Proceedings

Elara entered Alaric's study, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea and a plate of fresh pastries. Her presence brought a sense of order and efficiency to the room, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of plans and ambitions that swirled in Alaric's mind. She carefully placed the tray on the desk, her eyes attentive to any additional needs Alaric might have.

"Thank you, Elara," Alaric acknowledged, taking a sip of the hot tea. The warmth seeped through him, providing a brief respite from the chilly morning. Elara, ever perceptive, stood by for further instructions.

As Alaric reviewed the list she had brought, Elara couldn't help but notice the focused intensity in his eyes. He handed her a list, neatly outlining the requirements for the restaurant and the staffing details. "Organize these and have everything set up by next week," he instructed, his tone firm yet appreciative. Elara nodded, acknowledging the task at hand.

"Also," Alaric continued, "I'll decide on the location based on the information you've gathered." He gestured toward the comprehensive list of properties, a mix of potential sites for the envisioned restaurant. Elara made a mental note to provide insightful input during their subsequent discussions.

With a nod of understanding, Elara left the study to initiate the preparations. Alaric, now alone, turned his attention to the list of accountants. His keen mind had already identified a suitable candidate, someone with a reputation for meticulous financial management. The decision-making process for this crucial role was already summed up in his mind.

As he awaited the arrival of the professional watch appraiser, Alaric reclined in his chair, a thoughtful expression found its way on his face. The rhythmic ticking of the clock echoed the measured pace of his thoughts. 

The sound of the door opening interrupted his contemplation, and the appraiser entered with an air of professionalism. Alaric briefly explained his requirements, and the appraiser meticulously examined each timepiece. Elara, adept at multitasking, seamlessly coordinated the appraisal process while overseeing the organization of the restaurant plans.

With the watches in capable hands, Alaric turned his attention to the property list. The range of celestial crown values sparked a strategic calculation in his mind. He estimated an initial investment of 200,000 celestial crowns for the setup, prompting him to transfer 900,000 celestial crowns from his main account to the dedicated operational fund.

As he browsed through the potential locations, one stood out – a prime spot nestled close to the business district and the residences of both the affluent and the tourists. The property, priced at 850,000 celestial crowns, seemed like a golden opportunity. Alaric marked it on the list, intending to discuss its acquisition with Elara upon her return.

The meticulous dance of planning and decision-making persisted, with Alaric orchestrating each step with precision. The vast canvas of possibilities lay before him, and he welcomed the challenge with enthusiasm. 

Alaric sat in his study, the soft glow of the late afternoon casting long shadows across the room. The lists and plans lay before him, a tangible representation of the changes he intended to bring to the duchy. As he contemplated the intricate details of his upcoming ventures, a subtle voice echoed within the confines of his mind.

'How old am I, truly?' Alaric mused internally, the question lingering like an elusive wisp of thought. The maturity he felt within himself surpassed the conventional markers of a 16-year-old, yet the world still held a certain youthful wonder that hinted at a limited span of experiences.

The conversation with himself wove through the fabric of time, dissecting the layers of memories that felt both his own and borrowed. 'Perhaps closer to 25,' he conjectured. The thought of navigating the intricacies of nobility, business, and mystical arts at such a tender age with such accuracy seemed incongruous and impossible, yet the evidence of his capabilities suggested otherwise.

His mind then shifted to the impending meeting with the duke. The prospect of training with cosmic energy under his father's guidance intrigued him. Alaric envisioned a mentorship that extended beyond mere swordplay, delving into the realms of mystic arts. The anticipation of what lay ahead stirred a mix of excitement and curiosity.

As he traced back his memories to the Royal Academy, Alaric recalled the stringent entrance exam – a challenge he was determined to bypass. The notion of obtaining a recommendation letter from the duke swirled in his mind. It wasn't a matter of avoiding the rigours of the exam; rather, it was a strategic move to secure a position within the academy without revealing his cards.

'I'll need to discuss this with the duke,' he resolved internally, aware that such decisions required careful consideration and tact. The delicate dance between tradition and influence within the nobility demanded a deft touch, and Alaric intended to master each step.

Friendship, or the lack thereof, became another topic in his internal dialogue. The question of whether the previous Alaric had close associations with other scions lingered in the air. The nuances of social dynamics, particularly among the noble youths, needed exploration. A part of him yearned for camaraderie, yet he approached the prospect with a measured caution. 

His musings were abruptly interrupted by the soft voice of Elara. 'Master Alaric, it's time,' she reminded, her presence a grounding force that pulled him from the recesses of his thoughts. Alaric rose from his seat, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders.

Elara guided him through the corridors of the estate towards the duke's office. The magic-powered lights cast dancing shadows on the walls, and the air held a certain gravity as he approached the meeting that would shape his immediate future. The echo of his steps resonated with the rhythm of possibilities, and Alaric, both introspective and resolute, braced himself for the unfolding chapters that awaited him in the duke's presence.