Galaxy's First Ruler

Prophecy…

One word meant countless things.

If a man were to have a vision, how would he ever know if he was supposed to be a witness or a cause for that vision to become a reality?

How was he to know if the vision was even related to him or not?

And how was he to proceed with no clue whatsoever other than incomprehensible images?

Prophecy…

People thought it to be a blessing and a gift beyond measures.

But for Aldrich, those who prophesied and worked based on these "foreseen events" were the most cynical people in the world.

*

Tyra's comment did not surprise Aldrich.

For her being a Duchess, even if sealed or not, it meant that she already had some mastery over at least one law. And any being who had some insight in one Law could find out the trace of another in their proximity. It was the same reason by which Aldrich had recognized that there was a hint of Law on Marquess Nicholas.

Aldrich had been scrutinizing Nicholas throughout the ceremony. He had found out that this hint was because of the gene-based Skill of House Lost Steps, and not because of Nicholas' understanding of it.

Aldrich tilted his head from one side to the other, hearing Tyra's words, and replied.

"Maybe all men have a heavy Darkness about them. That could be a reason for their foolishness."

Seeing Aldrich's poker face, Tyra harrumphed and said, "Humph! You think I am joking?!"

"Haha! Yes!!! Why else would you waste my time by making pointless comments?" Aldrich chuckled.

"…"

The current music has almost reached mid-length. And it won't take too long to finish, given that the main event had yet to be held. Though Aldrich's words were harsh, they were right. First, he had yet to do a customary dance with Amalia, and then he had to stand as a member of House Venomous Rose for the Territory Bestowment Ceremony.

Time always was one of the most important things to Aldrich.

Especially when he didn't see any further opportunities to learn anything new out of Tyra.

Tyra's dumbfounded look didn't faze Aldrich even a bit as he waited for her to continue. The dull-faced girl took a deep breath and finally spoke.

"Ok then. I… know someone. And she needs a Dreamer who is favored by Darkness."

'The classic I know someone… huh!' Aldrich scoffed as he contemplated the words in mind.

Aldrich did not know why this Boudicca wanted a Dreamer like him. First, she didn't even say clearly that she needed a Dreamer who understood or had the traces of the Law of Darkness.

On the other hand, Aldrich knew Boudicca's background.

Why would the niece of a Queen need to come so far in search of someone like him?

Aldrich's mind raced as he kept thinking over countless scenarios. These were the most dangerous waters he was sailing on right now. He knew there was almost zero possibility of the Queen not being aware of Boudicca's presence here. And this thought culminated in only two theories by Aldrich.

'Either this Boudicca is here to hire a being "favored" by Darkness on the orders of a fucking Queen…'

Aldrich slightly turned his head and stared at Amalia, sitting leisurely on her chair, and looking right towards them.

'… Or she is compelled to be here… Wait a minute!!!'

As Aldrich was thinking about these theories, his eyes lit up suddenly. It was like a knot of entangled threads had loosened by itself. One more news about Boudicca, which was only a rumor, was surfacing around. Trifon had only passively mentioned it to Aldrich, and he, too, had put a little weight over it. And why would he? What did he have to do with a rumor regarding the Dukes and Royal families?

How he would have known that one of the prime participants of the rumor would dance with him so soon?

As Aldrich remembered the rumor of a sighting of Golden Luan, his mind went to the time of his meeting with The Great Old One. That was the time of his first meeting with the Ancient Oracle. And that was also the time he received an inexplicable prophecy.

In that prophecy, there were two images. One of an incredibly large golden bird, and the other of a snake, lunging at the bird. Aldrich glanced at Tyra, and then his face again moved towards Amalia.

"Why are you smiling? Are you interested?" Tyra asked.

Yes, there was a smile on Aldrich's face. This smile wasn't evil. And this smile wasn't even innocent. Only a few people had seen this ordinary smile of Aldrich. His parents, Boomie and probably Sha. This was a smile Aldrich gave after figuring out the ins and outs of a problem.

At this moment, Aldrich realized he was the witness and the cause of that prophecy. He was the foreseer, and he was the beneficiary of that prophecy. At first, he thought of waiting for it to happen, but now he would make sure that the events of the prophecy will come true.

Cynical times needed cynical people.

And after knowing the few secrets related to RECORD and Barren Earths, all times had become cynical for Aldrich.

Holding back his innate smile, Aldrich nodded and curiously asked.

"Who is this 'She'?"

"That… I can't say. If you are interested, I can set up a meeting."

Aldrich, like the cunning old man he was, played along and harrumphed.

"Humph! Have you taken me for a fool? I just made the entire House Divine Enclosure my enemy. And you want me to meet someone recommended by you?!!"

"This…"

It seemed Tyra hadn't thought that far. Aldrich's reasonable question caught her off guard. While following Aldrich's lead in the dance, she pressed her lips for a moment and asked.

"So… what do you suggest?"

"Hmm! Let me think! Do you have a way to contact her?"

"Yes, yes…"

Tyra nodded like a little girl, and Aldrich continued.

"Okay, then let's do this. Contact her right now, I will meet her here on planet Rosalia after the ceremony."