"Lord Asher, shall we ride to the Inanis mansion at once?" Gellor said as they reached the outskirts of the Inanis City.
"No. We shall not be going there right away." Lucius shook his head. "Instead, Kiana and I shall be going to the re education center."
"Then we shall escort you to there." Gellor said.
"No need. All of you are free to return to your respective places and I shall hail upon you and your team at another time, once the opportunity allows me to do so." Lucius said.
"Oh, of course, Lord Asher." Gellor said and bowed his head.
"Fret not. I have not forgotten my promise to you and your team, Gellor." Lucius said.
"The thought never crossed my mind at all, Lord Asher!" Gellor profusely shook his head. He didn't want Lord Asher to think that they were only focused on the benefits that he was going to provide them.
"Is that so? It's normal for mercenaries to think about themselves primarily. That is how most people function even." Lucius commented. "You do not have to shy away from such beliefs."
"Well, it's not only that, Lord Asher. Your ideals and your hope for Inanis Territory, wanting to elevate everyone's positions even before you become the Lord of Etara is worthy of praise, Lord Asher. We are quite happy to serve you and be a part of the change that you desire." Gellor insisted.
Lucius glanced briefly at Gellor's earnest expression.
It was rare to meet someone with little personal desire for themselves, or someone who aspired to make the world into a better place without thinking much of themselves or the sacrifices that they've had to offer.
In his old world, these people were called heroes. Although, frankly, Lucius had barely encountered any individuals that were truly befitting of that title, and most only used it to accumulate power for themselves.
'Hypocrites. It's far easier to simply admit that one is a selfish and self-serving individual. Better to be a conqueror than a self-proclaimed hero, at least one's perceptions are not tainted with rose stained glasses.' Lucius thought to himself.
Now, Lucius didn't exactly think the word hero fit Gellor. The man was still a mercenary through and through, but there were some potentials to him that were unlike most that he'd encounter so far in this world.
'One can only imagine how this man will be like though once he acquires the Frenzy Ape rune crystals and I elevate his gift to Epic rank. I'm expecting a certain change that influences even their own very psyche even.' Lucius thought.
He was fascinated to experiment and see the results for himself. But for now, Lucius intended to return back to Inanis mansion and deliver his news to the his parents on the success of the mission.
"We can split from here, Gellor. I will prevail on you and your men at another opportunity." Lucius said and then smiled at his people. "Thank you for your service everyone. I wish all of you a chance to recuperate from our tiresome journey."
"Thank you, Lord Asher!" Finch and everyone expressed their gratitudes.
Once they were gone, the smile slipped from Lucius' face and he turned to Kiana. "Let us go the other way and return to the re education center."
"Of course, Asher." Kiana nodded.
Even though Gellor and his mercenary group now swore allegiance to Lucius, it was still far better to keep his secrets and that included the secret passageway that he and Kiana took to arrive at the laboratory.
When they arrived there, Lucius immediately sat at his chair and rubbed his face. He had rushed back to Inanis City, but only because he wanted to avoid any possible traces back to him.
"I'll fetch you some water, Asher." Kiana quickly gathered a basin as well as a jug of water for Lucius.
"Thank you. It's good to finally be rid of the disguises." Lucius said as he accepted the basin and washed his face. "We left some of our clothes here. Once I've changed, we shall be burning every item that belonged to the mercenaries, Kristine and Lucius."
"Of course." Kiana nodded promptly as she also removed the makeup on her face. "I've also promised the Count that we will send a message. I'll have it delivered discreetly so they'll know we're safe and here now. I'm sure that both of them are worried sick, Asher."
"Yes, we shall be informing them of our success once we return to Inanis mansion." Lucius agreed.
"I do hope that the Black Rose Knights are gone." Kiana said, remembering how much they troubled Asher with their questions.
"Unlikely, but since they are under the assumption that we went to a safe house, we shall be mostly fine." Lucius said. "And if they dare to interrogate, well, I'm sure that father will be dealing with them. Besides, there's not much stories that can be said when one is in a safe house after all."
"I will match with you, though, Asher." Kiana said, determined.
"Of course, we'll have our story all the same. But it is much better if we can avoid them altogether."
Lucius couldn't help but remember the meticulous way that the Black Rose Knights operated. They were befitting of the role as vassals of the King, but Lucius had no intentions of getting caught.
And the less interactions, the better.
Once Kiana had ascertained her tasks from Asher, she quickly set out to handle everything while she allowed the young man to rest.
A question suddenly came to Kiana's mind before she left to send a message to the Count.
'The treasures that Asher obtained from stealing from the vaults of the Bergan's Band. Did he… did those Bore Shrews take them all the way here or did he dispose of them altogether?'
"What is it, Kiana?" Lucius asked, noticing her stare.
"Welcome back to Inanis city, Asher. I'm simply glad to be back home at last." Kiana said.
Questions on whether Asher did something or not, Kiana was mostly reassured that Asher did the right thing and would inform her if it was necessary.
"Indeed. There's much to be done, still."
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