Chapter 8: Empire.

Chapter 8 - Empire.Bearlington was several times larger than Maryport and could be properly called a city. From what Lee understood the religious rebels would never dare to attack it, at least not openly.

After arrival the family directly went to the governor's place, and while the guards were reluctant to let them in, the governor received the trio with open arms and wide smile on his cunning face. Of course, the guy was alright, and only his eyes darting all over the place made Lee uneasy.

He had seen people like that and knew they would sell their soul for gold, but fortunately the only gain Governor Manford could hope for was the favor of the two big shots from the capital.

Despite Manford's suggestion to have a meal first, Tess took a lengthy bath, and afterwards went for a good sleep. Lee, of course, had to join her during these procedures, but he had seen worse and didn't care. He was happy to finally be able to properly learn how to crawl, and could actually start to show off himself as a child-genius.

During the next days he slowly began to say few words, trying to make it sound as clumsy as possible, but even then Tess was more than thrilled. The only problem was that her cheeky son refused to say anything in the presence of others, even Alan, but she quickly took it for a special connection between the two of them.

There was a brief period of several days when not knowing how to hide her pride she carried Lee all over the city, trying to show him off to every passerby, but he managed to put stop to it, albeit the solution involved him using more words than a simple no. As the result his brilliance in Tess's eyes only grew, but in general it was according to Lee's initial plan, so he wasn't worried.

The main issue was to not become too amazing like he did in the previous life, when he was elected to lead the fight against the Cloud Kingdom's royal cavalry.

Of course, back then this world seemed rather savage, and becoming a local genius was the only entertainment he could think of. But after learning about the presence of the superhumans, he was not going to throw another chance away.

If only the most talented people, like the elite soldiers in the cavalry could wield fire, it would be one thing, but since a random drunkard like Captain Freewon had a similar ability – Lee definitely had to learn it.



More importantly, he already knew that becoming a superhuman was somehow related to the beast sparks, but he also witnessed them being present in his two earlier lives on Earth.

It could only mean that these sparks were some kind of universal phenomenon, and if not in this, then in his next reincarnations he could acquire one – as long as he knew how to operate it, of course.

Unfortunately he had to take baby-steps, literally. He couldn't simply ask Tess to tech him right away, but he could become a young genius to access more or less privileged knowledge as early as possible.

The downside was that he probably will have to work for the Cloud Kingdom. And while he didn't care much for the cavalry killing him last time, he would've loved to see the bitch and her goons, who eradicated the Pine Village, dead. Yes, Tess and Alan were currently his favorite parents by far, but he really liked this life's original two as well – the young couple that was mercilessly killed for no real reason along with the other villagers.

But it was fine. As Lisa used to say – It's never too late for revenge. Him blowing up the fat Russian was the proof, although he certainly intended to be much more careful the next time. Kamikaze style was not only painful, dying together with one's target was moronic – at least it was what Lee learned from that event.

The family stayed in Bearlington for over two months, and departed together with the convoy bringing the yearly taxes to the capital. It was incomparably safer than going on their own, and arriving a month or two later didn't really matter. Alan already sent a letter to the king, explaining their situation, and was not in a rush to return.

Traveling with the army was on a whole another level compared to the mule and the shabby wagon Alan stole in Maryport. They were treated like royalties and guarded almost as tightly as the two carriages filled with the tax money. The road did seem rather long and boring without dangers lurking around, but the festival that awaited them in the capital made up for it.

Sunwell, the capital of the Cloud Kingdom, didn't have walls or gates. In fact, even before entering the suburbs they were technically in the Sunwell's territory for over half a day. Regrettably the name didn't reflect nor the living conditions nor the architecture in the city and, apart from the size, there was nothing special about it.

The vast territories surrounding it were used to grow crops to feed thousands and thousands of mouths residing in the capital, while most of the citizens were artisans, and earned their living by crafting necessities for the common people and luxuries for nobles.

Technically both Alan and Tess, being royal healers, were also part of the nobility, but to Lee they more resembled owners of a tavern or inn. This feeling intensified when they met actual nobles in golden carriages, pulled by six or sometimes even eight horses.

The important people had their mansions somewhere near the palace grounds, and it widened the divide between them and the common folk, but judging from what Lee saw on the streets, most citizens didn't care. They lived their simple lives, and since now it was time for a festival, they celebrated.

"That bastard surely missed you!" Tess said to Alan with a wide grin, from the carriage observing people singing and dancing on the streets.

"Tess ..." As usual Alan felt helpless with her choice of words.

"Alright, alright!" She pinched his cheek, "What the fuck is going on? This is not how we usually celebrate the New Year. And what's up with the blue flags? I've never seen those ... but it certainly doesn't look like we were invaded by anyone and your damned friend was overthrown."

"Sigh ... my best guess is that he finally went and did it." Alan said, "It has been his dream for decades, you know ..."

"Fucking empire, huh?" Tess said, "I wonder how long it will last."

"Just don't say it in his face, alright?" Alan glared at her, "He might snap one day even at you ..."

Alan never understood why he felt so helpless around her, but usually she knew when to stop. Meanwhile Tess pretended to pout, and Lee continued to curiously look around. He was long used to their peculiar relationship.

The tax money was brought to the treasury, but the trio went directly to the palace. On the doorstep they met a man, approximately Alan's age, who seemed to be truly happy to see them. Instead of a greeting, he opened with a tease though.



"Where in the world did the two of you steal the baby from?!" He laughed, "The real parents must be worried to death!"

"It's ours, you, asshole!" Tess was not in a mood for joking, but the guy didn't mind. Apparently he knew her well.

"I'll be damned!" He said, "Congratulations! I'm truly happy for you – I knew you always wanted an heir! Did you use any medicinal tricks? Maybe you can help me as well ... you know, I'd love to have another son besides Edward."

"Bates, let it be..." Alan could only sigh, "Is His Majesty in?"

"It's His Imperial Majesty now, haven't you heard?" Bates grinned in return, "Truth to be said, no one from the council has gotten used to the change. But yes, go, he's in. I think Victoria is also with him."

After entering, when no one was around, Tess whispered, "Should we come back later?"

"It doesn't matter." Alan shook his head, "It's inevitable to stumble upon her in the palace. It's her home, you know? Let's get it over with ..."

Lee already knew his stepparents were important people here, and the attitude from guards and servants confirmed that. In addition, they barely announced the desire to see the king, or rather – the emperor, and the audience was immediately granted.

It was unclear what allowed them to have such status, but Tess often mentioned Alan being friends with most powerful man in this world, and Lee decided to go with that.

He was curious about the throne room and the protocol of meeting the head of the empire, and on the way played out several scenarios in his mind, but got surprised nevertheless.