Chapter 1610: Chapter 1610
"You're right. The Millstone of Fate, which is in our Church's collection, has now revealed information about a corresponding ability: the Uncrowned King. When I heard, I immediately thought of you. I assumed the Tree Soul was in your possession..."
"No, it's not with me."
Jenkins shook his head and recounted his encounter with Carmyle, the owner of the junk shop. He had reported the incident to the Church, but it seemed they had kept such a sensitive matter under wraps.
"Besides, I am the bearer of the World Tree Seedling. I doubt a natural-born Savior could possess two qualifications."
He explained this, only to see Miss Audrey looking at him with a hint of surprise. Thɪs chapter is updated by n0velfire.net
"You know? About the World Tree Seedling?"
So, Miss Audrey knew about these things as well.
"Yes. While researching my family's history, I uncovered the past of the Middleton family. Then a university professor friend of mine told me about the elven rituals. I pursued that line of inquiry and eventually learned the truth from Papa Oliver."
Hearing this, Miss Audrey pursed her lips, as if deep in thought.
"It is said that a Savior's Emblem cannot be actively sought. So, is it best that I don't try to investigate who these potential bearers might be?"
Jenkins asked for her guidance.
"You don't need to be so strict about it. Just let things unfold naturally. The status of a Savior is a gift from fate. If you are meant to have their allegiance, the bearers of the King Souls will pledge themselves to you even if you do nothing."
This was consistent with Jenkins's own theories. He accepted her explanation, knowing from past experiences that Miss Audrey was very often right.
The next day was Saturday, and the entire city was still immersed in the surprise and excitement of the royal visit. Aside from the tabloids, nearly every newspaper featured a picture of Queen Isabella or King Sarlisi II on its front page. They didn't forget the monarch still at sea, either; news about King Tackwen of Cheslan, "The Proud One," was also circulating widely.
For one brief week, the eyes of the world were fixed on Nolan City. Because of the upcoming Tri-King Summit, nobles, merchants, and even opera troupes and orchestras from all over the globe were converging on the city.
It had been a long time since the port city on the west coast had been this bustling. The citizens were delighted that their hometown had been granted such an honor, and they eagerly read the papers each day, discussing news from around the world with colleagues and neighbors.
Jenkins was not idle either. The Twelve Orthodox Churches had gathered in the city, intending to form a unified alliance before meeting with the followers of the God of Lies. As the only Saint in Nolan, Jenkins was spared the tedious work of setting up venues or moving tables, but there were matters that required his presence, and sometimes even his participation.
As for the royals, Queen Isabella was hosting a constant stream of banquets, entertaining waves of nobles arriving from all corners of the world. It was rather reminiscent of the glory days of the ancient Sicari Empire, when its vassal duchies would send envoys to pay their respects. Queen Isabella was clearly relishing the attention and, despite her age, showed no signs of fatigue.
King Sarlisi II, on the other hand, had kept a low profile since his arrival in Nolan. Aside from mandatory appearances, he was only occasionally mentioned in the papers in connection with the "talks." This delighted the Stuart children, as their father had not confined them to their quarters. Consequently, the foreign princes and princesses were frequently seen at Nolan's various social gatherings, and their affairs quickly became the most interesting news.
On Sunday afternoon, a weary Jenkins leaned over the counter, his upper body slumping forward. The frequent church meetings had taken their toll. Beside his hand, his cat was curled comfortably on its cushion, while Papa Oliver sat in the rocking chair by the fireplace, reading a newspaper. There was so much local news lately that many major papers were publishing special editions, giving the old man a wide variety to peruse.
Business had been good today. Though Jenkins had only been in the shop for the afternoon, he had already served at least three customers, two of whom made purchases. Papa Oliver believed it was because local nobles, hosting guests from all over, couldn't afford to lose face, which in turn was driving up sales at antique shops.
Dusk was settling outside. In June, Nolan was fully in the grip of summer. The yellow sunset painted the street outside in hues as splendid as an oil painting, but the oppressive heat left everyone feeling a bit irritable.
Jenkins remembered from the original's memories that Nolan summers were scorching. While not as hot as the continent's southern regions, in an age without air conditioning or fans, Jenkins didn't think he would enjoy the season.
As he drowsily wondered where to go for dinner, he heard the shop door being pushed open. The bell chimed crisply, but the accompanying rush of hot air made the cat meow in annoyance.
Jenkins lifted his head to look at the entering customer. Because the antique shop faced west, the visitor was silhouetted against the brilliant evening sun. The light behind them was so dazzling that their features were reduced to a dark outline.
Stepping out of the sunset was a princess, a princess who was smiling at Jenkins. Dolores, wearing a wide-brimmed pink hat, gently pushed the door open and walked in gracefully on small black leather shoes. In the quiet of the dusk, she looked like a maiden from a storybook who had stumbled by chance into the mortal world of Pops Antique Shop.
Their eyes met, and in Dolores's gaze, Jenkins saw joy and anticipation. She had been looking forward to this moment for a long time, just as Jenkins had once said she might—that one day, when he least expected it, she would step into the antique shop where he worked, framed by the setting sun.
Although they had known each other for some time, the sight of a princess from the northern kingdom stepping into a shop in Nolan created a peculiar sense of temporal dissonance. It was a subtle, delicate feeling, one that Dolores considered romantic—her own little brand of romance.
For once, Jenkins read the anticipation in her eyes perfectly. He paused for a moment before quickly schooling his features into a professional smile and asking:
"Welcome to Pops Antique Shop. How may I help you?"
Papa Oliver lowered the newspaper in his hands and glanced at the visitor. He recognized who it was and saw the little game the young people were playing. With a quiet sigh, he lifted the newspaper again, hiding his face.
The princess who had walked in from the sunset smiled softly at Jenkins. As she came further inside, Jenkins could see Julia and Alexia waiting for her just outside the door.
"Sir, I am in need of a tour guide."
She cast a curious glance around the shop's interior, but her eyes quickly returned to Jenkins.
"It would be my honor, my lady."
Jenkins hurried out from behind the counter. Dolores raised her left hand to coyly cover her smile. Her right hand, gloved in white lace, lifted, palm down, and she placed it in his offered hand.
Chocolate propped its head on the edge of its soft cushion and watched the scene unfold, utterly bored by human theatrics.
Since Dolores and her companions had come to Nolan, it was Jenkins's duty as a host to show them the city and its sights. He had been busy for the past two days with all sorts of matters, but tonight he was finally free. Dolores had come out with only Alexia and Julia, dressed simply and fully prepared for the evening.
Seeing Jenkins's friends arrive, Papa Oliver waved him away, letting him off work early. Both Dolores and Alexia knew the old man's importance in Jenkins's life, so they greeted him warmly and wished him good health.
Papa Oliver maintained his kindly demeanor, patting Jenkins's shoulder with a smile. He only felt that Alexia looked somewhat familiar, though he couldn't recall having met a lady like her in recent years.
After leaving the antique shop, the group of four first went to dinner, for which Jenkins had already made reservations. Afterwards, they went to the theater. Although taking every lady to the theater felt a bit unoriginal, there were few other entertainment options in this era.
He had considered a concert instead of a play, but concerts weren't held every day. Besides, Chocolate disliked them—they were too loud, and Jenkins suspected the cat was sensitive to certain sound frequencies.
Tonight's performance was once again by the Silver Jasmine Opera Troupe. This was, of course, by design. To treat his companion to the best show, Jenkins had specifically requested that the troupe add an extra performance.
Putting aside the fact that Jenkins was a shareholder in the troupe, his current status as a descendant of the royal family was more than enough for Mr. Nelly, the troupe's owner who happened to be in Nolan, to make the arrangements. However, Mr. Nelly must have guessed wrong about whom Jenkins was inviting, because the play they staged was *Murder on the Steam Express*, the one Jenkins had co-written with Hathaway.
Alexia and Dolores, of course, both knew about the play. The awkwardness didn't last long, however, as they were both generous and good-natured young women.
Only Jenkins was a scoundrel. He was painfully aware of this fact.
Dolores was thoroughly pleased with their "date." She would have been even more pleased if her tutor, her maid, and Jenkins's cat hadn't tagged along.
Everyone was going to be very busy soon, so such leisurely moments would be few and far between. Jenkins was occupied with Church and royal affairs, while Dolores had already connected with Miss Windsor. The two were now working together to excavate the treasure near Bel Diran while also strategizing about the internal politics of the Fidektri Kingdom.
Although Queen Isabella would make the final decision regarding the succession, she still had to consider public opinion and the consensus of the nobility. This was an area where Dolores and Miss Windsor could make significant headway, especially since Jenkins had, for all intents and purposes, secured the support of the navy. It was an excellent start.