Own Time

Chapter 39

"I'm quite honored that the young master chose me as his first visit," Varek Rowan remarked as he settled into the seat across from me. We were in the back garden, seated in one of his shaded alcoves, at my suggestion—it's easier for me to engage in an open space.

"Actually, it was Mother who made the decision," I replied with an awkward smile. "I suppose she trusts you deeply since you're so close."

"Indeed, we share a close bond," he said, taking a sip of the tea that had just arrived. "But I must admit, I'm surprised she let you come alone without her."

"Well, I suppose she didn't have much of a choice," I responded, a hint of resignation in my tone.

"Oh, she had a choice, but it's because it's you, young master," he said with a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

Shifting the conversation, a question suddenly came to mind. "By the way, how did you receive our letter?"

"Estevel set the receiver room aflame," he replied calmly. My eyes widened in shock.

"What?! Mother did what? I must apologize on her behalf!" I stammered, panicking as I nearly stood up to bow.

"No need for that," he reassured me with a wave of his hand. "That room is specifically designed for her. Rather than troubling herself with calling someone to send the letter, she simply sets the room on fire. The flames then form the message, which is why I call it the receiver room."

"I see..." I trailed off, utterly speechless. I could hardly believe that Mother would go to such lengths just to send a message.

We continued talking, drifting into random topics. Varek Rowan kept marveling at how fascinated he was by the fact that I, a child, was handling matters like these. The conversation wandered so much that I lost track of what we were even discussing.

"Now then..." His tone suddenly shifted, becoming more authoritative as he crossed one leg over the other. "I believe we've warmed up enough. Let's discuss your true purpose for being here, young master."

I blinked several times, feeling the sweat gather in my palms. But I composed myself, taking a deep breath. Glancing at Crade standing behind me before finally speaking.

"Could you step back a little, or perhaps leave us for a moment?" I asked, offering Crade a reassuring smile.

He seemed surprised by my request and was about to refuse, but then I gave him my best 'puppy eyes' look. I'd heard it works well when trying to convince someone close to you. It stung my pride a bit, but I didn't want to be rude, so I used what I had.

"If that's what the young master wishes..." Crade muttered, casting a wary glance at Varek Rowan before leaning in and whispering, "Just be careful."

With that, he reluctantly backed away, taking the guards with him toward the entrance. I was taken aback by the glare he shot at Varek Rowan—'Is he even allowed to do that?' I wondered, a bit shocked.

"People in Estevel's mansion are always so formidable, just like their master," Varek Rowan chuckled heartily. I turned back to him with a polite smile, choosing not to comment.

"Well, I'll get straight to the point," I began, trying to steady my voice. "I want your full support—not just from the kwaris, but from everyone."

He tilted his head slightly, raising one eyebrow. "When you speak of support, I assume you're asking for our strength. If that's the case, it depends entirely on what you're planning, young master," he replied, his tone suddenly very serious.

"I plan to change the current ruler."

A heavy silence followed. He stared at me, his face completely unreadable. I couldn't even begin to guess what emotions he might be feeling in that moment.

"Umm... Varek Rowan?" I asked hesitantly, feeling the weight of the silence pressing in on me. The lack of response was making me increasingly nervous.

"My apologies, I was just momentarily stunned by your words," He finally spoke, breaking the silence. "I have so many questions swirling in my head, but let me start with this—the ruler you're referring to, is it the Arazon?"

"Yes," I replied simply.

"And if you're planning on changing them, do you perhaps intend to take the..."

"No, absolutely not," I quickly interrupted. "I'm looking for someone more suited to be the new ruler—someone other than the current Arazon and certainly not the Grand Klovis."

"Did you come up with this plan because of what happened at Frisu's celebration?" he asked, his gaze sharp.

"Again, no," I answered firmly. "I've been planning this long before that."

"Does Estevel even know about this... rather reckless plan of yours?" His tone shifted, now laced with concern and seriousness.

"The only thing I've told her is that I'm doing this to clear up the misunderstandings surrounding our family name. If I told her the full extent of my intentions, she would never allow it. She believes I shouldn't be concerning myself with problems that aren't mine to bear," I explained, watching him sigh as he adjusted his posture.

"Alright, I won't get too involved in your mother and son dynamics—that's not my place," he said, his tone lighter but still serious. "But tell me this—why are you revealing all of this to me, knowing how close I am to your mother? And not even knowing whether I'll agree to help you or not?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he awaited my response.

"Because I'm certain you have your own grievances against the Supreme Family, especially the Arazon," I said, meeting his gaze with unwavering seriousness. "Isn't that the real reason you allied with my mother in the first place, despite her tarnished reputation?"

He stared at me for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the garden. The laughter went on for a few seconds before he finally calmed down, looking at me directly, his expression now a mixture of amusement and intrigue.

"Just when I thought you couldn't get any more interesting than when I first met you... you prove me wrong," he said, leaning back in his chair. "The way you speak, the way you think—I can hear Estevel's words coming through you," he added, a knowing grin still on his face.

"So, your decision?" I asked, the anticipation building inside me as I hoped for a favorable response.

Varek Rowan smirked, taking a leisurely sip of his tea. "I want to witness up close what that little body of yours is truly capable of. You don't see something like that every day, do you?" he said, grinning widely.

"Thank you," I replied, rising from my seat and offering a respectful bow. "I'll do my best to ensure your decision won't be in vain."

He chuckled softly. "Though I appreciate the gesture, I suggest you sit back down. Your people are already glaring daggers at me," he said, nodding toward where Crade and the guards were standing..

I glanced back to see Crade glaring at him with an intensity that could only be described as murderous. Quickly, I returned to my seat and took a sip of the milk chocolate that had been prepared for me earlier.

"Just out of curiosity, how did you come up with this ridiculous plan?" He asked, leaning forward slightly.

"I'm concerned about what will happen if these people continue to rule us when everything is already such a mess," I replied, my gaze fixed on my drink.

"A young child contemplating the future as if it were on the brink of destruction—it's truly intriguing," he remarked, a chuckle escaping his lips.

"Yes, it really is," I said, turning my eyes elsewhere, feeling the weight of my thoughts.

I needed this plan to succeed; the future of the lands and its people depended on it. My mother wouldn't approve if she found out, but I had to act swiftly before she could intervene. Everyone's faith rested in the hands of the Estevel. With those in power still at the top, they would stop at nothing to eliminate her—just as I had seen the events in the future.

Without the Estevel, the land and its people would begin to crumble, slowly descending into despair and ruin.