Firstborn: Return of the heir

“First off, thank you for your hospitality. The tea here is indeed remarkable. Unfortunately though, I have no choice but to request that we drop the small talk. I really wish we could take things easy…”

Putting down the half-empty cup filled with the greenish, delicate drink on the table, Saulus stretched his back on the simple stool he sat on. Even though the village looked relatively prosperous from the outside, it was hard to spot even a single piece of needless luxury or comfort inside the unofficial mayor’s manor. Unless it was a personal quirk of his to live in such crude conditions, Saulus couldn’t help but add this little stone of information to the mosaic he had mentailly built of this village in his head.

“But you are in too much of a hurry to afford that. I understand.”

Nodding his head as if Saulus’ relatively rude remark was something plainly obvious, Rand grasped the handle of the teapot before refilling both of their cups.

“Well, now I have to say, it’s quite unnerving when you can finish my words for me, sir. But I guess I had it coming.”

Nodding his head in gratitude for the service offered, Saulus picked up his cup and brought it to his lips. After learning the grade of the tea, he didn’t dare to gulp it. Taking a moment while holding the cup by his face, Saulus appreciated the rich aroma of the drink for a short moment before taking just a tiny sip.

Allowing the herbal drink to flush his mouth, Saulus finally swallowed it. It refreshed the inside of his mouth, somehow helping him relax a little. This tea was really worth its weight in gold. And seeing how crafty and intelligent Rand was, Saulus was quite sure that he was aware of the value of such tea just as much as he himself was.

“I hope you won’t mind this kind of quirky personality of mine.”

Picking up his own cup, Rand brought it to his lips before repeating exactly the same ritual that Saulus just performed. The fragrance, the texture and only lastly, the actual taste. But after this small show of how high-class his manners were, Rand’s face suddenly tensed up as he put the cup down.

“But let’s get to the real topic. I think I know why you are here, and if I’m right, then I won’t be able to help you. My influence outside of this village… Is non-existent. Just like I never heard any rumors of the youngest general in Retesian history to flex his ancestry, I don’t think banking on my lineage would do anyone any good either. Not after my banishment.”

Confirming rumors while creating countless new questions that Saulus instantly wanted to ask, Rand only smiled when he noticed the emotions rushing across Saulus’ face.

Realizing that he just let his guard down, Saulus quickly composed himself before lowering his head in disappointment.

“Then my visit here was a complete waste of time, wasn’t it? Outside of the chance to drink such a great cup of tea.”

Catching how rude his remark could sound in Rand’s ears, Saulus quickly added some praise. Just to save himself any trouble if this man were prideful.

“There is no need to be so wary around me. I do understand the value of your time, sir. After all, we have quite a huge-scale war going on around us, don’t we? It would be unbecoming of me to keep you locked in this place due to common pleasantries.”

Placing his cup of tea back to the table before standing up, Rand was raising his hand to point at the doors when his movements suddenly froze.

“You know, I’ve watched your movements for quite a while already. If this was a normal war, your efforts would be far more than sufficient to win… Eh, nevermind.”

For a moment, it seemed as if Rand was a completely different person. But it all only lasted for a short moment. Before Saulus could act in any way or form on it, Rand’s face returned to its usual smile, signifying that it was now over.

“If this was a normal war… Would you explain what you mean by that?”

Even though Saulus was really in a hurry, given how he was already late for his duties in the north, the fact that he stopped to ask this question only signified how puzzled he was by it. Sadly, just a single glance at Rand’s face was enough to make him realize that asking this question was completely and utterly pointless.

“I’m sorry about that. Sometimes… It feels like some thoughts just randomly enter my head. I hope you will forgive me for that.”

Lowering his head while apologizing, Rand made it impossible for Saulus to keep digging further. After all, this entire talk was possible only thanks to his goodwill, so by making it clear that trying to push his limits would be not welcomed, he effectively stopped Saulus from doing so.

“Sure. But given your intellect that I heard so much about on my way here… What would you say about joining my personal council? While I can’t guarantee you a seat in the royal one, I will be sure to repay your help with…”

Before Saulus could finish his offer, Rand stopped his words by raising his hand in a universally understood gesture.

“Once again, I will have to apologize. I bound my fate to this village. Before I fulfill my promise to the people here, I can’t leave. But as a farewell gift, let me tell you one thing.”

Guiding Saulus back to the doors, Rand kept mute all the way to the point when the two of them had to go separate ways. Only then did he open up his mouth.

“Just like I did, your ancestors are watching you as well. Keep up the good work, young man. You are the key to making the future of this war-striven land a bit brighter.”

Sending Saulus off with those words, Rand stood on his doorstep while watching Saulus rejoin his unit and ride off to the north. With the sun reaching its breaking point on the dome of the skies, they really had to hurry in order to make it back to Mangia before the sun set.

“Your children grew up splendidly. Randel, are you watching him?”

Whispering those words into the calm air, Rand looked to the side. With the military force now gone from the village, the locals were quickly returning to their mayor’s house. And just like before, the strange look on Rand’s face that appeared when he said the second part of farewells that Saulus had no way of hearing, turned back to his usual, smiling expression.

“Come on guys, how could you leave me all alone like that? What if they came here to claim my tea? What would you guys drink during the celebratory times?!”