Chapter 233: Donation?
Eldric raised an eyebrow, gazing curiously at Alariel as she entered the grand hall with an elegant stride. The sunlight streaming through tall, ornate windows bathed the expansive room in gentle warmth, illuminating the intricate carvings and polished furniture within.
"Little girl, visiting without notice, hmm? Something important on your mind?" he asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Alariel tilted her head playfully, returning his smile with quiet amusement. "Aren’t you going to invite me to sit first, Sir Eldric?"
Eldric chuckled heartily, gesturing toward the cushioned seat opposite him. "Come, come—no need for such formality between us. It isn’t our first meeting, after all."
"Haha, true enough," Alariel laughed softly, gracefully settling herself into the offered seat. Her silver eyes sparkled mischievously as she studied him. "You’ve grown younger, old man. Secretly taking rejuvenation elixirs?"
Eldric shook his head, a nostalgic expression passing across his face. "You and your jokes never change, little girl. Makes me recall that day I first brought you down from that mountain."
Alariel’s lips twitched involuntarily at the memory, her playful demeanor faltering briefly. "Must you always mention such ancient history?"
"Ancient?" Eldric laughed, genuinely amused. "It’s barely been two decades!"
"Seventy-three years," she corrected him firmly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Not everyone is a centuries-old monster like you, old man. We mortals feel every passing year keenly."
Eldric paused, momentarily surprised. "Has it truly been that long? Ah, time does slip away."
Alariel regarded him thoughtfully, noting the peaceful air about him. "Yet, for you now, time seems to have finally slowed its relentless march."