A Private Conversation with the Anointed One

The Anointed One stopped before him. His golden eyes rested on Shien without the slightest hint of condescension; instead, he wore a gentle smile.

"Lord Graywood."

His voice had a warmth that naturally put people at ease.

"Forgive me for taking a little of your time. If it's convenient, I'd like to speak with you."

Shien stopped at once. Pressing his right hand to his chest, he bowed solemnly to the Anointed One. "It is an honor to answer your questions, my lord."

He paused, then glanced at the record book in Maren's hands.

"The Reconstruction Institute still has a few matters to hand over. Please wait a moment while I make the remaining arrangements clear."

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The Anointed One nodded slightly. "Of course."

Shien briefly delegated the tasks at hand. Maren carefully wrote down each instruction and acknowledged them one by one.

Only then did Shien bow slightly to the Anointed One again. "Forgive me for keeping you waiting."

"I understand. Duty comes first. After you." The Anointed One nodded and turned toward a side corridor of the Armaments Directorate.

He walked slowly down the corridor.

Artisans and Recorders who spotted the Anointed One from afar stopped and bowed.

A young apprentice hurried past carrying a crate of parts. At the sight of the Anointed One, he stumbled and nearly fell, then hastily dropped to his knees to beg forgiveness.

The Anointed One reached out to steady the wooden crate. "Slow down," he said gently.

The apprentice stood rooted there long after the Anointed One had gone, his excitement still plain on his face.

Shien took in the scene and quietly committed it to memory.

At last, the two reached a small, unremarkable Sacred Flame Quiet Chamber at the end of the Armaments Directorate's side corridor.

Firelight fell across