Chapter 591 131.5 - Alden Evergreen

Chapter 591 131.5 - Alden Evergreen

Alden chuckled softly, shaking his head in mild amusement. "I should have expected as much. Arcadia doesn't produce anyone less than exceptional. I suppose I'll have to accept that Maya has chosen someone with more than just brains."

Maya, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange, finally allowed herself to relax, though her thoughts still lingered on the subtle tensions beneath the surface. There were layers to the evening that hadn't been fully uncovered, secrets that lay buried between the three of them. And yet, for now, there was a temporary reprieve. Alden's laughter had softened the atmosphere, easing the tension that had once thickened the air.

But Maya knew her brother well. His acceptance of Astron wasn't full or complete. There would be more questions and more tests, and Alden, in his own way, would continue to evaluate Astron—perhaps not as directly as before, but certainly with the same scrutiny.

"Let's finish dinner," Alden said, gesturing toward the meal laid out before them. "After all, I'd hate for good food to go to waste, especially after such an enlightening conversation." His smile remained, but Maya knew it was laced with the unspoken understanding that this was just the beginning.

As they returned to their meal, the room settled into a quieter rhythm, though the weight of Alden's earlier revelation still hung over them. Maya's mind wandered back to her brother's nonchalant admission of his own vices and, more disturbingly, to the realization that Astron's presence in her life had become an unspoken addiction of her own. She glanced at him, sitting calmly across from her, and felt that familiar tightening in her chest—the weight of something unspoken but undeniably present.

Alden's voice broke through her thoughts once more, his tone light but edged with curiosity. "You know, Astron, if you've mastered observation and combat, it wouldn't hurt to show me firsthand one day. I'd be interested to see what kind of hunter Arcadia has produced."

Astron met Alden's gaze with that same unwavering calm. "I'd be happy to demonstrate, should the opportunity arise." n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Alden's smile widened, his curiosity deepening. "I'll hold you to that."

As the conversation shifted, Alden's intense gaze softened into something more conversational. His sharp features, once honed with the weight of scrutiny, now relaxed as he turned his attention to lighter topics. "So, Astron, tell me—how has life been at the academy? I imagine it's quite different from what most expect."

Astron, never one to miss a beat, nodded. "It's been challenging, as one would expect. The curriculum is rigorous, but it's designed to push students beyond their limits to prepare us for the real world. We've had our share of difficult moments, but that's the nature of a place like Arcadia."

Maya, listening quietly, felt a small sense of relief as the conversation moved away from the earlier tension. Yet, even as Astron spoke, she couldn't shake the lingering feeling that Alden was still assessing him, just from a different angle now.

Alden leaned forward slightly. "I've heard rumors about certain... incidents at the academy. Slip-ups that endangered the students." His voice had a more serious undertone now, though he kept his tone measured. "There was a time when I considered pulling Maya out of there. After all, when safety is compromised, it raises serious questions about the institution's credibility."

Maya stiffened slightly at her brother's words. She knew exactly what he was referring to—the near-disastrous incidents, the fights with creatures far too powerful for students to handle, and the academy's mishandling of certain situations that had put lives in jeopardy. Yet, despite it all, Maya had chosen to stay, determined to continue her journey.

The tension in the room, though still present, had shifted once more. Alden's wariness hadn't disappeared, but there was a quiet acknowledgment between him and Astron now—a subtle respect that hadn't existed before.

"Is this maybe the reason why you wanted to attend that banquet?" Alden asked, his gaze shifting to Maya, then back to Astron, watching carefully for their reactions.

Alden's question came as no surprise. Both Maya and Astron had been expecting it, knowing that Alden's sharp mind would piece together the broader context behind Maya's decision to attend the banquet.

It wasn't something she had taken lightly, and the connections she'd used to gain access had not gone unnoticed by her brother. The question hung in the air, waiting for an answer.

Maya remained composed, but Astron could sense the subtle tension that accompanied her silence. She knew as well as he did that Alden wasn't asking just out of curiosity—he wanted to understand their motives, to see if there was something more at play than just a passing interest in the event.

Astron, calm as ever, met Alden's gaze directly. His voice was steady, measured, as he responded. "Yes, that was part of the reason," he began, his tone even and thoughtful. "The banquet presented an opportunity—an important one. Given the growing dangers we've already discussed, it made sense to be present, to observe and learn. But," he added, pausing for a moment, "there was also a personal reason. Something separate from the broader dangers."

Alden's eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity deepening. "A personal reason?" He echoed, clearly intrigued by the admission but not pressing further—at least not yet. He was a man who knew how to pick his battles, how to gather information without forcing a confrontation. He leaned forward, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "And you won't elaborate on that, will you?"

Astron shook his head, his expression never wavering. "Not at this time. It's a matter I'm handling on my own. But I can assure you, it's nothing that would endanger your family."

Alden's lips twitched into a half-smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You seem to have a habit of keeping things close to the chest, Astron."

"It's sometimes necessary," Astron replied calmly, his tone neither defensive nor evasive. "Especially in uncertain times."

Maya glanced at her brother, sensing his rising curiosity but also knowing that Astron's measured response had earned a degree of respect from him. Alden was not one to push without reason, and while the vague answer might have left him unsatisfied, he understood when to back down.

Alden leaned back in his chair, exhaling softly. "Fair enough. You've made your point." His gaze flicked to Maya, his expression softening slightly. "I only ask because I need to ensure that my sister is safe, no matter what situations she finds herself in."

Astron, sensing the subtle shift in the conversation, leaned forward slightly, his voice calm and resolute. "Rest assured, Lord Evergreen," he began, meeting Alden's gaze with the same unwavering confidence that had carried him through the evening.

"It's the same for me. I won't endanger the people I hold close."