CHAPTER 76: THE NEW HEIR [2]

After being introduced to the household and having a brief conversation with Selene about what to do next, Alaric found himself wandering through one of the manor’s long, winding corridors.

"Good afternoon, young master."

A maid dipped her head respectfully as he passed. Her voice was polite, but her eyes lingered, flickering with a trace of curiosity... or perhaps confusion.

He gave her a soft nod and continued walking.

The household staff was still reeling from the shock of learning his identity as the new heir.

Though none of them truly recognized him as he had undergone quite the transformation since his arrival.

His eyes were no longer the same dull shade. His hair had grown darker, richer. His body had filled out, tall and lean with hard-earned muscle. Even his features had sharpened into something undeniably striking.

It wouldn’t be surprising if they had forgotten him entirely. When he’d first arrived, he was nothing more than a despised slave, hated and ignored by everyone in the household.

Tap! Tap!

His footsteps echoed softly against the polished stone as he made his way deeper into the estate.

After walking for a few more minutes, he came to a halt as he spotted a familiar figure ahead.

She stood with her back turned, dressed in the standard maid uniform—dark skirt, crisp apron, sleeves rolled to her elbows.

Her silver hair was neatly tied in twin braids as she carefully dusted an ornate vase on a marble pedestal.

A smile tugged at his lips as he started walking toward her.

Tap! Tap!

Hearing the approaching footsteps, she stopped her work and turned toward the source of the sound. Her amber eyes locked onto him widening for a split second, then softening with unmistakable warmth as she watched him approach.

"Alaric."

She quickly walked to him, stopping just in front of him with a warm smile spreading across her face.

"It’s good to see you again."

Alaric raised a brow, tilting his head slightly.

"Huh? How did you figure out it was me?" His tone playfully suspicious.

She gave a small laugh, tilting her head as a teasing glint flickered in her amber eyes.

"You think I wouldn’t? You’re my friend. Someone close to me. No matter how much you change... I’d still know it’s you."

Alaric placed his hand over his heart with exaggerated flair.

"I’m touched," he said, feigning emotion. "Truly. That was beautiful."

To which she jabbed him in the ribs, snapping back with a scoff.

"You were literally crying in front of me during your awakening, idiot. Don’t get ahead of yourself thinking it was anything else." She huffed.

"You’re not that special." Her voice turned sharp with mock irritation.

Alaric feigned hurt, pressing his hand to his chest again.

"Hey, that was rude."

She snorted and jabbed a finger at his chest.

"And don’t think that just because you’ve become some fancy young master, someone from a higher class than me, that you’d ever have a chance with someone like me..."

Just as the words escaped her lips, even surprising herself, she froze.

And then hurriedly turned back to her dusting, attacking the vase with renewed vigor.

Though she kept stealing occasional glances at him, a slight blush creeping across her cheeks.

Ugh! Why the hell did I say that? she cursed herself internally.

He didn’t understand what I meant, right? she thought desperately, turning her head, hoping—praying—to see indifference on his face.

But instead. Alaric was grinning. Head tilted. Eyes glinting with mischief.

Great. Just perfect.

Which only made her embarrassment flare even hotter instead of easing the situation. And she quickly turned her head away.

Argh! That idiot is definitely having weird thoughts.

Alaric broke the silence, his voice carrying a teasing lilt.

"Hmm, should I try then? You did say you only prefer handsome young masters."

He ran a hand through his dark hair in slow motion, letting the strands fall just right, before leaning lazily against the wall beside her.

"Lucky for you, I happen to fit the criteria now."

The comment made her nearly drop the vase.

"Wha—!?"

She fumbled, barely catching it in time.

"I-I never said that."

Alaric chuckled low in his throat, clearly enjoying himself.

"S-Shut up, you idiot!" she stammered, her face burning. "I’m trying to work here. Unlike you, who’s just a smug, useless peacock strutting around because he got a new coat of feathers!"

Alaric then raised his hands in mock surrender, seeing he’d pushed her far enough into her flustered state.

"Alright, alright. No more teasing."

Then he spoke in a softened tone, genuine concern replacing the playful edge.

"You doing okay now?"

But she hadn’t calmed down one bit, not wanting to forgive him that easily. Her eyes narrowed as she shot him a glare.

"What do you think, huh?" she snapped. "You see me crying? Brooding in some corner over whatever happened? I’m perfectly fine."

She turned her head away with a huff, but cast a quick glance back at him. "Well..." she added, in a softer tone, "Thanks for asking."

Then she turned away again, returning to her work like nothing had happened.

Alaric simply chuckled and shook his head, the corners of his mouth tugging into a knowing smile.

"So," he said, leaning back against the wall, "how’s been you doing since I... left?"

She continued dusting, though her movements had become more relaxed.

"Same as always. Work, work, and more work." She paused, then added quietly,

"Though some of the other maids kept asking what happened to ’that slave boy.’"

"And what did you tell them?"

A small smirk tugged at her lips. "That you probably got yourself killed doing something stupid."

Alaric sighed, shaking his head.

"And here I thought you’d miss me."

She turned to face him fully, "Don’t get full of yourself." Then paused and smiled.

"Though I’m glad you’re back. Even if you are insufferably cocky now."

He grinned. "I thought I was always charming."

She snorted. "Stop being delusional. You look like shit."

Just then, a maid appeared and gave a crisp bow.

"Young master, Lady Selene has summoned you."