"Exactly. He's stronger than ever. Still… maybe it's not such a bad thing. Since he's with the lord, he'll probably show some respect. That means we'll have some room to breathe."
Trying to look confident, Aaron dusted off his collar and watched Michael approaching. Just imagining that monster of a man bowing and acknowledging his new title gave him an odd sense of pride.
But then—
"You're here! This is my maternal grandfather," Michael introduced. "Grandfather, these are the new advisors I've taken on."
Aaron screamed internally at the revelation. So that was Michael's maternal grandfather—Alfred had recognized him, making the situation even more miserable.
"…Ah. Pleased to meet you. I am Alfred," the old man said.
Aaron shakily reached out to grasp Alfred's offered hand, suppressing his trembling.
Why is the world so cruel to me?! he lamented inwardly.
