As the evening shadows lengthened in Lucian's study, Alex contemplated his situation. He was acutely aware of Lucian's underlying arrogance and the possibility of hidden motives. Yet, Alex saw an opportunity in this alliance. Lucian's knowledge and influence could be invaluable, and Alex decided to use this connection to his advantage, gathering as much information as possible about Valoria and its workings.
Lucian, breaking the contemplative silence, suggested, "It's getting late. Would you like to join me for dinner? We can continue our conversation."
Alex nodded in agreement. He was keen to learn more about the town and its residents, and spending more time with Lucian seemed like a promising way to do so.
As they prepared to leave, Lucian inquired, "Do you have a place to stay? It's essential to have a safe haven in a town like this."
"I haven't arranged for any accommodation yet," Alex admitted, his thoughts on the many expenses he would need to manage in this unfamiliar place.
Lucian reached into a drawer and pulled out a small bag, which he handed to Alex. "Here, take this. It contains about a hundred gold coins – more than enough for a commoner to live comfortably for a few years without work."
Alex, surprised by the gesture, accepted the bag. The coins inside clinked softly, their weight reassuring in his hand. "Thank you, Lucian. I appreciate your generosity."
As they left the estate, Lucian led Alex through the vibrant streets of Valoria, now illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and magical lights. The town had taken on a different character at night, with the shadows casting a mysterious allure over its alleys and buildings.
Lucian pointed out various landmarks and places of interest. "There are several inns and lodgings around here. I'll show you a couple that are reputable and comfortable," he said.
Their walk through the town became an impromptu tour, with Lucian highlighting popular eateries, important buildings, and bustling marketplaces. The air was filled with the aroma of nighttime delicacies being prepared at various food stalls and restaurants.
Eventually, they arrived at a cozy, well lit tavern known for its excellent cuisine. "This place serves the best roasted quail in Valoria," Lucian remarked as they entered.
Inside, the tavern was warm and inviting, with a lively atmosphere. Patrons sat at tables, enjoying their meals and conversations. The aroma of cooked meats, fresh bread, and herbs filled the air, making Alex's stomach growl in anticipation.
As they settled at a table and ordered their food, Alex mentally noted everything Lucian had shown him. Each piece of information, each introduction, and every landmark could prove vital in his journey through Valoria.
Over the course of their meal, Alex, intrigued by the cultivation levels in Eldoria, queried Lucian about his own rank. Lucian, with a mix of pride and smugness, disclosed, "I am at the late stage of Qi Foundation. It's quite an achievement, considering most of our generation are still grappling with the initial stages. Typically, one starts cultivation at around 16, but my progress has been… exceptional."
Alex nodded, impressed. Reaching the late stage of Qi Foundation at a young age was indeed a notable feat, indicative of Lucian's dedication and innate talent.
As they continued their discussion, touching on various aspects of cultivation ranks and the intricacies of Eldorian society, their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a loud, arrogant laugh. It resonated throughout the tavern, drawing the attention of Alex and Lucian, along with several other patrons.
Turning towards the source, they saw a young man, around 15 or 16, standing at the entrance of the tavern. His attire was as exquisite as Lucian's, suggesting a similar background of wealth and status. The resemblance to Lucian was unmistakable – the same blonde hair, sharp jawline, and piercing blue eyes.
Lucian's expression darkened instantly. His jaw clenched, and veins throbbed at his temple, signaling a mixture of anger and annoyance. It was evident that the arrival of this young man had unsettled him greatly.
"Who is he?" Alex whispered, sensing the sudden shift in Lucian's demeanor.
"That's my younger brother, Julian," Lucian replied through gritted teeth. "He has a habit of making a scene."
Julian sauntered into the tavern with an air of superiority, his gaze fixed mockingly on Lucian and Alex. His laughter had a taunting quality to it, and as he approached their table, it was clear he relished the discomfort he caused his brother.
"Well, well, if it isn't Lucian and his new friend," Julian said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I didn't expect to find you in such… modest company."
Lucian, visibly trying to maintain his composure, responded coldly, "Julian, what do you want?"
Julian's smirk widened. "Oh, nothing much. Just enjoying the sights of our quaint little town. But I must say, I didn't expect to see you, dear brother, fraternizing with someone so… unrefined."
The tension at the table was palpable. Patrons nearby had turned their attention to the unfolding drama, curious about the interaction between the two brothers from the influential Valtor family.
Alex remained silent, observing the dynamics at play. It was clear that the relationship between Lucian and Julian was strained, marked by rivalry and disdain.
In the tense atmosphere of the tavern, Alex remained cautious, keeping his dragon tattoo concealed beneath the table. His quick thinking kept it hidden from Julian's prying eyes, but this action inadvertently redirected Julian's scornful attention towards him.
Julian's gaze was filled with a mix of disdain and disgust as he turned to Alex. Addressing Lucian, he sneered, "I never expected you to stoop so low, Lucian. Trying to win over our parents by associating with a commoner, and a dirty one at that."
Lucian's face hardened at Julian's words, his voice laced with a cold, sharp edge as he replied, "At least I maintain some semblance of decency, Julian. Unlike you, who parades your hypocrisy as if it were a virtue. Your moral depravity truly knows no depths."
Julian's expression contorted with rage at Lucian's retort. His eyes bore into Lucian with a deep-seated loathing that went beyond mere brotherly rivalry. The venom in their exchange was palpable, filling the space with an intensity that had the other patrons of the tavern casting nervous glances their way.
Alex, though outwardly calm, was internally alert, aware of the delicate situation he had found himself in. The conflict between the Valtor brothers was evidently deep-rooted, and he had no intention of becoming a pawn in their power play. Yet, he also recognized that this confrontation might provide insights into the dynamics of the influential Valtor family and, by extension, the workings of Valoria itself.
The tension at the table was like a tightly drawn bowstring, ready to snap. Julian, with a look of unbridled animosity, seemed on the verge of taking some drastic action. Lucian, for his part, appeared prepared to defend his position, his body language tense and ready.
Julian, smirking maliciously, added more fuel to the already blazing fire of the confrontation. "I'm actually glad that our parents prefer me, Lucian. They see the wisdom in investing their resources in someone who's not… inadequate." His tone was laced with a superiority that made his contempt unmistakable. "In fact, they asked you not to come home tonight. We have important guests, and they don't want a disappointment like you interfering."
Lucian's reaction was immediate and intense. While his anger was evident, there was also a fleeting moment of sadness in his eyes – a vulnerability that only Alex noticed. It was a glimpse into the depth of Lucian's internal struggle, a reminder that behind the confident exterior lay a complex individual, grappling with familial rejection and expectations.
This scene struck a deep chord in Alex. The disdain and humiliation directed at Lucian mirrored his own experiences in his past life, igniting a fury within him. The memories of his own family's mistreatment boiled to the surface, fueling a sense of empathy and anger towards Julian's cruelty.
As Julian's harsh words cut through the tense air of the tavern, Alex felt a surge of anger. The disdainful remarks towards Lucian, a person who had shown him kindness and offered invaluable insights, were intolerable. Compelled by a sense of justice and empathy, Alex stood up, his chair scraping against the wooden floor.
"Julian, you are interfering with our dinner," Alex said firmly, his voice carrying across the room. "And I don't appreciate you speaking so ill of someone who has helped me immensely today."
The tavern fell silent, with patrons turning their attention to the unfolding scene. Julian, taken aback by Alex's intervention, looked at him with a mixture of surprise and annoyance.
"And who might you be to stand up for Lucian? A stranger meddling in family affairs," Julian retorted, his tone laced with contempt.
"I am someone who values respect and gratitude," Alex replied, meeting Julian's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Lucian has been generous in helping me understand this world, something I won't let be tarnished by unprovoked insults."
Lucian, who had been silent, gave Alex a nod of appreciation, a subtle acknowledgment of the support in the face of his brother's cruelty.
Alex met Julian's gaze unflinchingly. "I'm someone who doesn't stand by when disrespect is being thrown undeservedly. Lucian has shown me nothing but kindness today, and I won't tolerate such baseless insults against him."
Julian's face twisted into a sneer. "How noble of you, standing up for someone you barely know. But you're in over your head, stranger. You know nothing of our family or its affairs."
Lucian, who had been watching the exchange, interjected, "Julian, enough. This has nothing to do with our family issues. Alex is my guest, and I won't have you insult him in this manner."
The tension in the tavern was palpable, with patrons watching the scene unfold with a mix of interest and apprehension. The confrontation had escalated beyond a mere family dispute, drawing the attention of everyone present.
Julian, seemingly unphased by Lucian's defense, turned his attention back to Alex. "So, you're Lucian's guest, are you? That doesn't give you the right to meddle in matters that don't concern you."
Alex remained steadfast, his stance firm. "Maybe not, but I believe in standing up for what's right. Your behavior towards your brother is deplorable, and I won't apologize for calling it out."
As the tension in the tavern reached a boiling point, Alex's steadfast refusal to apologize for his defense of Lucian seemed to ignite a deeper fury in Julian. In a swift, aggressive motion, Julian reached out and grabbed the front of Alex's shirt, pulling him closer. His face was contorted with anger, his eyes burning with resentment.
"You have some nerve," Julian hissed, his grip tightening. "Standing up for Lucian as if you're some righteous defender. You're nothing but an outsider meddling in affairs you don't understand."
The tavern had grown eerily silent, the patrons' eyes fixed on the escalating confrontation. Lucian stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. "Julian, let him go. This is not the way to handle things," he demanded, his voice steady but laced with urgency.
Julian, however, seemed beyond reasoning. His focus was entirely on Alex, the object of his sudden ire. "You think you can come here and challenge me?" Julian sneered. "You don't know who you're dealing with."
As he spoke, a visible aura began to form around his clenched fist. It shimmered with energy, a manifestation of his Qi cultivation. The late stage of Qi Foundation that Lucian had mentioned earlier was now evident in Julian's display of power. The aura pulsated with light, casting eerie shadows across his face.
Alex, caught in Julian's grasp, assessed the situation. He realized that this was more than just a simple brawl; it was a demonstration of power, a warning of sorts. Julian wasn't just angry – he was making a statement, one that could have repercussions in the complex hierarchy of Valoria.
Lucian stepped forward, ready to intervene.