Steel and Mana

Chapter 320 – Summoned

Chapter 320 – Summoned

Krel had always prided himself on maintaining a calm demeanor when under pressure. The small and, many times, very delicate mechanisms of his toys demanded steady hands and undivided, steely focus, and he’d long since learned to keep his nerves in check. But as he stood outside the grand entrance to his Sovereign’s palace, the letter from the Ministry crumpled slightly in the inner pocket of his coat; Krel couldn’t stop his heart from racing.

When it first arrived, he thought it was the decision about his request to help him expand his business. Instead, the summons he had been served was utterly unexpected. He’d received official correspondence before. Primarily, they were requests for information or proof of citizenship to allow him to open his current business, but… this was different. The letter had been marked with the Ministry’s highest seal, and its contents were vague to the point of being cryptic.

“Mr. Krel, your presence is requested at the Ministry. Minister Paxon wishes to discuss an important matter concerning your work. Attendance is mandatory.”

He’d thought it was a mistake at first. What would the Ministry want with him? He was just a toymaker, after all. Unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Still, curiosity and a healthy dose of fear had driven him to comply at once, taking a long bath, changing into his best clothes, and heading off at once. On the way there, he was thinking of possibilities of why he was summoned in such a way… Was it because he made deals with Atuvians? Others did so, too… Wait! What if he dealt with spies he didn’t realize they were spies?! He couldn’t help but get nervous as his thoughts began racing, making up more and more outrageous ideas.

After arriving, his palms sweating, the meeting at the Ministry had been brief and bewildering. Minister Paxon himself had greeted him, which felt surreal enough, as he was running a whole department. Why would he take time to deal with him? His request shouldn’t have gone so high on the ladder… but when the Minister had said they’d be traveling to the palace to meet someone even more important, Krel’s stomach had dropped. Maybe he did sell something to a spy after all!

Now, as the heavy wooden doors opened with a silent creak, revealing the grand interior of the Sovereign’s residence, Krel’s breath was caught in his throat. It was his first time coming in here… and it was more beautiful than he expected. The polished floors sparkled under the soft light of the chandeliers above them, and the faint noise of distant activity echoed through the grand hall. If his ears didn’t lie to him, he was sure it was the laughter of children, which meant the kids of his Sovereign were near. The future leaders of Avalon.

“This way, Mr. Krel.” Minister Paxon’s voice broke through his daze, leading him further in.

Krel followed, his boots scuffing slightly against the floor despite his best efforts to step lightly and avoid making any embarrassing sounds. He clutched his somewhat worn satchel closer to his chest, the familiar weight of his tools and sketches offering a tiny bit of comfort. It held everything he brought along, expecting to prove why he needed support in expanding his business. As they walked, they passed deeper into the palace, walking through the throne room, letting Krel’s eyes wander around, seeing where the rest of the Ministers would hold their meetings with the Sovereign. It was the place where Avalon’s future was usually decided. His thoughts, by then, were consumed with a tsunami of questions. Why was he here? What did they want from him? And why in all the heavens would the Sovereign care about a toymaker? This was either something good… or something terrible.

When they finally stopped in front of a pair of regular doors, Krel’s knees felt weak. This was it… He almost fell unconscious when Minister Paxon turned to him, his expression unreadable.

“Before we go in, I should advise you to speak honestly. The Sovereign values if you are straight to the point above all else,” Paxon explained, his tone firm but warm enough to signal it wasn't something bad, followed by an encouraging pat on his back. “And don’t be intimidated. The Sovereign… well, he’s more understanding than you would realize.”

Understanding or not, Krel felt like a mouse being led into a cat’s domain. No. A lion's domain. He nodded mutely and watched as Paxon pushed the door open.

The room beyond was surprisingly modest compared to the rest of the palace, though still leagues beyond anything Krel had ever known. A large desk dominated the space, flanked by bookshelves, maps, and blueprints pinned to the walls; he even saw the schematics of the Lion. Behind the desk sat the Sovereign himself, a man Krel had only ever seen in paintings, a few portraits, and when he held public speeches. But never from this close, in the flesh.

He looked up with a half-smile before he rose as they entered, his presence commanding the room in Krel’s eyes but not overwhelmingly so. When their gazes met, Leon’s eyes sharp and intelligent, his stare remained fixed on Krel, and for a moment, the toymaker felt as though every secret he’d ever held was laid bare.

“Mr. Krel,” The Sovereign said, his voice warm and friendly. “Please, come in. Have a seat.”

Krel hesitated before stepping forward, his legs stiff and his hands gripping his satchel so tightly he feared the leather might tear apart. He sat as instructed, the plush chair beneath him feeling far too good for a simple craftsman of his stature. Even with his best clothes, he was now afraid that he would stain them.

“Thank you, Minister Paxon.” Leon continued, excusing the Minister, and while he left, a young woman came in and served them coffee.

“Stay.” She chuckled the moment Krel was about to stand, recognizing her as one of his Sovereign's wives. He wanted to stand, but her commanding chuckle made him just sit there, allowing himself to be served. It was… absurd.

“I… I didn’t expect to…” Krel began, his voice faltering, taking the coffee cup from the young woman who had to be the wife bearing the name Luna. Her mismatched colored eyes were the best giveaways.

“To?” Leon smiled, with a faint curve of his lips. “To find yourself here? That’s understandable. I imagine this is quite a departure from your usual routine.”

“I didn’t mean…” But then he remembered the Minister’s words, so he stopped and nodded, swallowing hard. “Yes, Your Majesty. I… I’m not sure why I’m here. I’m just a toymaker.”

“A toymaker who has captured the attention of Paxon,” Leon replied, his tone light, and Krel could feel he wasn’t faking it. He was simply this direct with his subjects. “And now, mine. Your work is… remarkable, Mr. Krel. I’ve seen one of your creations firsthand.”

“You have?” Krel’s eyes widened. “Ah!” Then it finally clicked. Of course… Wait, did he tell his Sovereign that he hadn’t got the time to create something for him?! He would remember if he took an order of that magnitude... He was so immersed in getting so many requests that he simply sent out a bunch of letters, telling everyone after a certain point to wait and giving them a date when they would have their toys ready. Probably a year in the future. It is entirely possible he sent the same letter… To the Sovereign… Yet, before he could start panicking, Leon continued.

“Yes.” he nodded. “I ensured that one was acquired for me to examine, even if you are overwhelmed with work. Don’t worry, I get it.” He chuckled, but it didn’t make Krel feel any better. He for sure sent a letter of refusal to his Sovereign… If that gets out, he will be in the headlines of next week’s newspapers! “A walking toy powered by steam and crafted with remarkable precision.” Leon continued, leaning forward and looking into his eyes, “Tell me, what inspired you to create such a thing?”

“I just wanted to make something children would love.” Krel hesitated, unsure how to respond. What he knew was that he had to be honest. “Something that could spark their imagination and bring them joy. A sense of wonder.”

“A noble ambition.” Leon answered with a soft smile flashing in his eyes, “But do you realize the potential of what you’ve created? Beyond toys?”

“I… I’ve thought about it, Your Majesty.” Krel shifted uncomfortably in his chair, still holding his cup, forgetting to sip on it, stealing a glance at Luna, who now stood beside Leon’s chair. “But that’s not why I do this. I just want to make toys. Invent things I would find interesting and fun. It is what makes me happy. That’s all.”

For a moment, Leon studied him in silence, and Krel felt the weight of the Sovereign’s scrutiny. Then, to his surprise, Leon’s expression softened further, and he leaned back in his chair, letting out a long sigh.

“Your dedication to your craft is admirable,” He began. “But I see in you something rare, Mr. Krel. A mind that can innovate and inspire my people even further. I won’t force you to change your chosen path, as it is every Avalonian’s right to do so for themselves. But I’d like to offer you an opportunity. Work with me. Share your knowledge and skills with Avalon, not for war or conquest, but for progress. The way you tackled issues and applied technology, which is currently still developing around us, reproducing it on the scale you work with, is an invaluable skill.”

Krel blinked, stunned by the offer. He opened his mouth to respond but found no words. The Sovereign, in turn, smiled faintly as if understanding his turmoil.

“Think about it,” Leon expressed. “You don’t have to decide today. But know that your talents are valued, and your work could make an impact far beyond what you intended. You did what I was planning for the future earlier than I expected. If you can handle it, I would be happy to pass it down to you. I have already much on my hand.”

Krel nodded slowly, by reflex, his mind spinning as if he was being rolled down from the side of a hill. He’d come here expecting reprimands or accusations, not an offer from the Sovereign himself.

“I already sent down the order,” His Sovereign continued, “You will be assigned people who will help you design a workshop to your specifications, and it will be built from the ground up. My Forgemaster personally will work with you. Your skills are exactly what could challenge his title, so don’t hold back!” He laughed, making Krel’s face go pale all of a sudden.

“I… I would never!” He stuttered, but Leon just chuckled.

“As I said, I won’t force you to change your path, Mr. Krel. But I’d still like you to help me, whatever your decision is. Which means I’d like you to spread your knowledge. Choose appropriate apprentices and pass down your experience and expertise. I will also assign a clerk to you who will record your work and compile a codex about you.”

“About me?”

“Records are essential for the future of Avalon. And you will have your name in the history books, Mr. Krel. I am sure of it. Anyway… Think of my offer. I could use your mind and talent, but even if you refuse and remain Krel the Toymaker, I will still support you in the same way. I am not lying when I say that every Avalonian has the option to choose their path. I am simply offering you an alternative. Don't look at this as an order, Krel.” He repeated, talking to him personally as if they were on equal footing, surprising him. "Whatever your decision, even if you refuse me, I won't hold it against you, and neither will anybody in this city."

“Thank you, My Sovereign…” Krel muttered while the door opened, and Paxon walked in, ready to lead him out of the palace once again, back to his home.

…
….
……

“You are really going to let him refuse you?” Luna asked, sitting on my lap, forcing me to start rubbing her tummy.

“I am.” I nodded with a smile, “I like his eyes.”

“Don’t bring a boy into the harem, please…”

“I am going to twist your nipples,” I warned her, reaching under her clothes.

“Please do so!”

“Now, I don’t wanna.”

“Aww… please?”

“Enough!” I chuckled, doing it once, making her shiver, “What I like is his simple goal in life. He didn’t even think about what he was doing; he just did what he found enjoyable and fulfilling. I am not going to rob that from him and force him into a different position. That could kill the drive, the talent behind him. Some people perform and shine when they are let loose and allowed to do what they want to do. Mr. Krel is clearly that kind of person.”

“So, if he refuses your offer, what will you do? Nothing?”

“Not exactly.” I chuckled. "I will let him do whatever he wants and keep him evolving, but I will send people to work under him.”

“To spy?”

“No. To learn. He will need to train his workforce, and through it, he will do what I would have to: Teach the next generation. Now, I won’t have to bother with that part; he will do it for me. I just have to review his blueprints now and then. This is what I was hoping for!”

“To someone discover miniature steam golems?”

“No.” I laughed, tickling her, “I mean that my people will find their purpose and, through it, reveal their geniuses. Be it in art or mechanics. Doesn’t matter. The kind of freedom and opportunities I give them will bring the best out of my citizens. Through them, Avalon will get stronger. It is a win-win situation. Even if others come in and try to steal it… They will only steal the ideas and not what makes it work. The people. How are they going to poach them if they can have their best lives here? Without the talent... They will never catch up to us.”