The celebration unfolded in the spacious backyard of the estate, which had been transformed into a true fairy tale for the evening. Along the entire area hung glowing magical garlands, shimmering in soft shades of gold and silver. Beneath the guests' feet was smooth, even stone tiling, bordered by living flowers. Enchanted light orbs floated overhead, illuminating the courtyard without being overly bright.
Around the perimeter of the yard stood round festive tables draped in snow-white cloths, adorned with fresh flowers in tall crystal vases. The tables were laden with an abundance of appetizers, fruits, pastries, and glasses of wine and champagne. In one corner stood a separate large table with a luxurious multi-tiered cake. Gentle music played from a nook where enchanted instruments performed charming melodies on their own.
Alex was the center of attention. He had chosen a white shirt with a narrow collar, slightly unbuttoned at the chest, dark trousers, and classic shoes. His look was both festive and reserved. His hair was neatly styled, and in his eyes was a mix of surprise, warmth, and gratitude.
Gabriel, his father, wore a dark blue shirt with a subtle pattern and black pants. Emma was dressed in a delicate champagne-colored gown with an elegant embroidered hem—her gentle appearance perfectly matched her genuine smile.
The maids looked stunning in their festive dresses. Their clothing was modest yet elegant—just what befit the faithful companions of the house.
Mireya looked like a true doll—her lavender dress, white shoes, and a headband made of real flowers made her resemble a little fairy. She ran joyfully among the guests, smiling brightly and occasionally hiding behind the skirts of familiar women.
Among the guests were: Count Astarion—in a light linen-colored shirt and dark trousers; Adam—in an emerald-green shirt buttoned to the neck; Aria—in an elegant silver outfit with semi-transparent inserts; Damian—in a dark green shirt with a subtle sheen; and finally—Elizabeth in a luxurious red dress with bare shoulders, perfectly suiting her regal and confident bearing.
The members of the raiding party were also tastefully dressed: the men in shirts of various colors and styles, the women in dresses that highlighted their beauty and individuality. Tonight, they had gathered not for battle, but for celebration—in honor of someone who had become more than just their commander.
Alex slowly looked around. The spacious courtyard, decorated with magical garlands glowing in the twilight, the tables brimming with food, the familiar faces, the smiles… All of it created an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply stop and breathe in the evening air—infused with the scents of fresh fruit, flowers, and a faint magical whisper.
"My first birthday on this scale…" he thought with a light smile. "Unusual… but nice."
"You'll get used to it," came the gentle voice of the Siren in his mind. "And you've completely earned this celebration, my Lord. I hope you'll be able to relax today… and just enjoy the evening."
"I will," Alex replied silently.
His gaze accidentally met that of Lianel, who was approaching alongside the other members of the raiding party. As always, confident and wearing a sly smile, he stopped in front of Alex and tilted his head playfully.
"Well? You planning to stand there frozen all night?" he said, throwing his arms out. "We're here, all dressed up, with gifts in hand… and the guest of honor is lost in thought."
"Just thinking for a moment," Alex replied with a smile.
"No surprise there," Lianel immediately jumped beside him, slinging an arm over his shoulder. "Now give us a few minutes of your precious time and come back to reality. Tonight's your night. And no one's going to stop us from celebrating it. Leave the brooding for later."
"Alright, alright…" Alex gave in with a grin.
"Sorry to interrupt," Celia chimed in with a smile, "but maybe it's time to stop hogging the spotlight, Lianel? Let's get to the point?"
Lianel glanced at her for a moment, then looked at the others and slowly withdrew his hand from Alex's shoulder. Now he spoke more seriously:
"We spent a long time thinking about what to give you, Alex. We wanted something useful—not just another item gathering dust in your inventory."
He paused briefly.
"And then… after much contemplation, a brilliant idea came to me," he added with special emphasis, glancing meaningfully at Celia, Lilith, and Eliria.
Three pairs of eyes instantly locked onto him—each narrowing slightly, full of feigned but quite expressive indignation.
"Fine, fine, it came to all of us," Lianel corrected himself with a sigh, "an idea for a gift that would be useful both to you and our whole team."
He opened his inventory and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box that fit easily in the palm of his hand. He held it out to Alex.
"Open it."
Alex carefully unwrapped the package. Inside were seven small artifacts—dark, smooth, elongated-oval plates engraved with runes along the edges. They were lightweight, easy to carry—just the right size to be placed behind the ear. Cool to the touch, they emitted a faint magical pulse.
"Whoa…" he whispered, lifting one of them. "Is this what I think it is?"
"Exactly what you think," Lianel replied with satisfaction. "These are communication artifacts. With them, we'll be able to talk to each other no matter where we are. Even if I'm on the other side of the continent—you'll still be able to hear me. And I'll hear you."
He paused and added:
"Especially useful in dungeons. Minimal gestures, maximum coordination."
Alex smiled, looking at each member of the group, their faces glowing with happiness, before sincerely saying:
"Thank you… really. This is an incredibly valuable gift."
He embraced each of them in turn. Then he handed out the artifacts, and each member tucked theirs into their inventory.
"We'll have time to talk more later," Kaelis stepped in. "But for now, let's make room for the others. Looks like we weren't the only ones who brought a gift."
The six of them stepped aside, and Alex was left alone—though only for a few seconds, as Aria and Damian were already approaching with purpose.
The girl stopped first in front of Alex, offering a slightly nervous smile, holding a neatly wrapped package in her hands.
"Happy birthday, Alex," she said softly. "My brother and I prepared something for you too. We hope you'll like it."
Alex accepted the package and nodded slightly.
"Thank you, both of you."
He unwrapped the gift and found inside a thin silver chain with a pendant in the shape of a crescent moon. Its surface was inlaid with tiny stones, and in the center was a larger, transparent, light-blue gem that emitted a faint glow.
"This… is beautiful," Alex said, lifting the pendant toward the light. "And… is it magical?"
"Yes," Aria nodded. "It holds a protective enchantment. Once per day, if your mana drops below a certain level, the pendant will automatically activate a barrier that lasts a few seconds. Just enough time for you to react… or retreat."
Damian added:
"We wanted to give you something special. Something that would not only be with you—but might help at a crucial moment."
Alex paused, gazing at the pendant, then slipped it around his neck and tucked it beneath his shirt.
"Thank you. This is more than just a gift."
He embraced both Aria and Damian in turn. The girl lingered in his arms for a brief moment but quickly stepped back with a gentle smile.
Alex nodded gratefully, and they stepped aside. The next to approach him were Astarion and Adam.
"You look very much alive," Adam spoke first, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, two days in a coma left no trace at all."
Alex smiled.
"All thanks to good care... and solid sleep."
Astarion took a step forward and continued more quietly.
"And still, you impressed us all. Not just by surviving that battle... but by winning it. It's not every day you see a level sixty-six vampire single-handedly take down an S-ranked monster."
Alex gave a brief nod, not wanting to comment on that.
Adam grinned.
"Alright, enough talk about that story. You acted like a hero. And heroes deserve gifts."
He held out a small, yet heavy-looking, ebony wooden box. Alex opened it — inside lay a pair of elegant black gloves made from a thin, almost silk-like fabric, embroidered with silver symbols at the wrists.
"This?" Alex looked up.
Astarion explained:
"Enhanced artifacts, custom-made. They boost precision and control over the magical flow in the limbs. Especially useful for those who work with mana at high speeds or in close combat."
"And they're stylish too," Adam added, "in case you want to impress someone with more than just raw power."
With a faint smile, Alex pulled the gloves on, feeling how perfectly they fit, as if made just for him.
"Thank you. This is really... more than I expected."
Astarion placed a hand on his shoulder and said quietly:
"This is just the beginning, Alex. I believe you still have many great things ahead of you."
Then both of them gave a small bow and stepped away, leaving him to himself. Alex turned — Elizabeth was already approaching him.
Amid the festive bustle and bright smiles, Elizabeth made her way to Alex. Her figure, as always, radiated confidence and grace, and the smile on her lips was warm, almost homely.
"Looks like I'm the last one," she said with light irony. "And honestly, after all these impressive gifts, mine might seem... well, less luxurious."
Alex smiled back.
"I'm sure my best aunt won't let me down."
"You're much better at flattery than improvisation," she noted with a grin, then pulled out a small dark blue box from her inventory. "Here. Take it."
Alex carefully opened it — inside were five small potion vials. The liquid in each shimmered softly, changing color depending on the angle of the light. He picked up one vial, examining the fluid carefully, then looked up at Elizabeth in surprise.
"Where did you... where did you get so many of them?"
Elizabeth smiled slyly.
"You just have to know the right people — and negotiate well. I didn't get them for free, of course, but the result was worth it."
Her smile softened, and her gaze grew warmer.
"You often go into dungeons alone, Alex. And though I know you can handle yourself… these potions are special. Much better than the ones you can buy in an ordinary shop. I'll feel better knowing you have them with you. Especially after what happened a few days ago."
Alex looked at the box once more, then gently closed it and put it into his inventory.
"Thank you, Aunt," he said softly, and hugged her.
"What wouldn't I do for my favorite nephew," she replied with a light smile, patting him on the shoulder.
But in the next moment, her gaze drifted past Alex. He noticed and turned slightly, seeing Gabriel and Emma talking to Astarion nearby.
"You're still afraid to go up to him?" Alex asked quietly, turning his eyes back to Elizabeth.
She was silent for a few seconds, then sighed.
"Yes. But… after what you told me earlier… that we might…," she gave a faint smile. "It helped. A little."
"He's stubborn," Alex sighed. "And he won't make the first move. If you want to fix things — you'll have to start."
Elizabeth looked at him, thinking for a moment, then turned her gaze to her brother with a bittersweet smile.
"You're right about that too. He always was stubborn..."
Another deep breath. She straightened up, gathering her courage.
"I'm ready."
Alex hugged her briefly once more.
"Good luck."
She nodded and slowly walked toward Gabriel. Alex watched her for a moment, then turned and made his way toward Adam, Aria, Celia, and Lianel.
Alex was just passing by one of the drink tables when he heard footsteps nearby. Turning his head, he saw Rogan approaching with confident, yet relaxed strides.
"Alex," the beastkin said in a calm tone. "Can I have a word?"
"Of course," the young man nodded, stopping and gesturing to step aside.
They stopped beneath a sprawling tree with a nice view of the backyard. The festive atmosphere still lingered — soft music played, the laughter of guests mixed with the gentle rustling of the wind.
Alex turned to Rogan.
"Is something wrong?"
Rogan was silent for a moment, then looked toward where Mireya was laughing, holding Eliria's hand. Both looked genuinely happy.
"I want to ask… what is she doing at your house?" he finally spoke, not taking his eyes off the girl.
Alex glanced in the same direction for a moment, then slowly nodded, understanding who he meant.
"I met her by chance. Four days ago, in Morwen," Alex's voice was steady, though a slight tension stirred inside. "She looked lost… scared. I offered her a place to stay for a while."
Rogan nodded, but didn't stop there.
"Tell me… when you saw her for the first time. Did anything strange happen?"
Alex glanced at his companion in surprise for a moment, then looked again at Mireya, who was chirping away to Eliria, waving her hands animatedly.
"Strange?" he repeated. "Well… she was being chased by two grown men. They didn't look particularly friendly. I distracted them, sent them off on a false trail, and took Mireya with me."
Rogan stood thoughtfully, his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze was steady but not anxious.
"I see…" he finally said, quietly, almost to himself. Then, at last, he looked away from the girl and met Alex's eyes. "Thank you. For not leaving her out there. Not everyone would've done the same."
"It wasn't a problem for me," Alex shrugged. "But now I have a question. How do you know Mireya?"
Rogan's eyes warmed slightly, and a brief smile touched his lips. His voice remained calm, but now held softer tones.
"I often visit the 'Ray of Hope'. That's where I met Mireya. She's one of the children I used to bring things to—food, clothes, sometimes just came by to talk. I was once an orphan myself… I know what it's like to be alone in a place like that. I guess that's why I keep coming back."
He paused, as if recalling something.
"Though I didn't speak to Mireya all that often," he added with a small smile. "There was another girl—Malva. Very jealous. If I gave too much attention to someone else, she would instantly get upset."
Alex listened in silence, his eyes drifting once more to Mireya—the same joyful girl, laughing as if all her fears had long been left behind.
"You don't happen to know what's going on at the 'Ray of Hope' now, do you?" he asked, still watching the girl.
Rogan crossed his arms over his chest, his voice turning more serious.
"Unfortunately, I only know part of it. Problems started after Duke Lorenzo de Carvalho got involved. It seems he made some kind of deal with the shelter's owner. Not long after that, children began disappearing. The staff became fewer. Rumors say the funding has started to dry up too… although there's no solid info on that part."
"Do you know the name of the owner?" Alex asked quickly.
Rogan sighed.
"I do, but… it won't help you now. He was found dead a week ago, in his own estate. Now all the orphanages are practically in the Duke's hands."
"That's bad," Alex muttered under his breath, clenching his fist. "And what do you know about Lorenzo himself?"
"Not much. He owns the most popular gambling house on the continent. Learning more than that about him… is nearly impossible."
A brief silence followed. Alex seemed deep in thought, clearly processing everything he'd just heard. Then he said,
"Alright. Thanks for sharing all this. I'll try to figure out more on my own. If I learn anything—I'll let you know."
Rogan nodded.
"And thank you. But I'm afraid this is where I have to leave you. I want to speak with Mireya while I still have the time."
"Of course," Alex smiled, clapping him lightly on the shoulder.
They exchanged short nods, and Rogan walked off toward Mireya and Eliria. Alex turned his gaze back to the group of friends—Adam, Aria, Celia, Lianel, now joined by Demian and Kaelis—and confidently headed their way.
Elizabeth walked forward confidently, never changing pace or glancing back. Her posture was straight, her steps precise and calculated, and on her face rested the familiar smile of a self-assured lady. Only one person in the crowd could see that the smile wasn't genuine, and the steps were a touch too tense. Astarion knew her too well.
As she approached, the count gracefully took two glasses of champagne from the table, handing one to Emma.
"May I, my lady? I'd love to hear a few childhood stories about Alex."
Emma accepted the glass with a light smile.
"If you're ready to listen for a while—I'd be happy to share."
Astarion gently took her arm and, leading her slowly to the side, began speaking quietly. Emma looked at him in surprise for a moment, but the count gave only a subtle glance to direct her attention. She turned her head—and understood immediately. A short, nearly imperceptible smile touched her lips.
"I hope this conversation helps them both," she said softly.
"The rest is up to them," Astarion replied.
Gabriel remained in place. He watched his wife and the count for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the empty glass in his hand. Just as he reached for another, a familiar voice spoke behind him.
"Hey… it's been a while."
Gabriel turned—and there stood Elizabeth. Her smile was calm, but he instantly noticed the trembling of her hands behind her back. She was trying to hide her tension, but in vain—for him, she was still the sister he remembered from their youth.
"Yes, it has," he replied gently. "It's been some time."
He leaned over to the table, took two glasses of wine, and offered one to his sister.
"Straight from the demonic capital. The one you always loved."
"Oh, you still remember," Elizabeth replied, taking a small sip. "The taste is just perfect."
Gabriel tasted his as well and made a slight face.
"Too sweet. Tastes more like juice than wine."
Elizabeth laughed softly.
"Years go by, and you still haven't gotten used to good alcohol."
"I never said it was bad," he replied. "Just not for me."
"No matter how many drinks you try, ale will always be your favorite, won't it?"
"Can't argue with that," Gabriel smiled.
They fell silent for a few moments, watching the guests celebrate, laugh, and converse. The evening felt truly warm.
Elizabeth was about to speak when her brother beat her to it.
"I'm glad you came. Alex's grown attached to you. He brings you up often—without even realizing it. And thank you for watching over him at the Academy. Emma and I really worried how he'd manage there—whether he'd find friends, whether he'd adjust..."
"It's my duty," Elizabeth said. "I'm his aunt. But I can ease your mind—he's found real friends. Loyal ones. The kind who'll stand by him when he needs it."
"I'm glad to hear it," Gabriel raised his glass. "To my son."
"To my nephew," Elizabeth echoed.
Their glasses clinked with a clear, ringing sound.
"And now..." Gabriel smiled faintly. "What's new in your life?"
Elizabeth glanced at him in surprise.
"What?" her brother frowned. "Am I not allowed to ask how my own sister is doing?"
"It's just... I didn't expect you to start a conversation so easily," she said quietly, lowering her gaze for a moment.
At that moment, she felt a hand rest gently on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Gabriel's warm, genuine smile—the one she hadn't seen since childhood.
"I never held a grudge against you, Eliz," he said. "I just never had the courage to be the first to reach out. And thank you... for doing it instead of me."
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Are you sure it was about courage? Maybe just stubbornness?"
"And since when are those mutually exclusive?" Gabriel laughed.
And for the first time in a long, far too long time, they both laughed together.
Alex stood in front of an ordinary, unremarkable wooden door. Taking a breath, he knocked gently.
A calm voice responded from inside:
"Come in."
Alex opened the door and stepped into Heinrich's office.
The room was spacious, though quite plain for someone holding such a high position in the Central Guild. Grey walls, wooden flooring, several cabinets filled with documents, a large desk covered in papers, and a small sofa in the corner. The atmosphere was purely professional, devoid of any unnecessary decor.
Heinrich himself sat behind the desk, flipping through some papers. As Alex entered, the man immediately set them aside and looked up with mild surprise.
"Alex? I didn't think you'd stop by so soon."
Heinrich rose to his feet and gestured to the empty chair beside the desk.
"Take a seat. What would you like to drink?"
"Just water, thank you," Alex replied calmly, sitting down.
Heinrich leaned over to a drawer, pulled out two clean glasses and a pitcher of cool water. He poured the drink into both glasses and set the pitcher aside.
The hint of surprise on Alex's face did not go unnoticed.
"I drink a lot while working," Heinrich said with a slight smile. "Water, I mean," he added with a grin.
Alex chuckled as well, took a glass, and drank a few sips.
"Thanks."
Heinrich drank a little, set his glass on the table, and intertwined his fingers before speaking evenly.
"If you came because you're worried I might tell someone what we saw in that dungeon, you can relax." He paused briefly and then raised his hands, ironically mimicking quotation marks: "After the 'rescue of an entire family and elimination of a high-ranking monster,' as expected, I got promoted, received a bonus, and now hear more praise than ever. Besides, you and Eliria saved my life."
"So..." Alex smiled genuinely for the first time in the conversation, "...you'll keep your word?"
"Without a doubt. I owe you."
Alex stared at him silently for a few seconds before giving a slight nod. "Good to hear. But I have one more question."
Heinrich's expression turned serious. His gaze sharpened.
"Who evaluated that dungeon?"
Heinrich sighed heavily. "I had a feeling you'd ask that. My group did the assessment. And I assure you: at the time of evaluation, it was a legitimate Class C. No anomalies, no strange mana."
Alex leaned slightly forward, his voice firmer. "Then how did an S-rank monster get there? And why didn't anyone sense it?"
"Most likely, it wasn't there during the assessment," Heinrich replied. "My group includes several highly sensitive mages. They would've detected S-rank energy even if it had been hiding. But when and how it appeared—that's still unclear. In my entire career, this is the first time something like this has happened."
"And now?"
"I'll personally lead the investigation. If I uncover anything—you'll be the first to know."
Alex finally relaxed and leaned back in his chair. "All right. I'll be waiting for updates."
He stood up and offered his hand. Heinrich immediately rose and shook it.
"Thank you for trusting me," he said sincerely.
"Hope I didn't make a mistake," Alex replied with a faint smile.
As their hands parted, Heinrich suddenly added:
"By the way, my superior wants to meet with you. Not now—sometime next month. He's currently out of town."
Alex raised an eyebrow slightly. "And what does he want?"
"No idea. And I promise—I haven't told him anything about you."
Alex smiled mysteriously. "Even better. I've been waiting to meet him for a while."
Heinrich's eyes narrowed. "Wait... what do you mean 'waiting'?"
"The one who needed to understand—will understand," Alex said with a shrug.
He turned toward the door, ready to leave. At the threshold, he glanced back—Heinrich was still standing, watching him.
"See you soon, Heinrich," Alex said, and closed the door behind him with a soft click.
The Jester sat in a plush velvet armchair pressed against the wall of his office.
His head rested lightly on his hand, and a subtle smile played on his lips. His narrow eyes gleamed with interest, as if he had just heard something truly entertaining.
In his ear came a tense but controlled voice: "What was that just now?"
"Seems like," The Jesterreplied cheerfully, "our little game has been exposed."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. When Heinrich spoke again, his voice was more composed: "Shall I pursue him?"
"No," The Jesteranswered lightly. "You did everything you were supposed to. You may return to your duties."
"Understood. Thank you, my Lord."
The connection ended. The Jester sat motionless for a few more seconds, eyes fixed on the window where warm sunlight streamed through. Then he sighed, rose from the chair, and a glowing magical circle lit up beneath him.
A moment later, he was gone.
He appeared in a vast room, dimly lit. The only sources of light were a few magical crystals embedded in the ceiling, casting a faint glow that barely pushed back the darkness. The air was cool and carried a metallic scent.
It was a laboratory. Along the walls and in the center of the room stood tall capsules filled with a thick, pale-green liquid. Suspended within were creatures — malformed, with unnatural limbs and closed eyes. All were unconscious. Some resembled mutated versions of known monsters, while others were beings that had no place in any bestiary.
Narrow pathways wove between the capsules. Scattered throughout were tables cluttered with papers, blueprints, alchemical formulas, and dried pieces of flesh. Against one wall stood dark cabinets filled with chemical equipment — retorts, flasks, cauldrons, and vials labeled in ways that would make any sane alchemist recoil.
The Jester walked calmly along a narrow path between the capsules, briefly glancing at each "specimen" as if checking which ones had survived to this day.
After a few minutes, he stopped. Near one of the tables stood a man, so deeply absorbed in his work that he hadn't even noticed the Jester's arrival.
The man was tall and lean, wearing a dark blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves and narrow black trousers. His ash-blue hair, just below chin length, was smoothly combed to the side, though a few rebellious strands framed his face. When his eyes finally lifted for a brief moment from his work, they revealed deep brown irises — cold and composed. His appearance resembled that of a predator studying its prey — not out of malice, but pure curiosity.
He didn't turn around, even when the Jester stopped just behind him, silently observing his work. He merely continued adjusting something on the table, eyes fixed on a pile of components and diagrams.
"You planning to stand there breathing down my neck much longer?" he asked in a calm yet slightly irritated tone.
"Apologies," the Jester replied with a sly grin. "I just couldn't tear my eyes away from the continent's most brilliant chemical engineer at work."
He took a few steps forward, approaching the table.
"And what's captured your attention this time?"
The man finally turned. In his hands was a short, heavy pistol of unusual design — a fusion of crude mechanics and precise arcane engravings. A dark metal frame adorned with carvings, a shortened barrel, an extended magazine, and a distinctively sloped grip. What might have seemed like an ordinary weapon pulsed with magical energy.
"Guess how many times I've had to repair this thing this month?" he asked, showing the gun to the Jester.
The Jester paused, theatrically crossing his arms.
"Hmm... Considering Her Highness's explosive temper and her habit of ignoring your advice... I'll say third time?"
The man gave a short laugh and nodded.
"Correct. And it's only the fourteenth of the month. Lovely statistics, isn't it?"
"Absolutely," the Jester laughed, patting him on the shoulder. "Incredible motivation to finish the new model — the one that doesn't break every five days."
"I would've done it long ago," the man sighed, "if I didn't have to waste so much time fixing this one."
He set the gun down on the table and crossed his arms.
"And you? How are things on your end?"
"All fine," the Jester replied shortly, averting his gaze.
"'All fine,'" the engineer repeated with a hint of mockery. "Then where's at least something from my last experiment?"
The Jester scratched the back of his head.
"There was a bit of a... complication. An unexpected one. Let's say—"
"Enough," the man interrupted sharply. "I want the truth."
After a pause, the Jester sighed, his tone growing serious.
"Alex... turned out to be stronger than I expected. Significantly stronger. His physical power has increased dramatically, and on top of that — he's learned dark magic."
"Dark magic?" the engineer echoed, stroking his chin. "From a vampire..? That's interesting."
"During the fight, he destroyed your experiment. Completely. Not even ashes remained."
The engineer remained silent, processing the new information. Then he slowly nodded.
"Fine. Making another one isn't a problem."
His eyes returned to the Jester.
"I hope no one else on our side knows about this boy?"
"No one. Just you and me."
"Good..." he murmured. "So, you want to bring him in?"
"Of course. That kind of talent can't be ignored. But not yet. I'll keep watching him. Let him grow a little more. Then I'll offer him a place among us."
"I hope it works out. Because with that kind of potential... it'd be a shame to have him as an enemy."
"I'm not letting him go that easily," the Jester replied confidently.
"By the way..." the engineer returned to the table, "I've heard rumors about a certain duke who seems to be working for you."
"Don't worry," the Jester waved a hand. "I'm already dealing with it."
"Need any help?"
"I think I can handle one pitiful duke. But thanks. I know I can count on you."
"Always," the engineer replied curtly.
At that very moment, a sharp female voice rang through the lab:
"Hey, Elios, are you in here?"
From the far doorway came the crisp, determined clack of heels.