Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"Baron Hugh, the rest of the nobles have arrived at last." A servant came into the balcony and interrupted Baron Hugh who was mid-way to another story.

"Oh? They've arrived already? Haha, the time passed so quickly. Please excuse me as I go welcome them in, please feel free to go ahead to the banquet hall already." Baron Hugh stood up and left the Count with the others.

"If you'll allow me to escort you to the banquet hall. I will be happy to do so!" Lily said with a disarming smile.

"We would appreciate that greatly dear." Countess Lita returned that smile and shared a look with her husband.

Lucius was not the only one who observed that Lily was throwing discreet looks in his way, but even the Count and Countess as well.

'We haven't known that girl very well, but she is quite cute and polite.' Countess Lita thought. 'Although, I'm not sure if she's quite a good match for Asher.'

Count Gabriel also had the same line of thoughts. Although Lily had done her best to converse more during the afternoon tea, the topics that she had divulged in were something that any other noble lady would have done so.

"We're here. Would everyone like to go for some refreshments?" Lily smiled as she led them towards a table.

"Thank you, we would appreciate that. Although feel free to mingle with others as well, dear. You have already welcomed us quite a lot." Countess Lita said.

"Oh, that's fine, the guests of honor are none other than Count Inanis. So it makes more sense that we pay more attention to you guys." Lily said with a shy smile.

"Ah, but it does make sense to say hi to some of the others. If you will excuse us then, Count and Countess. I am sure that there's also much who would wish to talk with you." Benjamin placed his shoulders on his sister's back and bowed his head lowly.

'Lily is eager to stick around but at least Benjamin was able to read in between the lines.' Lucius thought to himself and smiled as the two siblings left to head to their own devices.

"Ah, I wonder where Alessa is?" John murmured as he searched for his wife, but then realized something. "Count and Countess, would you like me to get Kiana back? I can take care of Cia in the meantime. I would hate for her to miss the banquet."

"Do you wish to escape from this event?" Count Gabriel lifted a brow.

"No, of course not, Count Inanis." John laughed a bit. "But I do admit that I am out of my natural environment."

"Well, you need not to worry about Cia and Kiana because they're here at last." Countess Lita said.

John perked up at the sight of his child more calmed down, and he quickly offered to take Cia from out of Kiana's arms. "Thank you. I'll take it from here."

"It was a pleasure to help you, John." Kiana smiled and then rubbed her shoulders. Without the duties of taking care of a baby, Kiana instantly went towards Asher.

"How's the banquet so far? I'll help identity the ones who you need to know the most, although I imagine that most of them will come forward and introduce themselves." Kiana said.

"That would be appreciated," Lucius discreetly said. Although he was certain that the Count and Countess would also do their best to assist him in case it was necessary.

Lucius glanced around the banquet hall and was greeted by the sight of numerous people he had never met before.

However, a great number of them when they had noticed the arrival of the Count went forwards to share their congratulations in person.

Lucius took it as an opportunity to stand by the side, although it was actually impossible for him to truly avoid any sort of conversation.

"Baron Harmund, how are you doing?" Count Gabriel nodded briefly at a young man who seemed to have only reached the age of thirty.

"Quite well, Count Inanis. Congratulations to another victory." Baron Harmund smiled although his shoulders were tense. "And you must be Young Lord Asher. I am glad that you have recovered well from your injuries. I'm certainly impressed that you still participated in the battle against Viscount Drew even after the events of Gisir."

"My responsibilities are something that I wish to take, Baron Harmund." Lucius smiled.

Baron Harmund bowed. "Indeed. We cannot escape from them and so we must rise to the occasion."

The young man paid quick respects to the Count before excusing himself to return to his place with some other minor nobility who had already greeted the Count.

Once the Baron was gone, Kiana quickly lowered her voice and spoke.

"Baron Harmund's father died last year in the same battle as you did, Asher. I suppose succeeding after his father is something that he hasn't been taking too well."

"Indeed." Lucius noticed the stressed demeanor of the man.

However, another man quickly strode up and approached Count Gabriel.

Everyone else stepped out of the way and even Lucius couldn't help but be drawn in his direction because of how tall the man was compared to the others.

"Baron Glintaxe. Greetings." Count Gabriel looked up briefly at the nearly seven feet tall man.

Lucius noticed that the man was in his fifties and there was an axe present on his back. Despite the fact that he was in a banquet, he didn't seem keen on dropping his weapon.

"Congratulations to another successful battle, Count Gabriel. You have done well yet again." Baron Glintaxe bowed respectfully. "Let us celebrate to your victory tonight."

"We shall. Thank you for coming, Baron." Count Gabriel said.

"Of course. If you'll excuse me, I'll give others a chance to speak with you and your family as well." Baron Glintaxe bowed again and then went on his way again.

"The Glintaxe started out as warrior clan and became part of the Grantz Kingdom three hundred years ago." Kiana explained.

"Indeed." Lucius nodded. The man was nonsensical and spoke with reserve, which was befitting someone who adhered to warrior like principles.

'An interesting figure.' Lucius thought then eyed the others who were approaching. 'But by far not the only one I'll encounter tonight.'