NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 63 – Absolute Blindness
The cold looks all around Frederick made him feel like a stranger in his home. The barely hidden contempt, dismissal, sneers and downright hostility were a constant companion ever since he had returned to the castle.
Even now, while passing through the wide hallways, Federick felt detached stares stabbing in his back.
At least… Frederick sighed. At least his father was still on his side. And so was the royal faction. They wouldn’t abandon him now. But the future…
No King ruled alone. They were supported by many people - from a simple peasant to a Duke with great power. And currently, no one respected him. He would have to do something - anything to earn back the approval of the world.
If nothing worked, then… Frederick smiled, remembering Moira’s determined face when he told her about the world and her scowls when he mentioned the trouble he was going through. And the more he had told, the more animated his love had become.
Moira was his solace. If nothing else worked, he would simply run away with her. They would find a small cottage somewhere and live there. He had enough money to afford a comfortable life without working.
They would have children. At least two, but not more than four. Of course, it depended on how many Moira wanted and whether or not they could keep their hands off of each other.
Frederick blushed, then coughed in his hand, almost dropping the overly large copybook he was carrying.
Those kinds of fantasies were too soon. Moira was a proper lady. It was uncouth to imagine her nakedness in broad daylight - or ever, for that matter. She was an angel. He felt dirty for imagining her doing… Things.
Frederick’s face turned entirely red, and he coughed so hard that one of the servants drifted closer to see if he needed help.
After dismissing the maid, Frederick resumed walking towards the Royal Vault. He had already spoken to his father and had received tacit approval to see the artefact.
Just see. Frederick knew better than to push for more. He had made an excuse he wanted to see the artefact close up and draw some of the symbols engraved into it - for research, as he had claimed.
And when asked why one of the replicas wouldn’t work, Frederick had pretended that it would beneath a prince. He had theatrically ‘smashed’ the very faithful replica - ‘destroying’ it completely.
Frederick coughed again to hide his embarrassment. He had promised Moira. A man’s word was worth more than just a simple candlelight lantern.
Even if the said lantern was a gift from a Goddess. And he would put it back right after showing it to Moira, so no harm would be done.
As Frederick neared the vault, he was greeted by grim-faced guards. They saluted and unlocked the doors, letting the Prince enter. The doors closed after him right after stepping over the door still.
Even these guards were looking at Frederick with dislike. He could tell. If not for the King’s direct order…
Frederick looked at the curator of the place. “You won’t be needed.” He dismissed the woman, stepping deeper into the vastness of the Royal Vault.
There were countless expensive trinkets, artworks, artefacts, simple money chests and more. Frederick had been given a tour through the place more than once as his father reminded him this was all the work of the people and the previous generations of rulers.
Frederick was taught to respect and appreciate the effort others had put into gathering so many valuables. This place was what ensured the future of the Kingdom.
Even deeper still, there was a room solely left for the Divine artefact. The royal family had only one - the Lanter.
Its sole purpose was to show the world the light of the Saintess. But the Lantern wasn’t always held by the Royal family.
It came in periods. Sometimes, it was the clergy that had it. Other times, it was the King. It depended on who had the most power during the period and whether or not the other side had to appease or trade favours with.
The whole process was too political. Even now, with Frederick killing Kurt, the Celrgy was aiming to reclaim the Lantern. They thought the royal family was growing weak. And they weren’t the only ones.
Finally, Frederick entered the room sealed by magic. Only the royal family could and the head priests of the Church. He laid his eyes upon the very thing his love wanted to see.
Frederick would be lying if he didn’t have second thoughts about this. But he had promised. If it brought a smile to Moira… And the thing was given by the Goddess of love. She would understand Frederick’s plight.
Carefully unpacking his hidden replica, Frederick felt his heartbeat become erratic. He felt he was missing something but couldn’t figure out what it was.
The thoughts of Moira’s smile cleared away all confusion. Frederick felt his own lips curl up while thinking about his love. He studied the Lantern before replacing it.
It wasn’t large. Just a little bigger than Frederick’s palm. The candle inside was said to be eternal, no matter how much it was used. The rune-covered frame and crystal glass gave the thing a holy look.
Not that the candle lit up often. It had been decades since the last Saintess lived. Her legacy had begun to fade with time but still was enormous among the common folk and the Church.
With Moira’s parents being peasants, Frederick could understand her fascination with the Saintess.
Frederick placed the replica, hid the real Lantern among his stuff, and then began drawing. He had come to do that, after all. It was better to have proof on hand if any questions arose.
Soon, Frederick was done. The last thought before leaving the vault was about the safety of the Lantern.
It couldn’t be brought out of the castle. And normally, bringing Moira inside would be difficult.
Luckily, with the gathering happening in the Royal castle… It wouldn’t be too hard to bring Moira in.
Frederick smiled. He couldn’t wait to meet her. They were destined to be together. He knew they were. And with the Lantern in his hand, he felt chosen by the Goddess herself.
