Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 103: A Word (2)

Caleb and Fred moved through the many halls, bypassing the servants and stationed knights and headed for one of the open balconies on the second floor. It granted a grand view of the palace grounds and gardens.

’What would a guy like him want?’ The commander asked himself for the umptieth time since they began walking in silence. ’I haven’t known him long enough to know what moves him.’

Regardless of what it was, the commander was determined to make sure he took Caleb with him. He knew the king would want to keep someone resourceful like Caleb around, especially when there was bound to be other mess coming in the near future.

"So we’re here." Caleb said, taking in the breathtaking view. "Let’s hear it."

The commander didn’t immediately dive into his points, taking a second to enjoy the view. Instead of making his proposal like he planned to earlier, he asked a question instead.

"What are your plans, Caleb?" Fred asked, glancing at Caleb. "I know we haven’t known each other for long, but humour me."

Caleb looked at the commander for a moment before looking away. He didn’t know what the commander was up to, but this was the first someone was asking him something like this.

In all honesty, he wasn’t sure himself. Yes, he had plans to explore this new world while meeting new people and beings. However, there was no life plan like how it was back on Earth. He just went with the flow.

’Well, there’s the desire to know why I was given the system.’ Caleb mused silently, considering his words. ’And there are the demons too...’

With a sigh, Caleb replied; "I’m not really sure myself. I mean there is a plan to explore this world to the fullest and a few other things, but there’s not a definite answer to your question."

"I see..." Fred suggested, his heart racing slightly. "Then have you considered finding a patron?"

"You mean like serve a noble or something?" Caleb raised his brows.

"Something like that..."

The commander flashed a small smile, turning to face Caleb. His expression turned serious, prompting Caleb to face the man as well.

"Before we came here, you were supposed to meet the duchess to complete some formalities on your punishment. More than that, the duchess wants to talk to you about an employment opportunity."

"So that’s what you meant." Caleb realized where his question stemmed from. "But wasn’t she the one who sent me to clear the dungeon?"

"Oh, that...?" Fred chuckled, shaking his head. "That was her simply taking orders from the King. It was either that or something much worse."

"You don’t say..." Caleb was not particularly mad about the issue. "But is your mistress willing to take in someone who crippled a noble?"

Also, he could tell what this was about. It wasn’t arrogance, but Caleb knew he would be highly sought after. The abilities he wielded were no joke. Anyone who employed him would have a very powerful guardian in their corner. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

"I’ll tell you something, Caleb." Fred took a deep breath and looked around before adding. "You were lucky your case was brought to the duchess instead of someone else.

"A lot of nobles were calling for your head when they heard what you did to the Baron, believing it was the work of a demonic being. It was the duchess who pushed for your case to be handled appropriately."

Caleb didn’t know that, however, he knew something else. According to the priestess, the divination mentioned there would come a being who would end up in a situation that would have ended his life through the action of nobles.

Because the king received that divination and its implications before the issue arrived in the capital, the king looked into his case and took action against the nobles who abused their status.

Many factors in place brought about this outcome.

"So you’re saying the duchess was prepared to accept me if I succeeded in clearing the dungeon." Caleb said and the commander nodded.

"It was a gamble, but from your demeanour at the time, we were sure you would succeed," Fred added. "And here you are; stronger than ever."

"..."

Caleb had nothing else to say. The duchess sounded like a really impressive noble. Since he would be meeting her regardless, it wouldn’t hurt to hear what she had to say.

"There’s one more thing." Commander Fred voiced once more. "The King will most likely try to keep you around the capital in an attempt to convince you to stay..." He didn’t have to say more.

Caleb caught what the commander intended. While the king couldn’t force Caleb to stay, it would also be rude to reject his invitation.

The King had more to offer Caleb than the duchess. However, the commander was betting on something else; something his mistress knew how to do very well.

’I just hope he finds older women charming.’ Fred thought slyly. ’But seriously, am I really okay pushing this forward?’

Either way, the duchess had remained single for too long. It was time she found a new partner, and who better than Caleb? He had the looks, the charm, and most importantly, the power to stand by her side.

"What about you?" Caleb asked a moment later.

"After the king wakes up, he will share a few words of thanks before sending us off." They still had their own domains to get to. "Anything else would come at a later time. And given the state of the capital, it would be some time before that happens."

"Well, don’t worry too much." Caleb placed a hand on the commander’s shoulder. "I have my own means of disappearing." He flashed his signature smile before turning around to leave.

Who would have thought that his situation would turn around in such a way? At one point, he was close to being put to death. Now, he was the hotcake everyone was after.

’I revealed too much, didn’t I?’ He wasn’t particularly shy about that. ’Then again, why would I live a secluded life when this is a new chance to live how I like.’

Back on Earth, it was a cycle of home to work and work to home. He felt restrained – prisoned even. There wasn’t much to do on Earth besides watch animes, movies and read novels to pass the time.

’Yeah, living quietly would be stupid.’ He shook his head with a chuckle. ’I will live my life however I see fit.’