Lucy's Constant

Lucy might have complete control over everything that happens in her world, as long as she consciously thinks about it. However every living creature she encounters has a mind of their own, that if left by themself with no inputs from Lucy, could act on its own and interact with her. Sometimes she didn't feel like planning out the whole dream or very poorly estimated how much time would she have. Granted, it's not a very easy thing to do, as you never know when you'll notice you're in a dream. This was one of the days she didn't have anything to do after accomplishing her goals. She usually hanged out with Planck and interacted with locals. Sometimes, she would get summoned to fulfill her duty as the royal advisor.

In the very beginning, a thought did cross her mind to make herself the princess instead, but she felt that it would create an unnecessary barrier between her and the commonfolk. And she didn't like those dresses with skirts size of a house. She and Planck were casually chatting on their way to the audience hall.

After the show ended a messenger conveyed a message to the king, and he ordered Lucy to be in the throne room in an hour. Time is a rather convoluted thing in a dream.

-I still can't believe Fibo actually did it. I know he's the greatest of all time, but still.

-I'm glad you liked it.

-How did you get them to perform? I thought they retired.

-They did, but a girl has her way.

-What?

-I'm kidding, I told them I'll owe them a favor. Which reminds me, king needs us.

-Right, let's put our serious faces on.

Lucy pushed the huge doors to the throne room. Lit by no natural light, this room was one of the few places that were designed with seriousness in mind. Red carpet leading to the throne, which had a dozen levers, all of which could rearrange the room, hexagonal pillars supporting the ceiling covered in chandeliers. Everyone was waiting for these two youngsters to arrive so the meeting could start. Lucy to king's right, and Planck to hers. King Charles was the first one to break the silence.

-Now that everyone arrived, let the audience begin.

Many prominent figures were present. Next to speak was Euclid. Middle-aged man, with a very receding hair line and bushy black beard. He was responsible for building roads connecting every city and village to the capital, so all roads lead to Universel.

-My King, the workers refuse to work! Dragon is roaming the border they say. Awoken by increased traffic they claim. Utterly ridiculous!

Next to voice his worries was Thales, Propor's son. He was around the same age as Euclid, but his hair was decent and beard well groomed. He works with his dad, they're responsible for keeping a hand on how d'Algebrians feel about joining Arithmia. Many didn't like the fact they've lost their independence, so Propor stayed in d'Algebria to win people's favors and assure a seamless integration while Thales traveled back and forth to keep the King informed.

-Rumors are aspreading, my lord. People disappearing as they work, trees multiplying, making the works never ending. Some swear their friends got paralyzed after splitting from the group. Merchants don't want to risk crossing the borders, many of our citizens refuse to return.

I wonder if Waldo and his owner are doing okay, it sounds quite serious...

-Dragons have been extinct for centuries! We even replaced "here be dragons" with "here were dragons" on our maps and in our sayings to commemorate humanity's greatest achievement. The 'dragon' is but a cover-up for guerilla soldiers refusing to accept our king!

Gottfried didn't believe the rumors. Frankly, the others were probably thinking the same thing he was, it's just he's the first to voice it. He wore a waistcoat and was so old he needed a wig.

King Charles turned his head just a little to the right. It was a signal for Lucy to give her opinion.

-Dragon or not someone should scout the area and find the source of rumors Your Majesty. I saw first hand that there's still a lot work needed to assimilate the area. Having merchants and workers too afraid to travel may put us back quite a bit.

-It is decided then. I will send a scout to infiltrate the rumors.

With a stern face, King Charles pulled a lever and cogs started turning. Chains could be heard moving. Down one of the pillars slid a magical box. Magic was heavily restricted in Arithmia, only those with King's permission were allowed to have magical items. The box was made out of wood, but had a light emitting crystal inside. The lens was made out of stained glass, so it showed a picture wherever it was pointed. Another lever was pulled, this one rolled up the red carpet to allow better view of the image. It was the current map of the world.

-Ask the locals, but don't be too conspicuous. Search the nearby forest, it seems to have the biggest cumulation of incidents. If it's rebels, find their bases and leaders. If dragons truly have returned, well, return immediately. I leave it to you Lucy.

Lucy bowed with a smile, happily accepting the mission. Her eyes were sparkling with excitement.

Espionage, dragon, rescuing people... Just wait for me dear citizens!

Planck wanted to confirm something.

-You mean sending the scout Your Majesty?

-I mean the scouting.

Just as he feared, Lucy will be the spy.

And if she's going... I really hope it's a dragon. I'd rather not die on my birthday.