Chapter 174: A Father’s Guilt

The following morning, Roderic’s eyes slowly fluttered open.

His gaze drifted to the window, finding the sun already high in the sky above.

’Huh...’ he thought, glancing up at the ceiling. ’I really slept in.’

The difference was immediately noticeable.

His body had completely recovered, leaving not an ache behind.

Even so, Roderic didn’t get out of bed right away.

He remained lying there for a moment, rubbing his forehead slowly.

’I’m never purchasing a bundle of techniques again,’ he thought. ’Who the fuck thought it was a good idea to force all that information into me...’

After purchasing the manuals, he’d once again found himself inside that special space.

Only after witnessing every single movement from all eight techniques had he finally been allowed to leave.

’At least I confirmed their quality.’

Each technique contained roughly six movements, and not a single one could be considered weak.

In fact, some were so powerful that even Roderic had been left speechless.

’With these, Whitemane’s military strength will increase tremendously.’

Of that, he had no doubt.

RUMBLE!

The sudden rumbling of his stomach snapped Roderic out of his thoughts.

Glancing down, he couldn’t help but rub his belly.

’’Breakfast,’’ he muttered in a low tone. ’’I really need to devour some food right now.’’

Without wasting another moment, he climbed out of bed.

...

A short while later, Roderic made his way through the manor’s corridors.

Having washed and changed into a fresh set of clothes, he was now heading toward the dining hall.

However, just as he was about to enter, a familiar voice called out to him.

’’Roderic?’’

Turning back, Roderic spotted Arthur.

The man was already approaching from the opposite end of the corridor, a folded document clutched in his hand.

’’Morning, Arthur,’’ Roderic greeted him casually.

Arthur nodded once, a complicated expression on his face.

Upon reaching Roderic, his gaze flickered down to the document.

’’I’ve read through what you gave me,’’ he said hesitantly.

A smile grew across Roderic’s face.

’’And?’’ he asked, tilting his head. ’’What did you think of it?’’

Arthur remained silent for a moment.

’’If what’s written here is true...’’ he started slowly.

Unfortunately for him, Roderic didn’t even plan to let him finish his sentence.

’’It is true,’’ he interrupted. ’’And yes, it will change the Whitemane territory immensely.’’

Arthur glanced up, his eyes locking on Roderic’s.

The document contained an unknown method that promised to revolutionize how knights were recruited.

Yet his son spoke of it with complete and utter confidence.

It was almost... unsettling.

Even now, countless questions roamed through his mind.

’Where did Roderic obtain this information?’

’How is he so sure of the results?’

’Is there someone supporting him?’

And it wasn’t just isolated to this particular incident.

Time and time again, Roderic had shown or done something completely unexplainable.

Whether it was the design of the ballista or the numerous traps.

Even the war itself was predicted by him a long time ago.

’Can’t forget about the incident Henry reported either,’ he thought. ’Summoning a shield out of thin air to block an attack...’

Yet, when Arthur looked into Roderic’s eyes, he noticed something.

The boy had absolutely no intention of explaining anything further.

Arthur’s gaze lowered slightly, his expression softening.

’That’s right...’ he thought. ’After everything I’ve done... I’m not even in a position to ask about it.’

He paused for a moment.

’Much less demand an explanation or anything of the sort.’

Meanwhile, a sudden thought also flashed through Roderic’s mind.

’’Right,’’ he said casually. ’’Do make sure the Perception Test stays hidden for as long as possible.’’

’’Just disguise it as a small, seemingly insignificant part of the regular recruitment tests. Nothing that would draw any attention.’’

The last thing they wanted was for other territories to pick up on it.

Arthur snapped out of his thoughts and nodded right away.

’’Agreed,’’ he replied calmly.

He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to ask something else.

However, before he could speak, Roderic raised a finger.

’’Stay here for a moment,’’ he said. ’’There’s something else I need to give you.’’

Without explaining anything further, Roderic briefly headed back to his room.

Arthur stayed behind, a tinge of pain shooting through his heart.

After only a minute, Roderic turned the corner again.

This time, however, a stack of eight thick books rested between his hands.

Arthur’s brows rose.

’’What are those?’’ he asked in confusion.

’’Take these,’’ Roderic replied, dumping the stack into Arthur’s arms. ’’You’ll understand once you read them.’’

Arthur instinctively caught the manuals.

’’Roderic, what exactly...’’ His voice slowly trailed off.

His gaze had fallen upon the title of the uppermost book.

’A technique manual?’

Arthur glanced at the remaining books.

They all appeared to be techniques, each meant for a different weapon.

’’Good, that’s settled,’’ Roderic continued. ’’We should start recruiting people while we still have the victory’s positive effects. Can you work on that?’’

Arthur took a moment to compose himself.

Then he nodded firmly.

’’I’ll have notices distributed through the city today. We’ll set up the test in three days.’’

A satisfied smile appeared on Roderic’s face.

’’Perfect,’’ he said, raising his thumb. ’’I’m starving, so I’ll leave the rest to you.’’

With that, he turned towards the dining hall.

Arthur remained standing in the corridor, clutching the eight manuals against his chest.

For a long moment, he could only stare after his son.

...

Roderic made his way to the dining hall.

Once there, he devoured everything that’d been prepared for him.

After finishing, however, he did not return to his room.

Instead, he began making his way outside, heading for his retainers’ quarters.

A wide grin slowly appeared on his face.

’Now then... It’s about time to get those four moving again.’

...

Inside the residence, the atmosphere was peaceful.

All four retainers sat around a wooden table, enjoying a freshly brewed pot of tea.

Bandages covered various parts of their bodies, reminders of the battle they’d fought only days earlier.

For once, they were enjoying some well-deserved rest.

Unfortunately, that peace wouldn’t last much longer.

BANG!

The door suddenly swung open.

’’Alright, everyone!’’ Roderic announced enthusiastically. ’’Get up! We’re going training!’’

Four heads immediately turned toward him.

Nobody said anything; only their expressions soured.

Then Peter slowly raised his bandaged arm.

’’Young Master... we’re still injured,’’ he said, swallowing hard. ’’Shouldn’t we be resting?’’

For a moment, Roderic thought about it.

Then a wide smile flashed across his face.

’’You’ve already had plenty of rest,’’ he said warmly. ’’Now it’s time to loosen up your muscles for a faster recovery!’’

’’...’’

All four of their expressions fell slightly.

Roderic, however, simply clapped his hands together.

’’Come on! We don’t have all day.’’

Groans and sighs rang out left and right as they got to their feet.

Hearing them, the grin on Roderic’s face widened slightly.

’’Don’t be like that now,’’ he said. ’’You’re going to have to train hard if you want to get to the Second Seal before the final fight!’’

Silence fell throughout the room.

Four pairs of eyes widened simultaneously.

’’The... Second Seal?’’ Frederic repeated. ’’That’s our goal?’’

Roderic nodded once.

’’That’s right,’’ he replied casually. ’’So get ready. I’ll be waiting outside.’’

With that, he turned around and left.

The four retainers exchanged glances.

Their peaceful days of recovery had officially come to an end.