The Mechanical Era

30th of Folia, 5018.

It was a bright morning that day, Kant was found sitting on his chair, examining a list of names on the long piece of beige paper he held with his left hand. A lot of them, including Cora's, were crossed with black ink, while the others remained intact. There were still a lot more things that needed to be done before he can get them over with.

He then placed the list down and picked up another one. This one had a different bunch of names of people that Kant had never met in his life but was recommended by his trusted staff members and ministers. He went over to the first name, picked up his life, and started reading through it.

As soon as Kant got into power, he had been busy laying off and restaffing many people who worked within the palace and government, with people much more loyal and more trustworthy. He had finished up with the military and minister, and now, he had a couple of agencies left that he needed to find and staff.

As he was working on the files, he hears a knock on his door. Kant immediately stops reading the file and places it on the table. He keeps them inside the drawer and the sides, cleaning up the desk, before permitting the man on the other side to enter.

Silverstone, wearing a dark navy blue suit, enters the room. He had bought the wear for this special occasion, as it started to be seen as the outfit you would wear for formal and business meetings.

"Ah. Silvester Silverstone. You arrived. Come, sit down," Silverstone obeyed. He pulled the chair over and sat down.

"Is there something you wanted to speak with me about, your majesty?"

"Yes. Now, I am sure that you are aware of our new 'Defense minister'?" Kant asks Silverstone. He leans back on his chair.

"I have met up with him. I do think that you have made a good decision, sir. However, I am not sure whether he would be... trustworthy enough."

"That does not matter in this situation. Now, I think it would be best to discuss here what will happen to you, regarding your future employment in the palace," Kant spoke.

Silverstone started to sweat a little, as he was nervous that something was happening. He had seen many people come and go, but in recent times, he had seen a lot of his pals, who used to work with a particular group, leave.

pαndα,noνɐ1,сoМ "Well yes, I do think that it would be the best. So sir, what will happen to me?"

"Well, I could try to enroll you in the Demon Extermination Force, however, I think you should try a well-deserved break from your career in the palace."

"I am sorry sir?" Silverstone asked. His heart started to beat faster, feeling as if he knew what was going to happen.

"Currently, there are no vacancies I need filling. Therefore, I best think that it would be best for this employment contract to finally end. As a thank you for the services that you provided for the kingdom for a long time, I will be happy to pay out a pension."

"What is the pension amount?"

"4 silver coins. However, it will be suspended if you decide to enter the workforce again. You will receive it after you have fully retired."

Silvester sat there, processing the information that Kant had delivered him. It was made obvious that Kant wanted him to leave, with certain conditions.

Considering that 4 Silver coins were not enough to cover his lifestyle it meant that Kant wanted him to find a job elsewhere.

However, knowing the things that he knew, and the things that he saw, Silverstone had a few questions in mind

"What about the uh..." Silverstone asked. Kant immediately picked up what he was saying, and was quick to reply.

"I advise you not to disclose any sensitive information regarding what you have seen. I fear it will cause a lot more problems in the future.

Besides, in the employment contract that you have signed with the previous king, it is made illegal for you, or anyone, to spill out any information on any sensitive matters that the palace does not want to be leaked unless they have approval.

This includes information about general whereabouts, security details, and any actions the royal family partakes in. As doing so gives us the ability to put out an arrest warrant for you."

Silverstone sat there and thought for a minute. From what he heard, Kant had given out the world's most polite threat to his face. Not that he can do anything about it.

"So... is that it? Will I not be able to work with the palace or government anymore?"

"I do not think you can, directly. However, I believe there are other firms available we can use to cooperate indirectly."

"Such as?"

"Mercerney firms. They had been popping up in the city when I had to reduce the number of knights, as stated in the treaty.

I am sure that, with your skills and experience, you should be able to find a job there. I will even be happy to provide a recommendation letter to any future employer of your choice." Kant said.

Silverstone was silent once again. He was seen rubbing his forehead, as he got a little emotional, seeing that he would have to leave this place that he worked in for such a long time.

He had made a lot of friends and memories here. Although he did not desire to depart, he knew that he had no choice. Silverstone put up a stoic face and asked Kant one more question.

"Was this what you offered everyone else?"

"Well yes. I had to make sure that they found employment elsewhere. They have a good number of decades ahead of them."

"What about Cora, sir?" Silverstone asked.

"What about her?"

"You let go of her as well. How is she doing?"

"From what I know, she is enacting as a maid for a wealthy merchant in the city. I had even handed over a recommendation letter to her employer myself," he replied. With this information, Silverstone thought about it for a minute, before replying.

"When will I be leaving?"

"In about 2 weeks. Until then, you will be free to find somewhere else to work, if you desire. As I said, I will gladly provide a recommendation letter if necessary."

"Alright, sir. May I level now?"

"Yes. Yes, you may." Kant replied. Silverstone got up from his chair, bowed down, and left Kant's office.

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