Chương 31: A LONG LIFE INDEED

The afternoon had settled into a quiet hum, the manor slowly recovering its usual dignified rhythm. Elias, having just ended his class with Aina lay down on his bed. He'd meticulously recorded his findings of that lesson in his journal, the "tsundere" hint from Deus still an infuriating, yet undeniably useful, piece of the puzzle.' Bastard...' His cousin has out him through a series of meditation techniques to help him circulate his flow easily as the first step to get his body accustomed to it so he was fatigued.

He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. As dusk painted the sky in hues of soft orange and purple, a different kind of energy began to stir within the manor. A subtle, anticipatory buzz rippled through the servants. Lord Alaric was expected to return from his duties in the capital. Elias, after a quick, refreshing bath that did little to soothe his still protesting mind, found himself seated at the polished oak dining table.

Lady Elara sat beside him, her face alight with a gentle joy different from the one she usually exuded, a warmth that seemed to brighten the entire area around her. Across from them sat Aina, as composed and unreadable as ever, her maid uniform impeccable, her gaze fixed on the intricate patterns of the tablecloth.

'Why does she wear a maid outfit anyway?' Elias wondered. She seemed to have heard his thoughts and glaced at him but Elias looked down, suddenly finding interest in the white napkin in front of him on the table. The scent of roasted pheasant, spiced wine, and freshly baked bread filled the air, a comforting aroma that, for once, almost made Elias forget his present weariness. The clatter of cutlery was hushed, replaced by the occasional soft murmur of servants placing dishes. Then, a subtle shift in the air.

The doors to the dining hall swung open, and Lord Alaric entered. His presence filled the room with a quiet, undeniable authority that seemed to settle the very dust motes in the air. Everyone rose to thier feet in welcome. Alaric was still in his travel clothes, a faint dusting of road grime on his boots, but his eyes, though tired, held a familiar warmth as they settled on his wife and son.

"Alaric, my love, you're back!" Lady Elara exclaimed, moving forward with a graceful sweep of her dress to embrace him.

"Elara," he murmured, his voice a deep, resonant rumble, holding her close and giving her a kiss before turning his gaze to Elias. He placed a heavy, reassuring hand on Elias's head, his eyes assessing.

"And Elias. How was your day?" Elias forced a small, tired smile.

"Educational, Father. Big Sister is… thorough." He glanced at Aina, who remained impassive, though Elias thought he saw the faintest twitch of her left ear. Alaric chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that seemed to vibrate through the floor.

"Indeed. Aina it's been a while. You've grown a lot since the last time I saw you. In any case, thank you for your diligence." Aina gave a stiff nod.

"It is my duty, Lord Alaric."" I've told you I'm your uncle as well. You don't need to be so formal." Aina bowed and they all had their seats. As dinner was served, the conversation naturally turned to Ortis's recent, whirlwind visit.

"My brother left rather abruptly, darling," Lady Elara remarked, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

"He simply left Aina here seemingly on a whim to serve as Elias' teacher. He barely even saw Elias during his stay." She sighed, a soft, weary sound. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"I had hoped he would at least stay for ankther day so he could have met you before leaving. Anyway, he says hi." Alaric took a slow sip of his wine, his gaze distant for a moment. Elias could swear he saw a hint of relief, as if his father was happy to not meet up with his own brother-in-law.

"Your brother is a bit of an odd fellow, Elara. You know this. While it is good that he left quickly, er...." He cleared his throat noticing the look on his wife's face." I mean unfortunate that he has been preoccupied we must respect his wishes." He took another sip although Elias swore he heard his father mutter 'Good riddance' under his breath.' Ok now Im really curious about what the beef is between Father and Ortis.'

"While I'm here," Lord Alaric continued,"I'll try to make time to compliment whatever our son is taught so don't worry about it." He glanced at Aina, a subtle, almost imperceptible nod passing between them.

"And despite my personal feelings, I trust his judgment in leaving Aina here. She is awas also taught by him so I'm sure her presence will be invaluable for Elias's development." Aina's ear twitched again, a tiny, almost imperceptible movement. Elias noticed it.

'Invaluable? She's a glorified drill sergeant!' He still couldn't quite reconcile the cold, demanding Aina with the "tsundere" hint, but he knew her presence meant more grueling training.

"Still," Elara sighed, a faint frown creasing her brow, "he could have at least been more present. It's not that difficult for him to do. It's not as if he's been a constant visitor. He missed Elias's birth all the way till his third birthday. And then he arrives, lazes around for a week and simply disappears again. He's the head of House Mellou, yet he behaves like a kid." There was a clear note of frustration in her voice, mixed with a deep-seated affection for her brother.

Alaric leaned back in his chair, a faint, almost wistful smile touching his lips. He set his wine glass down with a soft clink.

"Ortis has many responsibilities, Elara. The Mellou household, The Order of Thoth, his duties at the academy… they weigh heavily on him, even if he chooses to wear it lightly." He paused, his gaze distant, as if looking through the very walls of the manor." He carries burdens few in this world are able to bear." Elias blinked. Burdens? This was not what he saw from his uncle.

The impression he had of Ortis was that of a lazy, gambling, irresponsible buffoon who'd had his daughter attack him and left her there to impose on his freedom. He knew his father wasn't in the friendliest terms with Ortis but he wasn't also the kind of person to speak hot air. There had to be a reason why his father spoke of him with some level of respect." Although personally I wouldn't mind him getting crushed under that weight like a bug."" Honestly, what is wrong with both of you.

You men are actually like little girls. The rest of dinner passed in a haze of quiet conversation, Elias barely tasting his food. He was mentally exhausted from deciphering Aina's Traits, and now, profoundly confused by his father's words about Ortis. The familiar comfort of his bed called to him like a siren song. He was Elias, the immortal boy, trapped in a body that wouldn't break, forced to endure the brutal tutelage of an ice queen, and now, burdened by the enigma of his seemingly irresponsible uncle."

Elias, well have a two hour lesson after dinner so prepare yourself." Aina said. Elias just sighed. This was going to be a long life indeed.