"The State Master has arrived."
Everyone quickly prepared themselves when an elderly man entered the room in a Traditional Chinese rob. His hair was long and pure silver as he wore a blue robe decorated in golden designs and patterns.
The State Master is someone equally powerful as the eleven Clan. However, they hold more power over them when it comes to authority and decisions. They are wise and train the best Caster Hunter in the city. They make sure that the next Clan Leader of each Clan is suitable and within their standards. The State Master also control most of the Hunter in the City so when it comes to military power they are far superior even superior to the King.
"The State Master greets the King and the different Clan." He said
"State Master, thank you for coming." The King said
"Old friend, welcome." Elder King said
The State Master reached arms out his hand as he greeted the Elder King, "It's good to see you too my friend."
"Come, let's go see Cromwell." He said as put his arm around the State Master's shoulder.
As the two elder left and went in search of Cromwell, more guest has arrived and soon the whole venue was packed. Since this was the Imperial Tower, it was well prepared and servants ensured that guests are all taken care of.
Whilst the eleven clan heads, king and state master vanished for a quick meeting.
Out the venue, a man and a young boy just came out of the car.
When Claude saw the enormous building in front of him, his jaw drop in amazement at the architectural structure. Despite it was a tower, it was as big as a castle. He though the Cromwell estate was grand, but this was far from it.
"Claude are you all right?" Alex turned around as he notices Claude has not stepped down from the car yet.
Claude finally steps out of the car when Alex called for his attention, "I'm fine, father."
It was already halfway to the event when the two arrived. Most of the guest were anxiously wonder if whether Alex would show up. Some family who has daughter wish to bind their child with Alex despite he has a son already. Since rumors said his son was gifted for them to have a future grandchild in their family would be a blessing.
"Uncle, I thought grandfather said Alex would be here?" one of the sub-clan leader asked
"Isn't he bring Claude with him, Brother?" Kiara asked
The man just stood still and ignored all their questions. He ponders as well if whether Claude and Alex would show up.
A moment later, two men step inside the building. One was big while the small one was being carried in his arms. Everyone eyes were all fix at the two who just arrived.
"Isn't that Alex who just arrived."
"The boy in his arms must be his son."
Alex continued to walk through the crowd in search for his family as he approached them he greeted them and went away. Since the incident he became cold towards his family because of their dirty tricks causing Claude to lose his grandparents. He has not question them about it but has informed the Elder.
Everyone watched as Alex passed through them along with his son, it made them curious to see what the young boy would looked like.
In one of the private garden, Alex put Claude down. "Don't worry no one is here."
"I was sure you would be here..." a voice from behind them said
Claude quickly clung onto Alex, causing Alex to panic as he turned around to see who it was. It surprise him to see who it was, "State Master."
"He must be your son?" he asked
Alex smiled, " Yes, this is Claude State Master. Claude say hello to the State Master."
Claude let go of Alex's neck as he greeted the State Master, "Greetings State Master."
"Such a well manner boy." he said whilst rubbing his head. "I see you came to visit her graden too."
Alex did not say a would and just watch the beautiful garden filled with various colored flowers. As he continued to remences the memories he had in the garden, he could not help but express such painful expression.
"Father, are you alright?" Claude asked noticing the upset expression on Alex's face.
Alex smiled to reassure Claude, "I'm fine, I just remember something I wish I didn't."
"Tell me Alex, how is your son training been?" he asked
"His doing well Master, his able to cast level 6 tier magic already without collapsing." he answered
The State Master was impressed but it didn't suprise him since he was Alex's son but he wonder who the mother could be. He notice his eyes resembles someone else but it was hidden underneath his glasses.
"By the way, congratulation in successfully developing the AMSD." he proudly said
Alex chuckled as he felt ashamed of all the praise, since it was the State Master in front of him he didn't felt like hidding the truth from him, "It was all thanks to Claude."
"Claude?" he wondered
"He completed the coding for it and the new designs." he answered.
"I see..." he said whilst looking at the boy beside Alex. His interest towards the boy became more as he finds out more about him. "Does this mean you'll be releasing new ACW soon?"
Alex just nodded.
"He is indeed your son yet he surpassed you." he said
"I do not mind if he surpass me, he is still my son." Alex said as he carried Claude in his arm and giving him a kissed in the forehead causing Claude to be startled.
Claude was dumbfound and did not expect the sudden kiss, it's been awhile since Alex showed him such affection which made him flustered and he burried his face on his shoulder.
It made Alex delighted to see that Claude was able to express such emotion, it means he is not the cold hearted boy he feared.
"Your Grandfather has been waiting for you?" He said
"I know but I don't want to bring Claude to such crowd and be surround which such people." he answered him.
The State Master completely understood what Alex meant by that. His son was gifted of course people would fight over him and try forge alliance with the family. "I'll inform him you've arrived, you can go home if you wish."
Alex smiled, "Thank you, then will be leaving."
After Alex and Claude left, the State Master returned to the hall and the sight displeased him. He sighed in relief that Alex did not present Claude to them. All the people in this room only seeks power and position. It didn't surprise him since the current King is like that as well, only his friend and the previous King that vanished was the humble one. They were true king who fought to protect the people not hide and let his people protect him.
"Whats wrong old frined." he asked when he saw Elder Cromwell looking so disappointed.
He released a deep sighed, "I was hoping to present Claude to you, but that b*stard did not show up at all."
The State Master comforted Elder Cromwell, "You indeed have a fine grandson and great-grandson."
It surprise Elder Cromwell to received such praised, "Did you see them? Where is the b*stard?"
He patted Elder Cromwell on the shoulder to ease him, "I sent them home, such environment is not good for your great-grandson."
Elder Cromwell calm down, he did not expect the State Master would say such thing. Despite he wished to show off his grandson to the other Clan Leader but since his old friend expressed it that way, he did not argue nor become angry of the situation any longer.