“Oi, Siyu. Why have you led me here, these are the slums. There’s no way we’ll find a prince here.” Articus says with clear disappointment.

“I’ve already said it. I’m not sure what’s pulling me here, or if it’s even related to the future prince.” Siyu says with annoyance. For some reason, he had begun treating Articus with more familiarity. Perhaps it was the playful tone he usually spoke with.

“Okay Siyu, whatever you say. Let’s go.” Articus says with a sigh.

The slums seemed as if was completely separated from the rest of the city. The aging buildings, the rotting trash, and the critters skittering in the corner of your eyes. This place was telling Siyu a different story. Places like this were exactly why he was content to continue serving at Sister Delaine’s restaurant. But it seems that life is gone now, Siyu thinks to himself, wondering if he'd ever find himself back.

“Here,” Siyu says, stopping before a building.

“An orphanage? You’re not homesick are you?” Articus asks with suspicion.

“There should be a teenager here. About six feet tall, with dark red hair and grey eyes.” Siyu says, feeling a forlorn emotion inside him.

“Then let’s go,” Articus says, taking a step towards the orphanage.

“I’ll wait out here,” Siyu says firmly, turning his back to the orphanage.

Articus clicks his tongue. “Wait here, then.” He says, before walking into the orphanage.

Siyu waits for 5 minutes with his eyes closed. He didn’t speak and he didn’t think. He simply waited.

Then he heard the door open and close in addition to the sound of two sets of footsteps. Siyu turns around and sees him. Then, once again, it clicked. A glimpse of a battle on the road ahead.

“Siyu! Don’t mind him. I’m not sure why but for some reason this kid wants to meet you.” Articus says to the kid with red hair.

The teenager approaches him and bows. “My name is Frey. How can I be of service, sir?” He says.

Siyu couldn’t look Frey in the eyes. He had to forcefully pull his focus away. Siyu grabs Articus by the arm and pulls him away, leaving the confused Frey behind.

“This kid… He’ll be a Heaven Path cultivator in the future.” Siyu states simply.

Articus eyes open wide in shock. “Be specific. Which path?” He asks.

“By Fire,” Siyu answers.

“By Fire. By Fire… In consideration of Heaven’s Path cultivators that’s probably the least crazy one. But even though Heaven Path cultivators are hard to find, that alone doesn’t make him special enough to bring him back to the King.” Articus says, questioning Siyu's line of thought.

“What! You’re going to bring him to the king? No, no, no. I already saw what I needed to see. Let’s be clear of this mess and leave.” Siyu says, anxiety leaking out of his voice.

“Haha! With how anxious you are, he must be special.” Articus laughs, before saying. “And we can’t leave empty-handed can we? Oi kid…” Articus says before moving forward to speak to the kid. Siyu could only cover his ears and try to close his eyes, but he couldn’t help but take a short peak just to get a better look.

…

…

…

“Oh, back so soon?” The king’s aide says after seeing us approach.

“Haha! Yes, yes. It seems my Divinator was of great help. We found a suitable candidate for the princess; we’re simply unsure if he would suit Her Highness’ eye.” Articus speaks with confidence.

“Who? Him? This slumdog?” The aide says with clear disapproval.

“Haha! As I said previously, you’ll find the most useful people in the unlikeliest of places.” Articus says gracefully.

“Hmph! Is that so? Well at least clean him up before we see the princess. You! Go and find a few maids. And be polite!” The aide says before calling for a servant.

We wait for 40 minutes. Frey came back to us clean, with his hair cut and dressed like a prince, and the figure and facial features to match the role.

“Hmm.” The aide muses, eyeing Frey from his head to his toes with a slight lick of his lips. “Not bad.” He says.

Articus gives the aide a knowing grin and says, “Shall we go?”

The aide clears his throat and says in a clear tone. “No, you may go. I will bring him to the princess. It might take a while for them to become familiar. Don’t leave Starr anytime soon; wait patiently for the results.” He says.

“As you command. We will be staying at the Turtle Shell Inn.” Articus says with a bow.

“Hmm. Go.” The aide says before turning away to lead Frey.

…

…

Siyu stayed at the inn for four days, doing his best to drink as much as he could, and using up Articus’ money.

“That Frey kid better be charming, or you’ll be working off all of that liquor you drank,” Articus says sternly. He too was becoming impatient.

It was then, a royal guard came to find them and handed them a pouch of 250 gold and a note:

Dear Articus,

It seems your efforts have paid off. The princess has taken a great liking to the kid you brought back. He is handsome, fit, and we have tested his potential for cultivation to find that he has immense potential in the Heaven Path. We will gauge his mentality in the years to come, but for now, we are satisfied with him, and your reward is just. You may come to the Royal Library at your leisure.

Sincerely,

Feyle Juss

Articus reads the note with a smug grin, before handing it to Siyu and dividing up the coin pouch. After Siyu looks over the note, Articus hands him the coin pouch.

“Here, 50 gold for me and 200 gold for you. I think that’s a fair price. Of course, I will get a copy of the book. And with that our business is done.” Articus says promptly, before leaving the inn and Siyu to stand by his self with the pouch in hand.