Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"That\'s incredible." Kiana\'s eyes widened. Even though she was not quite aware of the specifics of the Frenzy Apes as much as a Master of Beasts, she at least had a little information about the existence of such dangerous creatures.

"You did say that they were a capable team," Lucius said as he briefed over the letter.

"They\'ve managed to acquire the Frenzy Apes not through going through the jungles themselves, but by acquiring them through two of the rune beasts being sold by a person in the village that they\'ve arrived in." Lucius explained.

"That\'s fortunate… but surely that should be expensive as well," Kiana said.

"It is, and they did not have enough money, but Finch was capable of securing some money from Sir Cambrian it seems. They will be asking for reimbursement." Lucius said.

"Then we shall await their arrival before we confirm it," Kiana said.

"Mmm, do you not trust their word, Kiana?" Lucius asked.

"I…" Kiana shook her head and then bit down on her lip. "My apologies. I\'m a little overcome by emotions. I think they are trustworthy, Lord Asher, but I… I just do not like the idea of that Miss Lily being around in the same area as you do, Lord Asher. I wish to confide that with you, Lord Asher."

"I see." Lucius nodded slowly. "There is a reason as to why you feel that way, and I understand that."

"So… you are aware, Lord Asher?" Kiana asked, sounding a bit relieved.

"I do not have any time for such things, Kiana and neither do I have any interest in doing so." Lucius expressed with a chuckle. "I need to work on contacting the Bishop once more to finally start working on the artifacts. Back and forth constantly."

"Of course, Lord Asher," Kiana said with a smile on her face. She was feeling much better than anything now, knowing that Lord Asher was still aligned with his goals.

"I am far more interested in a lot of other tasks, Kiana." Lucius chuckled. 

"O-of course, and I will be of help to them." Kiana eagerly nodded. "But yes, Gellor and his team are trustworthy. I trust in the man, but even then, it is still better to exercise precaution. I am glad that… Finch, was able to acquire money through Sir Cambrian, so now we just have to pay him back in the full amount and price once we\'ve received the rune crystals, right?"

"Yes, Kiana. That is exactly what I plan to do." Lucius nodded. 

"Thank you, Asher." Kiana said with a look of relief on her face. 

\'It\'s unfortunate, but there are times where people are overcome with emotion. It\'s far better to lead and direct them as much as one can.\' Lucius thought.

Lucius made his way back to his study and wrote a prompt reply to Captain Gellor and his team. 

"But ah yes, I will contact Bishop Reynold about your return to studies then?" Kiana said.

"Yes and no. I will mostly be doing as much work as possible. It is time to create an artifact that will bring more money in the future to the Inanis family." Lucius explained. 

"That sounds like a great plan, Asher." Kiana nodded in agreement. At the end of the day, it was always the Inanis Family that Lord Asher prioritized which was the same for Kiana. "I will start making some preparations for… Gellor\'s reward too."

"Yes, acquire what\'s necessary. Though most of it will be taken from the area where Gellor and his team are currently in so they mostly have it. Will you check instead on how Leif is doing with the condition of our three favorite men?" Lucius said.

"Y-yes, of course. I will do that right away, Asher." Kiana promptly bowed her head and then bade her farewell. "I will return as promptly as I can."

"Appreciated, Kiana."

After Lucius\'s conversation with Kiana, the young man immediately made his way to the library, made a reply to Gellor and his team, and then decide on which artifacts were the most commercially sound ones to create.

"Lamps are quite common already. I\'ve already witnessed it beforehand and so are other weapons…" Lucius muttered to himself as he wrote on his journal.

It was time for him to choose.

***

Elsewhere in the inanis mansion, Viscountess Blackshield woke up with a headache. She had overdone herself with drinking even when she promised herself not to.

"Ugh, I missed the farewells with Baron Hugh and his family, didn\'t I? I want to go back to bed and sleep the days away."

However, the Viscountess already made a promise to leave and that was what she wished to do.

"At least let me hold that accountable to myself." Viscountess Blackshield told herself.

It was about somewhat after lunch when Lucius and Viscountess Blackshield soon met, and it was when Viscountess Blackshield asked around for the presence of Asher even when it was past meal time.

Viscountess Blackshield looked embarrassed, a sheepish expression on the woman\'s face.

"Ah, Lord Asher." Viscountess greeted. "I have overstayed my welcome, but I thank you and your family for letting me stay."

"It is of no issue, Viscountess Blackshield. Your presence has been a welcome and not at all a burden." Lucius said.

"I am glad that I\'ve contributed." Viscountess Blackshield replied with a small smile. It was easier to express her emotions around now and it was with some help with Lord Asher\'s presence.

"But ah yes, before I leave, is there anything else I can help you with, Lord Asher?" Viscountess Blackshield asked. "I\'ve enjoyed my spars with you greatly and am grateful for your invitation here."

"There has been something that has preoccupied my mind, though I am concerned that it may be a little too private." Lucius admitted.

"Please ask. I will let you know if it\'s too much for me to handle, Lord Asher." Viscountess Blackshield said.

"Then I shall be forward then, Viscountess Blackshield." Lucius said. He cleared his throat and then looked at her. "May I perhaps inquire into the nature of your Gift?"