Chapter 183: Departure (2)
Adeline stood nearby with Aaron and their father, the Marquess, each maintaining their composure.
Adeline clasped her hands behind her back, resisting the urge to fuss over Alaric’s belongings or offer any last-minute advice. He was her older brother, after all, he didn’t need her fretting over him like a child.
"Well," Alaric said, turning to face them with a small smile. "It seems everything’s ready."
"You’ve got everything, haven’t you?" Aaron asked, crossing his arms as he leaned casually against one of the carriage wheels. "Books? Clothes? The absurd amount of snacks Adeline forced the cook to pack?"
Aaron tried his best to lighten the mood. Their big brother was about to leave, and he needed to make it through this situation without crying. He refused to let Alaric think he was weak.
After all, he was going to be taking his place for the next four years.
Adeline flushed. "They’re not absurd! He will be gone for months! He needs something to remind him of home!"
She knew the importance of it well enough. She experienced it in her past life... Or well, experienced the lack of it anyway. Not having a place to call home is painful, and having one but forced to be far away from it was just as hard.
The Marquess stepped forward, his presence commanding as always. "Alaric," he began, his tone steady, "you’ve grown into a fine young man. I expect you to continue carrying yourself with the dignity and honour of a Kendrick. But more importantly, learn all you can. Your future—and the future of this family—depends on your ability to lead."
He never shied away from declaring him as the heir. While others wondered if Aaron would enter the race to become the future Marquess, the people working in the estate knew about the brotherly bonds. They would never be rivals, they would support each other.
"Yes, Father," Alaric replied, his posture straightening slightly. "I’ll make you proud."