Chapter 143: Earl Stanford
This made Arthur quite popular in the city of Lanahl, as many people were eager to befriend him.
There’s a saying, right? It’s better to have more friends than enemies!
Especially when this person is strong, or rather, full of potential; better to get on their good side if you can.
Even if you can’t become best buddies, you should at least avoid making a bad impression and steer clear of turning them into foes.
This is pretty much the basic rule of thumb for getting along in society.
If someone can’t grasp this simple truth, they’ll inevitably face major setbacks.
And sooner or later, they’re bound to be filtered out of this circle.
By the same token, Arthur had to play by these rules.
Make friends instead of enemies, and try to expand his social circle.
Of course, it’s easier said than done; putting it into practice is quite the challenge.
For instance, if Earl A and Earl B have a feud, if Arthur gets too close to Earl A, he can’t just waltz over to Earl B and chat it up!
That would be tantamount to digging his own grave.
If discovered, he’d ruin his reputation and would find it difficult to navigate this social circle.
In such a scenario, the best he could do was maintain a comfortable distance from Earl B.
Not so close that it implies intimacy, but not too distant either; their relationship should hover around the awkwardly friendly acquaintance level.
However, as a “pure” newcomer with no previous background, Arthur could pick and choose whom he wanted to befriend.
For example, today, Arthur found himself at the home of a noble named Stanford.
This family had a hereditary estate within the Machia Republic and boasted a history spanning several hundred years.
One of their ancestors even fought alongside Alexander the Great and was a key player in his campaigns, only to fall in battle against the Elven Race.
And that person was none other than Bask.
Having discussed the glorious past of this family, it’s time to touch on their current status.
The current head of the house, Earl Stanford, was a kind-hearted and generous man.
He often sent people to deliver precious food to the starving commoners.
Additionally, he provided blankets and winter clothing to those in need.
Though these items were old and in short supply, that counted as a kind gesture from him.
Regardless of the motivation, he did what he could; whether out of genuine compassion or mere pretense, the effort was still appreciated.
What truly garners disdain is empty words with no action.
Thus, Stanford became one of Arthur’s targets for friendship.
And Stanford was very pleased with Arthur’s visit.
As mentioned earlier, Arthur, despite his commoner roots, had the strength and presence that no noble would dare to overlook.
Let alone the kind-hearted Stanford!
The two engaged in delightful conversation.
Even though one was nearing middle age—on the brink of being considered elderly—while the other had just entered young adulthood, age didn’t deter them from forging a friendship.
Yes, a friendship.
Though this was only their first meeting and conversation, having only indirect exchanges before, they hit it off remarkably well.
They could discuss a myriad of topics, sharing similar views.
They chatted away for an entire morning, swinging from everyday trivialities to state affairs—almost everything under the sun!
At one point, Earl Stanford even entertained the idea of matchmaking Arthur, but quickly dropped the notion after Arthur caught on to his hint.
Not to say he didn’t have any intention; even if he did, he wouldn’t dare agree.
After all, he had a situation back home with a current issue brewing.
Bringing in an outsider would only complicate matters further!
Seeing this, Stanford refrained from pursuing the topic further.
He had some understanding of Arthur’s character.
He knew the gentleman wasn’t one to engage in frivolous relationships but rather valued integrity.
That made Stanford feel a bit regretful.
Even though he had no daughter, there were suitable young women among his family members and allied houses!
Given that Arthur and he clicked, establishing such a connection would bolster their alliance significantly.
As their conversation wore on, lunchtime approached.
Realizing it was meal time, Stanford invited Arthur to join him for lunch.
Arthur pondered for a moment but eventually politely declined.
He wanted to return to the inn and check if that little lazy pig was still asleep in bed.
Before leaving, he made sure to instruct Celia and Aurora not to disturb Airael unless absolutely necessary, allowing her to rest well.
Given this, it was likely Airael would snooze until well past noon!
Seeing that Arthur had made up his mind, Stanford didn’t press on, only lamenting that they must find another opportunity to chat in the future.
Arthur naturally would not turn down that invitation.
Thus, he departed from Earl Stanford’s residence, heading back to the inn where they were staying.
Meanwhile, Airael, having filled her belly, was also on her way back.
Celia and Aurora had eaten their fair share too.
So, they could skip lunch entirely.
With nothing else on their agenda, they planned to prepare for an afternoon nap.
As the group headed back, just as Arthur stepped through the inn’s doors, Airael and the others followed closely behind him.
Preoccupied, Arthur didn’t notice them trailing, nor did they pick up on his earlier arrival.
When he knocked on Airael’s door on the second floor, she and her companions just happened to arrive on the same floor.
Seeing Axi standing at the door, Airael was slightly taken aback.
This guy returned after only half a day today?
Although he’d only been out for a half-day yesterday as well, Airael thought that was a rare circumstance; otherwise, he should have maintained his usual late-staying routine!
However, Airael overlooked a key point. Because of her, the situation had undergone a change.
Her antics yesterday had drawn more of Arthur’s attention onto her.
“Axi, you’re back so early today!” she exclaimed as she moved closer.
Arthur turned to Airael, slightly surprised, “Ailia, you’re awake!”
To this, Airael felt a wave of exasperation.
Look at you! With the way you act, I should still be snoozing—do you really think you’re that capable?
If it were that easy, you’d tire yourself out trying!
