Power Games

By David Applegate

Kaede is growing up fast, and Emperor Takahiro is grooming Kaede as his replacement. Facing many changes in his life, with little control over his life, Kaede goes with the flow and learns to take advantage. Along the way, Kaede makes new friends, sets himself goals and builds his popularity. Privy to secret information and backed by the Emperor's wealth and influence, Kaede builds a business empire. However, the pirates have not given up, and events lead to a deadly confrontation that will change Kaede's life forever.

This book contains non-standard relationships and touches upon adult situations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Applegate
• Release date: Jan 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005674700

Book preview

Copyright © David Applegate 2019, 2021. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part of this publication without express written consent is strictly prohibited.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

About The Author

David was born in Sydney, Australia and currently lives in Brisbane. He attended QUT, where he studied computer science. David has travelled to Europe and parts of Asia. As a boy, he dreamt of Elves, spaceships, and magic. He now intends to share the exciting journey of discovery and adventure with you. David creates Possession Fantasy, a sub-genre of paranormal fantasy.

Dedication

For my son, Daniel.

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my sister Kelly for her support, encouragement, and assistance and my fellow indie author Micah Z’Dar (The Orion Crucible) for his help with my work

Books by

David Applegate

The Empire of Elves

The Boyhood of Kaede

Power Games

Chapter 1

September 1, 11,570. Imperial City.

Northshore was the wealthiest suburb in the city. It had many mansions with private beaches on the shore of Imperial Lake. Home to the rich and famous and many senators in an extensive collection of estates on the shoreline. There was an assortment of upper-middle-class units inland. The suburb also had The Imperial Academy, Petrov Stadium, and The Imperial University. Abelle Convention Centre, Founders Park, Lilith Park, and Abelle Mall.

The main entrance to Abelle Mall was on the west side of the building, with a set of many large automatic doors and a driveway that led to a roundabout in the middle of Main Street, which had a statue of Lilith, a tall Field Elf in a flowing gown pointing up the sky, in the middle. Most of the large, five-story centre’s parking area was underground, except for a large lot on the north side, usually full of cars. Today, it had buses, minivans, police, knights, change tents, dozens of floats and hundreds of marchers. All were rushing to get into position.

On any other day, the four-lane road would be full of cars, but today the police had blocked side roads, placed rope fencing along both sides of the street and kept an eye on the growing crowd of people on the footpath. Lakeside Highway was closed, with traffic diverted around the area.

In Lilith Park, opposite the main entrance to the mall, stood a large, temporary stadium, just off the wide footpath. It had five rows of open boxes, each with seating for four per row, with a row of small marquee tents on the top row. In the middle of the top row sat Takahiro and Kaede with a pair of knights in a suit of plastic full-body armour behind them. The sun glinted off their amber faceplate and hid the grim face of seasoned female warriors. Each had one hand on the grip of their Viper-2, trigger finger out, and their thumb rested near the safety. In the same suit of full body armour, a pair stood behind the Emperor’s box, on the sturdy scaffolding behind the stadium. With two similarly heavily armed knights at the top and bottom of the staircase at the end of each row.

Takahiro focused on his pocket watch while he waited. Beside him, Kaede stood on the chair. He looked over at the timepiece. The case was a classical mechanical watch with a flip-top lid and a long silver chain attached to the winder with a stopwatch button.

The face had two rows of numbers. Zero to one hundred on the outer ring, with standard clock face numbers on the inside. It had an hour, minute, second, and millisecond hand. However, the glass displayed the time and date in a faint green, with the digit ‘3’ underneath.

Kaede looked over the edge of the box and asked, When does the parade start?

Takahiro replied, Soon, without taking his eyes off the watch.

It was almost noon when Takahiro closed the watch and put it inside his kimono as he stood. Kaede followed him as he walked to the microphone at the front of the box. Precisely at noon, the clocktower at Abelle Mall chimed twelve times. Takahiro raised his arms and said, Welcome to the 11,570 Founders’ Day Parade. Today we celebrate the founding of the new Empire. On behalf of the Senate, to those about to start school, we hope you enjoy commencement week.

As Takahiro spoke, Kaede moved his chair to the front of the box and stood on it. He looked out at the people watching and waved. At first, a few waved at him, then many noticed him and began to point and wave. Takahiro saw Kaede on the big screen across the street, he glanced at Kaede, and the crowd went quiet. Takahiro smiled and said, Everyone, this is my grandson, Prince Kaede.

Takahiro took the microphone off the stand and pointed it at Kaede, who looked at it. Takahiro nodded.

Kaede smiled and said, Hello, Empire. I am having fun. My favourite is cotton candy.

Many laughed, and the media took photos. There was a hush as Takahiro looked down at Kaede. He smiled and said into the microphone, My grandson is right. Today is a lot of fun. Now, the parade shall begin.

The parade leader blew her whistle and twirled her baton. She marched out of the northern car park of Abelle Mall, followed by a marching band. The group comprised three columns of female Elves and two male Elves, in alternate rows in a block of five columns, each with two dozen members in a dark purple double-breasted jacket with gold buttons and a high imperial collar over a light purple button shirt.

The males wore dark purple pants while the females wore a dark purple pleated skirt with cream thigh-high stockings. All had cream gloves and lace-up boots on. All the marchers, except for the baton twirler, wore a white peak cap. She wore a tall white hat with gold braids. Her uniform also had gold braids on her jacket and gold trim on her gloves, shirt, boots, and skirt. Her white stockings had a gold seam at the back.

The drivers turned on their floats, and in a line, they snaked out of the staging area and followed the band down the side street and turned south onto Main Street.

When the marching band reached the Emperor, the baton twirler blew her whistle three times and marched on the spot. The Emperor stood, as did all those in the other boxes. Kaede stood in front and watched as she twirled her baton and caught it while she blew the whistle, and the bank performed formation changes.

Takahiro bowed to the band and said, Impressive.

The first float was an electric six-wheeled cart shaped like a starship with no top. Inside stood a group of four female Imperial Fleet officers waving. Written on both sides of the float was The Imperial Navy.

Takahiro stood to attention, extended his left arm, and thumbed his chest. As they passed, he held his pose.

The next float had a model of a Banshee at the rear. In front of which stood a pair of female officers in a light blue tunic with a dark blue skirt. They waved to the crowd. Written on both sides of the float was Sky Force.

The next was a kart shaped like a tank. The turret did not have a gun or top. Inside stoop a pair of females in officers’ uniforms. They wore a tight green and brown camouflage t-shirt with a matching short skirt and knee-high black lace-up boots with green socks. Written on both sides of the float was The Imperial Army.

The next float was a flat top with two rows of six Imperial Guard dressed in a grey shirt and black pants. Each wore a grey cloth cap with a hard-black visor. Over their shoulders was a Viper-1 rifle. The float had Imperial Guard written on both sides.

The next float had a flat top, atop of which stood various Elven females in dark blue skirts, light blue shirts and a dark blue kepi, blue stockings, and black loafers. The first pair wore white gloves and held a stop sign with a yellow safety vest and a whistle around their neck. The second pair had a 9mm sidearm and a baton on the belt. The last couple had a long blue coat over their uniform and a peaked officer’s cap. Written on both sides of the float was Imperial Police Force.

The next float was flat, with The Inquisition written on both sides. It carried a statue of an Elven female holding a sword and scales at the rear. Around it stood six female Field Elves, each had a white rod. Their uniform was a black shirt, a black pleated skirt with a black double-breasted tunic with a high Asian collar and black gloves. On the left sleeve was the symbol of the Empire. On the right sleeve was a black round patch with a white edge, with a pair of yellow eyes over scales of justice inside.

Knights mounted on giant male unicorns followed the Inquisition. The large white horses each had a leather protective cover over their dull yellow horn. Each knight was in full armour with their faceplates open. They had their Viper-2 in a holster on their saddle.

The next float was green and had ‘Medical Bureau’ written on both sides. Their uniform was a light green tunic over dark green pants. On the left sleeve of the tunic was the symbol of the Empire. On the right sleeve was a red round patch with a white star of life inside.

After them came the blood witches. On the plain, white float were three witches, each with a large pram. Each witch waved to the crowd. Alongside the slow-moving parade float were more than a dozen witches on either side. Each handed out a guide to adults called ‘Clan, Marriage, and Prosperity.’ There were more in the crowd.

Most of the crowd clapped, and some waved flags. Other than young men interested in free condoms, few took the pamphlet from the witches.

Then came a bright yellow float, with Technical Support written in dark purple on both sides. In the centre of the float was a globe. The six young females onboard took turns spinning it. Each wore yellow crop tops with dark purple shorts with a yellow hard hat, yellow sneakers, and tool belts. On the left sleeve of the shirt was the symbol of the Empire and on the right sleeve was a white patch with an upright double ended open spanner.

Takahiro relaxed his salute and sat. He leaned forward and whispered to Kaede, Never forget to respect those who protect you.

Kaede nodded. The crowd started to cheer as a dozen floats, each carrying a sporting team, passed by them. Kaede returned his gaze to the parade floats.

The first float was the Galaxy Girls Football team. A dozen female Field Elves in a pink top with white shorts, wearing pink socks and black football boots with pink laces, stood around a large gold cup with a red one on the side and Petrov Interstellar Football Federation Champions on a banner. Behind them was the Hashimoto All-Stars, a group of female Flower Elves in a half pink, half white top with green shorts. They had on black boots with green laces. Then came floats representing volleyball, tennis, badminton, water polo, fencing, running, wrestling, boxing, riding and superkart racing.

Behind them were groups of Flower, Forest, and Aquatic Elves, each in their native costumes.

Groups of púca from the Imperial Academy followed them. The children, aged seven to eighteen years old, were arranged with the boys in one column with nine columns of girls. Each wore a light purple shirt. The boys wore dark purple pants and the girls a dark purple knee-length skirt. All had their socks high and their hair neat.

Kaede gave each float a short wave as they passed him. When he saw the superkart, he was excited. It had a long thin body, which was red with white racing stripes, with the engine cover open. The V-12 engine had a chrome cover and six gold exhaust ports. On the front and rear were variable positioning spoilers. The sides and rear spoiler had a gold stag’s head on them.

Awesome! Kaede exclaimed. He stood on his seat and gazed at the vehicle.

All four of the vehicle’s wheels had chrome hubs with large gold lugs. The hydraulic suspension and power steering had chromed rods with gold locking rings. The sign on both sides of the long float read Hartman Racing.

The driver was a tall, middle-aged female Field Elf with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She wore a red racing suit with orange flames on the sleeves and legs. Under her arm, she carried a red racing helmet. She waved to the crowd and held up a massive gold trophy. Kaede’s eyes widened, his jaw slackened, and he waved to the driver. He watched the float as it passed until it was out of view as it rounded the roundabout.

Kaede turned to Takahiro and said, Now that was cool!

Takahiro snorted and said, Dancing is more popular than racing.

Kaede turned his attention to the superkart. After it had passed, he turned to Takahiro, bowed, and said, I would like a superkart.

Takahiro glared at Kaede.

I will take him for a walk around the stalls, Toshiko said.

Kaede muttered under his breath. Takahiro didn’t notice. He nodded to Lady Toshiko. She took Kaede’s hand and led him out of the box. Toshiko dragged Kaede down the walkway and the stairs. Toshiko escorted Kaede towards the dozens of vendors along the path between the stadium and a duck pond.

As Toshiko took Kaede around the park, a dozen Hashimoto house guards kept the crowds away from them. They visited a Germanic sausage sizzle, a Japanese noodle stand, and the cotton candy stand. Then they went to the rows of carnival games. The first one was the knock-down game, where the challenge was to knock down a pyramid of three wooden blocks with a cricket ball to collect tickets for prizes. On the top shelf, Kaede saw the toy red racing kart with a big yellow one on the nose. He wanted to win it, but to do so, he had to knock down all three stacks, each one three times, only using nine balls.

On the first throw, Kaede missed. The second time he knocked only one block off the stack. They rigged the game to be hard. Weights in the base of each block made them hard to knock over, and the ball had a flat side, so it could not go straight. Also, each ball had a different weight and a different shape. Nor could Kaede throw a ball hard enough and accurate enough to knock down three blocks with one shot.

Toshiko bought nine balls and placed them in a stack in front of her. Before each throw, she spun the ball up and watched it. Toshiko threw a fast curveball. The ball slammed into the middle of the stack.

Each time she threw the ball, she knocked down the whole stack, and Kaede cheered. She kept going until she won Kaede the toy kart. Above the racing car was a giant stuffed unicorn. Toshiko bought twelve balls and pointed to the unicorn. Behind the wall of knights, a crowd gathered and cheered her on.

Kaede held a toy red racing kart in one hand and a giant stick of cotton candy in the other as he followed Toshiko, who carried a giant stuffed unicorn. They headed north to the armoured limousine where Takahiro was waiting in the back. Grinning, Kaede gave him a big hug.

Kaede was chuckling to himself as Toshiko checked his seat belt and sat opposite him. She looked at him and asked, What is so funny?

Today was a wonderful day.

Yes, Toshiko said to the Emperor. He looked like he was deep in thought.

Chapter 2

It was late at night when Lady Toshiko escorted Kaede to the seventh floor of the Palace and took him down the northern hall to the double doors at the end. She placed her hand on the palm scanner on the side, and the double doors of the throne room opened.

Inside, Takahiro was waiting on the throne. The double doors closed behind them as Toshiko led Kaede to the throne. They bowed.

Takahiro stood up and said, The Empire was once only seven nations and six principalities that united to ensure mutual survival after the Great Flood. Takahiro walked over to Kaede and said, Today, I have been Emperor of the Elves for 10,000 years. Now I must ask you to be my heir and warn you that soon you will wear the crown.

Me? Kaede asked. He frowned, and his lips quivered as he asked, I don’t understand, is something wrong, Grandfather?

Takahiro sighed and replied, No, but I would rather have Toshiko explain it to you later.

Shaking, Kaede asked, Explain what? He turned to Toshiko. I don’t understand.

Takahiro walked over to Kaede and said, Your father has refused me for the last time. I am naming you as my successor.

Are you sick? Kaede asked.

Nothing is wrong, Takahiro replied, his eyes fixed on Kaede’s eyes. He asked, Do you still intend to join the Navy?

After a long pause, Kaede replied, Yes, Grandfather.

As Takahiro walked over to the throne, he said, Good service is required to be a member of the nobility. I did my service with the Navy.

Takahiro sat upon the throne. Kaede looked down and asked, I want to serve, but I want to know why I must?

To earn your place in the nobility.

Kaede screwed up his face and said, But you made me a member.

Kaede, the nobility is a privilege. We grant it to a few. You must continually prove your worth to the Senate. If you are not careful, we will expel you, Takahiro replied as he slid his hands into the sleeves of his kimono.

Even you?

Yes, the top thirteen are ranked by personal wealth. If someone was richer than me, that individual could remove me. Another way is if I broke the law, I don’t mean something minor like being a week late with my taxes or a parking ticket. Still, if I were negligent in my duties or incompetent, then I would be declared unfit for office, and the next highest-ranked member of the house replaces me.

Shocked, Kaede asked, Is that how Dain plans to have you removed?

It is possible, but he does not have the support of the House of Lords.

I thought they had no power over the Senate?

The lords do more than run the bureaucracy. They run the civil and criminal courts. But they own most of the retail stores. Dain knows if he upsets them, he will struggle to meet payroll within a few years.

Dain nit-picks everything you do. Does he hope public opinion will remove you?

Yes, this year, he focuses on my health and age.

Confused, Kaede asked, Age? I thought we don’t die from old age?

Takahiro smiled and said, We don’t, but nobles must undergo magical rejuvenation to maintain peak performance.

Even lords?

All nobles over five hundred. That is why I have the largest chain of health spas and resorts in the Empire. lords who support me get discounts, and those who reach their sales quotas receive free magical treatments.

Kaede nodded. So, the lords are the key to power, and he purchases their support using the casinos, healthcare, teahouses, and private resorts. He looked up at Takahiro, Where is the House of Lords?

The official chambers are on the fifth floor. Because they have outgrown it, only the lords of the seven main systems meet there. The rest of them work out their offices in the Imperial office buildings near the airport.

Curious, Kaede asked, I thought they did most of their meetings in the Imperial court?

Yes, but it is to our advantage that most lords are busy in their offices, Takahiro replied.

Kaede nodded, suppressed a grin, then asked Takahiro, What about the Dragon Council? You have the support of the Dragons, right?

They are on the sixth floor, but it is not what you think. The Dragons only have one council member. The rest of the members are the heads of each Empire. Most of the time, the council meets so that ambassadors can convey messages from their rulers to the Empire. Neither the Dragons nor the council has much impact on how the Senate would vote.

Oh.

The Dragons love me, Takahiro said. He smiled, but his eyebrows were low, and he looked past Kaede.

Kaede nodded. Why are you worried?

If Dain can force Patya to hold another formal inquiry into pirate attacks on the Exodus fleet, the people could learn I sent agents to Terra without the approval of the Senate. It was also a violation of the Dragon Treaty, and that is enough to have me removed, Takahiro replied. His ears dropped to his shoulders, and he hissed, ‘Dain.’

Kaede’s nose and forehead wrinkled, his ear dropped, and he raised an eyebrow. I thought Patya was our friend?

Takahiro shrugged, but his ears didn’t move. He replied, Yes and no. His company depends on cheap resources from me. I am sure your father has shared his disagreements with my methods with you, but no system is perfect.

I understand, the lords want a greater share, and if Patya locked them all up, the others would undermine you, Kaede remarked.

Takahiro nodded. Yes. For now, the House of Lords is content, and most of the Senate will not support any attempt by Dain to have them remove me, but that could change. That is why I will name you as my successor. Before you accept, know that as crown prince, there will be times you will sit on the throne, usually while I undergo medical treatment or take a tour of the Empire.

Kaede immediately stepped forward and said, I accept.

Takahiro bowed slightly to Kaede, then said, Did you accept your father’s title because you argued with him?

Kaede gulped. His ears fell to his shoulders, and he replied, No, in a soft voice.

Takahiro leant forward and asked, What was it about?

I wanted to buy a professional racing superkart, but he said that it was a frivolous purchase. I said it was my money. Then he said that I am too young to drive it.

Takahiro leant back and said, Your father and I spoke a short time ago. You left out the part where you asked Lady Abelle if you could do a science degree at the Imperial University, and when you came to get his permission, he said no. I disagree with him, but he thinks you’re abusing her generosity, Takahiro said. He examined Kaede’s face. Kaede looked down and away. His ears sat on his shoulders. I see. Tell me, is that what you want?

Kaede looked at Takahiro and said, I read some company reports on high-energy, and I understood some of it, and I want to know more about Material Engineering and Physics.

That is not an answer. Just yes, or no?

I’d rather have the kart, Kaede said with a thin smile.

You have a kart.

Kaede sighed. It is for beginners, and my father installed a speed limiter. I can make it spin and everything, but it is slower than a bicycle.

Kaede, what did I tell you about wealth?

Kaede looked at Lady Toshiko, then to Takahiro and replied, Earn more than you spend and invest your excess wealth wisely.

Such as?

Make things people buy in great quantities but never meet demand. Always leave customers wanting more. Also, maximise price to ensure a high profit, on all goods, except for food and alcohol. Those you always produce in excess and sell them cheap to the workers.

Takahiro leant forward and asked, What if I allowed you to drive your electric kart in the car park on the weekends?

Kaede’s ears fluttered. Then Kaede stared at Takahiro and asked, What is the catch?

You agree to study business at university and start a research company.

I need someone to race and a better kart to race them in.

I see. Who did you have in mind?

Izanami, Kaede replied immediately. His ears fluttered. He took a step forward and said, I also need a wand and to choose my courses at the university.

Toshiko gulped and looked to the side. Takahiro took a deep breath and asked her, Is he magically active?

Toshiko looked at Kaede and replied, I thought it best if you didn’t know.

Lady Toshiko, you know what happens to young wizards.

Toshiko bowed low and said, I accept total responsibility. Technically, it is only illegal for him to have a wand in public.

Kaede glanced at Takahiro and then asked Toshiko, What happens to young wizards? Kaede loudly asked in a high-pitched tone.

Calm down. Magic affects the caster emotionally. Young students are easy to overstimulate, and they often become attached to their teacher, Toshiko replied.

Which is why training an underage wizard is illegal, Takahiro added in a deep voice.

Girls get trained, Kaede said.

Yes. Girls do get trained when they turn thirteen, and they are trained in groups by a witch, Takahiro said, All Elves may be born a girl, but that will change. When puberty comes, you will turn into a male.

Emperor, as he has exceeded force one, in magic, on his own. The Minister of Magic can grant permission for him to be formally trained in magic because he has a rating of over one. Need I remind you if he goes untrained for too long, he risks magic stagnation, Toshiko said.

Magic stagnation? Kaede asked.

When someone doesn’t use magic for more than a year, they could lose the ability to use magic and may never recover from the condition, Toshiko replied.

Takahiro said, By all means, keep him from stagnation, but make sure he can control his emotions. I do not want him to become a magic addict.

Addict? Kaede asked.

Kaede, you will learn about that later. Lady Abelle has given you a great gift, education. While you are free to choose, I ask that you complete a business management degree with courses on taxation and business law. If you want to be my heir, I require you to run a successful business. If either your studies or business declines, you will lose your wand, racing karts, and other distractions, such as your friends. Do we have a deal?

Kaede bowed. Yes, Grandfather.

Good, Takahiro said.

What is my business?

I will create a research company for you. It will focus on fusion energy, anti-gravity and fuel-efficient rockets for shuttles.

But you are working on a reactor.

What I am about to tell you is classified Omega. Lady Fukuhina captured a warship, and it had a more powerful reactor than ours. Unfortunately, my high-energy centre has published papers, and the Senate knows that my team has been unable to increase the power output of a fusion reactor. Given your intellect and understanding of fusion energy, this is the perfect way to show you are a worthy successor to me.

But, Kaede said.

Takahiro raised his hand and interrupted him. I will feed you the details and, in your own words, send sketches and notes to your research centre. Produce a better reactor, and you will be the crown prince.

But isn’t this cheating?

Yes, but it is the world we live in. Everyone is spying on and often stealing from each other.

Even you?

Yes, Toshiko has a group we call the Shadow Knights, a vast network of spies in my employ.

Why me? You are an accredited engineer.

Yes, I created the geothermal power plant and the distortion field generator that renders craft invisible at a distance. But we failed for many years to improve upon existing fusion power.

Yes, I have seen your designs.

Yes, many in the company and beyond know about your doodles on the fusion research notes.

You want to put my name on someone else’s inventions?

Kaede, for a long time, we have been using the same reactor design and have made no improvements in thousands of years. You understand the technology and can explain it. All you need to do is design, and the research team will make it work. Make it part of your engineering degree, then do the business degree.

Is it my company? I mean, if I want them to design and make me the best superkart, they will? Kaede asked, his ears fluttered.

You have a limited budget, laws to adhere to, and to keep getting funded, you need to produce products within a time limit. Since you have already contributed to the advancement of science and technology, no one will question whether you're taking an interest in research. Soon textbooks will contain your diagrams and theories, Takahiro said.

What if I want to make a better superkart? Kaede asked.

Racing karts are public domain, you can fund it, but the tax credits are low. I require you to produce a product to sell for a profit and not a personal toy. If you want to be on a racing team, I will buy you a kart and expel you from the clan.

Kaede gulped and asked, What if I develop an electric racing kart as a by-product of research into a viable electric flying car?

Use your funds and make a product. Like high-energy research, a viable electric flying car is one of many projects with high tax credits, Takahiro asked.

You should retain rights to the product. You can legally raise funds by selling your tax credits to another company, as long as they are not part of the same corporate group, Toshiko pointed out. Takahiro grumbled.

Grandfather, would you like to buy my tax credits? Kaede asked.

Good boy. Lady Toshiko will make sure you have all the staff and funding you need. Do not forget there are many knights with law degrees. The research centre will start from your raw notes, and under Lady Toshiko’s tutelage, you will guide them to the production of a working reactor within a year. Another tax credit program is starship engines.

Kaede grinned and asked, How do I turn an electric kart into a superkart?

Takahiro huffed in frustration and replied, Make sure you build your superkart with your funds as a by-product of electric flying car research and only use the intellectual property you have licenced or developed. Toshiko will give you a list of all intellectual property, who owns what and how much each licencing fee costs.

Can I hire Izanami? Kaede asked. He looked to the side with a slight grin.

Takahiro frowned and leaned forward. To do what? he asked in a low growl.

Oh, to improve quantum computers, which I believe is a high tax credit project.

Kaede, I know how much Izanami means to you, but long ago, I made promises and cannot change them. The computers from the pirate’s ship went to Dain.

Kaede huffed and said, Izanami and I have been sharing ideas on how to improve the quantum processor. The university has students in their advanced classes do projects for the Dain Corporation. If she presents her paper, she will get a degree with honours. But they get an improved processor, with all the profits going to Dain, Kaede said, But if I hire Izanami and give her a workshop, she can graduate with a degree, knowing I will reward her with employment and some property rights.

Oh? What improvements? Toshiko asked.

Don’t encourage him. He already has enough projects, Takahiro said.

Toshiko frowned at Takahiro, then smiled at Kaede and said, Ignore him, go ahead, tell me about it.

Izanami and I etched 256 nano processors and placed them in a stack inside a boron nitride nanotube and filled it with non-conductive liquid coolant, which I created. They ran for seven days at room temperature without crashing, Kaede said.

I am impressed, Toshiko said.

You ran a stress test on the processor? Takahiro asked.

Yes, Kaede replied.

Takahiro rubbed his chin as he pondered. He then asked, Why boron nitride?

It is used to make high-temperature bearings and various other products, including the heat-resistant tiles on the outer hull of suborbital planes, Kaede replied.

We tried that before, Toshiko said.

Izanami is sure my coolant made it work, Kaede replied.

How many times have you done this? Takahiro asked.

Only once, but it completed more cycles per second than any other processor, Kaede replied.

Takahiro gestured to Toshiko to come to him. He whispered to her, Ensure Izanami can repeat the process twice. If she does, have her turn in a paper that had her get close but is missing key components. She is not to mention using Kaede’s coolant. Also, Izanami must ask Abelle to return all rights to her ideas, and in return, she’ll pay the cost of her research.

Yes, Emperor, Toshiko said, Shall I test his coolant on the Hashimoto Processor?

Yes. But file after Izanami graduates, and make sure no trace of the original experiments between them exists, Takahiro said.

Takahiro waved back Toshiko and said, Make sure you retain majority rights to all research.

Kaede asked, Does that mean I can hire her?

First, create a formal research paper. Kaede, you are to make it clear to her that discussions you and she had about your coolant and the processor took place in your workshop. Also, make sure the processor is etched using a Hashimoto chip-etcher.

Kaede bowed and said, Yes, Grandfather.

Toshiko will make sure a paper trail and experiment exists, Takahiro said.

Toshiko bowed and said, Yes, Emperor.

Chapter 3

As Toshiko led Kaede to the door, Takahiro said, You need to produce various prototypes and have each tested independently.

Kaede turned and said, Yes, Grandfather.

Toshiko, make sure he lodges patents, not just for the processor, but also for the cooling system and coolant in his name, Takahiro said.

Kaede went to say something, but Toshiko hushed him.

Toshiko, this cheap etcher of his, it is rather slow. I think once he has everything documented, have it shipped to my research centre. I will have my team make it commercially viable, Takahiro said.

No need, Toshiko said.

It is not an etcher, Kaede said.

Oh? Takahiro asked.

I call it the Kaede Atom Manipulator. It is only a prototype, Kaede replied.

What does it do? Takahiro asked.

It uses replicator technology to layer atoms, Kaede replied. But we have ideas on how to improve it, starting with faster processors.

What else does it need? Takahiro asked.

So that we can see and move a single atom, I need better scanners, precision robotic arms, magnetic lenses, gravity lenses, and lasers. For now, the only way to achieve greater precision is to build them in a zero-gravity laboratory, Kaede said.

Robotics is a low tax credit project and is highly regulated to help keep unemployment down, Takahiro said.

Confused, Kaede asked, What has unemployment got to do with precision robotics?

We don’t die of old age. That is why we discourage the development of better robotics, Takahiro replied.

I need precision tools to produce a cold laser with a magnetic lens able to focus on an atom. I can use the laser to increase the fuel efficiency of any reactor, Kaede said.

We need to maximise profit and decrease costs, Takahiro said. I don’t want you taking too long to get the processor to market.

Then, my project shall be about recycling orichalcum and electronic waste. That is a large tax credit project, Kaede said.

Takahiro leant on his hands, his eyebrows raised and his eyes wide open. He pondered and said, Toshiko, check the legality, and if he is right, make it happen. But I suspect any project that involves the development of a new robotic arm will have the program fall into the low tax credit bracket, Takahiro said. He sat up, slid his hands into his sleeves, and glared at Kaede.

Profit will not be a problem. My machine will build, repair, or recycle anything. Soon your mountain of waste will not be a problem. If you allow me to build it first, I will recycle all the electronic waste for you. That will provide my workshop with raw materials I need, and my machine will build the components for my fusion project, Kaede said.

We have a large range of robotic arms. There is no need, Takahiro said.

I need a robotic arm that can manipulate materials too delicate for normal hands. That requires an arm with an acute sense of touch, and I am sure I can create a wafer-thin yet robust touch sensor, Kaede said.

You’re to focus on the processor. Inventing a new manufacturing process will slow down bringing it to make and give others time to develop a rival, Takahiro said.

I will produce the processor and fund my other projects using profits from my range of superplastics, Kaede said.

Superplastic? Takahiro asked.

A metallic alloy with exceptional strength and some properties of plastic, such as material memory, Kaede replied.

Perhaps we should open up a couple of laboratories in New Shanghai for you? Takahiro offered.

Toshiko went to say something, but Kaede replied, I have a workshop, and Lady Toshiko has provided me with the resources I need for my research. I will give you a return on your investment, Kaede said. But I need you to sell me your research centre. Since it has made a loss, I will cover that loss in return for 100 per cent of Hashimoto Research.

How? Takahiro asked.

I will build my machines by recycling electronic waste and provide you with the highest quality orichalcum, Kaede replied.

If it works, then Hashimoto Waste will provide you with all the waste you need. But you will provide me with an extensive period where I am the only one with industrial-sized waste recycling machines. In return, I will finalise the sale of the Hashimoto Research Centre in New Shanghai to you, Takahiro said.

Grandfather, Kaede said, after a pause, With all due respect, I am offering to buy all of Hashimoto Research, including your space station over Alcyone Proxima One, and I will pay you using high-quality orichalcum, Kaede said.

"Let us not get too far ahead. You need to produce this processor. You will start with