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Orianna had just finished her etiquette lessons for the day and couldn't wait to find her big brother. Her polished leather shoes tapped out a cheerful rhythm on the floor, and her flowing long hair swayed like golden waves.
"Brother, what is this?" Orianna picked up the cube on the table and blinked her eyes cutely.
This palm-sized cube seemed to be assembled from 27 smaller blocks. It could be rotated freely in any direction, exuding a mysterious aura as if some profound secret was hidden within.
"I've named it the Orianna Cube."
"Brother~" Orianna clung to Kael's arm and acted spoiled. Naming it after her... wasn't that a bit embarrassing?
"I'm just borrowing little Anna's name for a bit. You're not that stingy, are you?"
"Hmph." Orianna pouted, but her heart felt the opposite; she just found it hard to show. She refocused her attention on the cube, trying to explore its mysteries.
"It's not finished yet; it's missing the final step." Kael took out several felt-tip pens, colored each of the six faces of the cube differently, scrambled it, and handed it back to Orianna. "Now, you know how to play, right?"
"Did you invent this, Brother?" Orianna looked at Kael with eyes full of admiration. She was a smart girl and could vaguely sense the value of the cube.
The people of Piltover loved novel creations filled with a sense of technology. Even if it was just a toy, it could create a wave of popularity in this city. Moreover, Piltover placed great importance on technical patents, and the relevant laws were very comprehensive. Once a work was recognized by the upper-level Councilors, a single patented creation was enough to support the dignity of a lower-level family.
However, it wasn't easy. Even a veteran mechanic like Store Manager Colin had failed to produce a work that could win a patent. The Councilors valued innovation above all else. Clearly, this cube, which had never appeared in Piltover, was a prime candidate for patent certification.
"You could say that," Kael spoke with a calm face. In this world, he was the creator of the Rubik's Cube. This wasn't plagiarism; at most, it was "relocating" it.
The Challenge
The next day, Store Manager Colin returned the cube to Kael with thick dark circles under his eyes. He had spent the entire night obsessing over it.
"This is a very good toy creation," Colin praised, looking exhausted. "Perhaps you should consider applying for a patent; you might even have a chance to get an admission letter from the Academy."
Store Manager Colin's vision was still a bit limited—he only saw it as a toy—but he gave his best advice. Piltover Academy was the holy land for all progressive people. There were two ways in: the entrance exam, or having enough talent to catch the eye of a professor.
"I plan to do that. Thank you, Manager," Kael said.
After Colin left for on-site maintenance work, Orianna and Kael set up a new sign in front of the shop:
Cube Game: One silver coin per try. If you can solve all six faces of the cube within the time of one hourglass, the challenge is successful, and you will win ten silver coins.
Kael's voice instantly attracted pedestrians. Ten silver coins was a month's living expenses for an ordinary family. The adults didn't believe a child barely ten years old could invent a toy they couldn't solve.
"Time's up!" Orianna's cheerful voice rang out as the first customer failed.
"I want to try again!" the man insisted, handing over another coin.
The money earned in less than half an hour was almost as much as a week's profit for the shop.
The Kiramman Heiress
"Is it finally my turn?"
A black-haired young girl appeared before Kael. She was about fourteen or fifteen, dressed in standard Piltover noble attire. Her skin was so fair it seemed to glow, and her long black hair carried a faint, elegant fragrance.
"One silver coin," Kael looked up and held up one finger.
"Sorry, I only have gold coins with me," the girl said apologetically. Gold coins were rarely circulated among the middle class; one gold was worth ten silver.
"No problem, here's your change," Kael held out nine silver coins, but the girl did not take them.
"I don't think five minutes will be enough for me. Keep these silver coins with you for now," she said frankly. She was the only one who truly recognized the mathematical complexity of the cube.
Time flew by. Suddenly, an urgent call came from the distance.
"Caitlyn!! I've been looking for you for ages, Miss!"
A tall young man in Piltover Academy attire arrived, panting. "Sorry, Jayce," Caitlyn finally looked up. "I was too absorbed. Look at this—a very ingenious toy."
"Caitlyn, you need to go back now," Jayce interrupted, looking nervous. He was clearly worried about Mrs. Kiramman's wrath.
"Um, can I buy this cube?" Caitlyn asked Kael earnestly.
"No," Kael shook his head, and Caitlyn's mood plummeted. "But I can lend it to you for a night. Remember to return it tomorrow, Miss Caitlyn."
Caitlyn's face lit up with a bright smile. "That's great! I'll definitely return it in perfect condition." She handed the remaining gold coins in her pocket to Kael as a "usage fee" and hurried off with Jayce.
After they left, Orianna spoke in a small voice. "Brother, Miss Caitlyn is so pretty."
"I believe little Anna will be even prettier when she grows up," Kael replied.
"Heehee." Orianna's eyes curved into crescent moons.
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