Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"A bit late to make a grand entrance, Viscountess?" Viscount Felldan chuckled.

"I arrive when I am most needed, Viscount Felldan. There have been some delays, but it was not my intention to come last." The Viscountess said.

"Of course, of course. I only wish to lighten the mood." Viscount Felldan waved a hand. "I was merely catching up with Count Gabriel here, but it's also good to see that you have arrived. It wouldn't be the same without you here yet."

"You have my thanks. But my presence is not necessarily that important, the purpose of this banquet is to celebrate the victory of Count Gabriel against Viscount Drew." Countess Blackshield smiled politely before she inclined her head to Count Gabriel. "You have my warmest congratulations, Count Gabriel. It was a fierce battle, but you were able to turn the tides and make it your victory."

"Thank you, Viscountess." Count Gabriel said.

'There's some history between Felldan and Blackshield, or perhaps she sees him as a rival, which also makes perfect sense.' Lucius thought as the Viscountess engaged with the Count and Viscount.

'She's not exactly as strange as Baron Hugh's wife that was already quite cold, instead she manages to retain a calm and polite demeanor while simply using barbs in her words every now and then.'

"But ah yes, the victory does not only lie in the head of the family but to also those who participated and risked their lives. You have my deep respect, young Asher, for not only participating in the Gisir with your valorous acts but also helped with the victory against Viscount Drew as well." The Viscountess turned to Lucius with a more softened gaze.

It wasn't entirely soft, but there was at least a less hint of coldness compared to when she dealt with Viscount Felldan.

"Thank you, Viscountess. I do my best." Lucius replied. He was a little surprised with the attention, but figured it was because of his position as Count Gabriel's son.

That was until the Viscountess' expression hardened slightly. She looked serious, but somehow it didn't seem like it was necessarily pointed at him.

"Yes. You've done quite an incredible job, Young Lord Asher, that sometimes it draws the attention of unsavory individuals who need to be taught severely. May you continue to be strong, Young Lord. There are many challenges that you will face if you are to succeed your father."

Lucius blinked.

'Had the word spread already about the assassination attempt? Of course it has, since the King of Grantz knows it along with his Black Rose Knights, but for it to be heard already and for her to even mention it while Count Gabriel is here is quite a risky endeavor.'

"I will excuse myself now to speak with the others. Count Inanis, Viscount Felldan and Young Lord Asher, may we talk at another time." The Viscountess nodded and then left to join another group.

Once the Viscountess was gone, Kiana quickly stepped forward and then led Asher away from the Count and Viscount Felldan to speak more privately.

"I was unable to mention the rest since she arrived so quickly, but Viscountess Blackshield has lost her husband and child to an assassination ten years ago. She had to take on the role of the Viscount after her husband's death, and she has changed ever since. From what I've heard, she was more kind and gentle, but now she's a lot fiercer and colder as a result."

"Ah." Lucius realized why she had acted that way around him now. It was something that touched upon her personally, so she felt invested to speak about it even though most would have avoided the topic altogether.

"Truth be told, she has quite a reputation now. Rancor is said to have spread fear all those years ago due to his acts in the past, but in recent times, it's the Blackshield Viscountess who takes and preoccupies the mind of others."

"What has she accomplished?" Lucius asked, interested in the feats of a woman. He was already impressed that Count Gabriel was Rancor, but if the Viscountess was able to take a place in people's recent memory, then her achievements were worth knowing about.

"Although it's not necessary, she is said to be quite cruel to her enemies, and she personally participates in battles, even if it's clear that her personal army can handle it. The Viscountess is actually not part of the royal army of the Grantz Kingdom, but she has taken part in the war against Gisir because she merely wished to involve herself in it."

"I see. That truly can amass quite a reputation." Lucius said.

'It seems like the assassination has made her more prone to violence. A driven need for blood-thirst to cope with the loss of her husband and child… which is useful as long as it's against people who are my enemies as well. If the occasion arises, we can simply steer her into the direction where she ought to be and allow her to deal with things.'

"But speaking of that, what gift does the Viscountess possesses to be able to participate in battles and wars?" Lucius asked. "I presume that Blackshield last name speaks to her late husband's family, though I can also be mistaken."

"Well, she is currently using her family name Blackshield which coincides with her gift. It's a family gift of a rare rank. I do not think she used her husband's last name at all."

"Ah, that explains it." Lucius said as he searched for the Viscountess among the group of people.

Once he finally found her, he activated his Nexus and checked.

Gift Name: Black Bulwark

Description: allows the user to summon a large defensive barrier and also use it as a weapon.

Rank: Epic

Type: Emission

"Black Shield, you say, Kiana?" Lucius asked again.

"Yes, Black Shield." Kiana repeated.

"I see…" Lucius kept his expression calm, but he only did it to hide the surprise and confusion that he felt upon seeing the gift.

'Is this an upgraded version of the Black Shield gift? It has to be and yet…'