"Are you… have you considered this, Young Lord Asher?" Baron Hugh blinked before he offered a sheepish smile. "It is quite an opportunity that you are giving my son and I am quite grateful for it. I am sure that my son has expressed the same thing."
"I-I did, father." Benjamin said.
Lucius was honestly getting tired of the dynamic and interplay between the father and son that he cleared his throat and dipped his head.
"My father, Count Inanis, already trusts in me to make decisions, Baron Hugh. And while it may seem a little alarming to you, it is in fact something that most people at this age learn to do, or even younger."
"My apologies, Young Lord Asher. I did not mean to offend you with my statement." Baron Hugh quickly said, as he became more attentive to the young man's condition.
"You do not do me much of a disservice here, Baron Hugh. In fact, I am aware that many treat me with an elevated position due to my recent achievements and feats against the Gisir Kingdom during the war and for my contribution in improving Inanis City as a whole." Lucius added. "If there's anyone who might find reason to offend, it would be your son, Benjamin here."
"L-Lord Asher—!" Benjamin became startled at the way that the lord was addressing his father so straightforwardly.
It was such a candid thing. Neither the Baron and Lord Benjamin might have been able to witness it before, but it was almost akin to the time when he confronted Lady Harrels when she had accused him during her party.
'Not that it's too necessary for me to come between the two of them as it might instigate unwanted conflict, but when I think about it more. This is the better option. If Benjamin were to find himself far more confident about his skills now than before, well, it shall be to my advantage. Better to take care of the person who will take over than the one who will relinquish his power in the end.' Lucius thought.
It was a measured decision on his part and with that in mind, Lucius bore a smile on his face and stared at Baron Hugh who looked a little red in the face.
Baron Hugh had always been a welcome part in the banquets that he had hosted and knew how to interact with business people, nobility and people from all sorts and walks of life… but when it came to matters about his own family, he was a poor communicator.
"And why would my son find a reason to offend, Young Lord Asher?" Baron Hugh said. "How I treat my children may be different from how Count Inanis treats you, Young Lord Asher, but it is because I know my children well. Far more than anyone else would know."
Lucius could have been more combative, critical and even spout Baron Hugh to anger if he so desired and wished, but instead of coming to that… he found an answer that would turn things around completely.
"Hmmm, and there is a difference between me and Lord Benjamin isn't there?" Lucius said. "By most standards, withstanding my position as the son of a Count, I am also accomplished by my contributions, as I've pointed out earlier. And how did I come across to achieve them, Baron Hugh?"
"… because you are a brilliant young Lord Asher. Among others your age, you have shown yourself to be matured and disciplined in ways that strike me that of someone twice your age."
"I wish that was easily just the case, Baron Hugh, but it is also in the circumstances that we find ourselves into. I've received the support of my family continually and believe in my vision. And yes, it is with, some concrete evidence too… but when put in boiling water, some things like eggs harden their shells and others become soft. One needs more awareness to know which is which, but a tumultuous terrain is far harder for grass to spring up in."
Baron Hugh was not a deaf man, and neither was he completely out of touch with what Lord Asher was saying.
'When it comes to other people, I may have been lenient and kind to them, but I suppose it is possible that maybe I'm more critical? No. I treat everything like a business. There are no friends and family in the business side of life and so…'
"What you mean to say is that if my son, Benjamin were to stay here with you in the same environment that you are currently in, Lord Asher, he will prosper like you are?"
"I have confidence in it." Lucius said. "I hope that you would be able to give and express your approval."
"…" Baron Hugh stayed silent for a moment. He looked at Benjamin and saw the way that his son finally looked more like a young man instead of a boy. And yet the timidness was still there. Would that change? Hadn't Baron Hugh wanted that outcome? "I believe that you have made a strong enough case, Lord Asher. Benjamin, you are free to remain here immediately if you wish… or perhaps to return with us to collect your belongings. It would be rude to stay here without taking some of your own possessions, and I will give you some allowances that are for your discretion."
Benjamin stared shell-shocked at Baron Hugh. While it was by no means any actual apology, not stated at all, there was at least some more leniency which was a great step forward in the right direction.
'I wasn't even expecting anything… I mean Lord Asher promised me that he would talk with my father, but for it to turn out this well. His charisma and diplomatic levels are incredibly out of this world.' Benjamin said. 'I want to be like him.'
"Baron Hugh, are you going to take a break now?" Count Inanis called out from the training grounds. He had just finished off about three guards while they had been talking with each other.
"Perhaps another match won't be that bad." Baron Hugh muttered. "Give me a second to get back there, Count Inanis."
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