Bird in the sky (III)

"Phil, what are you doing up so late?"

"Grandfather, I came to negotiate with you." Phil cut straight to the point.

Duke Hon glanced at his grandson, wondering what he was going to say as his demeanor completely changed into his usual frigid diplomatic self.

"What would it be this time?" Duke Hon closed his fingers against each other. For a moment, he looked like an evil mastermind.

"Hello." I stepped out from behind Phil's waist.

"Well, if it isn't the little miss." Duke Hon's expression became warm. His eyes sparkled with curiosity in seeing me. "How can I help you today?"

"We have a business we would like to talk about." I pushed the box up on the desk. Duke Hon peered into wondering what it was. He took a moment to look; eventually, he reached in and pulled out a light lamp. Curious at the item, he placed it down in front of him.

"This is a light lamp. I suggest you try clapping your hands together to turn it on. It's coded a bit differently."

"Clapping my hands to turn it on?" Duke Hon tilted his head in confusion. He raised his hands and clapped once. The whole room became bright, allowing us to see the place.

I thought the room was clean, but now that I look around, it is dirty. For sure, this lamp light will help with cleaning around the mansion.

"It's a little different from the one we sold today. To turn it on and off, you just need to clap."

"This is quite extraordinary. Where did you get this? I have never seen such a product before."

"We made it," I said with confidence.

"Actually, Berry here invented the core of the lamp itself," Phil spoke. "It's what I have been helping Berry create this past few months."

"So this is what you have been doing. I was wondering why you were neglecting your duties, but this is different. I can see why you were so focused on working on this." Duke Hon was pleased with the product in front of him.

"Today, we have successfully made about 200 gold coins from selling just 60 of these products. The cost of making 40 of them did not even cost over 10 gold coins."

Alarmed, Duke Hon stared at the product in hand. "I see, this would even be considered a luxury item to the nobles if you sold them for a higher price."

"We were thinking about having the artisans craft elegant designs for them," I replied, my mind whirling with ideas.

"That's quite fascinating. How is it made?" Duke Hon leaned a bit forward, taking a good look at the two.

"Well, that is the thing. Some conditions need to be met before even attempting to make them," said Phil.

"That would be?"

"You need to know magic, learn how to read Berry's language, and know a certain skill. The product is made from Common Magic Stones."

"Did you say Common Magic Stones?"

"Yes. The lowest kind."

Duke Hon was surprised at what he learned. Everyone knew that the Common Magic Stones were almost useless, until now. "This is truly a revolutionary item. Who would've thought that Common Magic Stones could be used this way."

"I had the same thought, grandfather."

"What language do you speak, Berry?"

I hesitated. Crap, what language did I speak anyways? Thinking it over, a phrase came into mind.

"Ancient Draconian"

"Ancient Draconian! You don't mean the lost language?"

"Yes?" I faltered. Holy crap, they literally believe me.

"That would make complete sense now. You must be the last rare few of your elven kind that can read actual dragon language and have Ancient Draconian coins. This is truly a mind-boggling experience."

"I assumed it was an ancient draconic language." Duke Hon was pleased with what he had learned.

"When I looked through the history books, I saw the same symbols appearing in lost languages and writing."

So I was right? I questioningly stared in confusion. Did I even just lie right now? Ugh, I need to stop doing this, or it's going to eat at my soul.

"Fascinating." Duke Hon eyes stared at me like an interesting new toy that had been discovered. "What are you planning on doing from here on out?"

"Expand the business."

"How many employees do you have?"

"That's what I'm also looking for. We got three new soldiers who will be helping protect our product. Two of them I have the feeling can learn the language. It's going to take some investment. We are looking for blacksmiths as well."

"I can recommend you a good blacksmith."

"If you don't mind, I would like to start a small class for orphan children and teenagers. Adults are welcomed. There are no species restrictions. Anyone willing to learn, I accept teaching them. Right now, I don't expect anything in return." I asked.

"I do not understand why you would go to such length?"

Duke Hon's quietly watched me wondering what I would say next.

"The future rests in the children. Without them, there is no country nor purpose for this world to even continue existing. We strive for a better tomorrow and teaching the children morals and knowledge, which we, as a different species, can come together in understanding. We could benefit from each other's cultures and grow as a whole."

Duke Hon thought deeply about what I had said. "That is quite a large ideal to say for someone so young."

"No, sir, it is something everyone possibly had once thought of or wished for before the politics had crushed it."

"Even though I know that life does not always go that way, I want to create a sanctuary for all races to come to rest and learn."

Duke Hon was looking at me intensely. He leaned forward and closed his eyes, brooding over what was just said. "Young lady, for someone so young to have such an ideal. I do not know if I should say you are foolish or wise."

"I am neither."

"So, will you be willing to help grandfather?" Phil asked.

"Yes, I see this as a good investment for our town."

"Would it be possible to start tomorrow?" I asked. I was getting hyped at the thought of this project. I wanted to see how far I could go. It was a gut feeling that made my stomach roll around with butterflies, I knew this was going to be worth my time.

"I can arrange that."

"Please, let it be an open space where a lot of people would come." I chimed in.

Duke Hon nodded.

"Is that all?"

Phil replied before his grandfather could say anymore. "Grandfather, I would like to work with her."

"I assumed as much, but this does not mean you should neglect your lessons."

"Do not worry, grandfather. I will hold my end of the bargain."

Satisfied, Duke Hon watched us leave.