Lifeless as a corpse!!!

John cleared his throat and continued, "My boy, you should take it. After all, it's yours."

Alan appeared thoughtful for a few seconds, then called John aside and whispered something in his ear. John nodded in agreement with a smile.

Alan returned and addressed Captain Kevin, "How much can these items fetch?"

Kevin calculated for a few seconds and replied, "All put together, it will fetch at least 100 gold coins."

Alan nodded, calculated, and replied, "Captain Kevin, please distribute 5 gold coins to each of the guards who accompanied us on our journey. Give 3 extra gold coins to the guard who lost his horse to the snake bite."

Kevin nodded his head happily and agreed. "There are 15 guards, so I will be paying them 75 gold coins. 3 gold coins to the guard can even buy him 2 excellent horse. Alan, even after that, I will still be left with at least 22 gold coins. I might even be able to get more than 100 gold coins."

Alan nodded, smiling. "Remaining are for you, Captain Kevin."

Kevin was utterly astonished. "What! Alan, I don't need anything. I'm content that you were generous towards the guards."

Alan shook his head and insisted, "It's for you to have a good war horse. The captain of my uncle—sorry, grandpa's—guards should ride the best war horse available."

"Don't dwell on it too much, Captain Kevin," Alan smiled, looking towards John, who nodded with satisfaction. Helen was impressed by her grandson's fairness and generosity. Others were curious, eager to unravel the story behind the gesture.

Reluctantly, Kevin accepted the offer.

The guards were excused, and everyone proceeded towards the mansion.

"What is the story, Father?" James inquired curiously. "We willl discuss it later, James. It's quite a lengthy tale," John sighed.

Curiosity lingered among everyone, and they all nodded in agreement.

Elizabeth asked Helen if they preferred two separate rooms or wished to stay together.

Opting for a single room, Helen explained, "We'll stay together for now. Once Alan gets accustomed to this place, we'll decide."

Elizabeth nodded and guided them to a spacious room featuring a large bed. A second, slightly smaller bed was also present on the other end of the room.

There were chairs and table. Cupboards and even a writing desk.

The room had a changing area and an adjoining bathroom. A sizable balcony overlooked the garden. Both Helen and Alan were visibly impressed.

Please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. A maid had already been assigned to you and is available around the clock next to your room.

Jane will come and fetch you for dinner. Till that time, please rest yourself. Elizabeth smiled and left them.

Once Elizabeth left, Alan surveyed the room before heading to the balcony, and remarked , "Grandma, it looks beautiful from here." Helen nodded in agreement once she followed Alan and saw the scenic view.

After bathing, they settled in balcony chairs and engaged in conversation. A knock on the door interrupted them, and Alan opened it. He saw Jane standing at the door smiling and eagerly welcomed he inside, joined by Helen.

"Aunt Helen, dinner is ready. Everyone, including someone absent at our initial meeting, will be there in a few minutes," Jane informed.

Helen noded and asked, How is Williams? Alan, curious about the new arrival, listened to their conversation. Elizabeth assured them, "He's fine. You'll learn more once you see him." She smiled and shook her head helplessly .

They started walking toward the dining hall together.

Jane informed, "Aunt Helen, your belongings have been unloaded and are now placed in a room opposite yours. If you need help with moving trunks or other items, simply let the maid know – she'll be right next to your room."

Helen nodded happily. The ladies continued their conversation, and Alan trailed a couple of steps behind them, quietly observing the paintings and the decorative items in the corridor.

Abruptly, a cold sensation started enveloping Alan. The chill ascended his limbs gradually, and within seconds, it seemed as though his entire body was submerged in the icy waters of a winter river.

"Grandma, it's freezing," Alan exclaimed. Turning around, Helen noticed he looked as pale as a ghost. Panic briefly gripped her as she hurried to him, touching his freezing forehead. The sudden development caught Helen off guard.

With concern, she asked, "What happened, Alan? What are you feeling?" Alan struggled to respond, saying, "It... feels... like... freezing," before collapsing unconscious. Helen and Jane quickly caught him, surprised to find his body devoid of warmth, resembling a lifeless form.

"Alan... Alan..."

Helen's voice echoed, urgently calling his name, trying to rouse him. The commotion drew everyone, including the maids, to the scene.

Amidst the commotion, Helen checked his breathing, pulse and heartbeats, sighing in relief, "He's alive," which calmed the tense atmosphere.

James, lifting him gently, expressed shock, "His body feels so cold."

They swiftly carried him to his room, placing him on the bed and covering him with layers of blankets to ward off the chill. Despite their efforts, his body remained eerily lifeless.

Helen busied herself preparing medicine for his symptoms, and forced it down his throat. After confirming that the medicine stayed inside him, she reassuring everyone that he would recover. She urged them to return to their rooms.

Elizabeth, determined to stay, arranged for a maid to bring their food to their room.

Night swiftly passed but Alan's condition remained the same. He was still laying on the bed feeling and looking "As lifeless as a corpse".