29 Just as planned

"Hum, my lord, the boy already has a name he likes a lot. Could you consider making an exception and allow him to keep it?" Theodore spoke with a hint of concern.

Even Alina, who wanted to follow the tradition, couldn't help but nod. She really liked Julius better.

Despite her respect for the lord and their previous negotiations, she couldn't help but question his motives.

Why did he agree so readily to their terms without trying to negotiate?

Theodore emphasized the importance of Julius receiving a comprehensive education, gaining access to a plethora of mysticism-related books, and eventually having the opportunity to enroll in an academy.

On the other side, Alina had a single request: to remain with her son.

Unbeknownst to her, they aligned closely with the lord's own intentions.

He thought about his sixteen-year-old heir who, because of an accident in his younger days, couldn't feel or use mana in any way or form. He planned to find powerful allies to assist him in preparation for his succession. After all, no one would respect a weak ruler in this world, and Julius could potentially fill the role. With his potential and a bit of luck, becoming a tier three apprentice or even a tier four mage wasn't impossible.

Even if he had to invest heavily in him, he would eventually earn his money back with interest once the boy started to sell potions.

In addition, he was still young. It wouldn't be too hard to earn his loyalty as long as he treated him fairly.

"Is that true, boy? What is your name, and who gave it to you?" Lucius asked with curiosity.

"Yes. My friend named me Julius because I was born in July!" Julius said with determination, unwilling to be called Bernard. 

Lucius looked at Alina with a questioning gaze. He didn't understand the explanation and it was the first time he heard this name.

 Alina shook her head, In response signalling she had no idea what he meant.

Adam didn't know that people didn't bother to name the months in this world. July was just the seventh month for them.

"Huh..., I guess... I can make an exception. Your name sounds like mine, so why not? You are now Julius Riverwood." He finally decided after seeing Julius's firm stance.

"Follow me, I'll show you around. By the way, this lab is now yours." Lucius said while exiting the room.

He gave them a quick tour of the manor, showing and describing the different rooms while passing them.

Soon, they were back at the entrance.

Theodore looked at Julius and Alina with his kind, old smile.

"Youngsters, it's time for me to head back. I wish you a happy future!" He said, tears welling in his eyes. 

They had spent the past seven years seeing each other every day. He felt sad they wouldn't be together anymore.

"Thank you for everything you have done for us," Alina answered, her voice trembling with emotions while hugging the old man.

Julius joined the hug, knowing they wouldn't see each other for a long time, maybe even forever.

"Thank you for showing me true alchemy," Theodor murmured while looking behind Julius as if trying to see someone.

"Grandpa, he said he was glad that he finally wouldn't have to see your old face every day," Julius said, tearing up with sadness.

"Hahaha, sounds just like him," he answered, laughing at their friend's shenanigans.

"He also said that a new deal was available. If you live your last years in peace, he would help your descendants in the capital if he ever met them." Julius said, a bit confused.

"I see... Thank you." He said, leaving their hug and walking away, crying silently, his heart filled with gratefulness.

They watched him as he boarded the carriage and waved at them one last time with tears flowing down their cheeks. 

As the carriage became smaller in the distance, Lucius lightly cleared his throat to regain their attention.

"Ahem. I propose you join your rooms to fix your emotions at your own pace. We will eat dinner together in two hours." After witnessing this sad scene, he knew they probably would need time to calm down and adapt to the new environment.

He arranged for a maid to guide them before leaving to inform his wife about the new arrivals in the family.

Meanwhile, Julius and Alina followed the maid and discovered they were given two separate rooms adjacent to each other.

"I'm sorry, Julius, mama is a bit sad. I'll see you in two hours." Alina said, feeling extremely depressed by Theodore's adieu.

She didn't know this day would end like that at all. Her emotions were in shambles, and she really needed some time to calm down.

"Ok, mama. See you later," Julius said, already starting to overcome his sadness as he entered his new room, looking around curiously.

He now had a big bed, goose feather pillows and a high-quality blanket. Next to it was an empty wardrobe.

Close to a window, on one side of the room, he saw a study supporting an elegant quill, placed close to a bottle of ink. Upon opening the drawers he noticed they were full of blank papers.

The sofa, strategically placed before a table, whispered of quiet contemplation.

Each detail painted an image of comfort and luxury he wasn't used to.

He walked to the empty sofa, a look of amazement on his face.

Then, he grinned.

"Kekeke, did I do well big bro?" He asked, excitement filling his voice.

"Not bad. But I would have done better in your place. Your pose was off and lacked elegance! After all, I could have become the best actor if I decided to." A mischievous voice answered him.

"It's so amazing. Everything you said happened. Did you also predict he would adopt me?" He asked with a hint of shock in his voice.

"Cough... Of course, I did." The voice answered, trying to sound convincing.

He looked at the ghostly human in front of him suspiciously. Then, gave him a high five.

"Just as planned!" They both said, laughing.