Chapter 12

"Tell me something, why me? What did you see in me to actually pursue me. Don't get me wrong I'm flattered but it bugles my mind. I still….." Gracey got interrupted by Erick putting his finger across her lips. He thought to himself maybe he could confine in her even after months of dating all the way up to their second year, he sighed to himself.

"Grandma is going to meet you in person so I don't want you to get caught of guard, but I know this is going to sound bad, but you can walk away if you want from this relationship of ours." He said with seriousness that Gracey had never seen in him before. As she cupped his face and assured him that she would not leave because of his family ties, so he explained his whole story from his birth place to what happened to his family, how they were decimated out of nowhere.

As he poured his heart out to her, she saw the trust he had to confide in her, she felt her heart beating faster and a feeling started to creep up on her, something wonderfully terrifying but she decided to examine those particular feelings at a later date.

.....

"Klaus what are we going to do with that bastard son of whore it's been a year and a half and we still haven't gotten a handle on him, why haven't anyone found a weakness on him?" Asked Margret furiously, her and her ilks have brought many out layers in line but he just haunted her dreams every night mocking her, taunting her, with every victory means a slap at her face, she was on a verge of going insane. Both her and Klaus tried to get their families intel's on him but nothing came up as he was a ghost.

As everyone of the ivory lodges higher ups contemplated on their situation, some of them voiced their opinions on letting things be, but most of them were insulted by this proposal.

"Klaus we either need to bring the other factions into the equation or we need status quo's to hold. She is going out of her mind but I had some of my private investigators follow him and I wasn't going to share this until a decision has been reached but take a look at the info in the link." Suggested a boy whom nobody even took to seriously before, as Klaus came to his senses and saw who took the initiative he was surprised by that person and the info he managed to bring.

"James." He muttered in recognition of a minister's son whom he just accepted to the lodge as a way to accumulate a network of followers. As he saw in the room everyone there had either their own heads buried beneath the sand or they just didn't care enough. But he had came to a realization that those with ambition like James and others like him are the ones to keep close in order to climb the ladder of success.

As everyone digested the information that was brought to their attention most of them came to one conclusion that he wasn't the fleebag they thought he was. As most of them became hesitant at confronting him without knowing more info. As pride had been the down fall of many powerful people throughout history, Margret and Klaus couldn't bare the thought of someone they consider of low born to outshine and surpass them.

"If I can't get to him directly,I'll get to him through her."said Margret with scorn laced voice and giving everyone a chilling look at those sitting.

"It's definitely a card to play in difficult situations." Whispered Klaus to himself, only every effort he made to get information on him became futile as if there was something or someone actively working to prevent him.

...….

As life continues Erick dived deeper in to his studies things he considers to be useful for his Arsenal of tricks and tactics, he even took to agricultural studies,economics, philosophy on top of his regular courses. As glory she came to a conclusion that if she wishes to create something new in memory of her parents, she needed to learn the art of politics and sword same advice she got from her grandparents. As both saw a way to their future one saw a way to unite and other saw to clear the board.

"Hey cousin I keep thinking why is your brother like this, he could have joined us be apart of the group. I know some of our extended family members are not thrilled about you two but there those of us…."

As glory laughed a bit,"Erick is different he always has. His mind doesn't let him sleep not because of the nightmares or anything, it's his nature so is mine.we see the world as it is because we were taught one thing by our parents. People are born and they die slowly all the same, we all bleed the same colour when we are cut, so title or riches don't hold the same weight for us as they do to others my dear cousin." Said glory lost in her thoughts surprised as why her cousin is asking about her brother.

"Why are you asking?" Glory said.

"I believe that is the first time you ever shared with me couz but I was asking because I was hoping to get to know him better outside of the few times I seen him I don't know him at all. Did you know that he started working at downtown shop it's an artisan shop small but highly reputable, it's a 300 year old shop."

"Are you sure?".

"Yes everyone is talking about it, how did they put it,oh yes the high and mighty has an owner." Lightly grinning replied Kassandra

The maiden is one the only few shops in the high end shopping district of Belie founded by Klara Rubi Klavi, the only daughter of the flawless hand klavi three hundred years ago. The current owner Helena Is a 25-year-old mechanical engineering artist with intricate tattoos, known for her creative, hands-on work. With calloused hands marked by ink stains and scars, she spends her days crafting pottery, jewelry, and other handmade goods in her eclectic shop. Her style is bold and expressive, and she dresses casually in paint-splattered clothes, always fueled by her passion for turning raw materials into beautiful, meaningful art. Her shop reflects her authentic spirit, drawing customers who appreciate the emotion behind each piece she creates.

"Erick listen just because you memorized the notes I gave you, that doesn't make you an expert. Hhhmmmmm you have a steady hands so you can do the more delicate work." Said klara not knowing what to do with her new apprenticeship,smart but works like he has no future tomorrow.

"I know look at this piece and tell me what you think, it's an intricate but simple puzzle box."

"I did it's nice for kids but create something that has the UMF. Look it's been almost a year and I've seen your sketches and designs so show me some of those."

"Fine." Said Erick at the stubborn woman and since it's been a year with Gracey he thought he should make something beautiful.