The Alchemists

"You may already know our adopted son, Elios Linden," Ned said as he glanced at his beautiful vast hall. "Eli is Portia's nephew. His parents died in the last world war and Eli spent a long time wandering. He just returned home and we feel it's time he took part in the clan more actively."

The atmosphere immediately became noisy. The Linden surname was a fairly influential name in the past and they did not think the extinct family had an heir. Everyone surnamed Linden was dead, Princess Luna was the last one.

People who saw Alaric at the Ritz Gala before did not connect him with the Linden family for this reason, but it turned out that Elios Linden was now acknowledged as a nephew of Portia ... which means ...

Whose son was he?

"Now I know who he reminded me of," Caspar said quietly. He turned to Aldebar. "Do you still remember Mars Linden?"

"Linden's youngest child who was sentenced to death?" Aldebar asked back. "It was a long time ago. Do you think this is his son?"

Caspar looked at Elios from the side. The young man seemed to enjoy his wine while chatting a little with Portia and occasionally staring at Ned who was introducing him.

The youngest son of the Linden family was never discussed by the Alchemists because of his terrible reputation. He was born long after his two older sisters and was spoiled by the Linden couple as their only son. Unfortunately, he was associated with bad people and eventually made an unforgivable mistake.

The sentence for an unforgivable mistake was Death. Since then he was banished from the clan, never discussed again and no one thought they would one day see his descendants.

"As I thought, people think you are Mars Linden's son," Portia commented, looking at Alaric, "Let's leave it at that. People don't need to know who your real parents are. It's better if they think of you as my son."

Alaric nodded. They have talked about this before. For Alaric, his mother's reputation was far too important and valuable to be tarnished by telling the whole world that she had a son outside of wedlock. For him, his own status was not important at all.

Mars Linden was the youngest sibling of Princess Luna who had long disappeared since he was banished from the clan before World War I. He was not yet 50 years old at that time, still very young and very angry.

Portia knew that Mars had finally committed suicide and Linden family kept it a secret from everyone. He did not leave any offsprings, but the rest of the clan did not know this. She then suggested that Ned introduce Alaric as Elios Linden, son of Mars Linden, the missing heir of the Linden family.

Ned gave the signal and Portia then got up while embracing Alaric.

"This is Elios Linden, our adopted son, and the heir to three families, Linden, Lewis, and Baden," Portia said to everyone and tapped Alaric on the shoulder. The young man bowed his head slightly and smiled for the first time. His smile made all the girls unable to take their eyes off of him.

The heir to three influential families at once!!

The guests immediately got up and clapped their hands. They were excited because everyone now understood what the purpose of Ned and Portia was to hold this party.

Caspar was stunned by Alaric's introduction to the clan. He immediately understood Portia's intention to introduce Alaric as the heir of the three families. That means that Ned and Portia openly told all members of the clan present, that they would support Alaric as the new candidate for the clan leader position.

He continued to observe the young man and try to assess whether Alaric was worthy of his position or not. Come to think of it, that young man was Nicolae's cousin, and also Lauriel's nephew. Both of them would be happy to know that there was another descendant of the Linden family who was still alive.

He would tell Lauriel about this as soon as he returned to Switzerland.

Kit Blue, who had been present with her family, had to hold the joy from bursting from her chest from the first moment he saw Alaric enter and realize that Elios Linden was, in fact, an Alchemist.

"Father, after the ceremonial stuff is over, take me to the host's table to greet them. I want you to introduce me to Elios. Aren't you and Prince Ned childhood friends?" she said many times to her father, a pale-faced man who looked a lot like her.

Lex Blue nodded, "Of course. Father will remind Ned to fulfill our agreement in the past. Now that he has appointed his heir, then it's time we have a discussion about it."

Kit's face lit up. She knew her father and Ned were childhood friends and they had fought over the same girl, Princess Portia. But because Portia loved Ned, Lex relented. So that their friendship would not be broken, Ned and Lex make an agreement to someday marry their children.

Finally, the day had arrived! And Kit can't wait to have Elios Linden to herself!

She would show off this to women all over the world, that she, Kit Blue, a princess from the Icelandic ice country managed to get the world's most eligible bachelor!

The triumphant smile of victory adorned Kit's beautiful face.

"My adopted mother and father are very kind. I am indebted to Ned and Portia for accepting me into their family, saving me from death, and now giving me a very respectable status." Alaric finally spoke up. As usual, his voice was calm and authoritative, hypnotizing the guests who were watching him. "I will not disappoint them. I will contribute to the clan and bring our people to the new heights because now I have decided to return."

Everyone applauded again. They thought Alaric would continue with his words, but in fact, he was back in his seat. He did not say much, making more and more people curious.

"Please enjoy the next meal and the show." Ned waved his hand and the people sat back and the waiters marched back and forth bringing food and drinks. A group of musicians came in and play very beautiful music, entertaining guests who enjoy a meal.