As time passed, a sense of restlessness gnawed at Alden. He knew he needed a vast amount of money if he wanted to become a mage, but acquiring such wealth seemed impossible with the limited resources of the barony. On top of that, he didn’t want to stand out and attract unnecessary attention. The constraints of his current life were starting to feel restrictive, like invisible chains holding him back from his true potential.
With a businessman's keen eye, Alden saw potential in every corner. However, to seize these opportunities, he needed to venture beyond the castle walls. He wanted to explore the wider world, to find and exploit the hidden opportunities that lay beyond his family's castle. Determined to go out, he devised a plan.
As the morning sun painted the dining hall with warm hues, Emily stood beside the table, attentively watching the family enjoy their breakfast, ready to respond to any request. She noticed Alden, who seemed lost in thought while absentmindedly eating. Suddenly, as if a switch had been flipped, his gaze found hers, and a mischievous glint ignited in his eyes — a familiar spark, a precursor to chaos.
Emily's heart skipped a beat, sensing the playful yet cunning glint in his eyes. It was the kind of look that always preceded one of Alden's clever schemes. She had seen it many times before — a look that signalled he was up to something, and it rarely boded well for a quiet morning.
Alden started murmuring while eating, his fork idly pushing around pieces of fruit on his plate. Mary looked over, noticing his distracted state. “What is it, my baby?” she asked gently, her voice filled with concern.
Alden's eyes, large and innocent, met her gaze. His voice, a childlike plea, carried a note of desperation. “Play, play,” he insisted, his small hands clapping together.
A gentle smile graced Mary's lips. “Finish your breakfast, darling, and then we'll play,” she promised, her voice soothing.
With a sudden outburst that shattered the morning's peace, Alden demanded, “I want play with friends!” His voice, sharp and insistent, silenced the room.
“Friends?” Mary looked doubtful, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. She wasn't used to Alden being so insistent, especially about something as unusual as playing with other children.
Augustus, a silent observer of the unfolding drama, leaned forward, his deep voice cutting through the tension. “I believe he's referring to the village children,” he explained.
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Mary's expression softened as she turned to Augustus. “The village children? Are you sure?” she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Augustus nodded, confirming her suspicions. “Yes, he's mentioned them before.”
A thoughtful sigh escaped Mary's lips as she pondered the implications. Her gaze fell upon Frederick, who had been quietly listening.
Frederick's voice, a calm counterpoint to the growing chaos, suggested, “Perhaps a little interaction with the village children would be beneficial. But first, let us finish this meal.” His words were accompanied by a reassuring smile directed at Alden.
Alden's face lit up with a joyous smile, and he eagerly returned to his meal.
Mary's gaze shifted to Emily, who remained attentively by the table. “Emily, please ready yourselves for a trip to the village. You shall accompany Alden,” she commanded, her voice tempered with kindness.
A silent nod acknowledged Mary's directive. She glanced at Alden, who was now eating with renewed enthusiasm and couldn’t help but sigh at his charm and the way he could so effortlessly sway both lord and lady. She knew that this outing was not just about play; Alden was certainly planning some mischief.
As the carriage rumbled along the cobblestone path leading away from the castle, Emily stole a glance at Alden. He was gazing out of the carriage window, his eyes wide with curiosity and excitement.
“Young master,” she said softly, trying to catch his attention. “Remember to stay close and be careful. The village can be a busy place.”
“Yes,” Alden said, though she could tell he was already planning something.
The carriage soon arrived at the village square, bustling with activity. A chorus of excited squeals erupted as the village children caught sight of the arriving visitors.
A sea of eager faces turned towards the carriage, their eyes bright with anticipation. Anna was the first to break free from the crowd, her small hand claiming Alden's. With a warm smile for the others, Alden allowed himself to be pulled into the whirlwind of childhood games. Once the initial enthusiasm settled, the children began to play in smaller, more familiar groups.
Alden's gaze scanned the lively scene, but one familiar face was missing. He turned to Anna, his voice filled with concern. “Where is Samuel?”
“He's with his father at the farm,” Anna replied.
Alden sighed, understanding that Samuel, who was physically weaker, often felt isolated because he couldn’t keep up with the other children’s energetic activities.
Alden approached Emily, tugging at her sleeve with an insistent whine about visiting the farm and seeing Samuel.
Emily, puzzled by his sudden persistence, glanced toward Anna for clarification. Anna stepped closer, her voice gentle as she explained. “Samuel often helps his father on the farm with light chores.”
A resigned sigh escaped Emily's lips as she realized the futility of resistance. “Very well,” she conceded, “we can visit the farm. But remember, stay close and listen to everything I say.”
Alden nodded eagerly, his eyes bright with anticipation.