“So… Valyr, right? Is it fine if I may know where you’ve been staying so far?” While the two were making their way to a more secluded part of the combat training hall, Aster looked at the young man to his side, posing the question to him.
“Though this may be a rude question, why should I tell you that?” Naturally, Valyr could not help but become suspicious after getting a question like that, even though he knew that the one beside him had multiple methods to find it out. After all, he still did not know the reason why Aster sought out to find him and ask him questions.
Hearing Valyr’s response, Aster could not help but stop in his tracks, a light yet malevolent smile adorning his face as Valyr stopped in his tracks as well not long after. Soon after, a hint of the aura Aster had been suppressing was released, directing it all towards Valyr as the latter was sent back a couple meters.
Thud!
Though they had not reached the more secluded part of the combat training hall yet, Valyr’s fall to the ground went unnoticed as the number of people in the immediate surroundings was only two, him and Aster.
“Young man, I’m certain that you know us nobles have multiple ways to find out that information.” At that moment, the slightly amicable aura surrounding Aster had disappeared, being replaced with a chill that seeped into one’s bones as he glanced at Valyr. “While I’m still being kind to you, it would be better if you cooperate. If not…”
“Stripping you of your low-ranked nobility isn’t the only thing I’ll do.”
‘For a clan that’s inclined to help out commoners, their leader is definitely nicer, alright. If I were talking to the leader of any other noble clan, they would have already found a way for me to be an indentured servant of some sort.’ With this thought in mind, Valyr let out a long sigh as he stood up.
Dusting off his clothes, he looked back at Aster before opening his mouth with an expression that seemed to say he had given up. “I’m not sure if you’re just double checking whether the information you’ve obtained is certain or not, but to answer your question… I’ve been spending most of my time at Astarto Village, though due to a quest I’ve received, I plan to stay here for the meantime until the quest is completed.”
“Does that suffice to satiate your curiosity, Marquis Stelyra?”
“I see. So that’s why we haven’t been able to find any of your traces.” Though Aster heard the final question Valyr asked him, he ignored it, instead murmuring a few words to himself that only serve to increase the confusion, as well as the curiosity Valyr felt towards the current situation.
“My traces? Why is that?” Valyr asked.
“I’ll explain later. For now, cooperate with me in the meantime,” said Aster in response as he took in a few deep breaths to calm his emotions down. On the other hand, Valyr lightly nodded at the man’s words with a neutral expression.
“Have you ever experienced an incident where you were being followed by someone?” Aster posed the question to Valyr soon after. “If not followed, have you been ambushed before?”𝞸𝑣𝔩xt.𝗇𝓔t
“Well… there was one time when I was ambushed.” Hearing these words come out of Valyr’s mouth, a hint of panic appeared on Aster’s face. Though, his expression swiftly turned into that of relief once he heard the next statement.
“I’m not sure as to why I was ambushed, but it took place just as I was heading back to the village after registering with the Blacksmith Guild and participating in a forging tournament.”
“What purpose do these questions serve, Marquis?” After answering Aster’s question, Valyr could not help but wonder what the questions were for. Thankfully, Aster’s response allowed him to gain a faint understanding of the topic of their conversation.
“What do you know about yourself, Valyr?” Aster asked the question just as he urged Valyr that they should continue heading towards a more secluded part of the combat training hall.
“Aside from what I’ve mentioned earlier?” While the two of them started to walk once more, Valyr asked if the man beside was referring to his introduction from earlier, to which Aster nodded in response.
“Well… aside from that, all I know is that I’m a part of the Zeihardt clan. I don’t know what kind of reputation I have in the clan, what position, nothing. Just that.” Now that Valyr had a faint idea of where their conversation was heading, as well as getting the feeling that Aster was about to tell him a bit more about his true identity, Valyr decided to be a bit more cooperative.
“Do you know which branch of the Zeihardt clan you’re part of, Valyr?” Aster posed the question to him after that, eliciting a look of confusion to appear on Valyr’s face.
Seeing that the young man beside him was utterly clueless, Aster could not help but inwardly let out a sigh. ‘He’s forgotten more than I expected. Then again, it’s for the better.’
“Listen well, young man, for I’ll only explain this once.” Aster started to explain. “Aside from fledgling noble clans, noble clans are known to have multiple branch clans based in multiple settlements. This is done in order to ensure that the blood of the clan continues to live far off into the future.”
“A great example of this is our Stelyra clan,” he continued. “The main clan is based in Algerie Kingdom, though branches of our clan exist in other core cities and bustling cities, such as Astella City, which I am the leader of.”
“In your Zeihardt clan’s case, your clan has also achieved the same level of grandeur as the Stelyra clan. The main clan is also based in Algerie Kingdom, with multiple branch clans also existing throughout multiple core cities.”
“However, this is where the similarities of our two clans end, Valyr.” Aster looked at him with a solemn explanation, inwardly contemplating whether to inform the man beside him far more than his true identity. Then again, it did not take long for him to come to a decision, viewing Valyr as nothing more than someone who had gotten caught up in the politics of the nobles.
“Unlike me, you’re not from any of the branch clans the Zeihardt clan has established, Valyr. In fact, it’s already evident in your appearance.” Wondering what Aster meant by his final statement, Valyr asked him.
In response, Aster took in a deep breath before responding. “Your eyes. The Zeihardt clan’s silver eyes. They’re also known as the Silver Eyes of Royalty.”
At that moment, Valyr’s mouth went agape as everything Aster had mentioned so far finally clicked in his mind.
“Indeed, Valyr. You’re part of the Zeihardt’s main clan.”
“The Zeihardt Royal Clan.”