The next morning, Lucian and Ozzus called for a public carriage ride to head to the lower-class shopping district. There are three shopping districts in novus city with one for each class.
The more expensive shops reside in the Noble class, which is commonly called the inner city, the cost of a shop's items gradually lower the closer and closer you get to the lower class of the city.
Ozzus and Lucian were headed to the lower-class shopping district. "Forgive my asking but, why are we heading to the lower-class shopping district?"
"It's fine, the reason I chose to bring you here is because even though its lower class, the clothes are still made with great care. The only difference is what it's made of, with the materials being wool, linen, cotton, and a small amount of leather. The lower-class here would actually be considered to be closer to middle class in other cities. Another great thing about it is that it's nice and cheap."
"I see.", This is coming from the guy that supposedly spent a fortune on that useless contraption below deck?
"I was also wondering why we took a smaller carriage last night. I find it a bit odd that you chose to take one then but not now."
"The nobles chose to capitalize on the transportation system and made it so only the small private carriages like the one we took are available in the inner city. The one we're taking right now is taken all the time on the middle and lower-class streets."
"Couldn't we have just walked?"
"Unfortunately, that would have consumed quite a lot of time, and by then I highly doubt that anyone would have answered the door for you at the Crowe residence."
"I understand, thank you for informing me.", said Lucian with a polite and joyful demeanor.
"Dawn street!", called the coachman.
"This is our stop I take it?"
"Correct." said Ozzus while standing up.
After Ozzus paid the fare and he and Lucian were both off the carriage, Lucian noticed that the lower-class part of Novus city seemed way livelier than the inner city. It was daytime so he could have been wrong, but the bustling sidewalks and roads were packed today. Many citizens shuffled to their day-to-day jobs while others had days off and were heading elsewhere.
"The shopping district should be straight ahead.", Ozzus stated while gesturing forward.
As Lucian and Ozzus walked along the sidewalk, Lucian observed that the buildings here were similar in design but were much smaller. The tallest structures were only 3 floors high, and the length and widths were what looked to be about 3 times smaller than that of a noble's house. There were numerous buildings though, with some looking the same while others had differences like the roof style or a balcony. Living here doesn't sound like such a bad idea.
Once they reached the shopping district, Ozzus took Lucian to a shop titled "Lloyd's".
The interior was just like any old shop, there were shirts, pants, trench coats, and even decent looking suits behind the counter.
"This is the best shop around; you won't find any better deals than in here.", remarked Ozzus with a small grin.
"I appreciate you taking me here, could you give me some recommendations?"
"I'd be happy to."
After a long while of trying on different pants, trench coats and shoes, Lucian finally decided on a black tailcoat with two inner and two outside pockets, black pants, and a pair of dark brown leather shoes all rounding up to about two pounds and five silvers.
"Who knew there was someone who had my sense of fashion? Hehe."
"You were the one that recommended most of these to me, weren't you?"
"Yes, but you were the one that settled on them."
"Fair enough. I still picked the tailcoat though; trench coats aren't my style.
"Oh, do you happen to know a place that sells better gloves? The ones here aren't really in the best shape.", said Lucian while looking down at his hands.
"Ah, there should be a good one in the middle-class shopping district. The price difference on gloves isn't very big there so well take the public carriage there and walk to the library after."
"Sounds like a plan."
***
After Lucian exited the more pristine shop with a pair of nice charcoal colored gloves a thought crossed his mind.
If Ozzus were to use his abilities for a Job or working as a fortune teller, he'd make quite a living with his mind reading. He'd probably be able to use it almost anywhere and get some sort of advantage.
As Lucian was about to ask Ozzus a question as to why he doesn't use his ethereal powers for day to day life, he suddenly found himself unable to open his mouth.
He attempted to ask Ozzus over and over again but his mouth remained shut as if some supernatural force was keeping it closed. He even tried tapping him on the shoulder but his arm stayed down.
What the hell? I can't get myself to express anything when ever I have the intent to convey something. Is it because It's about Ethereals?
Could that oath that made me swear be doing this?! No wonder he asked me to so quickly, he had nothing to worry about because this goddess was gonna keep my trap shut! Lucian made an annoyed expression catching Ozzus's attention.
"Something wrong?"
Startled Lucian immediately replied, "oh, it's nothing. It's just a bit hot out today, that's all."
It doesn't seem that he's using his power to see into my head. At least he has a sense of privacy. Before, I was worried that he was looking at my thoughts this whole time.
"Alright then let's get going, the library is only a couple miles from here.", remarked Ozzus.
The library! I can research everything about Ethereals and that goddess while we're there!
***
As the two entered the library, a beautiful young lady greeted them with a warm smile, "Hello, welcome to the Rosequartz library, please let me know if you need help, my name is Aurora Rosequartz."
She seemed to be in her early twenties; her straight and shining honey brown hair was a bit longer than his supposed sister's. she wore a dark brown, high collared day dress that was a fitted at the waist and went down to her mid-calf.
"Good afternoon miss Rosequartz, I appreciate the warm welcome." Her family must own this library. It could be coincidence that her last name is corresponding with the library's title, but those chances are slim. She must be a high ranking noble. Lucian thought to himself.
"It's my pleasure sir."
Lucian slightly bowed and continued walking behind Ozzus. There were about 14 shelves on the first floor with each one designated for certain types of books. the left side appeared to be fiction while the right side was non-fiction. The second floor contained the same number of shelves but contained religious writings on the left and historical documents on the right.
The book Lucian was Looking for, "king of the outside", was on the first floor in the fictional section at eye level. The book had a brown and red spine with brown cover; there was something strange about it though. No matter where Lucian searched the book, not once was the author's name mentioned.
"Hey Ozzus, why doesn't this book have the authors name? Most books have them so why not this one?", asked Lucian a bit perplexed.
"Oh that? I never really considered that; I just blew it off because the story is what matters to me. Maybe the author didn't want recognition."
The author is the most important part of the book! They're the only ones who made it possible for a story to exist! Lucian thought while frowning.
"I suppose so.", It's still odd though, they could've at least written an alias.
After Lucian and Ozzus paid for the book, Lucian said, "could you bring this back to the ship? I've got some things I'd like to research here for a bit."
"Sure thing, I'd advise returning before nightfall though, it can get dangerous alone.", stated Ozzus with a stern expression.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
Now that I'm alone, I should start researching that goddess.
As Lucian was peering through the second floors church section, a familiar voice sounded from beside him, "Hello sir, do you need any help finding something?", Asked the charming Aurora Rosequartz.
"Oh, hello miss Rosequartz, would you happen to know where the books related to gods and goddesses?
"Yes, our books on deity's and all-powerful beings are gathered at the top. The one you're looking for is probably one of these three."
remarked Aurora as she pointed to three large books with ancient symbols on the spines."
"Thank you kindly." Expressed Lucian gratefully.
As Lucian flipped through the pages, he found that there were many, many gods, but right now, only one interested him, The goddess of reflection.
"The goddess of reflection is the one that helped create this world. She made the waters of the fierce ocean, the flowing rivers, and the calm lakes. She watches over us with the utmost care and kindness. She represents the truth and the mind throughout all things."
That's interesting and all but where is the Oath I swore? Oh, here it is.Thought Lucian while stopping on a paragraph.
"The oath of absolute secrecy has been used by many beings throughout the mortal realm. It allows one to keep a secret no matter what. All one needs to do is first draw or engrave the rune of mirrors on ones body and then swear the oath. An encantation is not needed for this because the oath isn't a ritual it is a physical binding connected to the mind."
Rune of mirrors? Did that guy seriously put that on me?! I'm not a slave! Lucian felt around his body for anything unusual until he reached the back of his neck. It felt unusually cool. This must be it; I'll check it out later. This thing doesnt seem harmful thankfully.
"Once someone has sworn the oath, they will be unable to convey that secret in anyway, whether that's through speech, writing, or physical touch."
Got it, my only concern now is why he made me swear this oath. I should do some research into Ethereals, but first, what are these other gods?
The ruler of art, the god of ascendance, and the fallen one.
"The ruler of art is the one absolute being. It is said that they created the divine plane with a single brush stroke. The God of ascendance is the embodiment of perseverance, and perfection. He awaits anyone and anything that can climb the tower of 12 trials."
These gods seem very benevolent and good from what I've put together, but this one...
"The fallen one is a being of absolute darkness. He is corruption, He is hatred, he is the father of evil, and the defier of the ruler of art."
I guess there can't be good without evil.
Thought Lucian, clearly frightened by this god.
After Lucian put the books back, he kept finding more and more books to go through and read.
It was fascinating, there were angels, spirits, and all sorts of mystical and enigmatic things!
Once Lucian finished, he checked the time on the library clock and realized he spent the whole day reading and researching!
Has that much time really passed? It felt as if I only spent an hour or two in here. I'll look into Ethereals tomorrow.
After saying goodbye to Aurora, Lucian exited the library. But to his suprise, night had fallen quite some time ago.