Chains of Fate

Ralph de Morgan's Assistance

"Madam, this is the gift list from Ralph de Morgan for your perusal," the butler said politely, presenting the list.

Lady Alicia glanced briefly at the list, her lips curving into a cold smile, "He really is generous."

Although the gifts were worth only ten silver coins, considering Ralph's current predicament, this amount represented his utmost sincerity. The gifts might be modest, but the intention was profound.

"Madam, will you help him?" the maid, Elina, asked cautiously.

Lady Alicia shot her a quick look, her eyes playful, "Why? Have you taken a liking to him?"

Elina responded unabashedly, "Madam jests with me. Who wouldn't be moved by such a handsome young man? But what I admire more is his ambition for the future, not despising the lowly position of a prison guard. He truly is different from those who only care about appearances. Madam, is it because he did not respond to your advances?"

Lady Alicia chuckled, her laugh tinged with a bit of chill. "Elina, has there ever been anyone who could resist my charm?"

"Never before. Everyone who meets you behaves like a wolf pouncing on a sheep, utterly lacking in grace. Only Ralph de Morgan remained unmoved."

"It's just his type that makes him an exception." Lady Alicia's gaze flickered with complex emotions, "This young man will surely not be confined to mediocrity. Tell me, should I help him?"

Elina became cautious. She couldn't outright say no to helping, but she also didn't want to encourage assistance against her better judgment. She knew how much Ralph cared about this prison guard position, and now the lady's mood made everything more delicate.

"Since he has brought a gift, it would be proper to inform the lord of this," Elina replied carefully.

Lady Alicia nodded, "You're right. Taking money for services is the lord's usual practice. But the weight of this gift is somewhat light. We'll see..." she smiled slightly, "Let's discuss it when the lord returns."

...

In the evening, after a busy day, Steward Damian returned home. As usual, Lady Alicia greeted him warmly, handing him a hot towel to wipe down and carefully massaging his shoulders.

Once he had relaxed, a delicate dinner was laid out on the table, and the couple sat down to dine together.

"You've come home late today," Lady Alicia noted softly.

"The chattering maids at the mansion have been lazy and slippery, and today it finally escalated to the grand lord's attention. Annoyed, he sold off a few, and I was left to deal with the fallout all day," Damian the steward shook his head, his face expressing his helplessness.

Lady Alicia was slightly surprised, "The mansion is renowned for its kindness, and selling servants could damage its reputation."

Damian scoffed, "Reputation is all for show; there is no real kindness. When the grand lord gets angry, nobody can stop him."

As she poured him wine, Lady Alicia smiled, "Guess who came by today?"

"Who?" Damian asked nonchalantly.

"Chen Chengzong's son, Ralph de Morgan," Lady Alicia said casually, picking up food for her husband as if Ralph's visit was a mere trifle.

"Chen Chengzong? The one who worked in the royal prison, not too bright, that one? Didn't he die years ago?" Damian thought for a moment before he remembered.

"He has a son who has now grown up. He came by today with some cured meats and a bag of silver coins, a proper gesture. He wants to inherit his father's position, but it's already been taken. Lord, should we help him?" Lady Alicia's tone was light, as if the matter was of little importance to her.

Damian took a sip of his wine, frowning slightly, "What's this Ralph like?"

"One of the few ambitious in the Chen family, but they have been distant relatives of our house for generations. I say we better not help. Helping him won't benefit you much," Lady Alicia stated decisively.

Damian initially had no intention of helping, but hearing his wife's words, he considered otherwise. "Actually, helping him isn't difficult; it's merely a matter of lifting a finger."

"But we should at least notify the mansion about this," Lady Alicia muttered, "I don't want to have to flatter the second lady over such a trivial matter, taking just ten silver coins and making a trip for it. Really, it's a loss."

Lady Alicia seemed impatient, seemingly displeased with her husband for bringing her troubles. But Damian hugged her, laughing, "Since you say he is an ambitious young man, let's just help him."

"What good can come from being a prison guard?" Lady Alicia frowned.

"That's not quite right to say. What if one day someone from the mansion falls into trouble and ends up in prison? Having him there would give us some leverage."

"God forbid! The mansion has been prosperous for a hundred years; don't jinx it," Lady Alicia quickly interrupted, her face showing some displeasure.

Damian laughed heartily, "You're right, my dear. This time, I'll trouble you to make a trip to the second lady, report the situation. If we help the descendant of the Chen family, the mansion should remember our kindness."

Lady Alicia shot him a cold look and huffed, "Alright, I'll do as you say. But there's a set of jewelry I've had my eyes on..."

"Buy it, buy it all!" Damian chuckled.

...

Days later, Ralph learned that he had indeed secured the position of prison guard, and a weight lifted from his heart. He made a special trip to thank the steward's household, but this time he neither saw the steward nor Lady Alicia, only the maid Elina greeted him.

Elina kindly told him, "I cannot accept this gift. Wait until you have enough money to afford a more respectable gift; that would show true sincerity."

Ralph considered this for a moment and found it reasonable. However, he did not take back the gift; after all, what has been given should not be returned.

Elina, having no choice, accepted the gift.

Ralph's sister Emma, upon learning that he had finally obtained the position, was overjoyed, claiming it was a blessing from heaven. That evening, she brought meat and vegetables home to celebrate.

The Morgan family, although in decline, still retained a small courtyard house near the royal prison. In the hardest times, his sister had refused to sell the house, a wise decision, for without it, Ralph would have had nowhere to live.

Emma, now over thirty and gentle and virtuous, had married the son of a city gate official. Life was modest but manageable. Every few days, the family managed a meat meal, though finances were always tight.

That day, Emma took out a bag of silver coins, intending to give it to her brother Ralph as a show of support. Ralph, however, firmly refused.

"Sister, I now have a steady job, and the office provides for my living expenses. I don't need much money."

"Nonsense! There will always be expenses for social obligations. You can't be like your father, too isolated, without anyone to rely on when needed," Emma spoke seriously.

"Don't worry, sister. I'll handle social obligations properly. When I get my salary, I'll treat my colleagues to a meal. They all know I've just started; there's no need to worry for now," Ralph patiently explained.

Emma hesitated for a moment before finally setting down the money bag, "Are you sure you don't need it?"

Ralph shook his head repeatedly, firmly refusing. He had made up his mind not to spend any money until he received his salary.