บท 40: Living Like Normal People
During breakfast, Finland couldn't help but think that she was starting to get used to this kind of life; meeting Caspar every day and sharing her ups and downs with him. Nothing felt out of place and unpleasant. Everything felt light and warm, and Finland liked who she was when she was around Caspar.
"Caspar, you have lived for a very long time, right...?" Finland asked suddenly, "What does it feel like?"
"Uhm... normal, I guess." Caspar shrugged. "You are used to eating rice, right? There's nothing special about eating rice. The same goes for me; I've lived like this for so many centuries. Look, if a poor person suddenly becomes rich, he would feel that something special happened in his life. He would feel like the world turned upside down, and he would feel like he is living a new life. However, for me it is different. I have lived like this for so long, it feels normal. What I don't know is how it feels like to live as an ordinary person."
"Hmm, that's right." Finland nodded. She then looked at it from a new perspective. "Have you ever been bored with your life? I mean... 400 years, it is a very long time..."
Caspar then started to understand the hidden meaning behind Finland's questions. The girl wanted to know what it felt like to live as an "immortal" person. She couldn't imagine living such a long life, because ordinary humans only lived to the age of 70 or 80 years.
"I like my life, it never feels boring," Caspar said calmly. "I can do all of the things that I like. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time exploring the world. I moved between countries and continents, met many new and interesting people, learned foreign languages and cultures, and enjoyed different foods from all over the world. I can change professions according to my interests, which change over time. I've worked as a judge, military general fighting in battles, a literary writer, a painter, an actor, a doctor, and many more. You don't have to choose because you can do everything... "
Finland nodded again. That made sense, she thought.
"But... in your long life, surely you have met so many people who slowly grow old and die. How do you feel when they are gone?"
"Hmm..." Caspar frowned and tried to think of a good answer, so Finland could understand his point of view. "We try not to be too attached to ordinary people, to prevent such feelings of loss. Initially, it was hard, but then we become used to it. My family has staff who have worked for us from generation to generation. For example, Ben and his family. They helped me deal with things related to the company for a very long time. Stanis, Ben's older brother, is currently the head of our household staff. He oversees all the staff who knows the secrets of the Alchemists. There are about 20 people in total, which includes Ms. Law, Katrin, and John from Rose Mansion. I no longer feel a loss when the people around me die, because I know the time we spent together was enough, and they had a good life. I knew Katrin, John, and Lilian Law since they were young when I first came to Singapore a few decades ago. I have been meeting them for a month every year for decades. I see them as who they are and I never felt like they are aging, until I met you. You needed a place to live and I offered you my place. When I first met Katrin, she was your age... now she looks like your grandmother."
"When I first came, Ms. Law told me that her master's name was Van der Ven. Who is that?"
"That's Stanis' and Ben's family names. I sometimes use their surname." Caspar smiled wryly, "If they told you from the start that this house is mine, surely you wouldn't want to stay here."
"Yeah, that is right..."
Caspar finished his breakfast and looked at the clock, it was almost 8 am. "We can talk more about the lives of the Alchemists during dinner. Now I have to take care of something. You also have to go to the office, right?"
Finland nodded. "Yes. I have several meetings today."
They prepared to leave for work. As usual, Caspar insisted on taking Finland to work but the girl insisted to be dropped off at the park one block away from her office. When Finland was about to get out of the car, Caspar held her hand and embraced her.
"I need to go somewhere after work. I will send Ben to pick you up, okay?"
"Uhm, why? We can meet at home for dinner as usual."
"I want to eat out," Caspar said, shrugging his shoulders. "I want to show you what it feels like to live like me."
Finland raised her eyebrows; she didn't understand what he meant, "What do you mean?"
"You asked me this morning what it feels to live like me... It is true that I am different. I have never lived like an ordinary person before, so I don't know how to explain it to you." Caspar touched Finland's chin and brought his face closer to the girl's face, "I'm glad to hear that you're interested in knowing how we live our lives as immortals. It means that you're starting to think about being with me. I'm touched..."
They stared at each other very closely for a moment.
"I'm just curious," admitted Finland.
"Being curious is good." Caspar kissed Finland's lips before the girl could dodge. Finland was not angry, she just blushed and it made Caspar even more tempted to kiss her. He touched her cheek gently, trying to hold back from pinching her cheek. "I'm very happy to hear that. I promise to make you happy."
"I'm still thinking. Don't draw any conclusions. It's only been a few days." Finland patted Caspar's shoulder and got out of the car. "See you tonight."
"I will send Ben to pick you up. Have fun at work." He hastily added, "I love you."
Finland turned when she heard Caspar say his last sentence and her face blushed. This was the fourth time Caspar said that he loved her and Finland still hadn't answered. The girl just replied with a smile and then continued walking to her office in the Suntec Tower.
"When will you respond to my love confession, Finland..." Caspar murmured when he saw the girl walk away. He then turned to the driver, "Ben, let's go to the airport, I need to meet Stanis."
"Yes, Sir."
***
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