Epic Of The Demonic Sage

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Before the two could speak any further, a familiar Baron made his way to them with a jovial expression on his face.

“Young Lord Asher. I’m afraid that I won’t be able to join you right away, but my family and I will be coming over as soon as we can and we will send a letter too.” Baron Hugh said.

“Do not worry about it, Baron Hugh, we will be looking forward to it.” Lucius said.

“Perhaps we will see each other too, Viscountess.” Baron Hugh added with a smile and inclined his head to the Viscountess. “I do not know how long you are staying there, but it would be nice to speak with you as well.”

“Thank you, Baron Hugh. We appreciated your hospitality for the banquet tonight. Perhaps you will be interested in sparring with me if you arrive there.”

“Sparring?” Baron Hugh’s eyes widened and he let out a nervous laugh. “Ah, Viscountess is incredible at making jokes. Young Lord Asher, you may not know of it, but Viscountess Blackshield is excellent with such things paired with her expression.”

“Hmm…” Viscountess Blackshield didn’t say anything to contradict or argue with the statement, which only made it even slightly more nervous inducing.

“Ahem. I look forward to discussing the reform that you speak about, Young Lord Asher. In addition, my son and daughter, Benjamin and Lily are also looking forward to coming to Inanis City and spend time with you. In that regard, I am most apologetic that there were these young ladies that do not know how to hold themselves back. I swear, some do not know how to discipline their children.”

“Do not worry about it, Baron Hugh.” Lucius said.

Baron Hugh was able to segue back to his children in such an efficient manner that it was almost slightly impressive to Lucius.

‘Of course, in addition to what I may be able to provide to Etara’s Cross on a whole, Baron Hugh is also interested in forming good relationships between his children and me. A little too forward, but at least he is not exactly speaking about marriage or anything like that. He knows his limits well.’

“Thank you, Young Lord Asher. I’ve spoken with my own servants as well in regards to the amount of alcohol they’ve given. I still feel partly responsible for what happened,” Baron Hugh sighed.

“You do not need to worry about such things. They were the ones who were unable to control themselves, Baron Hugh. I believe my father and I will find no issue with it, nor can we blame the servants when I am sure that they were afraid of the consequences of not giving the ladies what they wanted.”

‘It will do no good if the alcohol is the one blamed for such an incident. The Humble Blaze is strong, but really, those who do not know how to control themselves are most at fault.’ Lucius thought. He found no appreciation for people without self discipline.

“That is a relief. Thank you for your generosity, Young Lord Asher. I wish you and your family, alongside the Viscountess a safe journey ahead!”

***

The return to Inanis City was most unobtrusive and peaceful. Similar to what happened before, the sight of the Inanis carriage was enough to make drivers clear the road for them to travel safely and without any delay.

With the escort of the Inanis Family guards and with the addition of Viscountess Blackshield and her attendants in their own carriages, only fools would have attempted to try and harm them.

“Did you enjoy yourself during the banquet, Asher?” Countess Lita asked.

“I did, mother.” Lucius said.

Countess Lita was actually livid because of all the noble young ladies that tried to disturb Asher and it was only the efforts of Kiana and Alessa from earlier that prevented her from doing so.

“That’s good. What did you enjoy the most?” Countess Lita asked, relieved.

“Interacting with the people, I was finally able to meet everyone who are on our side and even gave a speech. Hopefully, this will allow us to make more progress with the business of our family,” Lucius said. “I have high hopes. Viscount Felldan, Baron Harmund and Baron Hugh all expressed interest.”

Countess Lita smiled and relaxed slightly. “You’re always so concentrated on those things. You certainly have a lot of projects already, Asher… although if there is one thing that I am curious about, it’s why Viscountess Blackshield is coming with us.”

Count Gabriel had mostly stayed quiet after dealing with all of the nobility that apologized earlier but did pay attention to the conversation. He was in fact quite curious as well, especially when Viscountess Blackshield said that she was invited by Asher, he made no inquiries.

Kiana had yet to fill in all the details, which left Lucius responsible for it.

“Ah, Kiana hasn’t mentioned it yet?” Lucius raised a brow.

“I was more concerned with the incident from last night.” Countess Lita sighed.

“Of course, the reason for it is similar to Baron Hugh’s reasons for coming in later. Although, there is the difference of there being a spar with her,” Lucius said.

“A spar?” Countess Lita’s eyes widened. She had expected a number of responses, but not a spar.

She glanced at Count Gabriel, but the man looked neutral about it.

“A spar with Viscountess Blackshield? That is a rare opportunity…” Count Gabriel said. “I presume that you are the one who asked her.”

“Yes. I was the one who asked it. Would you be interested in sparring with her as well, father?” Lucius asked.

“Her gift is immensely useful, but you already know what my gift can do, Asher.” Count Gabriel said with a slight chuckle. “It will be a good challenge for you. I can imagine.”

‘Depending on the Bulwark Gift that Viscountess has, I am actually curious on how it might interact with Count Inanis’ gift as both are on the same rank.’ Lucius thought but kept such thoughts to himself.

For now, they continued to travel.