying, Isaac is changing how films are seen..." A random board member says.
"Yes. Without 'September Ninth', and 'Gold, Blood, and the Deer', we never would have known that the American film market is bigger than we thought. If we can offer the market quality, stand-out films like Isaac's, then we have the potential to capitalize in the biggest film market we've seen in history." Anthony explains.
*MURMUR* *MURMUR* All sorts of exclaims and discussions fills the room.
"…" Watching the people he cannot get through to previously now listen to him, Anthony is feeling proud inside but maintains his calm. He then looks at the CEO and the CEO simply looks away.
'Not only incompetent, a f*ckin coward too.' Anthony feels smug looking at the CEO looking small.  
"How do we do that?" The chairman asks after the round of discussion.
"… I have a suggestion, a summary really of the opinions of our creative teams… And you won't like it." Anthony begins with hesitation.
"We should stop making films of the romance or sports genre." Anthony says.
*MURMUR* *MURMUR* The room immediately react negatively and they share the same sentiment; "Those are our money-makers…"  
"Everyone… I get your knee-jerk reactions but here's the thing. Isaac proved that people are hungry for something new. He made films that we thought are against the market but he ended up setting a new trend. I hate to admit it but, it's a start of a new era for the industry." Anthony drops.  
"Then what are we supposed to make films about?" A random board member asks.
"It's best if you get the details from our creative teams themselves, but I can say something. I've seen various films that 'Gold, Blood, and the Deer' competed against in Sorrento and I think we can grab some ideas from them.
"First of all, we can stop making sports films. I can say with confidence that 'Gold, Blood, and the Deer' gobbled up the slice of the sports genre. Hell, I think 'September Ninth' even made sports films boring last year, making the sports films flop. Tell me, everyone. If you go to a theater that shows 'September Ninth' and 'Hard Ice', which one would you have seen?" Anthony asks.  
"... September Ninth..." is the split decision winner.  
"Exactly. September Ninth was more exciting to watch than 'Hard Ice'. That's why 'Hard Ice' flopped despite being nominated and winning awards. I myself would rather watch a real hockey match or behind the scenes footage of real athletes than watch 'Hard Ice'." Anthony says.  
"Now, would you folks rather watch 'Gold, Blood, and the Deer' or 'Yard Blues'?" Anthony asks again.  
"..." Tayaw's film again is the winner.
"Right. And it's for the same reason. While we can't make a gangster film like Isaac's, we can borrow some ideas. We can make films that talk about searching for family." Anthony suggests, receiving nods of approval.  
"When it comes to romance films on the other hand, we can still make them." Aiden says. This gets a more positive response.
"But we can't make them the way we used to. I've seen some of this year's best films in festivals. I've noticed that they still have flavors of romance in them but just like 'September Ninth', they are more about the growth of the characters as people, not just fighting for deserving it. Don't worry though. Our people right now are splitting their hairs to make that happen." Anthony reports.
Seeing the approval in the room, Anthony is now more confident. However, he does not want to appear dictatorial to his superiors.  
"If you're all not ready to give up on romance and sports, maybe we should make films that are not fairy tales but actually talk about the reality of love and athletes' lives. Those are just suggestions, but any topic really that is unique and will be interesting to people, we should make films about those." Anthony concludes.
That makes the room enter a lively discussion. Anthony can finally smile, having gotten through the skulls of the board members.  


A/N : Alt Title - Jack of Entertainment 

Title : Jack of Arts

Synopsis:
Tayaw is a talented musician who never got to fulfill his potential. After losing his purpose in an unfulfilled life full of regrets; he is given the chance to go back in time and do everything over again.Along with a mysterious gift and an unclear mission, Tayaw starts a new life, this time making his mark to the world.
"Tayaw is a once in a hundred years musical artist! I just wish he was born in my generation"
- Buddy Rich, two-time Gramophone Award winner
"I admit he's a good musician, but he's an author first and foremost. He is changing the world of literature for the better."
- Helena Paddington, Outcault Prize for Fiction winner, Sohlman Prize for Literature winner.
"Despite being a musician and an author, he is to me, the greatest blessing to the film industry. This is his era."
- Heo Dong-jun, two-time Academy Award winner for Best Director and three-time nominee.

"I don't like him. Why does he use actors who didn't train and grind on the stage? He says he doesn't like my acting? What the hell does the kid know about acting? I've won awards for f*cks sake!"
- Merrell Street, five-time Academy Award winner for Best Actor, three-time Toby Award winner for Best Actor.




---------------
A ground work for a novel idea in the future.
---------------
English is not my first language so excuse my limited vocabulary and bad grammar. thanks

The two then continued conversing, they talked about what happened that day, just a normal talk between the two. They then got somehow bored of the ambience so Zachary offered Athena with coffee.
"Want to have some coffee? I know a near coffee here and they make good coffee."
A smile then appeared on Athena's lips. She is happy knowing that Eli has a family to consider. Imagine he does have a family but he can't treat them as a real family, but Athena knew that Zachary is different. One day, Athena is certain that, the two will be brothers and she will so sacrifice everything just to see them happy.
"Yeah, sure let's have a coffee," Athena answered and they then walked to Athena's car as Athena's feet got invaded by the sand and the wind is playing against her dress some strands of her hair cascade on her rosy cheeks.
They then reached the car and then Athena threw the keys to Zachary. "You drive," Athena said and she went on the passenger seat and wore her seatbelt, Zachary as well entered the car and he then wore his seatbelt. "Anyway, let's go."
The two drove, peacefully. Something Athena could ask for, well she isn't in love or let us say the two are not an item. Athena's heart belongs to Count Elliot.
"So, aren't you going to tell me some of your stories as well?" Zachary asked Athena who is busy fixing her hair.
"I can tell my stories once we reached the coffee shop. I prefer to tell them with a drink," Athena answered as she fixed her hair.
"If you say so, your highness," Zachary stated and from that he raised the speed of the car, just so he could know the story of our dear Athena.
"Seriously?! Don't drive to fast,Zachary!" Athena uttered and gave Zachary a glare, the man then just gave a chuckle and oblige to what Athena said, he slowed down but that time as well, they have reached the coffee shop.
"Okay so you just wasted my beautiful words dear, Zachary," Athena uttered and the two laugh as they enter the café. 
The two took their seats and as they wait for the waitress to approach them Zachary fixed his hair into a messy bun while some strands cascade on his cheek.
'Will Eli look handsome if he has the same hairstyle?'
Athena asked herself, and then the waitress arrived.
"Welcome to our café, your order would be?" the waitress asked and smiled, it was a fake smile.
"What are your best sellers?" Athena then asked.
"That would be our d-lock afe, it is cold coffee is you are curious, cold coffee accompanied with warm cookies, and then we have our cappuccinos with somehow a twist, you'll find out the twist when you buy one," the waitress answered Athena.
Athena nodded slowly and turned her gaze to Zachary who smiled at her.
"You go first," Athena stated.
"I'll go with, d-lock afe, oh by the way, I want twenty warm cookies. That would be mine, thank you."
The waitress then noted Zachary's order and turned her gaze to mine. "Mine would be, the cappuccino thing and can I request to have cookies as well? The warm ones, maybe five pieces will do," Athena stated and smile at the waitress.
The waitress as well smiled and took her leave.
"Do you find their job, you know, interesting?" Zachary asked suddenly.
"Well I own a company and, the job they have should be respected, who would do these things if they aren't here. The manager and the creator of this coffee shop isn't enough to accommodate the guest or let us say customers so we know that, we need them – waiters, and waitress. I stand for equally as well, I mean we should all be treated equally, not because your job doesn't give of that much of money doesn't mean it shouldn't be respected. We are all humans to start off, we all have our shortcomings, mistakes, and secrets in life, the only differences is our states, but that doesn't give the right for you to step on someone, lower that your position."
Zachary started slow clapping because of Athena's words. "You are so smart as well, the duchess really made you – wow," Zachary stated quoting the word wow.
Athena then responded with a chuckle, "How about you, do you find their job interesting?"
Zachary straightened his back and spoke, "Well I was raised somehow that way, we would ask what they want and present it, so I find their job beautiful but it is tiring – no more like exhausting because you know, sometimes, you have this capability of doing much better than that but you don't have the power or budget to do so, so you will stick of what you have than having nothing."
After Zachary's words the waitress then arrived and Zachary looked at me and mouthed, 'it's on me'.
He paid for both drink and cookies we bought and even gave the waitress a big tip.
"Are you sure about this sir? Fifty dollars as a tip? This is big," the waitress asked, she is surprised, her monthly income is just a hundred and fifty and here she is.
"Yeah of course, you earn it," Zachary answered. 
"Thank you sir, you are a God sent," the waitress then said.
"So are you," Zachary said and bowed, the waitress as well gave a bow and left.
"Let us start your story shall we?" Zachary asked Athena who is smiling genuinely.
"You are just like your brother, the both of you are kind," Athena stated before take a sip on her cappuccino.
"Anyway let me begin my story. Okay, so actually I am very blessed even if things before are really a secret, I didn't even know that I am a royalty, at first I thought I was unwanted by the best man's in my life, my granddad and my father, but it turns out it was just a mystery and a secret to keep me safe," Athena started.
"My life was simple it was happy, it was safe Gradgie, or we more know now as the twins. The two of them are proud of everything that I have achieved. They didn't asked me to do more, they never pressured me," Athena stated.
"They made me feel that, I am always enough – the best even," Athena added.
"It was good, just the three of us, we eat all day, we would watch some movies, we would stay up all night just so we could watch the whole series. And if I fell asleep she would carry me to bed."
Athena then took another sip on her cappuccino and ate a cookie. "By the way you are right, this is one of the best cookies and cappuccino I had," Athena uttered and then she continued her story.
"Okay so, that was our set up, years have passed I became friends with someone named Catherine, she taught me how to be so savage, but she died, because of Alfredo's people," a lone tear fell from Athena's eyes.
"Before she died, she was my assistant on my first ever pageant and she would cheer for me and I was so happy that time because it was the same time, I met your brother – Eli," Athena said and smiled.
"The day after he came barging in our house and wow I didn't expect he would be the one, I am somehow expecting it because, he made my heart, feel things I never thought I'd feel. He somehow managed to enter my heart in a show period of time, until we had to part ways for ten bloody years. Then things went nasty, I became so devastate because I thought I would permanently lose both, Eli and I got parted and Gradgie had to fake her death just to keep me safe, but I wanna thank my sister, my stepmother and of course my father for taking care of me back on those days where, I was like literally let us say dead," Athena stated.
"Well just like a phoenix, from my death I turned to ashes and from those ashes I was reborn with a better person. After that I continued loving the two people I thought I have lost from a far. I loved them both inside my heart as I go to college and then, I graduated college with the highest grades and then there it is, I am guessing you know what happened next since you are an under cover agent," Athena stated and they laugh.
They continued their drink and the cookies, it was fun, one of the best coffee shop Athena had been through.
After she finished her cappuccino she was shocked because of the words she saw on the mug, it says 'you are pregnant'.
Her jaw dropped seeing those words so she called the waitress and she asked, "What is with this?"
"U-uhm first congratulations, the mug gives off fortune, and not to boast but, everything that revealed on the mug – comes true," the waitress said.
"Ma'am you are pregnant."


Tears were streaming through Eli's cheeks, his eyes were bloody red, its been so long yet the pain, the aches, the memories were haunting him, he can't escape his fantasy, is he dreaming, tell him, he is because, he doesn’t know if he can win this battle, this game, played by me, her, and destiny.
Today 6th of December, its been years since they met, the most beautiful woman, the most caring, the brightest star in the sky the one he thought who’ll never leave his side, yet here he is, in their favorite place, the place where they smiled as wide as they can, laugh as hard as they could, the place where they witness the beauty of the sun descending and the gorgeousness of the moon ascending, but now, he’s alone, reminiscing the past. After waiting for the sun to set, he left there hidden spot and spoke in a low baritone voice. “I’ll hold on to your promise, my love."

Defi was able to source silver-blue carp bones and crab shells for the slimes with promises that the three elders would visit the Garge homestead when the dawn market was done.
Walking the market was nearly habit by now and, despite the fact that he had to be back at the homestead, his feet still led him lazily through the throng after he stowed the containers on the scow. 
The dawn market did not have fixed sellers or stalls, unlike the weekly fair. Different things could be sold everyday, outside the zealously-guarded spots that the regular sellers staked out.
Even the paths between the masses of hawkers shifted from day to day. 
There was still enough of organization that Defi roughly knew the areas where various products could be found. For instance, the seafood sellers were closer to the docks, the butchers were mostly set up on the western side of the dawn market, and fruits would be on the southern side closest to the pedestrian streets and the trade shops.
Today, he was fortunate enough to catch someone selling the reddish flanged starcherry fruits.
Defi approached, curious.
Starcherry bushes grew around Ascharon like weeds and fruited vigorously. The prevalence of starcherry fruits meant few people sold it; he'd almost given up looking. 
Yet there were three large baskets before him, full to the brim.
The young girl standing behind the shabby baskets full of fruit beamed at him. "Just picked this morning, sir! Are you buying?"
"You can pick starcherries off the roadside," he commented. "Why are you selling them?"
"Saved you the trouble of picking them though, yes?" The retort was immediate.
That was true enough. Defi stifled a smile.
"What do you use starcherries for then?" He kept his tone amiably neutral. "Can't imagine there are many."
She crossed her arms, looking at him like he was a fool. That she barely came up to his chest only made her scowl fairly ineffective.
"You can do lots with starcherry! Preserves and pickles, they're great. And sauces. And you can put them in stews. Or just eat fresh-picked. You can eat them with cooking and without cooking!"
"Really? Versatile." Defi nodded solemnly. "How much for one basket?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, suspicious, but then she frowned slightly at the basket. After a few moments, she said with all the firmness of a stone wall: "Thirty rond."
The baskets contained a bit over ten kilogar each. It was enough that he wouldn't have to pick his own starcherries today. What good luck. "I'll take all three baskets then."
She blinked at him. "Really?!"
"Yes. Is this your first time in the dawn market?" He looked around. She was not older than Renne, and most parents didn't let their children run around the market unsupervised.
He didn't recognize her from the orphanage, so she must have caretakers.
There was no one around her.
She was alone in a corner of the fruit-sellers area.
Well, possibly she was apprenticing. Defi remembered that mastercrafters in Ontrea would set various tests for their apprentices.
He hefted one of the baskets, then the other. He could carry both to the docks. He nodded at the last basket. "Are you helping with that, then?"
"Sure!" She put her hands on the woven hand-grips of the last basket and lifted it into her arms.
She looked like she could handle it so Defi didn't say anything and led the way to the docks. He could lift more than ten kilogar of weight when he was twelve, but he had the advantage of training and the Current over her.
The vitality and natural healthy physique of Ascharonians, that they could maintain it with just food, was truly enviable, he sighed to himself.
He lashed the baskets to the scow, offered two bronze klauds to the girl who was huffing in exertion.
She frowned when she saw the coins and thrust them back. "Sir, that is more than twice what the fruits are worth."
"I am taking the baskets as well," Defi refuted mildly. "And you did not have to carry one for me. Didn't you save me the trouble of carrying it myself?"
She glared as he threw her words back at her, her frown carving deeper lines as she looked at the baskets that were nearly falling apart. "It's still too much."
Defi saw that she would not budge. "Very well, I will take the carrying as done in good faith."
He took back one of the coins and replaced it with ten rond. She likely would refuse it again if he added more than that.
"Thank you, sir."
"I'm always looking for starcherries. Will you be here tomorrow?"
She abruptly looked hesitant, conflicted.
Defi did not push too overbearingly. "I am Defi, from the Garge homestead. There's a blessing feast there today. You can tell me your decision when you see me there. Bring anyone you want."
He stowed the ropes and steered the scow away from the dock.
"Wait!"
He turned to look at her.
Her expression was determined. "My name's Quenal!"
He smiled, called back as the distance lengthened between the scow and the dock, "Pleased to meet you. I'll see you later!"
Defi didn't give her a chance to refuse now that she seemed to be amenable to cooperation, as he pushed the scow further away with the pole. 
He couldn't rely on the starcherry bushes near the homestead forever. A new supply line, especially as he was going to expand the number of production slimes, was important.
He was willing to pay coin, if needed.
To a certain extent, of course. 
The gold and silver from Bluzand included advance payment for the usual amount of extract until the end of the winter months. If he sent more than the usual delivery, he would make more money. The company hadn't started selling crystal vinegar to the public yet, but was giving private tastings to people who might spread the word that Bluzand had a new item to offer.
The limited private sales had boosted the price, but he couldn't spend recklessly.
He mentally ran down a list of things that needed to be done and winced. Who was the one saying that once the contract with Bluzand was signed he would not have anymore worries about money? Was he a fool, he mocked himself relentlessly.
It seemed all his free time in the foreseeable future would be entirely taken by the endeavor of making the slime farm work.
This was the Day of Founding, a day of rest.
The massive feast being prepared on the Garge homestead suddenly looked incredibly appealing. Defi could lose himself in the celebrations this day, before he allowed the cares of the future to descend on his shoulders.
He poled the scow back contentedly.
*
The blessing ceremony, despite being called a feast, was simple.
The singers would chant over the buildings to be blessed and carve traditional protection sigils on the beams. 
Karles told Defi that the protection sigils would be incorporated into the overall protection Emblem of the building.
It was a design unique to the Lowpool, which is why Defi's house had easily been burgled. The basic foundation of the Lowpool protection Emblems included the blessing sigils, making the design the same in houses across the town.
To learn to burgle the townspeople, a thief only needed to unravel a single Emblem. Protection Emblems, Karles' brother the glyphmaster stated, were more difficult to unravel than kittens in a knitting basket.
Defi took that to mean it was very difficult, as he didn't know what a knitting basket was. 
Which meant the burglars had to be professionals.
Cuthes growled that he had pretty much given up on the matter, stating that outsiders had very odd notions and possibly had simply did it as a challenge to themselves. The criminals were likely long gone and would not attempt it again.
Or so he said.
The sharp burning look in the adjutant's eyes as he looked into the distance meant he would not let the mystery go so easily.
Defi appreciated the attempt to put him at ease however.
"You only need make a shallow cut," the very very old man urged Defi with a smile, bringing him back to the matter at hand. "We'll do the rest."
As owner and host, Defi needed to make the first cut into the wood for the protection sigil that was already drawn in ink on the central beam of the warehouse.
The chanting going on below him was unexpectedly powerful however. Distracting.
Defi glanced at the passel of elders near the ladder, their voices softly chanting and yet the rhythm of their song reverberated in the wood of the building, in the bright eyes of the people outside the warehouse, in the very bones of the listeners.
He took the blade and shaved a small curling sliver off a portion of marked wood, then smeared blood across the cut.
"Good, good. You know the foundation." The elder beamed at him, the many lines on his face deepening into ravines and giving an otherworldly shadow to his face.
Defi abruptly realized that he had pricked his finger and offered his blood to the protection of his own accord. The elder had not told him to do it yet.
He smiled back, returned the small carving knife, and slid down the ladder. The chanting grew louder that the rhythm was like the beat of his heart.
He had thought the ceremony to be easy. He lamented his loss of ignorance briefly. An old woman stopped chanting to smile and pat his shoulder as he stood under the ladder, trying to control the effect the chanting had on him.
He calmed slowly.
"You'll get used to it."
He had been to similar ceremonies in Ontrea before, but all those were more elaborate than this, giving due solemnity to the blood-pounding soul-ringing of ritual song and chant.
This was indeed a simple ceremony, compared to those. But in a simple building blessing, did they have to chant like that?
By the time the bridge was being chanted at, Defi had more or less gotten used to whatever sorcery the singers were placing into their voices and was able to enjoy the rise and fall of the blessing songs.
The singers had beautiful voices.
There was no need for instruments to accompany them, so there weren't.
He noticed that there were only elders in the singing group. No wonder Reon had reminded him that he needed to greet them as they arrived.
He just hadn't expected those venerable elder's first words to him were: "How much ale do you have, young lad? This is the only time those young people will let me off from drinking."
As soon as the one of the elders had affixed a metal plate on the bridge with a simple sigil that he'd been skilfully engraving for half an hour, the chanting ended slowly. 
Simply, just like that.
And now the most important part of the blessing was finished.
The glyphers only needed to activate the protection Emblems and in essence the blessing was done. The chanting that would occur as the sun went down, later in the day, was largely ceremonial.
Defi sighed in relief.
The elder who was in his vicinity turned to him.
"Young Defi, you're not going to wait to feed these old bones, eh?" The carving elder winked at him, unsubtle.
 "The ale is this way," he said flatly.
The elders nearby laughed.


Desislaf Rimet finds that his father plotted to make him fail the Sacred Trials.

He decides: if this world will not accept him, then he will leave the world! 

In another world full of wonders, moving forward determinedly, he becomes a farmer of slimes.




***
Desislaf Rimet is the eleventh son of the Lord of Rimet, the sixteenth child. He has failed the Trials that would make his family proud and cement his station as a noble worthy of his family's name. 

He discovers that his father plotted to deliberately make him fail and it is the end of all he knows.

He cannot be happy in his father's court, and leaves.

After all, there's a World Gate conveniently in his father's territory, isn't there? He will leave to see the wonders that await him in another world!

Only...the world beyond is more complicated than he imagined.

Also, what is this slime? An animal, a vegetable, or some mystery being?

*****

mystery best sellers novel

The Best Love Mystery

100 Ways to Solve a Murder

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The Hot CEO’s Mysterious Nerd Secretary

GOD LEVEL DEMON

The Rose of Aris

Jack of Arts

Love On Chaos

The Slime Farmer

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