Chapter 33: Grand Demonstration

Chapter 33: Grand DemonstrationWith Fabian’s departure, Cedric was allowed to continue with what he wanted to say.

"How is your work progressing, Adrian? How are the craftsmen faring under your instruction?"

"Everything’s perfect. The men are skilled, cooperative, and quick to learn. They’ve already mastered one design and completed another today. I couldn’t ask for better hands."

Cedric nodded with a smile. "This is good news. When can we expect to see the results of their work then?"

"I’ll arrange a presentation once we’re done," Adrian said. "I want to ensure everything is okay before being introduced."

"A presentation, huh? Give me a time range. I’d like to prepare accordingly."

Adrian considered, factoring in the craftsmen’s pace and his plans to go faster. "I’m not certain yet— four to five days, most likely. Depends on how quickly we refine the next designs."

"Four to five days," Cedric repeated thoughtfully. "Very well, I’ll be waiting."

"Understood. I’ll deliver."

Cedric leaned forward, his gaze softening slightly.

"You’ve done well to return, despite... complications. I trust you’ll keep your focus, regardless of personal matters."



Adrian sensed Cedric’s unspoken question; whether Fabian’s attack would derail his work.

"The work comes first."

"Thank you, Anything else before you go?"

Adrian nodded, then reached into his pocket, producing a folded parchment.

"Actually, yes. I’ve compiled a list of materials I need."

Cedric took the list, his eyes scanning the neatly written items.

Each was critical for the magic gun’s crystal matrix and mana conduit, though Adrian kept that detail to himself.

Cedric’s brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t question the purpose. "I’ll have my men source them. Expect delivery within two days."

Adrian nodded in agreement before standing up to leave. As he walked the quiet corridors, his mind was occupied with thoughts.

"The next few days won’t be simple."

***

Five days later...

The Borin estate buzzed with anticipation, its sprawling courtyard transformed into a grand stage.

Crimson banners emblazoned with the dukedom’s crest fluttered in the breeze, and long tables laden with roasted quail, spiced wine, and honeyed pastries lined the perimeter.

Nobles, merchants, and envoys from neighboring dukedoms filled everywhere. The event was a spectacle, orchestrated by Cedric to showcase Adrian’s inventions.

He’d insisted on making it a grand affair, inviting dignitaries from Varyn, Thalren, and even the distant Miralith duchy.

Adrian didn’t mind it — visibility meant influence, and influence meant leverage.

Adrian navigated the crowd, greeting nobles with practiced courtesy.



His last five days at the Borin estate were a whirlwind of focus and productivity, yet they passed with an surprising calm.

Surprisingly, Fabian made no further attempts to harass him. He knew Fabian didn’t change, rather the kid was only bidding his time to do something worse. Not like he cared though.

The materials Cedric promised arrived on the third day, delivered to his in locked crates. Adrian had stored them in his [Inventory], since no one knows whether he had already used them or not.

Today was his last day at the estate, the demonstration marking the culmination of his deal with Cedric. After that, he’d return to his Tulia.

Serena soon found him near a table of pastries, her green gown catching the sunlight.

"Adrian!" she screamed, grabbing his arm. "This is huge! Look at all these people. You’re famous!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, but her next words carried a familiar plea.

"You don’t have to leave today. Stay, please? The estate’s better with you here."

Adrian sighed and said with a soft tone: "We’ve been over this, Serena. Tulia’s my home now. I’ve got work waiting."


Her face fell, but she pressed on. "Then I’ll follow you! I mean it. I don’t care about fancy halls or magic lessons."

"No," Adrian said firmly. "You’re heading to the academy soon. That’s your path."

She pouted but nodded. They chatted briefly, until she was pulled away by a gaggle of young noblewomen, leaving Adrian to fend off more opportunists.

He didn’t face any problems for too long, as everywhere soon fell silent when a man stepped onto the stage, his voice amplified by magic.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all awaited has arrived! Put your hands together to welcome our distinguished guest, the creator of marvels soon to be unveiled... Master Adrian!"

The crowd erupted in applause, and Adrian ascended the stage, the ten craftsmen filing in behind him.

Adrian stood at the stage’s center, the inventions behind him still draped, their shapes tantalizing the audience.

Without air magic to amplify his voice, he raised a hand to signal for for silence before he began.

"Honored guests, you stand here today to witness a turning point. These inventions of mine will reshape your lives in ways you cannot yet imagine.

They are tools for all — noble, merchant, farmer — designed to make life easier. Be honored to see their unveiling."

The crowd remained quiet on curiosity.



"I’ll start with the clock." Adrian nodded to Gavrin, who stepped forward and pulled the cloth from an invention.

An upscaled mechanical clock was revealed, drawing gasps from the crowd.

"Time," Adrian said, pacing the stage, "rules our lives. It dictates when we rise, work, feast, and rest. Yet we’ve relied on crude measures like hourglasses that clog, sundials that fail in shadow, water clocks that freeze in winter.

These methods are fickle and imprecise. My dear friends, it is with pleasure that I introduce the first mechanical clock to Kingdom Zarion."

He gestured to the clock, its hands ticking steadily.

"A day is partitioned into twenty-four hours, each divided into sixty minutes, each minute into sixty seconds. This clock tracks them all, tirelessly, without fail; ensuring accuracy to the second. You could even program it to chime at set times and it would do so without missing a beat."

The crowd murmured in intrigue. Adrian pressed on, his voice light but purposeful.

"Imagine: merchants syncing trades across cities, farmers planting by precise schedules, nobles hosting banquets without guesswork.

This clock will order your days, streamline your work, and free your mind for greater pursuits. Kingdom Zarion stands to gain not just efficiency, but unity — every town, every village, moving as one."

Applause and cheers erupted, louder than before, meaning that they had all grasped the value of the clock.

Adrian let the moment linger for a while before going over to the next invention.

After the demonstrations, he’d invite select guests to test the devices, ensuring their awe translated to demand. Then, he’d wrap up the deal with Cedric and leave for Tulia.