CH137 Narrative Control
***
"Pleasure?" Earl Drake raised a brow. "You say that, but your face says otherwise."
"Of course it's a pleasure," Alex replied smoothly. "Having the Head of the Family leave the mighty Ashen Castle to visit my humble abode? That's no small gesture.
"However, I can't help but wonder… Why come in person instead of summoning me, as you usually do?"
Drake offered a casual shrug.
"Well, you earned an important victory today. You're not just the heir to my line, you've positioned yourself as a viable heir to my current throne.
"That alone is worthy of a personal congratulations."
"I see..." Alex gave a thoughtful nod. "But there was no need to congratulate me over one victory.
"Life is a never-ending battle. No matter how many victories we earn, eventually, we face loss in some form... After all, death is the final defeat every creature must suffer. It is inevitable."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes calm but intense.
