The next day.
''When are you coming back?" Duke Maverick questioned Aleister as they walked out of the castle followed by their entourage.
Aleister halted in his tracks, his gaze roaming across the crowd to find Esme standing at a distance, talking to Luciana, ''Whenever she wants to.''
Duke Maverick followed his gaze, ''This little girl's identity is no longer the same as it used to be,'' he sighed, ''Nor is yours. But nothing changes the fact that I am your uncle. If Esme refuses to visit this old man, would you not come to find me as well?"
Aleister's lips twitched.
Duke Maverick chuckled and patted Aleister's shoulder, ''My good nephew, I have faith in the both of you. I believe you would not abandon me.''
Aleister fell speechless for a moment.
It seemed like his uncle was in high spirits and after befriending Rezeph. The man had adapted some of his new friend's crafty mannerisms.