'hm,' he smiled mischievously, his eyes moving towards Lucas, who had been jittering uncomfortably. It has become too glaring to ignore the Stewarts' hesitation. Because of Alden's level, he has spent points on his constitutions to have his senses heightened. Without even turning behind, he could vividly sense every person's movement. In addition to that, Alden could tell that Stewart Lucas wanted something from him. At first, he simply ignored him and feigned ignorance, but it became annoying enough not to neglect as time passed.
[why don't I do this instead?]
'Lucas,' He spoke. Stewart Lucas, who had his eyes trained on Aldens' every action, jerked back and adjusted himself, looking presentable.
"Yes, young Lord,"
On his palm is the Healing potion, which he modified with six drops of pure Kindred spirit. Alden did not want it to float like the ones he stored in his dimension inventory.
For the last months, he experimented with it and discovered the effect of each drop level. Although he lacked a living subject to test it on, his curiosity led him to drink it himself. He went up ten drops of Kindred spirit with no water. This was a mistake he would never repeat.
'here, a gift for the Clarimond family.' he reached out his hands to Stewart Lucas and showed him a crystallized tiny glass bottle with murky light gold liquid stored inside.
"Huh," Stewart Lucas reacted unnaturally. He blinked and shook. This is a reaction Alden expected. He has a vague feeling that this healing potion would do good for the Clarimond family. Even though he owed them nothing, the feeling that someday this generosity will be repaid in full.
He knew that Stewart Lucas wanted it; it's possible that he would give it to Alden's grandfather. Therefore, it's ensured that he should start to connect with his grandfather from his mother's side.
Alden felt no lingering attachment to whatever matter the Clarimond family had been through. Instead, he would say, 'they had it coming.' It was a known fact in this dog-eat-dog world.
[To show kindness is nothing but weakness.] He thought
That's why he had been ignoring the signs of panic and stress from Stewart Lucas. He somehow knew that Stewart Lucas was a loyal subject of the Clarimond family, and he would no doubt sacrifice himself for them.
'This is a gift that I hope it would aid grandfather jasper.'
'take it, ill give you some time to deliver it to him,' Alden spoke.
When the deceased young Alden was merely a child, he had seen the condition of the old Jasper. A man near death's door, skin to the bone and no strength to hold him, yet his will surpasses anyone he knew.
He knew that perhaps this healing potion with certainty could yield him back in shape. Even though Alden had experimented on himself with the pure Kindred spirit, he did not know what sort of effect would take hold of someone who was once at the peak of Swordsmanship. Maybe it would only just become a minor healing potion, or perhaps something else.
Whatever it is, Alden is willing to take the gamble of bringing him back to full health, and that's why he has to act fast before things begin to unfold in his presence.
Stewart Lucas' eyes went blank, and he stared at the light gold bottle. He looked like he wanted nothing more but to accept it, but something seemed to have held him. He stretched his hand to take the bottle, but he hesitated and discouraged it, to Alden's surprise.
"but my Lord, this. " He paused and closed his eyes,
*sigh*
"i- I cannot take,"
"I serve the Von Farrow family gifted young Lord,"
"I'm afraid this will create a conflict of interest if I were to do such a treacherous act,"
Alden watched as the man expressed his worries.
"since you were young, I had been bestowed the honor of guidance and support wherever should you needed,"
"my duties are to ensure your growth and wellbeing,"
"it is the rules and still is," He said
He looked at Stewart Lucas and thought,
[growth and wellbeing?]
[you almost stabbed me in the back]
'What deal?' He spoke. Of course, Alden showed his innocent expression, making sure that no one could read it.
Stewart Lucas opened his eyes and spoke.
"the Clarimond family and Von farrow should always be concise with one another."
"the rules set and witnessed by the royal family dictate that whatever the Von farrow household wishes to interact towards the Clarimond family through proper channels."
"the collective of the Von farrow council must make an approval."
"A simple gift could create an unforeseen consequence for the Clarimond family," Stewart Lucas said.
"unless" before he could speak any further, Alden jumped in a finished it for him,
'Unless my mother gets involved,' Alden said.
Stewart Lucas's eyes flicker with malicious intent at those words that were spoken, surprising Alden himself.
[interesting]
[seem he also holds a grudge] Alden thought.
This deep intent was not by all means known by Alden, but for the Von farrow family's inner circle, they would confirm that it was reasonable to show such intent because of what had occurred between the two families. Alden's mother had always gone against her own birth family. She betrayed them and left them to rot with time. Whatever she had in mind to do, such an atrocious act could only be known by her and her alone.
"ye-yes, my lord," Stewart Lucas said, His words somewhat forced; a resentment of admission became evident in how much pain he felt to confirm the truth.
"this-' "Alden cut him off and spoke
'Lucas, stop.' He turned towards Stewart Lucas.
'Listen to me.'
'as I grow older,'
'the one thing that becomes clearer to me, each and every day, is that I do not owe anyone anything.'
[you think I would go to her for that]
[even if I did, she would most likely deny me] He thought,