Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"Oh my, is that Asher Inanis? Count Gabriel! It's been so long! Congratulations once again to your victory, although what else could we have expected from someone as excellent of a warrior as you are?" a voice spoke excitedly.

Lucius glanced briefly at a man that was barely five feet in height but his loud and jovial voice caught the attention of everyone.

"Thank you for the warm regards, Baron Ridel. This is Asher indeed." Count Gabriel gestured to his son who smiled politely.

"Haha, look at how much you've grown like your father, that is quite impressive." Baron Ridel said with a chuckled. "I've heard that you also became quite impulsive and went against the Gisir army even without permission from your father. Recklessness truly runs in the family doesn't it?"

This was a topic that Lucius was aware most nobility would steer away from or at least deal with a more serious or even hopeful tone.

'They'd at least wish me well that I've recovered, but this man is instead able to focus on my supposed character instead of anything else.' Lucius thought. 'What an interesting fellow, though I do not understand why he's interested with me and not my father of all people.'

"I would like to think that my experiences has helped shaped me into a better man, Baron Ridel." Lucius replied.

"Oh, you have the tongue of your mother. Countess Lita must be so proud." Baron Ridel grinned and inclined his head to the Countess who was actually preoccupied with the others who were speaking with her.

"You've… you've known of my mother's gift?" Lucius said in mild surprise. He knew that his reaction was supposed to be more composed as it was the gift of Countess Lita and it was quite likely that Asher had already witnessed it beforehand.

"Oh yes, of course I have." Baron Ridel said, somewhat amused. "Hmm, it's a rare gift that truly makes your mother shine when given a chance. I'd say it's her sweet words that won your father's heart once upon a time."

Count Gabriel looked barely fazed by the other Barons who came by, but somehow the short Baron Ridel managed to speak a lot that somehow hit the nail on the head almost perfectly.

"Must we really speak of such things at this moment? Do you have no inquiries of what transpired during the fight against Viscount Drew, Asher himself has also participated in it you know?"

"Huh. Not so reckless, is that so?" Baron Ridel chuckled and his eyes crinkled in a way that a cat might like as he looked up at Asher. "How was the fight? Do you think that you'll follow in the footsteps of your father?"

"We won in the end, Baron Ridel. And of course, I would like to follow the footsteps of my father. I have to admit that I still have much to learn, but I'm doing my best." Lucius replied.

"Attaboy!" Baron Ridel patted Lucius' arm. "You've got quite a lot of catching up to do since I heard that you mostly focused on the swordsmanship aspect which is not what a Count solely does, but unlike Baron Harmund over there, poor lad, you have a lot of time on your shoulders. Don't forget to relax too, you're so stiff."

"Thank you for your advice and suggestion." Lucius calmly said. "I'll take them into account."

"Of course, it is a pleasure to help lead the youth, our future lies in with you and the rest of the folks here like Baron Hugh's son Benjamin and daughter Lily." Baron Ridel nodded. "If you have any questions, I suppose you could also come approach me for help. I'm no Count, but if it's for you, young man, then I'll do my best."

'Yes, it's quite clear that he has a lot of interest in me. I'm not sure if I'll take this in the most calmest of manner, but Count Gabriel does not even seem to notice, so perhaps he is harmless or I am misreading things. For the first time since I've gotten here, I hope that my judgment is incorrect and I'm merely predisposed to suspicion.' Lucius thought.

Lucius was a former servant of the Great Barrom Clan and was familiar with all modes of services that needed to be done to their superiors, and among them had included things that related in the realm of sexual services.

"My son speaks of such things as if he needs to learn, but he's actually proved to be quite competent and I have been allowing him free reign to do as he pleases. He's no longer a young boy, Baron Ridel." Count Gabriel said. "He's only being humble about his recent accomplishments."

"Accomplishments? Why, Asher has been humble indeed. I did hear that he has been commended by His Majesty himself, and among other things, perhaps you can enlighten me?"

"Asher has started a re education center for rehabilitating criminals in our city, our crime rate has dropped to such considerably low levels that it can be compared to a small village and of course, he was able to connect us with a good mercenary group that helped turn the tide during the war against Viscount Drew, Baron Ridel." Kiana finally spoke at last.

'I don't think Asher is enjoying his conversation with Baron Ridel and it has indeed been quite long. It's far better to intervene.' Kiana thought to herself.

Lucius could have handled it by himself, but he was at least a little grateful that Kiana stepped in.

"Oh, really? That's wonderful news! I would love to hear all the details. And ah, Miss Kiana, I have almost not noticed that you were here if you haven't spoken up." Baron Ridel smiled. "I hope you are doing well."

"Thank you. I have been doing well, indeed. But ah, yes, Asher, you seem like you want to get a drink? I think Lord Benjamin and Lady Lily are there by the banquet table." Kiana pointed out.

"Perhaps I'll mingle a little with people my age." Lucius agreed and excused himself.

'If there's anything that Baron Ridel has spoken correctly about, it's the fact that the younger generation will be taking after the older ones. There's also some use to interacting with them.'