"Mmm, I suppose it will be necessary to reveal myself so as to not worry anyone. It'd be troublesome if they sent people to search for me. But Kiana going to the rehabilitation center will at least give Miss Lily enough trouble as well." Lucius thought.
Once he was certain that Kiana Wizen left the hallway and was likely heading to the rehabiliation center to check on his whereabouts, Lucius arrived at the dining hall of the Inanis Mansion.
The particular set of individuals that were there was Benjamin, Lily, Count, Countess, Baron and Baroness alongside with the Viscountess.
Benjamin and Lily both looked up immediately at his arrival, the two looked rather happy at his presence.
'When Lord Asher said that he needed to go elsewhere, I thought it was the library, but he wasn't there. I didn't want to disturb him since I understand what it is like to wish to have some time away for oneself's. I think he looks alright, good even which is a relief.' Benjamin thought. 'I know my sister has requested me to assist her in gaining Lord Asher's affection, but it truly seems like he does not like Lily. But if I happen to be wrong… well, I don't know. I wish to support him either way. Er, even if it's Lily… no no, I doubt it. It's just Lily, there are far more higher-ranked women who would find themselves besotted with Lord Asher if given the opportunity.'
'He left so quickly back then that I wasn't able to catch up with him, and I wish that I could have spoken with him… but it is also because I needed to match his condition that I needed to talk with my brother in the first place. Stupid Benjamin. Things aren't going so well…' Lily puffed up her cheeks to try to hide her frustration, but it was a little hard.
"Lily." Baroness Hugh glanced at her daughter, speaking in a neutral tone, and the young woman immediately straightened up and smoothened her expression to a smile.
There. That was much better.
That much was clear from Baroness Hugh's expression. Once again, the dynamic between the families became a little clear in that moment.
Baron Hugh was sipping his drink and speaking with Count Inanis in an animated manner, speaking about another story until the servants announced Lord Asher's presence.
"Ah! There he is! Young Lord Asher, everyone was looking for you. You were in the training grounds but then disappeared haha." Baron Hugh chuckled.
'After all that conversation with me, this young man just left. If it weren't for the good of my family, I do not think I would be able to respect him… but then again, he is the blood of his father. Count Inanis's son would have someone cold and straightforward. It is probably tempered because of Countess Lita's more social butterfly personality that Lord Asher knows how to engage with people, but the blood of the Inanis family still runs through him.'
That was the conclusion that Baron Hugh found himself making when he saw Lord Asher.
"He simply goes where he pleases," Count Inanis chuckled a little, taking the time to drink his Humble Blaze. The Count was able to relax after letting out some stress and fatigue on the training grounds and thus was actually on a far more relaxed manner than he usually was.
Countess Lita's expression was rather calm, if not a little tense. She was happy and relieved to see her son, but there was also another matter that was on her mind that preoccupied her greatly.
'Hah, drinking Baroness Hugh's tea is quite an affair. Viscountess Blackshield just going up and leaving was a social disaster and the Baroness looked so offended. I know a Viscountess should have no issues with offending a Baroness, but Viscountess's actions were an insult to me, but then I had to keep the Baroness happy. Poor Alessa, no, if it weren't for Alessa being around and doing her best to meditate, I really would have grown gray hair out of this stress.'
For one of the few moments in Countess Lita's life, she found herself in a social situation that was too alarming that it took so much effort in keeping together.
It wasn't as if that was the most stressful situation… but perhaps it actually was due to all of the opposing personalities in one tea party.
Viscountess Blackshield compared to her earlier personality at Etara's Cross was now more or less relaxed yet also vigilant at the same time, she was becoming much and much more relaxed.
Albeit, there was also a little thought in her mind.
'I have been staying here for long overdue. While I did leave competent people back there in my estate… I do have to leave eventually. Hah, leaving this place is hard. The alcohol is good and the fights here are great. I'm honestly envious of how Count Inanis's guards are and I'm learning as much as I can. The guards back at my estate could brush up when I get back, yes. I'll train them myself if I have to. Yes, I'll put in a little more effort…' Viscountess Blackshield thought. Her face was calm, but countless thoughts ran in her head. '… but when did I start thinking about these things now? Before, managing my estate was a chore, a bore and I prefer to fight and drown myself in alcohol. I suppose seeing Young Lord Asher taking control of his life and seizing things for himself is a little… inspirational.'
Lucius glanced at all of these people all at once. Each of them was all preoccupied with their thoughts, preconceived concepts and other things running through their head.
However, in that particular moment, when Lucius stepped into the room… a contrast to them all so caught up, he simply observed them all and took what he could garner from everyone's reactions, body language and micro-expressions.
"Good evening to you all, thank you for waiting for me." Lucius replied with the most pleasant smile on his face.
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