The naming ceremony was shorter than Rui had expected, much to his delight. They adorned him with garlands of flowers and leaves as well as leaving markings across his body, making him swear to a number of oaths.
"I hereby swear to act in good faith with those who bear the name of Silas..."
"I hereby swear to always do good by my kin..."
"I hereby swear to never betray the name of Silas..."
"Hm..." His grandmother regarded him. "Then rise, Rui Quarrier Silas Kandria."
Rui stood up from a kneeling position, smiling at her.
"From this day forth, you shall bear the name of Silas," she told him in a solemn tone. "Never forget your oaths, your responsibilities, or the privileges of being part of our clan."
"I will not forget," he promised.
She smiled affectionately at him. "And that brings us to an end to the ceremony."
Rui nodded. "...I must return now. But before I go."
He pulled out a communication artifact, handing it to his grandmother. "This is a reliable cross-continental means of reaching me. Please let me know what your decision is before the week ends."
"I shall be sure to do that, my grandson."
Rui smiled. "I look forward. Goodbye."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})The entire clan came forth to bid him goodbye in unison before Sage Sayfeel activated his breathing technique, propelling them forward at extreme speeds in the sky toward the Kandrian Empire.
This time, however, Rui was too consumed in his thoughts to pay too much attention to the view of the travel.
"How do you think that went?"
"..."
Rui heaved a sigh. "I think that went as good as it could have. Though things were a little dicey there at the beginning."
"Your timely intervention prevented the situation from deteriorating, Your Highness," Sage Sayfeel remarked.
"True. I really hope that the Silas Clan makes the right choice," Rui heaved a sigh. "Every incentive and disincentive point towards settling in the Kandrian Empire. The only reason that they are not immediately jumping to the opportunity is because of the radical lifestyle shift."
Rui knew that it was going to be particularly challenging to integrate the Silas Clan into the Kandrian Empire fully. In fact, it was almost impossible to do within a short amount of time.
For the time being, he could hope that they would slowly integrate into society eventually. He would need to plan their integration such that they would not grow too isolated. He quickly came up with a variety of schemes that would require them interact and cooperate with the Martial Union first for things like potions and potentially fixing the Eye of Prophecy technique's great price.
Rui heaved a sigh. "I might have to postpone my meeting with the Adventurer's Guild by a bit if they make their decision too late."
He definitely needed to be there to mediate the agreement between the Silas Clan and the Kandrian Empire, as well as the Martial Union.
He was effectively a representative of all three as a member of the ruling royal family, a powerful member of the Martial Union, and a member of the Silas Clan. If he didn't mediate, it was possible that the pride and even narcissism regarding prophecy might hamper a seamless integration into the system of the Kandrian Empire.
"I'm sure my father would probably do a better job," Rui heaved a sigh, shaking his head.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})"That is an extraordinary standard to hold yourself to, Your Highness," Sage Sayfeel remarked. "Your father would do a better job than anybody else."
It wasn't too long before they returned to the Kandrian Empire, where Sage Sayfeel quickly snuck Rui back into the isolated meditation chamber before disappearing.
CLACK
Rui opened the door, walking out briskly.
"Sir," his secretary got up.
"Tell Mikhaila to postpone my meeting with the head of the Adventurer's Guild by a week and a half," Rui replied. "Convey my apologies and inform him that I have unfortunately been forced to deal with some ensuring emergencies."
"…Yes, sir," his secretary wisely kept her confusion concealed.
As far as she was aware, no emergencies had happened. In fact, just half a day ago, they had discussed how all the work was finally complete.
"I want a civil infrastructure map of Kandria as well as a topographical and climate map of the Kandrian Empire. Also, have her book appointments with all the civil construction companies in our that engage in residential construction," Rui replied. "I'll also need to speak to the Kandrian Border Patrol Force and several more governmental institutions. And the Martial Union, especially the Martial Union."
"Understood, sir."
"Also, get me in touch with all the companies that engage in research, production, and manufacturing of longevity potions."
"Yes, sir."
"Also…"
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})Rui's certain renewed vigor had not gone unnoticed. He was too powerful for people to miss his sudden drive. First, his administration noticed, followed by his inner orbit, then his entire faction, and eventually the political class of the Kandrian Empire all grew confused as Rui suddenly rushed into a flurry of preparations and arrangements with a variety of parties.
It was rather strange.
He had already won the Kandrian Throne War.
There was nothing else left to win.
Why was he getting so riled up?
Nobody understood.
While they watched in confusion, however, Rui had made multiple preliminary preparations for the settlement of the Silas Clan into the Kandrian Empire. These were the kind of preparations that didn't cost him much, considering how much wealth he had. He made multiple arrangements for housing across the entire Empire depending on which region they liked and what kind of housing they wanted.
There were many forests and natural habitats in the Kandrian Empire that they could reside in should they have chosen to build their own housing in the manner they pleased; Rui had already begun scouting multiple candidates for regions they might want to settle in.
BZZZT BZZZT BZZZT
Just a day later, he received a call on his communication artifact.
It was his grandmother.
A single remark escaped her.
"We accept your offer."
