Chapter 71 Friends
Count Hannes and Magus Karl were completely and utterly dumbstruck. They couldn't believe what had just transpired. One moment, Adam was standing at a distance of more than ten yards away from Emory, but the next moment, the youth had already appeared in front of him.
Both of them had their mouths agape as they struggled to comprehend just how Adam had managed to attain that level of speed as a mere Rank 1 Magus.
Perhaps, it was fine for Karl to not understand it. But how could Count Hannes, who was an Organ Stage Magus and two whole stages above Adam, not be able to see through the youth's movements?
To say that he was shocked would be an understatement!
The only people who weren't as shocked as them were Lisa and Edward. After all, they had already seen Adam practice such moves throughout their journey here.
Lisa had a calm expression on her face, but the hint of pride in her eyes couldn't be hidden. Edward, on the other hand, puffed out his chest and proudly said, "Heh, that's my boy!"
…
Emory was frozen stiff at how things had played out. This was not what he had expected. He had thought that he'd teach the boy a lesson and at the same time release all his pent-up frustration that he'd accumulated these past couple of days.
But the boy, whom he thought was nothing but an ignorant lamb, actually turned out to be a vicious tiger!
And that was not all. When he saw the mana gathering on Adam's palm, a great foreboding feeling welled up in his heart. And when he saw the mana slowly begin to rotate around the youth's palm, the sense of foreboding intensified further.
I'll die! Emory had never felt such fear in his life. He knew for a fact that if Adam finished his move, there would be nothing left of his body.
And when he looked into Adam's eyes, he felt as if he was an insignificant ant. Nothing he could say or do would be able to save him at this point.
Adam's expression was dignified and overbearing. Like a tyrant!
Just when Emory thought that everything was over, a clear and gentle voice snapped him out of his fear-induced stupor.
"That's enough, Adam."
The mana in Adam's palm instantly dissipated and the youth drew back his hand. Then, he walked past Emory and playfully said, "You should be grateful to Lisa for saving your life. Don't you think so, Lord Magus?~"
Emory's entire body was drenched in cold sweat. His knees buckled and he fell to the ground. He looked at his hands that were still trembling and thought to himself, T-That attack… would have surely killed me!
When he saw the mana begin to rotate on Adam's palm, intense warning bells began to ring inside his head. He had never felt such a level of terror in his life.
He turned around and gazed at Adam's departing back and couldn't help but gulp. He's no ordinary kid…
Count Hannes and Karl incredulously watched Adam walk toward them and then stand behind Lisa. He stood there casually while digging his ear with his pinky finger, but the two didn't dare to find fault with him anymore.
Sure, the kid was eccentric. But he was strong!
Count Hannes looked at Lisa, placed his hand over his chest, and bowed. "Miss Clare, I sincerely apologize for our rude behavior earlier. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us."
Karl followed suit. "I apologize as well. I hope we can start over."
Lisa smiled. "No need to apologize, Count Hannes, Magus Karl. We're here to help you in the first place. I hope our cooperation can bear fruitful results."
Count Hannes was very gratified with Lisa's response. "Please, let us head inside the manor."
The Count led the kids inside, whereas Karl walked toward Emory. When he looked at his friend's face which was still full of shock and apprehension, he couldn't help but click his tongue.
"I told you so, didn't I? That foul temper of yours was someday gonna bite you in the ass." He then helped Emory to his feet and walked back toward the manor as well.
…
In the Count's study on the second floor of Tidal Manor, Count Hannes, Karl, Adam, Lisa, Edward, and a few of the Count's trusted and capable subordinates were going over the plan of how to fish out the criminal.
It had been a couple of hours already since they had begun planning. Count Hannes and Karl were very impressed by the students of Clover Academy, especially Lisa. The youth brought a lot of creative ideas to the table. The two men couldn't help but admire the girl's insight.
When it was time for dinner, the manor's maids and servants brought tray after tray of local delicacies and fine drinks to the study.
Sniffing the beautiful aroma of the food and the wine, Edward and Adam immediately began stuffing their mouths without care for any etiquette.
Lisa wanted to scold them but decided against it. The two had helped her quite a lot today. Thus, she simply shook her head and ignored them. She continued to discuss the plan with Count Hannes and Karl when suddenly the door to the study opened and Emory walked in.
At once, the atmosphere turned awkward.
Count Hannes didn't know what to say and neither did Karl. Emory didn't give them any time to think as he straightaway walked toward Lisa.
The man deeply looked at Lisa for a long time. Lisa didn't shy away and looked him straight in the eye. In the end, Emory lowered his head and sincerely said, "I apologize for my rude behavior earlier today, Miss Clare. I hope you can forgive me."
Lisa was momentarily stunned, but then she nodded with a smile. "I accept your apology, Magus Emory. I understand what you're going through—"
Emory politely interrupted her, "But that doesn't justify my behavior toward you and your friends. Once again, I apologize."
He then turned around and walked toward Adam, who was busy stuffing food into his mouth.
"Hmm?" Adam frowned when he saw Emory walk toward him. He cursed inwardly, Damn it, let me eat in peace!
However, what Emory did next stunned everyone present.
He placed his hand over his chest and respectfully bowed. "Magus Adam, I sincerely hope that you can forgive my actions."
Adam was greatly taken aback. He didn't expect Emory to apologize to him at all.
It took a great deal of effort for a man, especially of Emory's stature, to bow toward a kid like Adam and accept defeat. The fact that Emory could cast aside his pride and sincerely apologize to him was more than enough for Adam to come to respect him.
The youth forcefully gulped the food in his mouth and wiped his hand. He coughed a few times to clear his throat and beamed. "You're alright!"
He then extended his hand and said with a bright smile, "Friends?"
"Huh?" Emory was speechless. But then he realized something as he looked into the youth's innocent eyes, and it made him involuntarily smile. He's a kid after all…
He firmly shook Adam's hand and laughed, "Hahaha! Friends!"
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