The day of Alden's tutelage with Mr. Williams dawned bright and hopeful. The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the study, casting warm, golden hues across the room. Dust motes danced lazily in the light, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere. Mary had personally ensured that everything was perfect for their meeting, her meticulous nature reflected in the perfectly arranged bookshelves and the immaculate condition of the room.

"Good morning, Master Alden," Mr. Williams greeted warmly, his voice smooth and inviting.

Alden studied Mr. Williams carefully, his curiosity piqued. Though he had been secretly listening to his teachings from the study room, this was the first time he had seen him up close.

Mr. Williams, in his mid-forties, exuded wisdom and experience. His hair, a blend of dark brown and streaks of silver, framed his face in a distinguished, almost scholarly manner. His sharp green eyes twinkled with curiosity and warmth, immediately putting Alden at ease. A neatly trimmed beard, peppered with grey, added to his air of authority and knowledge. His slightly weathered skin hinted at years spent in study and the field, with fine lines around his eyes and mouth suggesting a life filled with laughter and thought. Mr. Williams's attire was modest yet elegant, suitable for a tutor to nobility. He wore a tailored blue tunic with intricate embroidery along the cuffs and collar, paired with sturdy dark trousers. Around his neck hung a simple pendant, an emblem of his scholarly order.

Good morning, Mr. Williams," Alden replied, his voice edged with anticipation.

Mary observed, her gaze softening as she noticed the ease with which Alden connected with Mr. Williams.

"Mr. Williams," she began, her tone warm yet firm, "I trust you will provide my son with the best education."

Mr. Williams nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Of course, my lady. I am honored to take on this responsibility. Master Alden, shall we begin?"

"We'll start with the basics," Mr. Williams said, gesturing for Alden to take a seat at the polished oak desk.

From that day onwards, studying under Mr. Williams became part of Alden’s routine. The initial lessons covered the Elarian script, governance, and economics, blending structured learning with introspection.

One interesting topic was currency. The smallest denomination was a copper coin, followed by silver and gold. One gold coin equaled 100 silvers, and one silver equaled 100 coppers, all issued by the empire. Above gold were mana stones: lesser-quality, middle-quality, and high-quality. A lesser-quality mana stone equaled 1,000 gold coins; a middle-quality mana stone equaled 1,000 lesser-quality mana stones, and a high-quality mana stone equaled 1,000 middle-quality mana stones. Unlike coins, mana stones were standardized across all empires.

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On this particular day, Alden arrived at the farm. The rich scent of turned earth and growing crops filled the air. The lush crops and the smiling faces of farmers greeted him, filling him with pride knowing he had contributed to their happiness. Spotting Samuel with his father, he shouted, “Samuel!” and waved.

Samuel was no longer a small child, he was almost eleven and would soon be of age to start his own family. Samuel turned at the sound of his name, surprise flickering across his face. Samuel recalled their earlier days, to him, Alden was an enigma, far too mature for his age. With these thoughts, he approached Alden.

Samuel bowed, his eyes a mix of deference and familiarity. "Good morning, young master," he said.

Alden pulled Samuel close, his frown softening into a gentle smile. "We're friends, Samuel," he insisted, his voice warm.

Samuel's face lit up with a grateful smile, his earlier apprehension melting away.

Samuel's labored breathing drew Alden's attention. His frail physique hadn't changed, a stark reminder that farming was too demanding for him.

"Let's talk," Alden suggested, leading Samuel towards the shade of a nearby tree. The gentle rustling of leaves provided a tranquil backdrop as they settled down.

Alden's voice carried a nostalgic tone. "It feels like ages since we sat here together," he said, looking around.

Samuel studied Alden's wistful expression, his mind drifting back to the good memories they shared—running and chasing each other, their laughter filling the farm, enjoying the sweet treats Alden brought, and dreaming about their futures. He had once vowed to build a comfortable life for his parents, allowing them to enjoy their old age. A heavy sigh escaped Samuel's lips as his gaze fell on his frail frame.

Silence stretched between them as they pondered their paths. Finally, Alden broke the stillness. "I remember you once spoke of building a big house for your parents and showing them the world beyond the barony."

"You remember?" Samuel asked, a surprised smile curving his lips.

"What if I could help you achieve your dream?" Alden's smile held a hint of promise. "I have a secret, but you must swear to keep it." His gaze locked with Samuel's, intense and unwavering.

Samuel's heart pounded as he met Alden's intense gaze. He quickly masked his awkwardness with a playful smile. "Alright, tell me," he agreed.

"What do you think of the new tools?" Alden inquired, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation as he glanced at the ploughs and wheelbarrows.

"They're a godsend," Samuel exclaimed, his eyes shining with gratitude. "The baroness's kindness has led to a bountiful harvest this season."

"Can you believe I created these?" Alden asked a mischievous glint in his eye, his smile widening.

Samuel's eyes widened in disbelief at Alden's claim. A flicker of doubt crossed his face before he managed a dismissive chuckle. "You jest," he replied, trying to suppress an inner voice that insisted the boy next to him wasn’t lying.

Alden returned Samuel's gaze with a knowing smile before rising to his feet. Brushing the soil from his clothes, he said, "Think about it. Don't mention this to anyone. I'll return tomorrow."

An inexplicable urge surged through Samuel. His hand instinctively reached for Alden's, and with a conviction that surprised even himself, he declared, "I believe you."

Alden was taken aback by Samuel's sudden conviction. A small smile played on his lips as he sat back down, but he couldn't ignore the tension in Samuel's posture.

"Are there any empty farmhouses we could use?" Alden inquired, curiosity evident in his voice.

"There are a few," Samuel confirmed, gesturing vaguely towards the outskirts of the farm.

Alden considered the options before selecting a secluded spot. From his pocket, he produced three silver coins.

Samuel's eyes widened in astonishment as he beheld the three silver coins. "Where did you get these?" he stammered, disbelief coloring his voice. A single silver coin was enough to sustain his family for months; three were a fortune.

"A birthday gift," Alden replied casually, shrugging off the significance.

"What do you need me to do with this?" Samuel asked, his voice trembling slightly with disbelief and excitement.

Alden outlined a detailed list of items, instructing Samuel to purchase several varieties of each. After addressing all of Samuel’s questions, Alden left, scheduling another meeting in three days.