Adam's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, yet new questions continued to arise.
Alva's preserved youthful appearance was due to the immortality elixir, but what about Anthony?
If Anthony had also consumed the elixir, why could Alva still move about freely, while Anthony remained hidden in the Reflection Tower, unwilling even to let others know he was alive?
Why was Anthony preserved as a young man, while Alva retained a middle-aged appearance?
Could Matt's animosity toward Adam stem from this very reason—that Adam might hold the key to the immortality elixir?
Countless doubts flooded Adam's mind as Doug quietly observed his reactions.
Doug had already received the report of the failed search at the Clock Tower and the disappearance of one of the servants. It was this new information that had prompted him to be more direct with Adam.
It was clear that Adam knew little about the immortality elixir.
Feeling Doug's gaze upon him, Adam quickly composed himself, though he couldn't shake the feeling of distaste that rose within him. Doug's greed for the elixir seemed to stir a malice that Adam could almost taste.
"Why am I so sensitive to this malice?" Adam furrowed his brow, focusing more intently. He realized it seemed to be connected to bloodlines.
"If the immortality elixir can generate malice tied to bloodlines, why didn't I feel this same animosity from Alva, who had both created and consumed it?"
Reflecting on his interactions with Alva, Adam realized that Alva's disdain for him stemmed from his personality, not the malicious energy he now sensed from Doug.
"Has Alva managed to purge the elixir's side effects? Or perhaps Alva himself is unrelated to the elixir altogether?" Adam speculated.
"Master Adam," Doug's voice softened as he met Adam's eyes directly. "I need the immortality elixir, and the Rom family needs it. Therefore, I need your help."
"Becoming a successful mage requires significant resources, and the Rom family can offer you unwavering support. Once we acquire the immortality elixir, I will mobilize the entire family to back your training as a mage."
The stakes Doug offered were enough to tempt many mages to lose their reason. While early mage training could be manageable, the demands increased drastically as one progressed.
Books on magic, materials for spellcasting, the cultivation of spiritual energy, and various magical experiments—all required vast resources.
Adam had been fortunate that Anthony had given him a spare spellbook. Without such a gift, a commoner like him would have to save for years to afford a single book, assuming it was even available.
Mages were, for the most part, impoverished despite their outward appearances.
A select few, like Anthony, were exceptions.
"I am but an apprentice, Lord Doug," Adam reminded him. Having understood the internal strife of the Rom family, he now knew how to proceed.
He had decided to play his cards wisely, ensuring his escape plan would go smoothly. He had stayed in Roya long enough.
"And as I understand it, Master Alva is not particularly fond of you, Lord Doug," Adam continued, holding the little bird on his head, his tone thoughtful.
"Though I have not followed Master Alva for long, I know one thing for certain: he has a strong sense of right and wrong. If the immortality elixir were merely a violation of the Church's doctrines, he would not hesitate to provide it to others."
"This suggests something else—that the immortality elixir has unknown side effects," Adam stated decisively, no longer concealing his thoughts.
Doug regarded him intently. At that moment, Adam seemed to radiate with an undeniable brilliance. Doug, who had once viewed him as a talented youth, now saw Adam as something far more than just a boy.
"That Alva is still alive proves the side effects aren't the problem—at least not his problem," Doug said grimly, his expression hardening. "So what is it that you need?"
"The full support of the Rom family," Adam replied, echoing Doug's previous offer. But unlike Doug, Adam's response had no preconditions.
Doug's earlier promises had been contingent on the acquisition of the immortality elixir, an idealistic vision that relied on nothing more than future promises. He was offering everything to help Adam attain the elixir, but it was entirely up to Doug's whims whether Adam would ever see the final benefits.
Now, it was Adam's turn to draw the larger promise—the immortality elixir itself.
"Not only resources but also manpower and power," Adam added, casting a glance at Walker behind Doug. He stood, stepping back a couple of paces, never removing his hands from the spellbook he cradled.
"You are even more astute and greedy than I imagined," Doug observed, his gaze lingering on Adam. Yet, he did not reject the proposition. Instead, he spoke with a quiet deliberation. "I can agree to your terms, but I will need regular progress reports. The immortality elixir must not affect the bloodline, I will have it no other way."
"Of course, I assume you have already sent someone to the Clock Tower to investigate?" Adam smiled, his words not surprising given Doug's clear aim for the elixir.
"There's a large library there, and that's where I study," Adam said frankly. "Within, there are secrets. Only those with the proper qualifications can enter."
"My mage journey is only beginning, and the areas I can explore are limited. I will need your assistance, Lord Doug."
"What kind of help?" Doug inquired.
"At night, the tower is closed to me. Wasting an entire evening of study is not conducive to my progress. Although I am still young and not in a hurry, it does not help my development," Adam explained, noticing the growing hostility in Walker's eyes.
But Adam had always known that nobles operated on interests, not emotions. Their gestures of goodwill, their regard for you, were all based on what they stood to gain.
"As long as the interests are there, the goodwill remains. Once the interests are gone, no matter how well the relationship had been maintained, it becomes nothing more than a hollow pretense."
"No problem, I will arrange it," Doug responded, his gaze now filled with admiration for Adam. "If only you were a member of the Rom family."
"The Rom family is fine with just you, Lord Doug," Adam replied, settling back into his seat. The atmosphere in the study lightened.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Adam prepared to take his leave. Just before stepping out, he paused, turning back with a smile.
"Lord Doug, the coachman you arranged for me is an excellent driver."
"Is he?" Doug replied, briefly caught off guard, though he still remembered the coachman faintly.
"Too bad he seems to have taken on work beyond the scope of a mere coachman," Adam continued. "Though you think little of Matt, you also seem to have neglected him."
"I'll go train now, and see you tomorrow, Lord Doug," Adam said, giving a slight bow before leaving.
Once Adam had left, Doug's expression darkened. He turned to Walker, who nodded and stepped out briefly.
When Walker returned, he had gathered information on the individuals Matt had been associating with in recent days.
Doug looked at the sheet of paper, his hand trembling as he coughed again.
"Did they all think I was finished?" Doug muttered, walking to the window and gazing out over the illuminated Rom estate.
A sudden fear gripped him. He tightened his grip on his cane, the symbol of his house's crest still faintly visible on his aged skin.
"You are right, the Rom family is enough with me," Doug murmured to himself, before turning to Walker. "Have the casino people pressure Matt and take control of everyone he's been in contact with. Hand over the control to Adam."
"Understood," Walker replied. With Matt's current situation, the casino's pressure would likely drive him to desperation, but Walker knew his loyalty was to Doug, not the Rom family.
In turn, Walker had become increasingly wary of Adam. This young man was no simple fool.