An Unreasonable Degree Of Trust.

Sylvester slowly opened his eyes. He seemed to be in a large field. He appeared to be seating in a humble position, his hands placed on his lap. Facing him was an older man with curly black hair, and hazel colored eyes. Both entities were seated on the grass, of which the wind was the only thing that bothered to still the silence in this domain. "I must say, I am rather surprised that you managed to get this far." The man began, as he stared at the lad, of whom was seated before him. "You completely surpassed my expections." The entity added, with a slight nod. "I neither know if I should take that as a compliment, or otherwise." The young boy commented, with a slight grin on his face. "Afterall, the only thing of significance which I am capable of performing is to make a harmless gust of wind blow past." He admitted, while observing the entity that was seated before him. "I am completely unaware of what state my physical body is currently in, at the moment." He said, as he lightly placed his hand on his chest. Although everything, especially this environment felt surreal; it still felt quite realistic nonetheless. "Take note of the fact that I am not to blame for whatever condition thou should find thyself wherein." The older man began. "Afterall, thou is yet to fulfill the prerequisite for the attainment of a stable connection." 'I am perfectly aware of that, you stupid god.' Sylvester thought in his head, although he still beamed at the entity on the surface. 'This is being Done at the cost of my life; so I would very much prefer if you humbly proffered answers to my inquiries rather than avoiding them.' He evaluated in his mind. "Are there any assumptions you can provide as to why I possess such powers? Afterall, I would deem it unlikely that I awoke to discover them within my control." Sylvester interrogated, finding the persona before him to be quite irritating. "That, I cannot tell, besides from the fact that thou has likely inherited them." The man said, as he thoughtfully stroked his chin. "I can, however divulge to you this much; thou is In critical need of a teacher of whom will meticulously guide thou on how to control thine powers." The entity replied in a humble tone. "Which of the seven continents and eight seas do you expect me to attain the one you possibly speak of?" Sylvester enquired, a slight frown on his face. "That, is thine own problem to solve." The entity simply told him. Sylvester frowned further; not because of what that one said, but it was due to the fact that the voice which conversed with him had grown seemingly faint. "Sylvester? Sylvester!" A voice called out from the outside world with much agitation, causing this one of infinite illusions to crumble before his eyes.

 "Sylvester!" The voice seemed to be much more clear to his hearing at this point. He also felt the faint sensation of something being sprinkled on his face. He slowly opened his eyes, only to come in contact with a pair of brown, but slightly worried ones. "Beatrice?" He called out in confusion. His voice was so low that it could have been mistaken for an inaudible whisper. "What.." "Are you alright, young Master?" Another individual called out to him. She was bent over him, a small ceramic bowl in hand, her brows tightly knitted together due to her apprehension. Of course, he should have known.. he ought to be aware, that this Maid was quite keen about being at her mistress's heels. "My goodness, Young Master. You really gave my mistress and I quite the fright." Katrina bantered, but Sylvester was more worried, about where that book could possibly be above anything else. "I am alright." Sylvester began, as he made to stand up, but unfortunately, his strength failed him. Although the conversation he had indulged that entity with was quite short, it was still tasking on mind and soul. "How could you possibly say such a thing with a straight face?" Beatrice was the one that quipped in this time. Her emotions being a mixture of anger and worry. "You are even more frail than a newly born foal!" She added. "Desist from your chastisement Beatrice-it is giving me quite a headache." Sylvester couldn't help but say. "But rather assist me to rise unto my bed."

 Only when He had lain comfortably in his bed, could he process the natural order of things. Consequently, from the interpretation of the two women, Beatrice had called upon his room to check up on him, but had apparently gotten worried when there was no response. With no other alternatives as a given choice, they had to barge into his room, where they discovered him lying on the floor, unconscious. It had frightened both ladies to the extent that they pondered whether or not to call the physician. But due to Katrina's quick thinking, she was able to, albeit with much difficulty, feed her master some sugar distilled with water by wedging a metal spoon in between his lips, In order to grant him strength, before proceeding to splash a miniscule amount of water on his face using her fingers. Hereupon did Sylvester analyze all this things while laid upon his bed, with two women casting worried glances upon him. "Are you absolutely certain that I should not send for Anna?" Beatrice enquired, as she sat on his bed. Sylvester shook his head. "No need for that- you trouble yourself too much. I only require some rest, that's all." He assured her, but he did not gaze at her-his eyes were fixated on a particular corner of his room. 'Quite an inconveniencing area it has located itself- but I need not worry about that, for the now.' Sylvester thought, as he gazed at the small black book which peeked out from underneath his wardrobe. He was beyond confident that neither one of the ladies would notice- he couldn't care less as to why It whinded up there, of all places. "You always bring it upon yourself to remind me of my health, but of what use is it when you barely maintain yours?" Beatrice asked, as her brown eyes stared at him in an almost pitiful manner. "Even the most healthy man on earth is Still bound to suffer from a head cold on an occasional basis." Sylvester told her, as a way of reply. "So please, do not blame me for my misfortune." He added. "My lady, I believe it to be in our best interest to let the master rest for a while." Katrina whispered in Beatrice's ear, when she noticed that her Master's voice had grown even fainter. "Very well then." Beatrice muttered in response. "But if this incident reoccurs, I shall task It upon myself to summon Anna, irregardless of what you say." She told him, as she proceeded to leave. "Before you go." Sylvester called hurriedly after her. "Might you have an inkling of where Dennis may be?" "I know not." Beatrice replied, for she was already in close proximity with the door. "Does the man task it upon himself as to tell me his whereabouts?"

*********************************************

 Sylvester brought himself to seat on his bed Amidst the silence that reigned in his room. He had to ensure that both women had truly departed before he did what he intended to do. He reached out for the drawer that was nearest to him with much difficulty, and took out a small book from within. Such a small action made alone made him to become breathless in an instant. Only then did the realisation dawn on him that truly, his soul had stood in between the boundaries of life and death. 'And all that effort, for naught.' Sylvester muttered in vexation, when he recalled his dialoge with that peculiar entity. At this rate, he may never recover his full strength until the next morning. The book, which was within his grasp was colored in a very dark blue, and had gold patterns adorning it in an intricate fashion. There was also a particular emblem inscribed on the book cover, but Sylvester could not foretell its features due to the book being old and faded. A frown came to his face as he flipped through the pages of the book- this was the upthirteenth time he did so. But the pages of the book remained empty and faded, as though the previous owner never took the interest to write anything In it. And that was what intrigued Sylvester more- for this book was his.. Late mother's diary. And he was quite certain that as a child, he had the privilege on one or two occasions, to see her writing into the book. 'This diary isn't that ancient for the handwriting to fade without leaving as so much a blotch of ink.' Sylvester thought, as he closed the book, and placed it underneath his pillow. He had found it among Diane's old things, when their father had ordered for her room to be cleaned out with much vexation on the day she left- although he doubted quite highly if the latter knew of its existence. He slid down on his bed, covering himself with the sheets. 'Fortunately, I was there when the cleaning was being done.' He thought, as his eyes began to droop. 'If not, it might have been rendered to ashes by now.." He thought, as his soul drifted off to the land of slumber. The blue book laid idly underneath Sylvester's pillow. What could its contents possibly be?

***************************************************************

 Dennis was seated in an chair of a seemingly humble abode, as he sipped his tea diligently, which was presented to him in a chipped mug. Although he utterly despised the taste, it was still necessary for him however, to compliment and act as though it was the most enjoyable thing ever, with the most pretentious smile plastered across his face. Even Cornelia, who stood humbly by his side with her hands clasped elegantly before her, also seemed to be quite exhausted. They had worked quite laboriously on the mine, and with Jamien's strict surveillance ensuring rapid progress, Even Cornelia felt obliged to help- she couldn't just stand by when everyone else was contributing in their own way. Fortunately, the dam was successfully completed before the upcoming event of the hunter's moon. Hopefully, excavation could commence by the following week. An in order to make this eventful day to be even more gruesome..

"Hmm..." The baron hummed to himself, as he stared at the crop, which was displayed in front of him. While he was yet to appraise this slender plant that was before him, Dennis could want nothing greater than to depart, for he already felt uncomfortable. "Dennis.." The baron began, as he gazed upwards. "Where in the cosmos did you discover this? I was of opinion that this plant was rather rare." The baron asked, as he made eye contact with Dennis for a brief moment, before glancing back to the plant. "It is not necessary to ponder upon how I attained it father." Dennis replied, as he dabbed his mouth delicately with a napkin. "I can only hope that you could put it into good use." He added, as he gazed at the almost mystical plant. The baron however shook his head. "I am quite unsure myself If I could tender to such a delicate plant." The baron began, as he held his chin. "The Rohenta Is a plant that requires a sufficient amount of water. We are currently in summer, and this season is one of the most oppressive of all the rest In the northern district. One could even considers oneself fortunate of they were so much as perchanced to glance upon a single leafy green." The baron explained. Dennis tapped his fingers against the chair upon which he sat, as his brows became tightly knitted together. 'The Baron is not completely wrong in his propositon' Dennis thought as he crossed his legs. 'Even If I were to suggest an irrigation system, it might not permanently proffer a solution to this problem, as the water reservoir in the north is overly limited. This time of the year is even when those in the production of textile get it served to them the hardest. Most of the plants have the tendency to wither off during this period as well. Some of those that are considered heat resistant and can last through the harsh climatic conditions, produce low quality material. Of what essence is that? Which is the reason why I chose not to go for that alternative.' Dennis pondered for a long time, but he was already mentally exhausted, which seemingly affected his process of thought. "I guess it is just our foul luck- we seemed to have struck the inappropriately time and season to launch this cause." Dennis uttered, feeling completely exasperated. "I guess you are not completely wrong in your predictions." The baron agreed, with a downcast look on his face. "With all due permission, my lord? May I get a chance to speak on this affair?" Cornelia who had been silent for so long, suddenly made a request which spurred out of the blue. Dennis glanced at her with an uplifted brow-It wasn't necessarily the place of someone of her caliber to make a decision concerning situations like this. But nonetheless, he still gave her a chance to speak. "You may go ahead." He told her. "In perilous times, the opinions of all could avert a potential disaster. Couldn't you agree more, father?" Dennis pulled the old baron into this, when he noticed the manner of which he gazed at Cornelia. "I suppose." The baron simply muttered. "Just as the old head has said earlier, the ongoing climatic conditions is quite unfavorable; which would further impede on the Rohenta's growth, and most probably cause it to die off." Cornelia began, In a most professional manner. "And due to the limited supply of water, suggesting an irrigation system would be quite ineffective- that is an unnecessary waste of funds as well." She explained. "But I do hear on a sequential basis-that the storms in the north can be quite catastrophic?" She inquired, as she turned to the baron. "You are not wrong in your turn." The baron responded, as he continued to gaze at her In a peculiar manner. "It barely rains in the north; but at the moment when Nature decides to favor is, she conceives catastrophic storms." The baron explained. "That alone would have been capable of resolving the issue of limited water supply; but the soil immediately drains everything downwards, and beyond the layer of which the plants roots can Penetrate." The baron further expantiated on the issue. "And how severe are these storms?" Cornelia posed another question to the baron once more. "So severe that they could flood an entire estate, if possible." The baron replied curtly. "I see." Cornelia muttered, as she thought long and hard about the current scenario. 'If I could proffer a good solution' She thought. 'It would make me more indispensable to Dennis.. and prompt him to feel more indebted to the organization as well.' She glanced briefly at the latter at this point. Dennis was also looking in her direction as well- he was waiting patiently to see if she could solve this problem, and she was more than aware of this. A smile came to her face, making her seem more favorable to be glanced upon. 'The Baron's manor is somewhat miniscule in nature, but if it could flood a large estate such as the one my master resides in..' "I know not if the epiphany I had may be of aid to you, but I hope it could still contribute to resolving this matter regardless." She began, after clearing her throat. "But if I grasped the situation quite clearly, the heavy downpour should be able to serve as good enough for a reservoir, if it is indeed capable of flooding an estate, until the next one arrives." She informed them. "Your assumption is not that bad- It causes me to view this obstacle in a new limelight." Dennis admitted. "Do you have any idea how long it takes for the excess to recede to the earth?" He interrogated. "Not quite long; on an average it takes two days, if it was a tremendous storm." The baron responded, after pondering for some time. "This plant indeed requires a sustainable environment to thrive, but it doesn't require that much moisture." Dennis began. "I am of the belief the storm, irregardless of how frequent they are, should bring temporarily resolve this issue, until a more befitting one comes to our consciousness." Dennis concluded."We can store the rain water in vessels- there shall be no need to seek for water if that implemented." Cornelia quipped in, feeling very proud of herself. "Are you alright with this solution, father?" Dennis inquired, as he turned to the latter. The baron laughed heartily- it was as though the tension had finally been lifted up from his chest. "How could I not? If I was dissatisfied, that would imply that I have a much better tactic In mind to tackle the situation." He admitted, with a face full of smiles. "Now I understand why you have kept her by your side. She is indeed worthy of this position." The baron commented, as he turned to Cornelia. "This lowly one Is not worthy of your praise, my lord." Cornelia stated in a humble manner, as she Courtsied. Just then a black haired woman walked through the front door. She was rendered speechless for a moment, as she did not expect to see the spectacle before her. "Ah, Dennis my dear, why did you not inform us before hand that you were coming?" She inquired, as she waved her hand impatiently at the two maids which trailed behind her. "Welcome back, mother." Dennis made to get up, as he payed his respects to his mother in law. "No need for you to rise, my dear- this abode is also your home as well." She told him. "Who am I to possible argue with you, mother?" Dennis inquired as he relaxed, causing the woman to smile. "Please excuse me, I will come and join you all in a moment." Querrin told them, as before ascending up the Stairs, the maids trailing behind her, with the items which she had purchased. "Mind you father- I do hope that you have procured a land beforehand?" Dennis inquired. "A land?" The baron appeared visibly confused. 'Of what purpose?" Dennis had the urge to smack himself across the face. It seemed like his father in. Law did not just have a low status, but also possessed inadequate knowledge as well. "Well, it just so happens that you could begin a cotton farm with this single plant." Dennis began. "It is capable of producing asexually, namely by explosive mechanism. That is what the petite buds on the plant Is for." Dennis explained, as he supported his head with his hand- goodness, he felt fatigued. "I see." The Baron muttered to himself, as he gazed at the buds, which had an uncanny resemblance to flowers which were waiting to bloom. He would have remained ignorant if Dennis had not revealed that vital information to him. "I would very much prefer If you tended to such a plant personally." Dennis began. "Others may not handle it as delicately as you would." "Of course. I will must surely do." The baron gave him his assurance. "Do remember to wet the ground properly before you plant it. And as for the land, I will assist you to procure it." Dennis further explained, as he attempted to suppress a yawn. "Alright, I will take note of that." The baron nodded his head eagerly like a lizard. The reason for Dennis's demand was quite simple- the soil of the north would have been parched by now, due to the oppressive summer sun and delayed rain. In order for one to cultivate currently, they would have to water the ground consistently- more preferably before the sun arose. "But may I ask- how much did you spend exactly for this plant?" The baron asked once more. "Father, I told you not to bother yourself- " Dennis began, but Cornelia cut him short. "My lord, that plant Is worth approximately three thousand gold coins." She informed the baron, while ignoring Dennis's gaze. "Three... three" The baron stuttered, obvious in a loss for words. "There is nothing else I can say or do, except to express my gratitude." The baron said, almost feeling tearful at what transpired.

 Just as Dennis was about to leave however, Beatrice's mother called for him as she descended from the stairs, with a change of clothing. "Are you so desperate to flee, Dennis?" She asked , as she approached them. "The lad has spent too much of a good Deal of time In this abode, Querrin. He needs to return to his family as well." The baron calmly explained to his wife. "Well, then in that case, please ensure you send my regards to Beatrice." Querrin simply instructed- although deep down, she felt disappointed. "I will surely do that, mother. You take care of yourself too. And we received your present in good condition. Thank you." He said, as he revealed his beautiful set of teeth. "There is no need to show me gratitude." His mother-in-law stated, she escorted him out of the doors of the living room.

 The two of them bade Dennis farewell, as the carraige hit the turn, and disappeared out of sight. "Dear." She began, as she turned to her husband. "What do you think of that girl? I had a strange feeling about her- something within me wanted me to keep my distance away." She uttered with a slight frown, as the couple headed back indoors. She had felt exceptionally uneasy since she laid her eyes at Cornelia, and she couldn't help but to voice out her complaints. She felt even worse when she witnessed Cornelia sitting right next to Dennis. "Are you truly doubting Dennis now? But you know the kind of person the lad is.." The baron began, as he gazed at his wife with widened eyes. "But he is still a man nonetheless! What If.." Querrin could not bring it upon herself to complete her sentence. And it irked her that her husband thought the whole matter comical, for he was laughing inwardly. "This is a serious affair!" She vociferated in agitation, slapping her husband On the arm. "You are overthinking, Querrin." The baron informed, not knowing if he should laugh or cry. Despite all these years on which they aged, her slap was still as painful as ever. "But first, why don't you settle down?" He told her, as he made her to seat on the chair.

**********************************************

 "It appears as though I have misapprehended it all." Querrin muttered to herself. "To make things even worse, I doubted my son." She said, as she glanced at the plant which still stood on the center table. "And that girl as well, so since you claim that it was she whom provided the solution to such a complex problem..." She left her sentence uncompleted. For some strange reason, a fear still lingered in her heart, a sense of insecurity. "Aren't we fortunate, Querrin?" The baron addressed his wife, as he held her softly. "Indeed; the cosmos has given us a formidable son in law." Querrin agreed, with a smile on her face. Especially with this plant that stood before her.. Will she be able to ever pay back the debt? "Mayhap, will should get Eras a secretary as well. It will also relieve him from some of the stress." She told him. Hiran sighed. "My income has not yet gotten to that level yet, and I still have expenses to spend on." He told his wife in a soft voice. "By the way, where is Eras? I called upon his office, but he was absent.." Querrin suddenly said, with a bolt of realisation. "Oh, he requested to stretch his legs a while ago." The baron simply replied. "I see." His wife uttered. "At least, our Beatrice is living like a princess." She smiled, as that thought came into her head.

***************************************************************

 Meanwhile, Erastiel stood in the midst of a bustling crowd. 'Where is she?" He thought, as he stood around idly. He did not enjoy the way the commoners gawked at him as though he were from another world. 'Maybe I shouldn't have changed my clothes before I left?' He thought, but he quickly shook it off. He deemed it a necessity to make himself presentable to her. A small hand tapped his shoulder. "Hello, Master Adriel?" He bolted around In an instant. The voice was familiar, but the facial features.. were almost indistinguishable. "Did you miss me?" The damsel inquired. "Oh, dear." She exclaimed, for he had suddenly picked her up in his arms. "I missed you dearly." Erastiel said, with a smirk. "Do you mind If we go for a drink?