Imagine a world with countries competing in every field to vie for land and titles. Imagine a world governed by rules that are unfair and encompass all its inhabitants. Imagine a world that doesn't desire innovation but rather stabilization. All of this originates from a large nation, Geustania.
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1189
In a vast and renowned country called Geustania, a wealthy aristocratic family lived a life of luxury. They were the Maurius family, a family that once held the title of aristocrats due to their wealth and involvement in various events. Originally, they were an ordinary family with their own land, known as free farmers. However, through the hard work of their great-grandfather, the family rose to become aristocrats.
Under the radiant light of the moon that shone into a room, a father and his child were present.
"Father, why do you just sit and write a book?" asked a young boy named Gaizel, a direct descendant of the family. He was questioning his father, Justus, the current head of the family. Justus was a politician with a unique perspective, different from other politicians.
"Do you know why your father is so busy?" Justus asked his son.
"No," Gaizel replied, shaking his head.
"All humans have the right to live, and they have the right to decide how they want to live their lives. Your father agrees with that statement... However, you know, Gaizel, the world can be cruel. People with high ranks or titles often look down on those beneath them like trash! And you know your aunt Cornelia? She's an example of the wickedness of those people," Justus explained to his son.
Gaizel, still a young boy, couldn't fully understand his father's words. All he knew was that his father loved writing books.
The next day, like typical aristocratic families, they lived a life of luxury and perfection. That morning, the entire family gathered around the table for breakfast. Their servants prepared a delicious meal, which seemed like a miracle amidst the suffering of others who were struggling to get even a single grain of wheat. The family sat down to eat, enjoying their meal with ease.
The family gathering consisted of Justus, the head of the family, Gaizel, his grandfather Antonio, and Gaizel's older sister, Augusta. They devoured their food with relish. Justus then initiated a conversation:
"Father, I want to... if one day I publish my manuscript, will people accept it? What do you think, Father?" Justus asked his father, Antonio.
Antonio, who was known for his ruthlessness and strictness. Even as a child, Justus was raised with a firm hand by Antonio. Antonio was infamous among the common people for employing them as serfs or peasant laborers on his land.
"Are you sure? Are you ready for this?" Antonio asked, interrupting his conversation.
Just then, Cornelia, the housekeeper, entered the room. "Excuse me, sir. I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's something important. The Aemilia family has arrived for a visit. Please, would you kindly make time to receive them?"
Justus stood up from the dining table and straightened his attire. The Aemilia family, known for their wealth, had sent their son, Octavius, to discuss a significant matter – the purchase of the Maurius family's land. In those times, land was a valuable investment for aristocrats, as it could generate substantial income through farming.
"So, as per my father's request, what do you think about our offer of 15 gold coins?" Octavius asked Justus as they began their discussion.
"15 gold coins? It's worth considering, but I think it's a bit too low for me. Apart from the serfs, are you sure you want to go that low?" Justus replied. Indeed, 15 gold coins seemed insufficient, given the size of the land and the serfs who would be included in the deal.
"Well, we could offer more, but considering the initial discussion between my father and you, he suggested making a lower offer first," Octavius explained, trying to reassure Justus.
It seemed the conversation was becoming serious, as land deals in those times involved specific agreements. "Okay, okay... I understand. How about 2 slaves and 9 gold coins?" Justus counteroffered. He wasn't willing to sell at a loss, and the two families had a close relationship, which might warrant some flexibility.
The servant interrupted, "Excuse me, sir. Here's some wine for you to enjoy." Octavius glanced at the wine and the sweet bread that accompanied it. "Ah, nice wine. The bread is sweet but delicious." He seemed to enjoy the refreshments.
Justus refocused the conversation. "Let's get back to the topic. What do you think, Octavius? Will you accept our counteroffer, or do we need to discuss further?"
Octavius remained silent for a moment, locking eyes with Justus before responding. "Alright, alright... I'll accept it, but on one condition: throw in one more serf." Though his expression suggested otherwise, he knew he had to accept the terms since the seller had the upper hand in the negotiation.
The agreement was finalized, and Octavius bid farewell, mentioning that his father's emissary would come to deliver the payment proof. After the meeting, Justus returned to his study or room to continue writing his manuscript.
As he rode away in his carriage, Octavius gazed back at the Maurius family mansion and said with a faint smile, "Just wait and see who will come out on top in this deal."
Meanwhile, in the garden, Gaizel was engrossed in reading a book titled "Legacy," which told the story of a resilient child who received a legacy from his father to create a peaceful place. Gaizel, a bright 10-year-old boy, loved reading books. He believed that books were the only way to gain concrete knowledge and understanding. Despite his young age, Gaizel had been taught by his father, Justus, about the world's current situation, including the accessibility of books only to the wealthy and powerful.
Gaizel often wondered why there were slaves and why they worked for his family, and why farmers were often treated as slaves, despite being the ones who built and created food. These thoughts lingered in his mind, which is why he frequently read books and listened to his father's stories.
That night, after finishing his book, Gaizel walked to his father's room. He found Justus sitting and staring at a painting of a woman – Gaizel's mother, who had passed away during childbirth. Justus had been deeply affected by her loss and had raised Gaizel single-handedly.
"Father, what's wrong?" Gaizel asked, noticing Justus's tears. Justus quickly wiped away his tears and stood up to face his son.
"It's nothing, dear. How was your book? Did you finish it?" Justus asked.
"Yes, but I think the story was really strange. The main character died at the end," Gaizel replied.
"Hmm... Gaizel, would you like to hear something... I want to tell you?" Justus asked, signaling the start of a serious conversation.
TO BE CONTINUED.