Both Alkaz and Kaelen seemed to be totally shocked by this statement of Lorian.
Alkaz shouted, "Wh…why? Have I not told you everything you wanted to know?"
But he was quickly silenced by a quick, brutal smack from Jax: "Don't speak when not asked to do so!"
But Kaelen was also puzzled. "My Lord, why take his life? He was just following his master. And he cooperated with us…."
Lorian looked at Kaelen with emotionless eyes. "Are you questioning my judgement, Sir Kaelen?"
Kaelen was taken aback and quickly checked his tone. "Erm… forgive me, my lord, I should not have!"
Lorian smiled and put a hand on Kaelen's shoulder. "No, that's all right. I would appreciate it if the people I trust would open up and share their opinion. If I am going to do something wrong, I would like my people to remind me of that!"
Now there was a small smile again on Kaelen's face. "Thank you, my lord!"
"But," Lorian's face got serious, "I would prefer you do it when it is only us, like you, me, Elana, Jax, and Zara. I don't want you to interject me or oppose me in public; I hope I am clear."
Lorian quickly nodded his head, "Ye…Yes, my lord! I got it!" although he could not understand why the young master did not mention Eldred Alsnow.
Lorian took a bottle of liquor from the bar counter and drank a bit, then threw it to Kaelen. "Why should we let him live? Don't give me moral or ethical reasons, but only practical reasons!"
Kaelen caught the bottle and drank from it before throwing it towards Jax for him to finish it.
"My lord, if you go about practical reasons, we can use him as a double agent, like he can be our spy in Lord Cassian's camp?"
Lorian smiled. "And who will ensure he will not betray us? My dear uncle can use him to feed us small info to earn our trust while stealing our valuable secrets and plans at the same time and later drop a big piece of false info to trap us! We cannot take the risk."
Lorian grabbed Alkaz by his hair. "He is no good for us living, but a lot of risk. And anyway, his life is already forfeit to Uncle, as he will not be able to trust him anymore and will get rid of him by himself."
Kaelen spoke desperately, "Then, my lord, why not let him die by Lord Cassian's hand only? Why we should…."
Lorian spoke in a grim tone, "Because as soon as Uncle realizes his spy has been caught and most of his secrets might have been extracted already, he will either become more cautious and defensive, or he will again pull another dangerous gamble, again risking my parents.
So, I better let him wonder what actually had happened to his trusted aide.
Let him scratch his head and pull his hair, wondering his whereabouts while we go busy with our work without any intervention!"
Kaelen had no counter to it and agreed.
He called back the bartender and ordered him to help him with disposing of the body for good.
Meanwhile, Jax, who had emptied the bottle of liquor, spoke, "My master, if you allow, I will help get rid of the body instead of Sir Kaelen. I respect him a lot, and I do not want him to suffer with guilt!"
Kaelen was going to say something, but Lorian stopped him and gave Jax the permission.
He also reminded the bartender that if the incident gets known, then a fate far worse than death will await him and his loved ones.
Jax, with a cruel sadistic smile, flourished his sharp claws to add weightage to the threat issued by his master.
The bartender was a clever guy and assured him he is not fool enough to double-cross a vicious and influential person, especially when that person is going to be the next ruler of the city itself.
Lorian smiled, taking it as a compliment, and threw a dollar to the bartender.
He grabbed it like a dog grabs a piece of meat.
"You have earned yourself a new patron. We will now often come here, many a time in disguise. Don't forget to make arrangements for us!" Lorian smirked.
The bartender dropped on his knees and slammed his forehead hard on the floor. "You have earned a new slave master! Me and my bar are all yours to use as you see fit!"
Lorian ordered Jax to finish the task there and meet him at the new office, and bid goodbye.
As he and Kaelen were leaving, they could hear the bartender saying to Jax, "Sir, can we begin now, if you wish!" which is quickly followed by a crunching sound and a faint shriek.
Kaelen was silent while returning.
Lorian put his hand on Kaelen's shoulder. "Are you regretting your choice? For serving a cruel lord?"
Kaelen had a sad smile. "Not like that, my lord. That is how all lords have been. I have heard of lords in the Empire who torture their own people just because they get bored. It has always been the way. I just thought…." He took a bit of a pause. "….I just thought you would be a bit…."
"Different?" Lorian finished Kaelen's sentence.
He took a deep breath and then said, "I don't know if I was cruel or not. I just know I can, and I will go to any length for my people. I would never torture people out of amusement. But if it is needed for the greater good, or the good of my people, I will not blink an eye.
I have no intention to proclaim myself as a saint.
I don't care if people think I'm a monster or a devil!
I will do what is needed, what is most efficient, even if it is a brutal way!"
Kaelen stopped and stood in front of Lorian and bowed. "Thank you, my lord, for opening up to your servant. Now I feel I know you better, and I will try to serve you better in the future!"
Lorian felt a bit embarrassed, as people around recognized him and followed Kaelen to bow to him!
Lorian gave a smile to everyone and quickly walked away, while smacking Kaelen's head for making him embarrassed.