"For now," the man continued, his voice low and serious again, "stay with them. Observe the peace envoy. Follow the vampire hybrid closely this time."
The snake nodded—slow, deliberate—and slipped away, retracing his path back toward the lounge.
Julien watched him go, then turned back. "Why don't you meet the boy yourself?" he asked. "He seems to be excited for it."
The man huffed a quiet laugh.
"I have business here. And...I'm not in my best condition." He gestured vaguely to himself. Julien filled with disbelief.
The man cleared his throat, "Appearance matters. I need to meet him with pride. As a senior."
He hesitated, then added more quietly,
"There are issues with the supplies. And the appearance potion. My regeneration and immunity aren't as good as the newer...younger one."
A pause.
"And my daughter wants to see him too."
Then they spoke a little longer, voices fading as they soon parted ways.
