Thanjavur, Nayaka's Family Mansion.
After a gruelling journey through the unrefined road network, Harsha finally arrived in Thanjavur. The town was a stark contrast to the many villages and towns he had passed through on his way. Thanjavur was bustling with life, filled with vibrant and happy people. The cleanliness and maintenance of the town were impressive, far superior to other places he had seen during his travels.
Guards were also seen patrolling to maintain civil order in the town.
As his carriage rolled along the town's paved road, accompanied by his contingent of guards, Harsha took in the sights and sounds around him. The air was filled with the melodious tunes of temple bells and soothing hymns, creating a beautiful atmosphere. The people moved about with purpose, and the market stalls overflowed with goods, adding to the town's lively ambience.
Harsha turned his gaze to Viswa, who was looking out the carriage window in awe at the bustling town and its happy people. Harsha figured it was Viswa's first time in such a large and vibrant place.
"Viswa, we will be visiting the Nayaka's mansion. I hope you show your best behaviour," he spoke with a deep sigh.
"Yes, Your Highness, I will not disappoint you," Viswa replied, tearing his eyes away from the window to nod earnestly.
During their travels, Harsha had given Viswa a book to read. He soon discovered that Viswa didn't know how to read or write. Additionally, Viswa lacked basic manners, resembling an untamed wild beast cub.
"Well, I will arrange something for you when we reach the mansion," Harsha said, more to himself than to Viswa.
"Umm?" Viswa responded, looking confused but hopeful.
Harsha dismissed his curiosity with a wave of his hand and turned his attention back to the passing scenery. The carriage continued its journey through the town, moving closer to the grand mansion of the Nayakas.
As the carriage approached the mansion, the guards at the entrance stood at attention, recognizing the royal crest on the carriage. The gates swung open, and Harsha's carriage entered the expansive courtyard.
As the carriage came to a halt in the expansive courtyard, Harsha stepped out, followed by a slightly nervous but curious Viswa. The guards and servants of the mansion greeted them with deep bows, acknowledging the presence of royalty.
An elderly man came forward, his back hunched and his demeanour suggesting he was the butler of the grand mansion. With a slight bow, he greeted Harsha, "Welcome, His Highness Harsha Deva Raya, to the Nayaka's house."
"The patriarch awaits your presence, Your Highness," he continued, gesturing towards the large doors and preparing to guide Harsha to the patriarch.
"Narayana and Varun, both of you take care of Viswa. I allow you to visit the town for now, but return before nightfall," Harsha ordered the two men standing beside him.
Narayana, with a puzzled expression, asked, "Your Highness, are you sure it's wise to let him roam around freely?"
Harsha leaned in close and whispered, only for them to hear, "If I hear you both discriminating against him for his caste, I will make you both pay."
The warning sent a shiver down their spines. They stood straight and saluted, "Understood, Your Highness."
Viswa, watching this scene in confusion, asked hesitantly, "Your Highness, am I allowed to go see the town?"
Harsha nodded. "Yes,"
Viswa's eyes lit up brightly at the chance to see the big town for the first time in his life. "Thank you, Your Highness. I promise I won't disappoint you."
"Guide me to the patriarch," Harsha said as he turned to the butler and walked into the mansion.
The elderly butler bowed slightly, "This way, Your Highness." He gestured toward the large door, ready to guide Harsha to the patriarch.
The mansion of the Nayakas wasn't as grand as the palace but boasted impressive architecture, sprawling over a wide area. Harsha walked through the corridors, noting the intricate carvings and vibrant tapestries, and guided to a large, unguarded study room.
'Why are the rooms left unguarded? Does he have such confidence in his own safety that he believes assassination attempts within his mansion are impossible, or does he think he can handle any threat on his own? ' he thought
The room was lined with shelves of ancient scrolls and manuscripts. The patriarch, an elderly man with a commanding presence, rose from behind a massive desk and extended his hand warmly. "Greetings, Prince Harsha. I have indeed been eager for your arrival," he said.
Harsha returned the gesture with a slight bow. "Greetings, Patriarch. I heard you have been eager for my arrival."
The patriarch chuckled heartily. "HAHAHA! Of course, Prince Harsha. So, how was the journey to Thanjavur?"
Harsha smirked. "Oh, it was fine. I even picked up a wild cub on the way."
"A wild cub, you say?" The patriarch raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That sounds interesting."
Harsha's smirk widened. "Yes, a young boy with potential. We'll see how he fares."
The patriarch nodded thoughtfully. "I see. We can discuss the formalities tomorrow if you want to rest from the long journey, Prince."
Harsha waved a hand dismissively. "No need for rest, Patriarch. I prefer to get things done. Let's discuss what needs to be done."
The patriarch admired Harsha's determination and gestured for him to sit. "Very well, Prince Harsha. Let's get started."
"I suppose the Patriarch didn't invite me for fun!" Harsha remarked as he sat down on the plush sofa.
Rudra Nayaka's playful gaze shifted to one of seriousness. "Oh, Prince Harsha, I was merely extending a courtesy invite because we are partners now. This old man has no hidden agenda," he said, maintaining a straight face.
Harsha's expression hardened. "The Nayaka Patriarch who hasn't invited the first prince or the second prince is saying he invited me out of courtesy? Drop the act, Rudra Simha Nayaka," he said, crossing his legs and locking eyes with the Patriarch. The air in the room seemed to crackle with tension as if a spark could ignite it into flames.
The butler stood at a loss for words, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. Just as he was about to intervene, the Patriarch's laughter echoed through the room, shattering the heavy silence.
"Ah! You got me!" Rudra Nayaka exclaimed, his laughter resonating off the walls. "Of course, I didn't invite you out of courtesy. But my intentions are honest," he said, his tone becoming earnest as he leaned forward, meeting Harsha's gaze with unwavering seriousness.
"So, what are your 'honest' intentions, Patriarch?" Harsha inquired, running his hand through his hair.
Rudra Nayaka scratched his eyepatch thoughtfully. "I was just curious about the prince's change and wanted to confirm the feats of the Battle of Gulbarga."
Harsha leaned back into the sofa, looking up at the ceiling with an indifferent expression. "Hmmm! You should know how true the rumours are, considering you decided to plant your person in my convoy." His tone was casual, but his words carried a sharp edge.
"HAHAHA, so you found that out as well. You've changed a lot from your previous gloomy self," Rudra Nayaka exclaimed.
With a grin plastered on his face, he continued, "Does the prince plan to take the throne?"
Harsha paused, contemplating his response. 'Hmm, what should I say here? The Nayaka Patriarch has always kept his word, I've heard from others.'
"Of course," Harsha said confidently.
' It doesn't matter whether he knows anyway. It would be assumed anyway cause i have not relinquished the right to the throne,'
"But how? The prince doesn't have a single ounce of influence under his belt. So, I am curious how you will go about it," the Patriarch questioned, his grin widening as he leaned forward, clearly intrigued.
"That's not something the patriarch has to know. I have ways to get to my goal, Outsiders don't need to know about it," he said coldly.
"That's enough, I will be retiring to my room to rest, Patriarch," His cold voice echoed through the room, although the Patriarch was unfazed by him.
"Of course, Prince Harsha," Rudra replied, nodding slightly. "But before you go, regarding the road construction inspections, we have assigned three units each to the locations. They will report to us about the progress."
"I see. It should be all good," Harsha dismissed further questions with a wave of his hand and turned to leave the room, the butler following closely behind.
As the door closed behind them, Rudra's laughter filled the room. "HAHAHA! The prince has definitely changed a lot. Those eyes are not those of a child. The other princes clearly underestimate him, and he is making full use of it," he mused, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
Rudra mumbled to himself "I have to keep an eye on him. I have a feeling that the developments will benefit us."
Rudra leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his face. "This game is getting interesting," he said softly, almost to himself.