"Very well, Your Highness, please straighten your arms. I want to confirm again. Well, yes, that's it..."
Like a dead fish in a hot pot, Thales stared with lifeless eyes and raised his arms with a crunch as the royal tailor said.
"If it's a welcome banquet, I wouldn't originally prefer cuffs with a too majestic style - please straighten your waist and stretch your legs, yes - but Earl Castle's requirements are very clear, you must have the calmness of a royal family
, Prince's New Style'..."
Thales, who was immersed in the "Prince's New Style", had no expression on his face and hung up numbly, feeling that his life had lost the last bit of hope worth fighting for.
This was supposed to be his math class - look at Bachelor Julio standing in front of the blackboard with an embarrassed look on his face and his hands not knowing where to go. But obviously, as the date of the welcome banquet approaches, his "schedule" is becoming more and more tense.
, his schedule became more and more full, but matters of all sizes kept coming like moths to a flame, so much so that he had to tailor a dress for a banquet during the break between math classes.
Or, in Thales' view, it is a "pre-exhibition of royal rare animals" belonging to the tailoring world.
"I failed to catch up with your appearance six years ago. As a result, you stood in the Hall of Stars wearing that suit of clothes, causing you to be underestimated by those dukes and counts who don't know the heights of heaven and earth. Hey, hey, look at it.
But I felt so distressed. After I returned home, my colleagues all congratulated me, saying, "The new style the prince wears is great." Oh, it was so funny. I explained for a long time that it was not a new work, but that the old style was taken.
Yes, I didn’t catch up with the second prince’s clothes, but who can say who is wrong? After all, you will appear as a royal surprise at that time, and it is very important to keep it secret..."
Thales didn't like the scene where the tailor was taking measurements.
This gave him the illusion that his every move was controlled by others, that he was under pressure everywhere, and that he could not be free (as if he had not been able to do so before). And when his tailor was someone who liked to plant thick hair covers and long-term sustainable growth on his head.
When you look at an old man with oily hair and a greasy face who chatters endlessly, this feeling becomes even more unforgettable and tangy.
"But I can guarantee that, Your Highness, with me here this time, you will definitely be the protagonist of the banquet. You will be more stunning than Princess Saoirse at the wedding that year... I'm sorry, I
That is to say, he is even more eye-catching than Prince Heiman at the coming-of-age ceremony. His appearance back then made me think, hehe, hehe, hehe... You know, that's not what I'm most proud of.
As for the works, the most powerful one is Another Royal Wedding - How about you broaden your shoulders? Oh, yes, it’s great..."
Master Tailor Damon elegantly put down a bunch of measuring tapes from the plate offered by one apprentice, and then picked up a ruler from the plate of another apprentice who was trembling because of meeting the prince, as if he was about to wave it like a baton.
, to cooperate with his "small talk":
"Oh, yes, originally I was not willing to boast, but since Your Highness took the opportunity to condescend to ask (Tiles dared to swear by the name of the little slick guy that he didn't ask), I am embarrassed to avoid answering.
.Well, that's right, their dresses and customer service are all designed and cut by me. Ho ho ho, oh, it's actually not something worth talking about. It's just a humble work... After all, you know, my family started from my great-grandfather.
From the beginning of the generation, we have been tailor-made for the royal family."
"At that time, the beautiful and picky 'Witch Queen' Bella came out, but from so many tailors competing for the position, I chose his work at a glance... So, after all, my family has been here for so many years.
, the reputation is tiring, and I’m used to it, it’s not a big deal. It’s just that after the work comes out, the tailors on the market always like to copy our styles. Within a few weeks, the whole kingdom will be wearing this style.
...Hey, hehe, sometimes they copy one of our mistakes in the design and regard it as a classic, which really makes me laugh...I'm not saying that we will make mistakes, Your Highness, I just feel the need to be humble.
Yes, after all these years, our Daimon family is still the royal tailor of royal clothes, and serves as the top judge in the royal capital's costume design competition. We rely on humility and low-keyness, modesty and progress, and conscientiousness..."
Fortunately, someone rescued him.
"If you can't finish the measurement," the vanguard officer Glover who was watching from the side (Doyle was sent to the kitchen to help the servants carry lamp oil as a punishment from Marius) said coldly:
"The Zawak family, who specializes in tailoring clothes for the Sun Sword and Shield family, said that it only takes thirty seconds for them to make clothes."
Master Daemon seemed to have been bitten by a dragon.
He jumped up from the stool in a mighty manner, almost reaching Thales's shoulder, and frowned angrily between facial oil and makeup:
"Hey, kid, let me tell you, if you don't believe it, go get a piece of clothing from the Zawak family. You can tell from the stitches that they are heretics in the sewing world! Today, they are all relying on their ancestors and the cotton industry.
The dirty relations of the guild..."
Glover, nicknamed Zombie, obviously did not accept this trick. He turned around and ordered another young guard:
"Nixi, go and make an appointment at Zavac's house right away..."
"OK OK!"
Master Damon waved his hands fiercely, packed up the tools at lightning speed, kicked up the two apprentices, then turned back gracefully, smiled brightly at Thales, and clapped his hands gently in the air:
"Hey, Your Highness, don't worry. With such a decent appearance like yours, you can wear my clothes again..."
He was unable to finish his words because Glover had already led the royal guards present and unceremoniously carried out Damon and the two nervous and trembling apprentices who had occupied less than half of the class.
Thales then stepped off the tiptoe stool and breathed out toward the ceiling dizzily.
He felt that the hope of life that had left him was crawling back tremblingly.
Bachelor Julio coughed slightly, drawing Thales' attention back.
But of course, he can't get back the little half of the class he lost.
"You should be more polite," Thales' math teacher stretched out his head in awe, looking at the gorgeous samples that Master Damon deliberately 'forgot':
"I heard that Master Damon's one-time transaction fee is my eight-month salary... Of course, I have no intention of asking for a salary increase... Well, not yet, not yet..."
Thales was helpless:
"I guess a gorgeous dress that wows a party is easier to boast about than the mathematical skills of calculating the error of each holy day?"
The young and promising Julio withdrew his envious and jealous eyes and said pitifully:
"I can only unfortunately and regretfully agree."
Thales smiled and returned to the desk.
"Very good, Your Highness, it seems that you can well understand and apply the two-dimensional coordinate system concept of Archdeacon Lisieux... So, now it should be much more intuitive for you to calculate the pairwise related variables..."
Bachelor Julio returned to teaching mode, with the syllabus in one hand and chalk in the other, worrying about how to cover today's content in half a class period.
"yes."
Thales looked at the graphics and numbers on the paper and sighed:
"It's amazing that such mathematical knowledge was first invented hundreds of years ago by a traditional and pious theologian."
Julio's eyes lit up:
"During the period of Jackal Sumer III, Saint Lisieux was more than just a theologian. His attainments in mathematics were no less than his divine knowledge and philosophical speculation."
"And the method you just used, using a geometric coordinate system to express the rate of change of numbers, was obtained by him to solve the problem of crowd evacuation after city celebrations. It is included in the "Gonghai City Enlightenment Collection"."
Julio's smile was very exciting. While introducing "Saint Lisieux", he was happy that the prince was actually interested in this unpopular knowledge that many nobles scorned.
"I see."
Thinking of the theology class of the past few days, Thales couldn't help but sigh:
"The Church of the Sunset, a religion that regards God as the supreme, has such talents. It's really interesting."
Julio nodded, but then his expression paused, as if he was hesitating about something:
"Your Highness, this may be a bit presumptuous, but, I know you have started taking theology classes..."
Thales raised his eyebrows:
"you know?"
Maester Julio shrugged and lowered his voice.
"I think you should, um, have a good relationship with the church. Sometimes, you might as well ignore some small conflicts of ideas, which can save a lot of trouble..."
This is a strange thing.
Thales moved his buttocks and leaned back on the chair, showing great interest.
"How to say?"
You know, Bachelor Bona in the grammar class has an old-school style, is slow and steady, and often makes shocking remarks. He would choke several Thales to death ("Your Highness, you, you are so, in such a hurry to finish class, yes, yes
Do you want to go on a date?”).
In history class, Gilbert also took up political class consciousness. He was obviously trying to make up for the "royal pretentious knowledge" in a hurry, but he was always unable to compete with the foreign minister's personal reflections on key historical events.
One class passed in a hurry, causing the progress to be seriously delayed ("Ah, Your Highness, the wonderful time always passes too fast, why not add another class today?").
Lord Menton in the nature class is synonymous with sweating profusely and smiling awkwardly. The goal of the class has already been adjusted from the original grandiose "Open your eyes to the world and persuade the Lord to see the winds of the world" to "This is your highness's question."
Just take a guess first."
As for Master Uhlan's art class, it's so pitiful that Thales always fell into a deep sleep, sweet and contented under his melodious piano music and Haloxylon ammodendron paintings, so he was regarded as saving the Duke of Star Lake from dying young due to lack of sleep.
The hero of the kingdom.
But, math teacher Julio?
Although he is an orthodox bachelor, his clumsy speech and clever calculations contrast sharply, and his simplicity and unsophistication complement each other perfectly, which always makes Thales wonder how he got into this lucrative job with both fame and fortune (
Of course, Thales later learned that Julio's father-in-law was once a big shot in the Department of Finance and Taxation, which is not difficult to explain why the latter can always produce clear and clear financial statements).
But if he were to say something like "I suggest you have a good relationship with so-and-so" in class... Thales would rather believe that the tailoring session just now is not over yet.
I saw Bachelor Julio glance at the Duke's desk a few times, a little unnaturally:
"You know, there was a time when some knowledge and research would be considered illegal by the church, and mathematics, unfortunately, was a big part of it..."
Thales's interest became more and more intense:
"Why?"
Julio took a deep breath: "Because some things, if you delve deeper into them, will touch ancient taboos and attract God's dissatisfaction."
Ancient taboos.
Thales thought for a while.
"And you believe it?"
Julio made an innocent shrug, with a helpless expression:
"Of course I don't believe it. However, temporary things must have temporary reasons: for example, the knowledge of calculating liquid volume was once regarded as evil, and drugstore owners were once prohibited from using measuring tools..."
As his words began to flow fluently, Julio realized something and his expression changed:
"Sorry, I'm not here to teach you history..."
"No, no, no, I'm very interested," Thales raised his palms politely:
"Please feel free to clarify my doubts."
Julio squeezed a smile at a loss, and after confirming that the prince was in a good mood, he spoke carefully:
"In short, hundreds of years ago, in the infamous Mbola massacre, the main cult priest was a pharmacist. His exquisite knowledge of pharmacy was the key knowledge for them to perform human sacrifices, as well as the talisman formation.
The geometry of..."
Cult sacrifices.
Human sacrifice.
Draw the talisman array.
Thales raised his eyebrows.
Julio coughed:
"Since then, pharmacy and geometry have become notorious along with the legends of witches, demons, and evil gods."
"What does that have to do with my theology class?"
Julio was stunned for a moment before he remembered what he wanted to say:
"Oh, thank you for reminding me, I almost forgot the topic..."
"In short, at that time, many churches, including Sunset, were relatively traditional. For a long time, life was difficult for bachelors - even at Dragon Kiss College."
If there was a competition to "speak long sentences hesitantly", Thales felt that his father's masked guard should be the winner. But Yodel must not take it lightly, because if the competition was about long sentences outside of his specialty, then Huli
The Arcane Scholar must be a strong contender for the championship position.
If you add another "digression", no need to ask, you will lose everything and bet Julio.
Thales stared at him.
"Until people like the Archdeacon of Saint Lisieux, who have ecclesiastical status and are interested in developing knowledge, can safely carry out research... Thanks to their foresight, you and I can be here," Maester Julio looked at the paper
The numeral symbols on it, the eyes are gentle and pitiful, like looking at one's own little lover:
"Based on the accumulation of predecessors, study these cute formulas."
Julio took a breath and his expression became solemn again:
"So, Your Highness, there is no harm in being friendly with the church, especially when they are at their peak, even if your association with them may not be to your liking."
"In this way, many difficulties will be solved."
Thales looked at Julio with an unprecedented and intriguing look.
"What about you?"
Julio's eyes lit up, he raised his finger and shook it at Thales as if offering a treasure, and then pulled out a brass-colored commandment chain from his chest.
"Look, I am a devout believer in the Sunset Church and an honorary priest of the Theological Branch of King's College. I often go to the temple to pray, and I often go to church when I return to the countryside."
Julio's eyes were full of lust and showing off.
It seems that this is a certain achievement.
"I study mathematics in the name of God!"
Thales chuckled.
This actually made Bachelor Julio's face stiffen. He couldn't carry it or put it down with both hands.
"Why?"
Thales coughed a few times to hide his laughter:
"Why do you want to tell me specifically?"
Julio put down the chain of commandments, wiped his hands on his clothes, and then pointed carefully at Thales' tabletop.
"You...have been holding that book for several days."
“The cover is almost covered with fingerprints.”
Thales looked down.
Underneath his draft paper was the book "Acts of the Sunset".
Duke Xinghu was stunned.
After a few seconds, Thales nodded helplessly and sighed.
How could he make such a stupid mistake?
Was it because you were under too much pressure during these days when you returned to the stars?
If he were in the Northland, in the Palace of Heroes, Thales would be so cautious that he would change a new book every day, so that he would not be easily discovered.
Well, you can't say that.
After all, Nikolai's IQ is not to be underestimated.
"You are a smart boy, Your Highness," Julio was a little worried: "I mean, not many people can understand so many complex mathematical problems at this age, not to mention you came back from the barbaric Northland - no offense intended.
.”
"People with this kind of mentality are often not willing to accept boring theological preaching and faith preaching. I know, I have experienced it, but..."
Julio pointed to the wrinkled cover of the religious book:
"When you want to tear up a book to vent your anger, don't let anyone see you."
Thales rubbed his finger prints on "Acts" which were obviously clearer than the previous few days, and was silent for a while.
"I just...read it too carefully."
"Well, don't worry too much, then." Now it was Julio's turn to worry about whether he was interfering too much with the prince's life. He lowered his head and said humbly:
"Fortunately, today's era is enlightened. In ancient times, the consequences of doing this would not be very good."
Thales chuckled lightly.
"Don't worry, at least I'm not too big or too small, I can still be considered a prince?"
"Hey, more than four hundred years ago, 'Alien' Heyman was also the eldest son and heir of 'King Ascend', but he wasn't because of blasphemy——"
Bachelor Julio's words stopped abruptly.
Thales' smile then condensed.
The room became quiet.
A few seconds later, Julio realized what he had said. He stared at Thales in horror and looked around in panic.
"I, my, Your Highness..."
Thales grimaced.
"Bachelor Julio, have we finished solving this problem?"
"Oh, of course, of course, Your Majesty the Duke, Your Highness the Prince... why don't we finish class?" Julio's expression almost looked like he was about to cry.
Thales was silent for a while, then raised his head and smiled:
"OK."
Julio let out a sigh of relief, picked up the teaching materials and tools at a loss, and left without even remembering that the chain of commandments was still hanging outside his clothes.
"Um, Your Majesty the Duke, what I said today, um, Count Casso..."
Thales sighed softly:
"Gilbert won't know."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Julio left tremblingly.
"Julio."
Julio's back shook violently.
"Thank you too." Thales said softly.
Maybe he knew that he had said more things that he shouldn't have said, so Bachelor Julio, who was used to dragging the class, was much more considerate than usual, and the get out of class ended half an hour earlier.
In the history class in the afternoon, he had a rare moment of free time before Gilbert arrived to deliver "The Political Gains and Losses of the Blade King".
Thales sat quietly in the study, his eyes wandering over the cover of "Acts of the Sunset", but he could not get over Julio's words.
"Glover, close the door, I want to take a nap."
The "zombie" at the door didn't have any superfluous reaction. He didn't ask for help or make a fuss. He just nodded silently and closed the door.
Outside the door came his voice ordering the guards on duty.
From this point of view, Glover Pioneer Officer is indeed much more qualified than D.D.
Be low-key and obedient.
Silent and cold.
Never do unnecessary things.
Thales thought dullly.
Probably the type that King Kessel trusts.
For some reason, when he thought of this, his heart tightened.
If he was given a choice, Thales still felt that it would be easier to get along with someone like Doyle.
why?
Thales sighed.
He looked around the empty study, put on the secret book "Acts", stood up, and walked to the bookshelf behind him.
The Duke skillfully pried open a flap to open the mechanism and opened the bookshelf.