Chapter 114: Flask Enlightened Sterling

 "One Flask Enlightened Sterling, please." It was Gapsworth who ordered the flask that his Master needed after they've arrived at the nearest store in the Principality of Kenwit. As promised before, Theo offered to pay for the flask.

"How much is it?" Theo asked the Storekeeper.

"Three hundred twenty decibels, sir," the Storekeeper replied.

"Here is a five hundred. Keep the change."

Once the generous paynent has been tendered, the order was immediately processed as Gapsworth looks on, pretty excited that he will finally bring back that specific flask as needed by his Master. There was a certain look on the otter's face that is both joyful and anxious, as far as Theo can read from his awkward demeanor. 

Theo keep on observing Gapsworth's bad antics until the flask has been neatly packaged for the otter to finally take. It was a moment of triumph for the little one. Excitedly, he took the precious package with a wide grin.

"Thank you very much, Mistress," Gapsworth said with extreme gratitude.

Then, they immediately left to set out on their way from where they come from. For awhile, nobody spoke and they went on silently, appreciating the path and the calm of the beautiful nature around them. Just as they are about to cross the border of the Principality, it was Gapsworth who spoke first.

"Master Theo," he said finally. "Can I ask you a totally awkward question, since you are a duly licensed Publisher?" He flashed a cute grin after.

Theo nodded his assent, returning the demeanor with a wan smile. "Sure, Gapsworth. I was waiting for you to ask, indeed. It just happens that I know where that flask would be very useful for."

"Oh. About that. Yeah."

Gapsworth fell silent for a moment. He was contemplatimg on something, it seems.

It took a long while anew before Gapsworth found a way on how to properly ask the inquiry that was bothering him. The rhetoric is very important.

"Master Theo, do you believe in predestination?" Gapsworth finally asked.

Theo pretended to be shocked.

"What do you mean by predestination? That a person has no specific control of his destiny? That his story has been already written long before he was born into this world?"

Gapsworth nodded. "Well, not in a general sense. I still believe in the gift of free will as a direct function of the impetus of love. I know that bit to be true, having experienced it myself."

Theo laughed weakly.

"If you believe in free will then what is your concern about predestination?" Theo asked playfully, fully knowing where Gapsworth's question is heading. "It was my understanding that you believe that a person's destiny depends on the choices he make by using the grace of his own free will."

"Yes, that is correct," Gapsworth responded attentively. "Of course, Master Theo. But what bothers me is the question that if we are truly predestined to meet the person whom we will love some time in our lives, and then through love that person will be essentially become a part of us, that our life is to be appointed by the fortunate events that will transpire later on in this way, then do we rather arrive at our destiny in this path or are we still swayed by our conscious effort to find it in our own understanding?" 

Theo's smile became wider.

"Are you talking about romantic love still? Is that why you are buying this sterling flask?"

Gapsworth's motive was very obvious. And his response gave it all away.

"That is exactly my own Master's predicament."

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This Chapter is sponsored by Movado.