Epic Of The Demonic Sage

“Hmmm? What are you talking about, Lieutenant John?” Lucius raised his brow, momentarily pausing from slicing the steak he had.

Instead of enjoying the dinner at this well-loved restaurant in Inanis City, Lieutenant John looked like he was given his last meal at death row.

“I did not think that I would forget my place and position, Young Lord Asher, but it has come to this… that I thought that an incident at the Dionysia Brewery would be easy to forget.” Sir John said while his head hung low. “I am terribly ashamed for simply laughing about it earlier when it is a dire situation. I was unable to think about things clearly.”

“We do not need to talk about this in an environment like this, Sir John.” Lucius said.

“Ah, I have forgotten yet again.” Sir John winced when he realized that they were in a restaurant and the chances that there might be eavesdroppers might happen.

“Do not worry about those things, Lieutenant John. If the situation was truly dire then I would have spoken more quickly about it, but that is not what I came here for with you.” Lucius said. “We are not here to talk about that. Instead, I want you to think about something else, even more contradictory to what you are speaking about.”

“Contradictory?” John didn’t understand but he hung to every word. 

“While the grievances of such an incident has come to pass, I do not wish for you to think about forgetting your place. The Inanis Family is already grateful for your service and loyalty, but have you thought about reaching for more?”

“Reaching… reaching for more?”

“Yes. While my father, Count Inanis has come from a family who was already of the rank of nobility, the same cannot be said for you, Lieutenant John and I do not speak about it with ill intent, but merely to point out that my ancestors were in the same position as you are and then climbed the ranks so that their future children would obtain more.”

“I… I understand what you are trying to say, Young Lord Asher, but to tell you the truth is that I am not a person like Count Inanis or his predecessors. I took my job in the military necessary I am good at it and wish to contribute to the kingdom of Grantz as well as take care of my family. I do not have the same ambition as you do as well, Young Lord Asher.” Sir John chuckled and shook his head as he accepted his wine. “Imagining things like trying to gain more distinction in the military to become a noble and then strive for more… I am content with the life I have now. In fact, Alessa and I are most grateful for what you and your family has bestowed to us, Young Lord Asher.”

Lucius stared at Lieutenant John and reigned back in a sigh. He truly did not have much understanding for those without ambition and goals. He understood the notion of a simple life which many might have wanted, but Lucius was someone who wanted the whole world to himself.

‘It seems like I have to take this into another direction then. The reason why this has all happened in the first place and what drew the Count and Countess’ attention. If the Appraisal Ceremony did not happen, John and his wife would have truly been able to fade into the background of obscurity.’ Lucius thought.

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“They are the love of my life.” Lieutenant John said with a smile full of fondness. “Alessa sometimes complains that I love our daughter a little bit more than her, but she has her mother’s eyes and spirit. Ah, forgive me for speaking too forwardly, Young Lord Asher.”

“No need to worry. Even though I do not gave a child of my own, I can imagine how much she means to you…” Lucius said with well-crafted smile. “Your daughter, Cia… as you said, isn’t she a beautiful reflection of you and your wife? I can say that I think her future is bright. She has an Epic Rank gift, Thorn Mistress, originally belonging to that of the Great Warrior Delia. It is a gift that appeared after a century of waiting. What kind of future do you see your child growing up in? If I were a father, I would do my best to pave the future for her as much as possible.”

Sir John found himself blinking and staring at Young Lord Asher in confusion and awe. The way that the young man spoke almost seemed like he was someone who was a father as well.

It made Lieutenant John gulp.

‘I… at my status and rank now, the future I can provide for Cia is good but it cannot be compared to that of other people. Young Lord Asher is right, I want to provide the best for my daughter. To dedicate all the resources I have and make sure that she can achieve all she wants to achieve in this life.’ Lieutenant John glanced at Asher’s warm smile.

‘The Count and Countess are good people alongside Young Lord Asher, but if we had been in any other city, the situation might be more serious. They would grow to have much interest in Cia and mold her in a way to be used as a weapon… there’s not much interference now that she’s a baby, but when she grows older then things will change. We cannot always rely on the goodwill of the Inanis Fanily.’ John pondered

“I think I understand what you mean now, Young Lord Asher. A motivation to do better than you think you’re capable of, to give the entire world to the people you love? I thank you for your words or encouragement, I think, no, I will strive for more. My daughter Cia needs all the support that she can get.” Sir John said earnestly.

Lucius stared at the man for a moment, before he nodded. “Then I, Asher, will help you pave that way, Sir John.”