Chapter 16: A.L.F.R.E.D!
Aether made his way back to his room, obediently following Mortimer’s advice to rest for a week before resuming work. Mortimer had emphasized the importance of allowing Aether to fully recover, recognizing that forcing him to work in his weakened and injured state would hinder rather than enhance productivity.
Reassured by Mortimer’s commitment to undisturbed recovery, Aether headed to his room.
As he walked, thoughts about Mortimer’s earlier explanation regarding his past lingered in his mind.
Mortimer had mentioned purchasing Ether from the Slave Marker for his grandson’s new butler.
From what Mortimer gathered from slave traders was…
Originally a village boy, Ether’s village had been destroyed by bandits. Mortimer, curious about Ether’s history, had even visited the village, finding it devoid of any signs of life. The identity of ‘That Person,’ whom Ether cherished and mentioned to Mortimer, remained a mystery, as Ether had not shared any more details, only expressing deep affection.
‘There’s something bugging me, though…’ Aether contemplated, his mind dwelling on the unresolved aspects of Ether’s past.
While he wasn’t particularly interested in Ether’s previous life, he harboured a cautious curiosity, wanting to confirm whether Ether might be someone of significance, perhaps a child abandoned by a prominent family for various reasons.
You know it was like a big revelation…
‘Aahh….. My mind is getting easily corrupted again,’ Aether sighed internally, pressing his forehead lightly as if to shake off distracting thoughts.
Despite the multitude of questions lingering in his mind, Aether reluctantly left Mortimer’s icy room. He yearned to inquire more about Arcane, strength, titles, and…. most importantly, the method to break the Slave or Servant contract. However, Mortimer had mentioned that his powers were fluctuating, prompting Aether to exit.
Even though Mortimer was brought him, Aether wanted to repay the money and find his freedom in this new world…
As he walked, Aether noticed the gazes of others who, previously indifferent, now regarded him with ‘O’-shaped expressions of surprise.
‘Sure, dress changes people’s perspective…’ Aether mused inwardly, acknowledging the impact of his altered appearance on how others perceived him.
As soon as Aether exited the room,
The atmosphere inside the icy chamber became charged with tension. Mortimer’s piercing gaze bore into Alfred, who remained subjugated by the weight of his master’s displeasure.
“Alfred, what is the meaning of this!!!! How dare you enslave Ether!!” Mortimer’s voice thundered through the frozen space, each word cracking the surrounding ice as if the very elements themselves recoiled from the anger.
‘Crack, Crack’
The resounding crack of breaking ice resonated with the escalating pressure as Alfred found himself pressed further into submission.
Mortimer, fueled by righteous fury, showed no signs of relenting as he demanded an explanation,
“You were there, right? When everyone enslaved Ether, why did you allow this???”
“…” Alfred maintained a stoic silence, bearing the brunt of Mortimer’s unyielding scrutiny.
“Do you know this or not?” Mortimer’s relentless questioning continued, the pressure intensifying with each passing moment.
“….”
“Answer Me!!!!”
“Crack, Crack!!”
“Y-Yes Master!”
The oppressive pressure seemed to reach its zenith, causing the very ice beneath them to splinter in response. Yet, Mortimer pressed on, his voice cutting through the frosty air,
“Then why did you allow this?”
“….”
“A.L.F.R.E.D! Don’t make me repeat again.”
“I-I am sorry, Master. But you only allowed me to guide Master Velc and don’t meddle in his actions”
Hearing that, A conflicted expression flickered across Mortimer’s face, his anger warring with the understanding of his own instructions.
With a visible effort to control his emotions, Mortimer gradually eased the pressure on Alfred, allowing him to rise.
Alfred immediately stood up, a trickle of blood on his lips, but instead of tending to his wound, he went to Mortimer who panting heavily as if he had run a marathon at the age of 100.
Alfred fetched some medicine, offering it to him.
Mortimer’s gaze softened slightly as he accepted the medicine, revealing a nuanced relationship between the two – a master and his loyal servant bound by years of shared experiences and responsibilities.
After a moment of calmness, Mortimer, with a voice that now held a hint of weariness, asked,
“You could have at least informed me about this, Alfred?”
“…I am sorry, Master, but Master Velc insisted that I should not inform you.”
“Hmm, so now he has become more important to you than me?”
“No, Master. I am just faithfully serving the Head of the Frostblade as you’ve taught me,” Alfred affirmed, his tone unwavering and respectful.
“Sigh, Seriously, man, I sometimes doubt where this loyalty is coming from…hahah…” Mortimer chuckled, a complex blend of amusement and fatigue evident in his laughter. The depth of Alfred’s loyalty, while appreciated, seemed to puzzle Mortimer at times.
Alfred, in turn, offered a reassuring smile, recognizing the intricate emotions playing across his Master’s face. Witnessing Mortimer finally easing into a more relaxed state, Alfred felt a subtle sense of relief.
“So?” Mortimer suddenly questioned, his gaze intense and demanding an answer.
“Master Velc emphasized that he wants to ensure the boy doesn’t become a threat to our cause,” Alfred explained with a serious face, delving into the details of Velc’s concerns.
“Sigh, How can an egoless and emotionless person even pose a threat to us!” Mortimer growled in frustration, his irritation evident.
The Ether Mortimer knew was a stark contrast, appearing as if he were a mere shell without feelings or emotions….. Ether behaved like a robot, obediently following orders without questioning, even neglecting basic needs unless instructed otherwise.
He seems to have lost not only his ego but also his emotions. Even when hungry, he only eats when told; otherwise, he would just starve.
“He did now, Master” Alfred added, hinting at the unforeseen developments in Ether’s behaviour that had caught Velc’s attention.
Mortimer’s lips twitched, and he responded with a touch of sarcasm, “That’s because of all your mistakes!!”
Alfred acknowledged his own role in the situation with a nod, understanding that mistakes had been made.
‘Well, I cannot say wrong about that…’ Alfred thought.
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