When morning finally came, the departure of Baron Hugh and his family was a prompt one.
It was accompanied with the nursing of some drunken headaches, but it was an overall good affair made in good spirits.
"We shall see each other again, quite soon." Baron Hugh exchanged words with Count Inanis, Lord Asher and everyone else.
"That is true." Count Inanis nodded.
"Well, I do not think Viscountess Blackshield made it, though." Baron Hugh laughed. "Ah, she went drinking hard last night, so please give my regards to her when she does leave."
"I am sure that she would be here if she held herself back," Lucius chuckled.
"Indeed. Haha, she truly does not hold back. But ah, time is so limited. I wish to share a word with Benjamin and Lily in private."
"Of course, Baron Hugh."
Baron Hugh addressed his children as well, and in an act of fatherly nature, he reached out and pulled the two of them together into a hug.
It was something not often done by nobles in public, but at this moment, Baron Hugh was willing to do so as he was overcome by emotions.
"Now be good. I'll have money sent over, so be good." Baron Hugh whispered to the two of them. "I do not think I have to tell you two what to do, so it shall be reminders."
"Y-yes, father." Benjamin and Lily said.
It was a little surprising for them, but it was a welcome affection that the two received well.
Once the two were addressed, Baron Hugh approached Lucius once more and smiled friendlily.
"Lord Asher, please take good care of my children."
"Please do not worry about them, Baron Hugh. You have a city to take care of. They shall be in my care and that of the Inanis Family," Lucius said with a genial smile.
"Haha, thank you very much." Baron Hugh shook Lucius's hand.
Once Baron Hugh and his wife left via carriage, Lucius addressed the two siblings with another crafted smile.
"Due to how recent things are, I must say that things are a bit rushed with the accommodations and everything else, but I hope that it will suffice the two of you." Lucius said. "There are things of importance for me to take care of today, so I will leave it to you and my trusted servant Neta."
"O-of course, Lord Asher."
"You have our thanks!"
Both were rather disappointed by such an outcome, but hid their reaction. The two were immensely grateful and thus did their best to accept the reality of such things.
Once the two were addressed, it was finally another thing off of Lucius' to-do-list.
'I suppose the only thing left in the household now is Viscountess Blackshield. I do not think she thoroughly wasted resources as she did contribute in helping defend my life against the Mad Blade Bordeaux… and because I do wish to understand the nature of her gift.' Lucius thought.
"Hah. When do you think the Viscountess will wake up?" Countess Lita asked. "We should prepare something for her to nurse the headache."
"Not another drink at least." Count Gabriel said with some humor.
"Certainly not."
"I can take after, Father and Mother." Lucius said. "If there is anything that you need to do today. I was the one who invited Viscountess Blackshield in the first place, so it is mostly my responsibility."
"Hmm…" Count Inanis thought about it.
"Now, she's our guest too." Countess Lita scolded her husband. "Even if she did leave the tea party to watch the spars more."
Compared to Baron Hugh who was great at engaging well with others, Viscountess Blackshield was someone who didn't do as well as others.
It made Count Gabriel and Countess Lita a bit more tempted to just skirt the social lines a little bit more.
"Will that truly be fine with you, Asher?" Countess Lita asked and glanced at her husband. "I… I am feeling under the weather. I wish to rest."
Count Gabriel raised a brow, but then cleared his throat. "Shall I call for Healer Delia? No, she's not really someone who can take care of such things."
Countess Lita pursed her lips mildly, but then sighed softly. "I think my headache just grew worse." She turned to her son and then smiled kindly. "I would appreciate it, Asher. Please express my gratitude for Viscountess' visit, Asher."
"Of course, Mother." Lucius said. "I wish you a swift recovery from your headache. I heard that the tea that Baroness Hugh gave you is quite good for it."
"Yes, staying in bed does sound nice." Countess Lita said with a soft sigh. "Will you join me for some tea, Gabriel?"
"Tea after drinking?" Count Gabriel's expression flickered lightly, but then he nodded. "Sounds acceptable. I'll stay with you until you recover."
Countess Lita shook her head, but then chose to smile. "Alright, let's go."
Lucius kept his expression mostly neutral as he did his best to ignore the interaction between the Count and Countess.
Even the ones at the highest noble circles did find themselves sometimes loosening up and then, and it was most often in the comforts of their home.
The fact that the two did it around Lucius was another thing completely, but Lucius didn't allow himself to be bothered by such things.
Once the Count and Countess found themselves back inside the manor, and the rest of the servants departed back to their duties, it only left Lucius with one person as his companion.
"Now that's finished, there are things we have to take care of, don't we?" Lucius addressed Kiana.
"Yes, Lord Asher. Here is a letter sent by Gellor and his team. Once you have sent a reply, it shall be delivered at the shortest time to them." Kiana said.
"Is that so?" Lucius accepted the letter and checked its content. He let out a small nod of approval.
"W-what did it say, Lord Asher?" Kiana asked, a little curious.
"They found a way to acquire the Frenzy Ape Rune Crystals." Lucius said.
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