Epic Of The Demonic Sage

The trip to Dionysia Brewery was something that perhaps every noble would appreciate even though not everyone was capable of understanding or cared much about the brewing process unless they were interested in the business as well.

Viscountess Blackshield was not extensively interested in the brewery, but she enjoyed herself as Alessa toured her, Lucius, Kiana and the rest through the brewery.

“And this is just a fresh batch finished, Viscountess. I hope that you can enjoy it.” Alessa smiled and offered everyone a drink with some of her people that accompanied them.

“Mmm… it is delicious. I know that wine gets better as time passes, but even at this stage, it is already quite pleasant,” Viscountess Blackshield said. “This recipe is quite great.”

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“Thank you, Viscountess.” Alessa smiled. It was always a surreal feeling for Alessa to say such things especially when Young Lord Asher was around, but she was getting more used to it.

‘She’s improving with how she engages and deals with the people. Countess Lita truly prepared her well and she learns fast too. The decision to choose them as the puppet for the brewery was quite apt.’ Lucius thought as he sipped some of the fresh Humble Blaze.

“I am curious though. Do you intend to make more kinds of alcohol? Or perhaps there is a secret batch that is already being made? I do not mind being a taste tester if that is the case and will seal my lips from letting the word out,” the Viscountess said with some mirth in her eyes.

Alessa chuckled and shook her head.

“I am afraid that we currently do not have any secret alcohol being produced right now, Viscountess Blackshield. At the moment, we are still trying to establish ourselves and get more stability in the market. Once we have that and enough time, then we would enjoy experimenting. For now though, Humble Blaze would continue to be our main and primary product.”

“I see. It appeared to me that this brewery is already well-established, but I am not all that well-versed in how these work,” Viscountess Blackshield said with a smile. “I am looking forward to the future though.”

“Thank you. We will keep you in mind if we need someone to taste,” Alessa replied cordially.

After exchanging a couple more pleasantries, the group did not linger in Dionysia Brewery much longer after that time, and soon enough, they head out.

“We will be heading to the re-education center now, Viscountess, but first, we will also be visiting other places that are along the way. Please tell me if a particular place is not that entertaining to you though,” Lucius said.

“It is not often that I’d hear someone worry about my entertainment, much less for someone to express that a particular area that is under their territory might not be entertaining.”

Lucius chuckled. “Your enjoyment is a valuable thing, Viscountess and we are not so conceited to think that every place we might bring you will be pleasant to you.”

“I will be honest then.”

***

Inanis City was a thriving city, and while it was no royal capital or a trade hub like Etara’s Cross, it was still the home of the Count and successful enough to have its own charm and sights that could engage any visitors who came.

Not everything was entertaining for someone like Viscountess Blackshield, but she was refined and also knew how to enjoy whatever place they went to, though she also had her own particular favorites.

“This weapon shop is good. Not as extensive as mine, but it serves its purpose well,” the Viscountess said as she and Lucius left the shop.

Sir Cambrian himself was actually present during that time and greeted them cordially.

A gift was actually being placed in the carriage.

“And how is the weapon shop in your place, Viscountess?” Lucius inquired.

“More extensive, and well… there’s a lot more competitors.” Viscountess Blackshield confessed. “I understand why Sir Cambrian has quite a great hold over Inanis City, however.”

The places that they visited were all smiles and greeted them with much vigor when Kiana and the guards announced their presence.

“Greetings, Young Lord Asher and Viscountess!”

The Viscountess did not hesitate to purchase things for herself, but also accepted the hospitality of Asher from time to time.

“You wish to see what the streets are like, Viscountess?”

“You and your father have both praised the re-education center and the reduced crime in the city,” Viscountess Blackshield pointed out. “Also, I have stayed in the mansion all day yesterday and would like to also walk as well.”

“Very well.” Lucius said.

This time, Kiana and the guards mostly kept their places around the two nobles, but the Viscountess did not shy away from visiting stalls or even greeting the local people of the city.

Lucius expected her to be more distant, but whenever children pointed at the Viscountess in awe of her, she did not hesitate to smile and even converse briefly with the children’s parents.

There was a soft side to the Viscountess that she mostly held back, but now felt a bit more comfortable to express without the eyes of other nobility on her.

Lucius himself did the same as Viscountess Blackshield, joining her until he stopped in his tracks and glanced around the area with a frown.

Their journey across the city was mostly safe and pleasant, but now a strange feeling overcame Lucius and he did not ignore it.

His years of instinct that was established during his time in the Great Barrom Clan did not fail him and it was telling him that there was danger, albeit it was hard to tell the exact direction.

The streets were flooded with individuals and as Lucius glanced left and right, he didn’t say a word and instead chose to approach Viscountess Blackshield.

‘It would be a terrible thing if everyone panics in this street, so I will cause no alarm.’ Lucius thought.

“Viscountess, may I have a word?”