The afternoon gathering dispersed gradually rather than abruptly. Aristocrats rarely left in haste unless compelled by scandal or rain. Polite farewells were exchanged, future meetings suggested with deliberate vagueness, and the faint clatter of porcelain marked the final sips of cooling tea.
Elias waited until the majority of the guests had departed before approaching Viscount Glaint once more.
The viscount was supervising the collection of tableware when Elias spoke in a tone mild enough to avoid attracting undue attention.
"Viscount, you may wish to examine the gift I brought you in private."
Glaint paused, curiosity surfacing immediately in his eyes. He had displayed admirable restraint earlier in not opening the box before the guests, but the suggestion now was unmistakable.
"Is that so?" he replied, lowering his voice slightly. "In that case," he said after a moment's consideration, "I believe this calls for a more private continuation of our discussion. Would you both join me for something less formal?"
The invitation was extended equally, yet the underlying intent was clear: this was no longer a social courtesy, but the opening of a smaller circle.
They moved indoors, accompanied by Audrey Hall, who had lingered under the pretext of further conversation. The transition from garden to drawing room altered the atmosphere in subtle ways. Sunlight filtered now through tall windows rather than parasols; the air carried the faint scent of polished wood and restrained wealth.
Once seated, Glaint finally opened the wooden box.
Inside lay an old book, its cover worn smooth by time. The leather had darkened unevenly, and faint impressions suggested it had once borne a crest long since faded.
Glaint handled it with instinctive care.
"This is…?"
"A record preserved among my family's belongings," Elias replied calmly. "It contains fragmented accounts concerning previous epochs. Much of it is speculative, but there are… certain hints of mystical relevance that may serve as a way of entertainment, though I can't speak of its accuracy."
He did not elaborate further. In matters of the occult, implication was often more powerful than exposition.
Glaint flipped carefully through several pages. His breathing grew subtly heavier as his eyes scanned archaic script and marginal annotations. Though he lacked formal training in mysticism, enthusiasm compensated for deficiency.
"This is far too valuable a gift, Mr. Nova."
"It has rested unread for years," Elias answered. "Knowledge, like currency, loses purpose when hoarded."
Audrey observed the exchange with quiet interest. Her gaze shifted between the two men, assessing tone and micro expressions with the steady attentiveness of a Spectator. Elias appeared neither anxious nor calculating in any obvious way. Yet the timing of the gift — after the departure of other guests — suggested intentional selectivity.
Glaint closed the book gently.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Glaint's expression shifted toward seriousness.
"I cannot just accept such a valuable gift without anything in return, please tell if there is anything you might need"
"It was just a gift, Viscount, but if you insist, I am interested in our setting today, and if you are interested as well, I want to suggest creating a circle of transactions and mutual benefit"
At this suggestion, Audrey's eyes couldn't hide her excitement, first the Tarot club and now this "That's a good suggestion, count me in Mr. Nova"
After a few seconds Glaint also nodded in agreement.
"Then as an initial topic for our circle, I can share with you that I have been considering the matter of Beyonder pathways," he began carefully. "More specifically, I intend to acquire the Apothecary potion formula."
Elias did not respond immediately. Instead, he regarded the viscount with mild curiosity.
"May I inquire as to the reason for your selection?"
Glaint hesitated, as though weighing whether the answer might sound trivial.
"I simply wish to remain healthy," he said at last. "The Apothecary pathway excels in vitality and physical resilience. That alone is sufficient motivation."
Elias inclined his head slightly.
Internally, however, memory stirred.
'If I recall correctly, Glaint had inherited his title earlier than expected due to the early death of his father, this carved insecurity into his mind in fair of facing the same fate. Clinging to health was not mere vanity.'
After a brief pause, Elias nodded.
"I see. The Apothecary pathway is indeed suitable for such an objective. Its early sequences provide significant enhancements to physical constitution and disease resistance."
Audrey's eyes sharpened subtly.
"You speak with confidence regarding that pathway," she said lightly. "Is there something noteworthy about it?" Her question came from her curiosity of other pathways, and maybe a small desire to compare her pathway to others.
Elias allowed himself a faint smile.
"If one intends to step onto the path of the Beyonders," he replied evenly, "one should already understand the fundamentals. A pathway is not merely a collection of abilities. Once you choose a pathway, it pretty much confirms your allies and your enemies.. To choose carelessly is to invite complications."
He paused briefly before adding,
"Though, such considerations become more pressing at higher sequences. If one's ambitions do not extend beyond the lower ranks, the risks remain comparatively manageable."
"Of course this concerns some pathways more than others"
Audrey absorbed the implication. She had already consumed a potion; that much was evident in her composure and sharpened perception. Yet Elias' words suggested a depth of understanding that exceeded casual scholarship.
After a moment of silence, Audrey spoke with deliberate calm.
"I have already taken my first step," she said. "I became a Beyonder recently."
Glaint looked at her with surprise and admiration, though he recovered quickly.
"That is fortunate timing," he remarked. "As for myself, I have established a channel through which the Apothecary formula may be obtained. It is not immediate, but the path is clear."
Elias listened without visible reaction.
Then he said, almost as an afterthought, "In that case, perhaps I may request assistance as well."
Both turned toward him.
"I am in search of certain ingredients," he continued. "The primary components are not easily found through ordinary markets. If either of you encounter reliable sources, I would be grateful for the introduction."
Audrey considered this carefully.
"What ingredients?" she asked.
"A Core of a Candle Devourer, among others."
Recognition flickered in her eyes.
"That," she said slowly, "I can provide."
Glaint looked between them, surprised at the ease of the declaration.
"I'm happy to hear that, then may I ask for the price?" Elias asked without hesitation.
Audrey's lips curved slightly.
"Establishing a channel of communication between us would suffice," she replied. "And a favor owed."
The terms were simple on the surface. In truth, they established something more durable than coin, a line of mutual obligation.
Elias did not deliberate long.
"Agreed," he said. "Please have it delivered to my residence." He recited the address with precision.
With one primary ingredient secured, only one major component remained. There was another gathering scheduled for the following day; one less refined, yet more directly connected to the currents beneath Backlund's polished exterior. He intended to seek the remainder there.
Their conversation continued for some time, touching upon practicalities and mild speculation. Yet beneath the civility, three individuals had quietly shifted their positions upon the unseen board.
When at last Elias rose to depart, the evening light had begun to soften.
Glaint escorted him toward the entrance, gratitude evident in his manner. Audrey remained seated momentarily before rising as well.
At the doorway, Elias' gaze lowered.
The golden retriever sat near the corridor, watching him with attentive stillness.
Elias offered a small, knowing smile and gave a subtle nod, as though acknowledging a silent observer who believed herself unnoticed.
Then he stepped out into the fading light of Backlund.