The Mechanical Era

Cora stood right in front of the knight commander. She was sweating a little, due to the high amount of pressure she is put under by her informants.

"Who did you hear from?" she asked.

"From my good friend's sire had visited."

"Well, what about it?"

"I just heard that Prince Kant does not allow a knight to accompany him at all times when outside. I would like Knight Kristina to enforce that rule. Did her majesty not request it in her letter?"

"She did yes, but his majesty King Danial and Prince Kant made the case that it was only when he is going somewhere. Said something about allowing him to build charisma."

"Yes, but what if he is held hostage inside? How can we be sure that he will be safe?"

"That is... a fair concern yes? But how will they communicate?"

"They might use notes!" Kristina laughed at that one.

"Though that is a legitimate concern, I do not think that peasants would be able to have the necessity to write. So it would be unlikely."

"There are many commoners who can read and write. Merchants, craftsmen, stonemasons, and much more. The prince is visiting a lot of people, very important people that can write."

"That is true... but."

"Have you lost a loved one?"

"Huh?" She was caught off-guard.

"I am asking you, have you lost a loved one?"

"Yes. I have. But..."

"Then you know what it feels like. To lose someone of great importance to you in life. Her majesty is currently having to see his majesty suffer because of some disease. The only thing that she should not be worried about is whether her children are safe.

Right now, you have been neglecting your duties as a knight to keep the Prince safe. So if you were not to send a bodyguard to protect him, and if the prince gets harmed. I do not think her highness will ever forgive you for it."

There was a moment of silence as Kristina processed what Cora had just said. She thought of an answer to give out to at least satisfy her needs.

"Can you please then convince the Prince to meet me at my office?"

"Gladly, Knight Kristina."

She leaned back in her chair. Kristina thought of what Cora said. She thought of her family, the ones who lived with the maid she hired to take care of her children while she is always off at work. Kristina can't help but notice the ever-deep emotional connection that Cora the maid had for Kant.

She was startled at what would happen to her own children. Would they see her as less of a mother as they grow up? Would they view the maid more as a parental figure than her?

'What if...' she thought.

The door received a firm knocking on the other side. Kristina was caught off-guard.

"Come in," she said. Just then, Kant, holding a white piece of paper with a drawing of a weird-looking table in his hand, entered the room.

"Oh, Prince Kant! You came quickly."

"Prince Kant? I thought I was to be supposed addressed with 'Sire'?"

"Oh, yes. Sorry sire."

"Apology accepted. Cora informed me that you wanted me to be present at your office."

"Yes, sire. Your mo... maid Cora had been concerned about your security lately."

"I see. Yes. But it is vital for me to build a good connection with the people. I do not think that having a tough bodyguard would help with such. It might even discourage them. However..."

"What is it, sire?"

"Just to satisfy her worries. I could accompany one for meeting with craftsmen, merchants, and such."

"And when speaking to a dozen or more people?"

"I can have guards check if they have anything before they get into the crowd. That would be my next safest option. In regards to selecting a bodyguard, when will the process take place?"

"On the 25th, sire."

"Well then, would you allow me to pick out the one I would like to be by my side?"

"That is... acceptable. Yes."

"Very good." Kant got up and nearly left the room. It was when Kristina called out for Kant again.

"Wait, Sire!"

"Yes, Mrs. Robin?"

"I... would like to ask permission from you first. May I... take tomorrow off?"

"Why? Is there something wrong? Are you feeling under the weather?"

"No sire. It is just... I haven't been able to be around my children for a long time. Therefore I am asking permission to see them."

Kant smiled at her request.

"Yes. I grant you tomorrow the day off."

"Thank you, sire."

Kant made his way back to his room, where he would work on what he needed to fit in his school of learning. Cora was unexpecting there, cleaning up some things that Kant had missed out on.

"You got your wish, Cora. I will be accompanying a bodyguard when meeting up with some people I can work with. I even got her to let me select a bodyguard of my choosing."

"Thank you sire. For hearing out my concerns for your safety."

"You told me that you have someone in mind?"

"Yes, I do. Would you like to hear about him? I want to make sure..."

"Of course! Continue."

"There is a man in his early 40s. Though he is an ordinary knight, he is well experienced and capable of punching above his own weight."

"What is his name?"

"His name is Silvester Mowbray. He is a veteran knight that had been serving since his majesty king Danial had taken over."

"I see. I will look into him."

"Thank you, sire."

With that, Cora managed to achieve her objective. At night, she managed to pass down a note. It was an encrypted message briefing her informants that their plan had been successful and that they can move on to the next stage of the plan.

Meanwhile, at the same time Cora's conversation was going on, the Petersons were out and about in town. They were going to meet a friend. One that would help them supply them with the moving types they need for the printing press Prince Kant wanted in about 5 days.