The 1.000 year Great Sage ---> COMPLETED STORY

Seya turned to face the crowd. Some of them recognized him and were smiling, others were curious, while the rest did a light bow. Seya did a light bow as well and he went to the back.

In the dining room of the Innkeeper, the Queen and the King were seated next to each other, while Seya's friends were all around the table. They were talking while the food was being carried by the Innkeeper's wife and one employee. It seemed that he arrived just in time. He greeted the Innkeeper's wife with a smile.

- Maybe it was not a good idea, eating here. We are giving too much trouble and the Inn is full of people.

The Innkeeper's wife smiled at Seya. She looked tired, but she was also happy and that could be seen or her face.

- Milord, when the King and Queen arrived, it was already like that! They entered through the back door because from the front, it would cause a commotion and they wouldn't be able to eat in peace.

- I see. Ok, if you don't mind, its food for one more, please.

Ryn called for him, pulling a chair next to her.

- Come here, dear, and tell me what you did so far.

- First, you, then me. I want to know where you took the Queen, to see if I can take her to a new place, after lunch. I don't want to repeat the tour.

- Let me see… we went to the Watermill, to the Villages in the East and at the West, to see the new fields. Oh, we also went to that Village near the Dwarf's Mountains, to take a look at all those horses that you have there, running around. We then came here, but we couldn't get near the beach or enjoy the pool. There were already a lot of people! But we still entered the building and I showed the pool to the Queen.

- Seems that you did a nice tour. But you forgot to take her to the Market, to try out and to see the products of these lands.

As for me, I got myself two new families of CatKind. Tomas went with them, to their new houses. I thought that later on, we could go visit the two families of DogKind that I rescued some days ago, and also these new families. And the Healing House and of course, the Market at the Capital.

The Queen stopped messing with the King, she was happily poking his cheeks while talking to him.

- Seya, you are really doing an amazing job in here. Well done! For a reckless son of that crazy Rolland Hinamoto, you are doing everything right! Maybe Anna's blood helped you, to balance the craziness that you inherited from Rolland!

And this Inn, my Goddess, it has a very good location, right on top of a hill, facing the ocean! I wouldn't mind spending some days here, waking up to look at the sea from the room's window.

- That can be arranged. But I need to do a few changes, to make a room suited for the Queen.

The King interrupted them.

- Suited for the Queen and the King, of course!

Seya shrugged his shoulders, uninterested.

- Yeah, to the King too…

- The insolence of this brat! Pretending that I'm not important! Heiji, punch him!

Heiji raised her arm and she dropped a light punch on Seya's head. The King raised his eyebrow.

- What kind of punch is that?

- munch, munch… eating… munch, munch… can't punch now…

- Even my own daughter. This insolent brat has corrupted my sweet little Princess! Ahahah! So, Seya, did you really bought those slaves?

- I sure did. They are now free residents of my lands and loyal subjects of the Kingdom of Rohan.

- And how much did you pay for them? I'm curious to know what the price of a BeastKind is, in the Empire.

- I don't know also, I paid five small Magic Crystals that I made before he arrived.

- That much? Do you know the price of one Crystal in the Empire? They are rarer than in this Kingdom!

- I wanted to create a connection with that greedy Slave Trader. I told him that I'm willing to buy every slave that he brings me. I'm almost sure that he will not keep those Crystals for long. As soon as the news reaches the Emperor and the High Nobles, he will be questioned and the Crystals will be confiscated.

- And like that, the Emperor will get a hold of those Crystals. I don't think it was a good idea.

- Well, I've placed a small Magical Program that emits a signal to me. Like that, I will be able to track them down and retrieve the Crystals, if I want to. Which means that I basically bought six Slaves for free. And released them, after the Slave Trader leave. I don't think he got a good impression of me, I was very rude and obnoxious! Ahahaha!

- Ahahah! Well, like that, maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all!

- My King, I have a question because of next week's party. The official engagement party it's really going to be on the same day as my birthday?

- Yes, it was Heiji's idea. And she also wants to marry on your birthday, some years from now. Seems that you are not going to get rid of her, anytime soon.

- … munch, munch… Yeah!... munch, munch…

- Seems that she's eating but her ears are still working! Why the question Seya? You don't like that idea?

- It's not that, I feel quite honored, actually. It's just that I wanted to invite some people and some Magical Beings to attend this year because I'm going to be officially, a grown-up. I thought it could be a good idea, having the ones that I've met over these past years, celebrating with me…

- …munch, munch… Yeah, good idea! I also want that!... munch, munch…

- Well, I don't see any problem with that, and if Heiji also approves, I don't see why not. What do you say, Duncan?

- My King, do I have any saying on that matter?

Slap!

- Ouch! Why did you slap my head?

- …munch, munch… No, you haven't any choice. More eating, less talk!... munch, munch…

Everyone laughed. That crazy little Princess doesn't stay quiet, not even while eating!

But Seya was still worried.

- Well, I don't think it's a good idea. A bunch of Nobles that are attending the engagement party, mixed with LizardKind, Fairies, Mermaids and Dragonoids? It's an accident waiting to happen…

- Nonsense! Bring them all! I also want to meet them! I never saw any! I know that Dragonoids are huge, I wonder if they fit inside the throne room…

- They can take a human form, my King. And also the Mermaids and the Fairies. I bet that you even came across with some of them, without knowing.

- Really? I didn't know. By the way, do you think that the Goddess will appear again? Because of what happened last time, I'm still having nightmares!

- I don't know, but I can invite her. I'm sure that she will agree to come in disguise, just to mess with me! She's always looking for ways to annoy me! I think that if I don't invite her, she will surely come, to scold me for not inviting her!

- Ahahah! This boy is crazy! My Queen, did you hear this? He's the only one to whom the Goddess appears frequently and he complains about it! Ahahah!

…

After they finished lunch, the King forced the Innkeeper's wife to accept his payment for the meal of everyone. She said that the King didn't have too, but as a King, he liked to make sure that he always pays for his debts, as an example for his people. He even gave her a generous tip, for the trouble.

Princess Heiji thought it was a good idea if their parents went to the front counter of the Inn, and greet the people that were coming and going from the Gateway. So, the Queen took her and the King's crown and she held the arm of the King. When they entered the Inn, a lot of people were gathered there. Suddenly, someone shouted.

- The King! And the Queen! They're here!

The King smiled and he greeted his people.

- Hello, everyone, I'm glad that you are also visiting this magnificent place. I came here yesterday and today, I have the Queen at my side. I advise you to try out the pool. The beach is also quite beautiful. And if you want to eat, the fish they have here today is splendid. If possible, don't forget to visit the new Coliseum in these lands Capital. I don't know if today is going to have a show there, but nevertheless, it deserves a visit. We must go now, we want to continue our tour. Seya, if you please, care to open one of your Gateways? Because that one over there, is being used.

- Certainly, my King, I know just the place.

While the crowd at the Inn were still kneeled and dumbfounded by the sudden appearance of the Royal family, Seya opened a Gateway to the front gate of his Capital, outside the wall. The King and the Queen were the first to cross it, followed by Seya and Ryn. The others followed them. After everyone was on the other side, Seya dispersed the Gateway.

- Nice speech, my King. And good advertising, thanks! Ahahah!

- Yes, I had a flash of inspiration! Now, it's better if we take our crowns again, or we will cause a commotion.

While the Queen was placing her and the King's crown inside her purse, Seya was looking at the guards near the wall, that were fighting against the Magic Knight.

- We can talk with those guys, to see how things are going around here.

They followed Seya and when the guards noticed their approach, they stopped and did a deep bow towards him.

- Milord, it's a pleasure seeing you. Forgive me for my undignified look, I'm sweating a lot because of this Knight. I can't figure out a way to disarm him. None of us could!

- Yeah, I see that you don't neglect your training. Not even on a peaceful day like this.

- Of course, Milord! We were granted the honor of serving as guards, so we must practice and learn as much as we can! And this Knight is a very good training partner! I wasn't able to land on him a single strike! And he knocked me down a few times, already.

- Very good. I don't have time today, but one of these days I can come to train a little with you. And maybe Duncan over here also wants to do it.

- Milord, it would be an honor. But, what about that girl that fought with Lord Duncan yesterday at the Coliseum?

- I can ask her if she wants to help you with the training. She went with me this morning to the Dwarfs Kingdom and she stayed there to train with them. I don't know what she's doing until now but I hope that she didn't kill all of them! Ahahah!

- She's really something. I never would have guessed that such a young and short girl could move or fight like she did!

- Her reputation as one of the best security guards in the Kingdom is well deserved, for sure. Well, we must leave you now. Don't get hurt! You are needed here!

While the guards were laughing at his remark and assuring him that they will be careful, Seya waved them and he guided the Queen and the King to the front doors. They went through it and they walked in the streets, to the direction of the Central Market. They stopped from time to time because the Queen wanted to see every shop of an artisan or blacksmith. She stood for a while in front of one particular shop, looking at a hairpin. It was a very simple one at first sight, but looking closely, it was made of bone and with so many detailed engravings, that the Queen fell in love with it. The King quickly bought it and he helped her, placing it on her hair. It was shining in the sunlight, with reflexions against her blonde hair.

As usual, every time that someone crossed their path, Seya greeted or waved. But this time, a lot of pointing fingers, smiles or cheering could be heard because of Princess Heiji or Duncan. After their show in the Coliseum, both of them were driving most of the attention.

When they arrived at the Market, the Queen was marveled with the diversity of products. There was also some Elfians, selling a bunch of forest fruits. One particular fruit caught the Queen's attention. Wild blue raspberries, her favorites. There were even some bottles with raspberry juice. The Elfian that was selling those fruits let her try a cup of the juice. Soon after, the Queen had bought every bottle available and placing them inside her belt purse. She also bought a few bags filled with the blue raspberries.

The King was looking at every stand, appreciating the variety of cereals, flours, fruits, and vegetables available. While the others were distracted looking at the other stalls, the King called Seya, and he lowered his voice.

- Seya, all these flours were grinded in that Watermill? Because I never saw flour so thin! And such quantity! There are bags everywhere!

- Yes, that's one useful thing, the Watermill. With new and perfectly tight stones, it can grind like that. If everything goes well, as soon as the new fields of cereals are harvested, it will be good for grinding the huge amount of new cereals.

- But how did you thought about that? Because making something like that to use the flow of water from a river, to move grinding stones instead of using animals as everyone does, is unheard of!

- Well, first I thought of a Windmill, but sometimes, there's no wind or not enough. And since there's a huge river coming from the Dwarfs Mountains and running through here all along the ocean, it's the perfect thing. For now, there are three Watermills. But if needed, it's just a matter of making more. And I can still make some Windmill where there's no river, I just need to find a hill or create one with Earth Magic.

- Windmill? I see… I think that the Windmill and the Watermill would be very useful in the Kingdom. Let me guess, more Ownership Laws?

- Of course! My ideas aren't free! They never were, why should I start now?

- With all the Ownership Laws that you already have, I thought you didn't need more money. Why do you want so much money? Do you intend to buy a country, or what?

- Well, I already have a lot of lands, enough for one. I think I'll need a lot of money for the further development of these lands. There are some projects and ideas that I want to make, I might need to hire some people. And for that, I need money.

- So, you are going to use your own money, for these lands and their people? That's a very Noble thing to do…

- Not Noble, generous. Not every Noble is generous. A lot of them are pure greed. I still remember my endorsement. And since then, I'm always expecting for attempts of assassination. That's one of the reasons why I created the Security Obelisks. One thing that I think it can happen is that one jealous Noble will try to kill me or start some wave of assassinations among the people living here. Like that, they can ask the King to send some troops to maintain peace and claim that it's my fault and they should be the ones to rule here. With the Obelisks at the front of every house, I want to see them try…

- Did you think about all that? That's why you made those Obelisks?

- Not only for that, but also for protection against wild animals or people from the Empire. And also because one of my people could try to attack another one. The Obelisks can work as a guard and as a security measure. And I have master control over them, in case of a rebellion or a misuse from the Obelisk owner. I may be a little reckless, but I was never stupid… That's also one good thing that our joint party next week will serve, every Noble in the Kingdom will see that I have an amazing bodyguard and I'm friends with some very important beings.

- Sometimes, you scare me, with that scheming mind of yours…

- Yeah, the Goddess said the same thing to me, some years ago… but it's because of my schemes that I'm still alive and doing all this. I don't know for how long, many things can go wrong, that's why I'm doing all that I can do, the fast as I can.

- I see… I think you should be careful, I'm hoping that you live for many years and die of old age, to grant us more wonders.

- I don't think I'll die of old age. I'm thinking about a plan to deal with the Demonoids, once and for all. That plan can kill me…

- The Demonoids are incarcerated on their Island, with no escape from there.

- Not really. Small and medium-size Demonoids escape through the gaps in the Goddess' defenses. Only the Big ones and most of the medium sizes are still restrained. I don't know for how long, but they are.

- Really? But I never heard anything about Demonoids attacks, for all these years!

- But what kind of a plan are you thinking on?

- I want to restrain them forever or to kill each and every one of them. I tried to do that, two years ago, when I lost my mind to rage and resentment. I almost wiped out the entire Island. When I was fighting a huge Demonoid, I got distracted and I became surrounded by a group of very big Demonoids. I almost got myself killed if it weren't for the Goddess. She took me from there, in the nick of time. She then scolded me for two hours. She was so mad!

- Really? She really keeps an eye over you. I just don't understand why she doesn't get rid of those things.

- Because she's the Goddess of Creation. She gives life, she can't take it. Or at least, she's not supposed to. But I'm not a God, I can kill them all with no remorse. That time, I couldn't. Next time, I'll either restrain them for good, or I'll wipe them out. And if I fail and die, I'm going to make sure that they don't survive, even if I need to blow up the entire Island on my last breath. One wise man said one day, 'hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst'.

The King raised one eyebrow, he recognized that saying.

- I think I've heard that somewhere.

- Yeah, 'A Nobles Duty'. I've read your book, some years ago. I memorized it, actually. Many ideas in there, guided me, up until now. I also read the one that the Queen wrote, 'The Perfect Garden'. I used the pieces of advice in there to make a beautiful garden for my mother, at the front of our house. But don't tell her that, or she will not cease to annoy me!

- Yes, she sure will. But I'm glad if the book that I wrote in my youth helped you so much. I know that it's still being taught in some schools.

- Not entirely in the Knight and Magic school, only some parts from it. Our History teacher often quotes some sayings of that book. But she never says the name of the book or the author. She likes to pretend those sayings are her own. One of these days, I'm going to bring my copy of that book to the class, to embarrass her. Heheheh!

- Careful not to destroy another teacher! Now, they are all gathered in that stall, let's go see what they are doing and continue our tour, shall we? Because I can't stay here forever, I have a Kingdom to take care!