"But you probably thought it," Aldric smiled, without malice, just amusement.
His eyes crinkled at the corners in a way that suggested he found the whole situation entertaining rather than offensive.
"It's understandable. A tutor from another academy, assigned to be 'impartial', who just happens to be the father of one of the main candidates to obtain Starweaver territories or... Goldcrest ones, if he distinguishes himself enough. The math isn't difficult."
"Lord..."
"Just Aldric."
"Aldric," Ren corrected, feeling his defenses beginning to lower unwillingly. The man's casual demeanor was disarming in a way that felt almost dangerous. "I don't want to assume..."
