509 Chance For Payback
"What else, Helm?" Lucius asked. "And you two, Peter? Is there anything else that you've recalled? From the six that you have met and experienced? It would be helpful if you can share it more."
"A-ah, sorry, Sir Lucius. Peter and I were running away at that point. We were unable to truly discover anything else." Helm explained.
"Yeah, Helm and I were really not part of the upper ranks of Ashen Raiders haha." Peter laughed sheepishly.
"But Lord Sable still did his best to treat everyone as equally as possible. Even the ones from well, weaker ones in the group were protected and helped. Peter here for example…"
"I'm not that weak, Helm!"
"B-but ah yes, that is what Peter has said. However, even though we don't know the ins and outs of the group, we can still try our best to remember... but we really don't know much information about what happened with the six people." Helm sighed. "We… we fled for our lives, Peter and I, I had to save you back then, don't you remember?"
"A-ah that's not really that important right now, Helm. If I recall, you were about to leave me and the others too."
"We should stop arguing. It's embarrassing that we're doing it in front of Sir Lucius. You have our apologies once again, Sir Lucius." Helm said, trying his best to remain formal.
'It's clear from the way that he presents and carries himself. I've seen it before in the Lord Sable. Although it's a little different to some extent.' Helm said.
Lucius leaned forward and smiled. He clasped his hands together and looked at them one by one.
'I've now asked this people to retell their story, and it has stirred up their nostalgia. Perhaps I'll ask Leif to look into the Bandit Lord Sable if there's anything worth with him. His ties may be related to something, but only if I can afford to track and trail such things.' Lucius thought.
'However, it does not necessarily mean that I am always objective. Hmm, the Mark of Obedience would work, as long as they both agree to it. Or perhaps it is far better for them to be under my control. Truly under my control.'
There were certain criteria that Lucius used in order to determine whether or not they were fit to become his subordinates or if they were better to be stripped off completely and turned into tools, otherwise, known as the Lost.
And if he were going to use them then…
"There is nothing to be feared about, Helm and Peter. I understand that this is quite a story of inspiration and great motivation." Lucius said. "I can reckon that if there's anything that you desire the most, it would be anger and resentment… ahem, otherwise, the two of you would live differently."
"Y-yes, this anger of ours, we shall use it to avenge Bandit Lord Sable!" Peter said with conviction in his voice. "We'll use it as a motivation."
"Hmmm, I have been touched by this story that the two of you have said. It seems like my heart strings have gotten tugged and I seek to help the two of you."
Both Peter and Helm looked up in surprise at Sir Lucius. The fact that someone would not only offer safety but generosity as well at this time and hour.
It was a little scary, but also relieving.
"H-help us?" Peter became hopeful.
'It seems like it's true that a story from a person can change one's perspective. Is this the grace of the gods and goddesses to bestow it to us.' Peter thought.
Meanwhile, Helm was a little more cautious despite his own feelings, and so he chose to ask.
"Help us… in what way, Sir Lucius?"
"Well, the current situation that you feel in is rage, resentment and bitterness that overflows. When used well, it can be a great motivator. And so I wish to give you all the resources in order for you to succeed."
"…and what's the catch, Sir Lucius? Sorry if it comes across too mistrustful but one does not necessarily uh help without strings." Helm asked.
"Hmm…"
'A clever one that one.' Lucius thought. A charismatic smile curled on his lips.
"Well, I only want what you want. Let us say that I am touched by this story and conviction of this Bandit Lord, but at the same time, I am also interested in hearing more. And there is some use and purpose to eliminating potential threats." Lucius said as he drummed his finger across the table.
It was a calculated move. He wanted them both to make the decision themselves and for them to accept this carrot that he had swung above the donkeys eagerly..
'Asher is… he is making a decision once more. He doesn't even need to consult me or ask for my opinion.' Kiana thought, a little bit proud and also uncomfortable.
Proud of the intellect that was given to him. The gift from the Goddesss of Etara. Kiana trusted in his ability to make the right decision for himself.
However, she was also a little uncomfortable. Asher was still a young man in her eyes. Someone who was still someone who perhaps didn't know everything in certain factors in life.
'No, he's not a child anymore and does not need me to always be constantly hovering over him.' Kiana thought as she struggled with her own desire to step forward and say something.
'So far, the decision doesn't seem like something bad and if it happens, then it will be something that I am willing to take care of them for him.' Kiana thought. She wanted be able to let Lucius take the center stage once more.
"Hmmm…" Lucius realized that he was still waiting for the reply of the two.
Their hesitation was not very different from each other. There was a reason why the two criminals ended up together, their dichotomy was quite prevalent.
Peter gulped and looked at Helm, trying to weigh everything.
"It would be good to gain the power to pay back these people who have hurt you, right?" Lucius asked with a smile.
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