Chapter 98: Alaric’s Deal With Iridelle

“So, Iridelle,” Alaric began, his voice steady and smooth, carrying the practiced confidence of someone accustomed to authority. “Once I use the elixir to restore your magic circuits, I want you to remain here at the Steele Manor. You’ll assist me with the blueprint for the communication artifacts we discussed, and you’ll work alongside me in crafting them in my workshop.”

Iridelle blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. “Y-Young Master Alaric, you… you want me to stay here?” Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if she couldn’t quite believe what she had heard.

Alaric nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Yes. Your knowledge and skills will be essential to this project, and I believe your input will elevate the design to a level we might not achieve otherwise.” He paused, leaning forward slightly, his golden eyes locking onto hers. “And if I’m being honest, I find your presence… agreeable. It will be good to have you around.”

A blush crept up Iridelle’s cheeks at his words, and she lowered her gaze, her fingers fiddling nervously with the strap of her satchel. ’He enjoys my company? Does he truly mean that?’ she thought, her heart fluttering. The opportunity to work on such an advanced and innovative project was more than she could have ever hoped for. But still, doubt lingered at the edges of her mind.

“I’m truly honored, Young Master Alaric,” she said, her voice trembling slightly as she looked up at him. “But… even after the elixir restores my circuits, I won’t be able to channel much magic energy for a while. Crafting artifacts, especially ones as complex as these, requires significant magical input. I’m not sure I’ll be able to meet your expectations.”

Alaric’s smile didn’t waver. If anything, it grew warmer, almost reassuring. “I’m well aware of that, Iridelle. I wouldn’t expect you to start crafting immediately. Your recovery will take time, and I intend to support you through it. Until you’re fully capable, we’ll focus on the design and prototyping phases. This isn’t just about what you can do now—it’s about what you’ll achieve in the future.”

Iridelle bit her lip, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, this was an unparalleled opportunity to prove herself and work on something groundbreaking. On the other, she couldn’t ignore the responsibilities that awaited her outside the manor. Her younger sister, Natasha, would worry if she stayed away for too long.

“Young Master Alaric…” she began hesitantly, her voice tinged with worry. “What about my sister, Natasha? She’ll wonder why I’m staying away from home for so long. I can’t just disappear without an explanation, and I know you advised me not to tell her about coming here.”

Alaric’s expression softened, and he leaned back once more, his hand resting thoughtfully on the armrest of his chair. “You’re right. Natasha will need a plausible explanation. Here’s what I suggest: write her a letter saying you’ve been given an opportunity to study artifact creation under a renowned artifact master. Explain that it’s a rare chance to advance your skills and that it will require you to stay away for some time. She doesn’t need to know the specifics.”

Iridelle’s shoulders relaxed as a wave of relief washed over her. Alaric’s suggestion was practical, and it felt like a lifeline amidst the swirling storm of her worries. “That… that makes sense,” she said softly, nodding. “Thank you, Young Master Alaric.”

Alaric’s eyes glimmered with satisfaction, though he masked it behind a calm demeanor. He rose from his chair, his movements deliberate as he gestured for her to follow him. “Good. Now that we’ve settled that, let me show you to your room. You’ll be staying close to mine, on the same floor.”

Iridelle stood, clutching her satchel tightly as she followed him through the opulent halls of Steele Manor. The grandeur of the mansion never failed to take her breath away—the polished marble floors, the intricate carvings adorning the walls, and the chandeliers that sparkled like constellations overhead. Yet, amidst all the splendor, her thoughts remained fixated on the man walking ahead of her.

’He’s been so kind to me, so generous. But why do I feel like there’s more to this than he’s letting on?’ she wondered, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the confident sway of his stride. ’Whatever his plans are, I’ll just have to trust him. He hasn’t given me a reason to doubt him yet.’

They arrived at a spacious room that left Iridelle momentarily speechless. The four-poster bed, draped in fine silk curtains, dominated the space, while a cozy sitting area by the window invited relaxation. A private bathroom with gilded fixtures added to the room’s charm.

“This… this is incredible,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve never stayed in a room like this before.”

Alaric chuckled, his tone light and teasing. “I’m glad you like it. Make yourself comfortable, Iridelle. We’ll begin work tomorrow morning. For now, rest and settle in.”

He left her with a polite nod, closing the door behind him. As the sound of his footsteps faded, Iridelle sank onto the plush bed, her fingers trailing over the soft fabric of the duvet. She felt a whirlwind of emotions—gratitude, excitement, and a touch of apprehension.

’This is a chance to prove myself,’ she thought firmly, clutching her satchel close to her chest. ’Young Master Alaric believes in me, and I won’t let him down. No matter what, I’ll make sure this project succeeds.’

Little did she know, Alaric’s thoughts were far from innocent as he returned to his own chambers. A satisfied smirk played on his lips as he settled into his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. Everything was proceeding exactly as he had planned.

’I’ve secured Iridelle’s loyalty,’ he mused, his golden eyes gleaming with calculated intent. ’Now, it’s only a matter of time before she plays her part in the grander scheme.’

The following morning, sunlight streamed through the tall, ornate windows of Steele Manor, casting a golden glow across the corridors. Iridelle woke to the soft knock of a maid at her door, her groggy mind quickly registering that her first day of work alongside Alaric was about to begin. A mix of anticipation and nervousness coursed through her as she dressed in the simple yet elegant robes that had been laid out for her—a subtle reminder of the grandeur of the household she now resided in.

Downstairs, Alaric was already seated in the private dining hall, sipping a cup of herbal tea as he skimmed through a thick tome. His sharp eyes flicked to the door as Iridelle entered, her presence drawing a small smile from his otherwise composed demeanor.

“Good morning, Iridelle,” Alaric greeted, gesturing to the seat opposite him. “Did you sleep well?”

Iridelle nodded, her cheeks tinged pink as she approached. “Yes, thank you, Young Master Alaric. The room you provided is… far more luxurious than I’m used to.”

“You’ll need your rest,” he said, his voice warm but measured. “Today will be quite busy for both of us. The Mystic Rejuvenation Elixir will be applied to your body throughout the day to repair your circuits, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be idle. We’ll use this time to discuss the designs for the communication artifacts and plan our next steps.”

Iridelle’s heart raced at the prospect of delving into artifact design with someone of Alaric’s caliber. She couldn’t help but admire his confidence and expertise—it was no wonder he was poised to inherit the Steele family’s vast power and influence.

Once breakfast was finished, Alaric led Iridelle to a private chamber prepared specifically for her treatment. The room was bathed in soft light, with a faint floral scent lingering in the air. A team of skilled maids stood ready, each one carrying delicate vials of the Mystic Rejuvenation Elixir.

Alaric turned to Iridelle, his tone gentle but firm. “The elixir needs to be applied directly to your skin to ensure it permeates your magic circuits effectively. The maids will assist you throughout the day. While they work, we’ll have our discussions here.”

Iridelle hesitated, glancing at the maids and then back at Alaric. “I… I understand, Young Master Alaric. Thank you for arranging this.”

He inclined his head. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s get started.”

As the maids began their work, carefully applying the elixir to Iridelle’s arms, back, and legs, Alaric set up a small table nearby, spreading out blueprints and sketches of the communication artifact. Despite the slightly awkward situation, Iridelle focused on the intricate designs in front of her, eager to prove her worth.

“Here,” Alaric said, sliding a detailed schematic toward her. “This is the preliminary design I’ve been working on. The artifact needs to be compact, durable, and capable of long-range communication without relying on mana crystals as its primary energy source. What do you think?”

Iridelle leaned closer, her eyes scanning the diagram with keen interest. “This is… incredible, Young Master Alaric. The idea of using enchanted metal conduits to amplify the signal instead of relying entirely on mana crystals—it’s revolutionary. But… wouldn’t the conduits weaken over time without proper reinforcement?”

Alaric’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Exactly. That’s one of the challenges we need to address. I was thinking of incorporating an auxiliary array—a secondary enchantment to stabilize the conduits. But it would require a rare material to function properly. What’s your take on this?”

Iridelle’s eyes lit up as she quickly jotted down some notes. “A secondary enchantment could work, but only if the material is compatible with the conduits’ base structure. Mithrillium might be a good candidate—it’s rare, but its natural conductivity would enhance the enchantment’s longevity.”

Alaric nodded approvingly. “A good suggestion. Mithrillium isn’t easy to come by, but the Steele family has some reserves in storage. I’ll have it brought to the workshop.”

Hours passed as the two of them delved deeper into the project, their discussions growing more animated with each new idea. Despite the occasional sting of discomfort from the elixir’s application, Iridelle found herself fully immersed in the task at hand. She couldn’t help but marvel at Alaric’s brilliance—his ability to anticipate potential problems and propose elegant solutions was nothing short of extraordinary.

’He’s not just a nobleman,’ she thought, glancing at him as he scribbled a complex formula on a piece of parchment. ’He’s a visionary. Someone who truly understands the art of creation.’

As the day wore on, the maids continued their careful work, occasionally pausing to allow Iridelle short breaks. By late afternoon, the effects of the elixir began to manifest—faint, glowing lines appeared on her arms and legs, tracing the pathways of her repaired magic circuits.

Alaric noticed immediately, his eyes narrowing with focused intensity. “The elixir is working,” he said, his voice laced with satisfaction. “Your circuits are stabilizing faster than I anticipated. How do you feel?”

Iridelle flexed her fingers experimentally, a faint spark of magic energy flickering between them. Her eyes widened in awe. “I… I can feel it, Young Master Alaric. My magic—it’s still faint, but it’s there. Thank you… I can’t thank you enough.”

Alaric’s smile deepened, though there was an undertone of calculation behind it. “You’ve only just begun your recovery, Iridelle. Don’t push yourself too hard. For now, focus on building your strength.”

“Yes, Young Master Alaric,” she replied, her voice filled with gratitude and determination.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Alaric finally called an end to their day’s work. He escorted Iridelle back to her room, his tone lighter now that the day’s intensity had waned.

“You’ve done well today,” he said as they reached her door. “Rest tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll continue refining the blueprint and begin preparing the materials.”

Iridelle looked up at him, her eyes shining with a mix of exhaustion and excitement. “Thank you, Young Master Alaric. I’ll do my best to keep up.”

He chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. “I have no doubt you will. Goodnight, Iridelle.”

As she stepped into her room and closed the door behind her, Iridelle let out a deep breath, her heart still racing from the day’s events. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was standing on the precipice of something monumental—both for her own life and for whatever grand plans Alaric had in mind.

The next day began with an air of quiet determination as Iridelle resumed her treatment under the guidance of the maids. The Mystic Rejuvenation Elixir continued its work, restoring her magic circuits with every meticulous application. Alaric, ever the meticulous planner, used this time to prepare the materials and refine their designs, ensuring every step of their project was deliberate and precise.

By mid-morning, Alaric had joined Iridelle in the treatment chamber, his sharp eyes immediately noticing the subtle glow in her fingertips as she flexed her hands. The elixir was working faster than even he had anticipated—a testament to its rarity and potency.

“How are you feeling today, Iridelle?” Alaric asked, pulling a chair closer to her as the maids diligently applied the elixir to her back and legs.

Iridelle turned her head slightly to face him, her cheeks flushing at the question. “Better, Young Master Alaric. The sensation in my circuits… it’s like they’re waking up after years of dormancy. It’s hard to describe, but it’s incredible. I’m so grateful to you for this chance.”

He smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. “It’s good to hear the elixir is doing its job. But don’t overexert yourself. There’s still a long way to go before your circuits can sustain any significant magic flow.”

“Yes, Young Master Alaric,” she replied dutifully, her voice tinged with a mix of respect and admiration.

As the maids finished the morning session, Alaric led Iridelle back to the workshop. The space was a marvel of ingenuity—a grand chamber lined with shelves of rare materials, enchanted tools, and intricate blueprints pinned to the walls. In the center of the room stood a large workbench, its surface covered with sketches, prototypes, and gleaming shards of enchanted metal.

Iridelle’s eyes widened as she took it all in. “This is… amazing. I’ve never seen a workshop like this before, Young Master Alaric.”

He chuckled softly, clearly pleased by her reaction. “I take pride in it. Every tool here is designed for precision, and every material is handpicked. It’s the perfect environment for what we’re about to create.”

They settled into their work, poring over the blueprints and discussing the finer details of the communication artifact. Alaric’s sharp intellect was on full display as he guided Iridelle through complex enchantment arrays and material compatibility issues. Despite her initial nervousness, Iridelle found herself rising to the challenge, her own knowledge and creativity blossoming under his tutelage.

At one point, Alaric leaned over her shoulder, pointing to a section of the blueprint she was working on. His closeness made her heart skip a beat, but she forced herself to focus on his words.

“Here,” he said, his finger tracing a line on the parchment. “The signal amplification array needs to be more compact. If we reduce the rune spacing by just a millimeter, it’ll increase the artifact’s range without compromising its stability.”

Iridelle nodded, quickly making the adjustment. “You’re right, Young Master Alaric. And if we layer the array with a protective enchantment, it’ll prevent degradation over time.”

“Exactly,” he said, a note of approval in his voice. “You’re catching on quickly. I expected nothing less.”

Her cheeks warmed at the compliment, and she couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you, Young Master Alaric. I’ll do my best to keep up.”

As the day progressed, their collaboration grew more seamless. Iridelle marveled at how Alaric seemed to anticipate potential issues before they arose, his mind working several steps ahead at all times. Yet, he never made her feel inadequate—instead, he encouraged her contributions, valuing her input and treating her as an equal in their shared endeavor.

By late afternoon, the two of them had made significant progress. A prototype of the artifact lay on the workbench, its sleek design a testament to their combined efforts. Alaric picked it up, examining it closely before handing it to Iridelle.

“Hold it,” he instructed, his tone calm but firm. “Feel the weight, the balance. A good artifact should feel natural in the hand, like an extension of the user’s own body.”

Iridelle took the artifact carefully, her fingers brushing against his as she did. She turned it over in her hands, marveling at the craftsmanship. “It’s… perfect, Young Master Alaric. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

He smiled, his golden eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “It’s far from perfect, but it’s a good start. There’s still a lot of fine-tuning to be done, but we’re on the right track.”

As they wrapped up for the day, Alaric escorted Iridelle back to her chamber. She walked beside him, her mind racing with thoughts of the artifact and the possibilities it represented.

“You’ve done exceptionally well today,” Alaric said as they reached her door. “I’m impressed by your dedication and insight. I made the right choice in bringing you here.”

Iridelle looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Young Master Alaric. It’s an honor to work with you. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations.”

“I have no doubt you will,” he replied, his voice soft but firm. “Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll test the prototype and make any necessary adjustments.”