Home for the Few - The Awakening of the Silenced Ⅰ

XVIII. Farewell, freedom.

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   "The railway is the most important thing of all; it will help speed up exports and prevent the exploitation of mules. But I must admit, it's also what will take the most time and resources to build," said Vilkas, leaning back in a chair with his feet propped up on a table covered in blueprints. "It could be the first thing we start, yet the last thing to be finished."

   The King had assigned them one of the unused great halls to begin their inventions. They were also each given a large chamber. Father and son lived in the castle, along with Yong, one of the best mechanics, and the crew's doctor. The rest of the crew stayed temporarily in the few inns available, at least until the new constructions were completed. They were working on transforming Vilkas's fleet into a village on the water. The impressive ships had become obsolete after such a long and perilous journey, and Serendipia didn't yet have the technology needed to repair them.

   It was early morning. Between the wedding preparations, the move, the festival, and the inventions, Farkas and Vilkas had their hands full. The man was preparing a pipe, not looking at him. A single lantern on the table illuminated their faces, while the rest of the hall remained in shadow. Little by little, the walls and floors filled with prototypes and blueprints.

   Farkas stood in front of him, hands resting on the table, leaning his weight forward. He wore a white, grease-stained shirt with rolled-up sleeves. The dim light and flickering fire enhanced the beauty of his delicate features. His crooked nose was inherited from his mother.

   "We'll start working on the tracks and machinery immediately. But we'll focus on the other inventions first; we need to ensure they see progress, and fast," the young man began confidently, examining the blueprints for automobiles and electric heating. "I'm sure that will give us the opportunity to get to know life in Serendipia and map out the best routes for the tracks, while you and the railway are being built..."

   His father stood up, yawning. At that moment, the door burst open. Kaira entered absentmindedly, looking behind her, with a bottle of rum in hand.
   Farkas sighed, and Vilkas chuckled in surprise. The Princess turned, jumped slightly, and then, clearly drunk, looked at Farkas with disdain.

   "Do you always have to be in my way?" she said cruelly. "Every time I try to find a little peace, I end up running into your face."

   "You're the one who barged into where I am!" he replied, incredulous.

   "This is my home," the Princess responded proudly. She then finished the bottle in one go.

   "Cheers," Vilkas interjected.

   "Thank you," she replied with a sweet, sincere smile. Then she turned to Farkas again with disgust. She spun around and left, as if nothing had happened.

   Farkas sighed and looked at his father with an expression of weariness.

   "My future, sweet wife..."

   "It's going to be an interesting wedding," Vilkas replied, raising his eyebrows mockingly.

   Vilkas was right.

   "I hope all this is worth it, Father," Farkas murmured.

   "It's the only way," his father replied at the same volume.

   The next day, the maidens hurriedly ran around preparing everything for the wedding. Lorenza wanted it to be held in fifteen sunrises.
   Zervus was searching for Kaira, terrified of what would happen if Lorenza found her first. Furious, the Queen had torn apart her daughter's room, wanting to take her measurements for the dress but unable to locate her.