Chapter 301: Thief From Within
The marble floors of the royal court echoed with hushed murmurs and the soft shuffle of silk robes as the morning session commenced. Sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows, casting jewel-toned patterns across the pillars and the faces of the assembled nobles. Conversations paused, and curious eyes turned as the grand doors creaked open.
The Marquis of Carles entered—an unusual sight on its own—but what drew gasps was what followed him.
He was flanked by the Norse twins, Peredur and Percival, pushing a strange, gleaming contraption with curved wheels and a sleek metal frame. Between them, Gideon Norse walked proudly, carrying a bundle of thick parchment sealed with the Norse family crest.
General Odin, used his Marquis title to formally appear on court that day. He was imposing in his ceremonial armor. With practiced grace, he stepped forward and bowed deeply before the throne, then turned to face the gathered lords.
"Your Majesty, Noble Lords and Ministers" he began, his voice carrying the gravitas of a seasoned warrior, "I stand before you not as a general, but as a father and citizen. I submit a petition to recognize and patent an invention crafted by my son—Gideon Norse. This device," he gestured to the bicycle, "is a two-wheeled vehicle that requires no horse, no fuel—only the strength and balance of the rider."
A ripple of interest passed through the court. King Heimdal, seated on his high throne carved of silverwood and wolfbone, leaned forward. His ice-blue eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"Bring it forward," he commanded.
The Norse twins complied, wheeling the bicycle to the center of the hall. With a quick nod, Percival swung a leg over the frame and began pedaling in a slow circle, the clatter of the wheels echoing under the high dome. Then Peredur took a turn, speeding up slightly, grinning with the pride of a showman. Laughter, applause, and murmurs filled the chamber.
Even the skeptical barons leaned forward, fascinated.