During the entirety of the day, Count Gabriel Inanis did not show his face around the mansion or meet up with anyone besides the Countess herself.
It was something that might have bugged the real Asher, but Lucius found no reason to worry. Although when Kiana met up with him in the library, he did ask about the Count.
"Why was I not informed about the fact that my father is Rancor?" Lucius asked as he received a cup of freshly brewed tea from Kiana.
Kiana blinked. She knew that the Countess and Count hadn't revealed the information, and so it was the Black Rose Knights who told Asher about it.
A frown crossed on her face and Lucius lowered his cup.
"Since the Count threatened the knights that Rancor might show himself and I was confused, the Black Rose Knights offered to explain." Lucius eyed her. "It was a little difficult because these people were probably sharp enough to notice that I didn't even know my own grandmother."
"That's—!" Kiana's eyes widened.
The matter of Asher losing his memory was still a delicate subject. It was something that shouldn't be revealed to anyone and they had done their best to inform him of everything but this still slipped.
"Rest assured, that matter was handled as effectively as possible. I manged to evade from them thinking too much about it, but it would have been easier on my part if such important history about the Inanis Family was shared with me." Lucius said.
"That is… this is a matter that the Count himself should discuss with you. I am sure that he must have wanted to tell you, but it is quite a dark and painful part of your father's life that he seldom discusses it." Kiana sighed softly. "He only mentioned Rancor because you nearly being assassinated opened bitter old scars. Of course he was enraged that someone tried to take someone important from his life again and he wasn't around to prevent it."
"I see." Lucius nodded. "That makes sense…"
"Is something bothering you, Asher? Were those knights giving you trouble from earlier?" Kiana asked. "They're currently in the soldier's barracks and are sparring with some of the soldiers. If you'd like, I can give them a lesson or ask someone to do it in my stead."
Lucius shook his head.
"Even though you've used your powers in the battle against Viscount Drew's army, it's best not to use them openly. Remember, these Black Rose Knights do not serve the Inanis Family, but they must have checked on the people they're supposed to protect. If they realize that your Stone Shooter which was a rare rank gift suddenly changed into that of an epic rank, it will be difficult for us."
"Right, forgive me for thinking too brashly." Kiana sighed and massaged her forehead.
She knew that Asher didn't want to share the fact that he could upgrade gifts, and if the king had learned it... while the value of the Inanis Family will rise, it will also put them in the eyes of too many people.
What if more people tried to come in contact with Asher or attempt to kidnap him to use for their own schemes and agendas? It was an unforgivable thing!
Lucius watched Kiana and knew that she was lost in thought. He cleared his throat and captured her attention again.
"Ah, do you need anything else, Asher?" Kiana asked. "I only brought tea since I figured you must be parched but is there something else you would like me to do?"
"The preparations for Aisse Territory is finished, isn't it?"
"Yes, Asher. We're still waiting for the Count to approve of the plan though and I don't think we can get permission right now at his current mood. He's still inconsolable, but perhaps tomorrow?"
"Don't worry, I'm sure that he will approve. I am merely just checking, though there might be some things that I'll change depending on the results of the conversation. For now though, I wanted to ask something else."
"Ah, yes. What is it?"
"Leif cooperated during the time when mother and you captured every criminal and suspicious individual people on the list, hasn't he?"
"Yes." Kiana nodded. "He gave a list of individuals who might know a thing or two about the assassination attempt. I would have gone over it myself, but other duties kept me preoccupied since the time I received it."
"I'd like to see the list now then. Perhaps see if we have any people who could have been in cohorts with our assassin."
"Okay. I'll be right back."
Kiana retrieved the document shortly and offered it to Lucius who gave it a read. The document was actually thorough and well-prepared by Leif which impressed Lucius.
"He certainly knows a lot about the people who operates within his tavern." Lucius commented.
"It might be the Blind Crow Tavern, but Leif wouldn't allow anyone to operate there if he had no way of checking their character. They're criminals, but they at least still stick to a certain code among them." Kiana said, displeasure evident in her face.
"Indeed. He included the days when they were present in the tavern, their identities which is basic information… but also the contacts that each of this associates have in touch with alongside the services that they provide to their clients."
"The list is actually quite extensive, Asher." Kiana furrowed her brow. "Shall I assist you in reviewing them?"
"I'm already narrowing it down as we speak." Lucius said as he eyed the document. "This individual doesn't necessarily have to be someone powerful in terms of gifts or strength, but they have to be wealthy in information."
"Just information?" Kiana asked, slightly surprised.
"Since the Bergan's Band is all the way from Aisse Territory, the assassin who came here knew next to nothing on how the Inanis Family's security operated and yet they were able to slip in undetected. Thus we focus on people who provide intel, have contacts in Aisse Territory… huh, we may have found our target, Kiana."
"Already?"
"This individual is said to have contact with Bergan's Band."
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