The Alchemists

Alaric's car drove smoothly to the Lewis family's palace, and after arriving there, he immediately stepped into the West Wing where he was staying.

"Sir, Lady Portia asked that you join us in the dining room after you return. We have guests staying at the East Wing." The butler welcomed him at the door. "It seems they are good friends of Master."

"Thank you, Butler Han, I'll be there."

Alaric wasn't into crowds or small talks, but he understood that Portia and Ned were trying to meet as many people from the Alchemists clan as possible to channel support for him when he stepped forward as the candidate for the clan leader position.

In order to appreciate the efforts of his adoptive parents, he certainly wouldn't mind simply attending and meeting these people. Not to mention, they were the ones in charge of all communication with these people anyway.

After all... This was his people. This was his family in this world. Maybe he really should try to open up more. These people understood him best here, after all.

"Good evening, Eli. Nice to meet you again," Kit Blue, who looked very beautiful in a short casual dress that showed off her long legs and skin that was as smooth as snow, immediately rose from the dining table and welcomed Alaric's presence with a smile. She finally heard that Alaric didn't like being touched, making her know better on how to behave.

Alaric nodded at her. "Good evening."

He was happy because Kit Blue seemed to learn quickly and knew how to behave. The girl didn't seem offended by Alaric's cold attitude and continued to be nice to him.

She happily sat across the young man, next to her mother and father. Throughout the dinner, she seemed rather intelligent, following the various discussions of the parents at the dinner table on various topics of the world.

This was not without practice. Kit Blue was prepared by her mother to make the best impression at this important dinner. She must be able to impress Portia, and of course, Alaric, so that the arranged marriage talks between Ned and Lex could take place without getting opposed by the two. That was why Kit made herself appear as presentable as possible.

"Hm... Eli, since you guys have finished eating, please take Kit on a walk to look at our garden. She has never been here," Portia said after dinner. "I'm sure the chat between old people like us is very boring for you."

Before Alaric could answer, Kit had risen to her feet and spread her arms. "The weather is very nice for winter like now, of course, this is a good sign."

Alaric nodded and stood up. He knew his adoptive parents and the Blue family were about to talk about something without him, so he immediately walked out.

The winter night sky this time was surprisingly bright. He could even see the full moon decorate the sky. Hmm...

"Do you like astronomy?" Kit asked suddenly. She had noticed yesterday how often Alaric looked at the sky.

Alaric nodded without turning his head.

"Then you must come to Iceland. There, you'll be able to see the sky perfectly, and if you're lucky, you can even see the aurora. It's absolutely beautiful," Kit continued. She was not at all offended by Alaric's cold attitude.

She knew she had to play her cards correctly. Being kind to this man and gaining his trust was far more important than just her hurt pride, Kit thought.

She again remembered Nicolae Medici, who had humiliated her at the airport. He was with that shameless girl! Kit must be able to get back at them by getting Alaric, who was far better than Nicolae.

Just let Elios Linden be cool, Kit didn't mind. After all, his coldness was shown to everyone without exception, so Kit didn't need to take it to heart. This wasn't personal.

What was important was, if her parents could convince Ned and Portia of their arranged marriage, Kit believed Elios wouldn't refuse as long as Kit didn't do things that would upset him.

The man didn't seem to have the ability to love a woman, and he would not care about romantic relationships, provided that Kit family could provide the support he needed.

"If you'd like to come to Iceland for some sky-gazing, I'll take you to the best place."

Actually, the best place to gaze at the sky wasn't the place itself, but the person you see the sky with. Just like how a home feels like home not because of the house, but the family inside.

Home isn't the place, but the people. Home isn't the building, but the people we love to build the house together.

For Alaric, with his wealth and power, he could easily go anywhere in the world to observe the sky. He could observe space with the commercial space program that was being started by many world technology companies, including SpaceLab, a subsidiary of Rhionen-Meier Industries. But for him, the best place remained on his catamaran ship six years ago when he was with Aleksis.

"Thank you for your offer," Alaric said. Even so, he gave no indication of whether he would accept Kit's offer or not. Kit still didn't give up. She walked around Alaric and looked at him with a smile.

"May I ask you something?" she asked.

Alaric turned his head and looked back at him, "Please."

"Hmm... Do you miss your parents?" As she uttered these words, she sounded entirely earnest. Because of that, for a moment, the young man was silent thinking about the answer. No one had asked this question directly to him.

"Hmm..." Alaric closed his eyes and thought.

Kit went awry and hurriedly apologized, "Sorry if my question was rude. I heard that your parents had passed away a long time ago and you had always lived alone before Princess Portia and Prince Ned found you. I can't imagine what it would be like to live without a family. It must be very lonely..."

Alaric opened his eyes and answered, "You're right."

Kit's chest was thumping instantly. She didn't expect Alaric to answer her questions, and his tone wasn't as sharp as she had expected.

Alaric was indeed very lonely! And that was why he became like this. His coldness was because of his loneliness... Kit inwardly thought.