20 Chapter 20: Resources, What Resources? (1/2)

Now once they sat on the table, they both got serious. Ned was curious as to why did the old man talk to him, and so he didn't talk first. And let the old man start.

”My name is Alaster yulias” after which he once again glared at his granddaughter, and she stepped forth introducing herself as Lori yulias.

”My name's Ned, nice to meet you sir” Ned replied politely, after all he was always respectful to his elders. And then nodded at Lori, as they already introduced themselves. Then he turned his attention to the old man.

”Well young Ned, no need to be tense, it is not something serious, I just wanted to ask you some questions, and in exchange I'll answer some of yours too, how about it?” He told him with a kind smile on his face.

Ned before answering though, brought the map in his eye periphery, and clicked on the two blue dots, one was much bigger than the other and he guessed it was the old man, Alaster, and the small dot, Lori.

[Alaster: Friendly]

[Lori: Curious]

Once he read that, he relaxed a bit, but since he was wearing a mask no one noticed. Or so he thought but once he relaxed the old man sported a small smile. Ned wondered how did he notice.

And the old man answered like he was able to read his mind. ”Well when you relaxed. Your tense muscles also did, and I am able to see even the minor changes in them”

”Hoh, what an interesting ability. Well then sir what do you want to ask?”

”Please, no need to talk to me formally” Alaster said.

Ned gave a nod before changing his way of talking, ” well then old man, what do you want to ask?”

”Sigh, first of all, I would like to apologize for my granddaughter's mistake, I am also at fault as If it wasn't for me telling her to be helpful to you, then she wouldn't be so curious.” The old man said while sighing. And Lori seeing he apologized for her felt down because it was her mistake.

”No need to, I also apologize for overly reacting. It's my first time out of the village, and I don't know if I can trust anyone yet.” Ned said.

The old man smiled at that ”Haha, indeed you wouldn't know. Well then, my first question is, would you be able to take off your mask?”

Ned didn't reply yes immediately, although he knew that he can trust them, if they were to become enemies they would surly send people to hunt him.

”Young Ned, me and Lori can swear using our magic as a binding if you'd like to ? The old man told him, when he saw him hesitate.

Ned was suddenly confused, he didn't know what is it that Alaster was talking about. And so he asked his trusted Emmy, internally of course. 'Emmy what is he talking about?'