Alicia nodded, trying to convey understanding despite her lingering confusion.
She held unwavering trust in Arthur, which dissuaded her from seeking clarification through additional inquiries.
Shortly afterward, Arthur gently caressed her hair and whispered, "Alright, you can head back now."
"I want to freshen up and rendezvous with the individual I mentioned," he clarified.
Alicia's mouth subtly pursed, revealing a noticeable hint of reluctance etched across her face.
After all, Arthur had been her guardian and caretaker since her childhood, intimately acquainted with the nuances of Alicia's personality.
"How about I take you for a walk when I find some spare time?" Arthur's voice carried a gentle tone, and true to his words, the moment he uttered them, Alicia's eyes instantly sparkled, and she nodded with enthusiasm.
"Really?"
"Can you promise me that we'll go on a date?" Her words conveyed a hint of seeking reassurance.
A subtle twitch formed at the corners of Arthur's mouth as Alicia mentioned going on a date, yet he paid it no mind and gently ruffled her hair.
"Yes, of course," he replied.
Alicia beamed foolishly at his response and quickly exclaimed, "Alright, I won't disturb you any longer, big brother~"
Just as Alicia was about to turn away, she impulsively planted a quick kiss on Arthur's cheek before darting off without glancing back, leaving Arthur frozen in place like a statue.
A startle coursed through Arthur, and his hand instinctively rose to touch his cheek, unleashing a deluge of memories encompassing the moments preceding his previous demise.
"Somehow, this feels so familiar," he muttered, his gaze fixed downward, wearing a nostalgic expression.
In an instant, he shook his head, gathering his thoughts, and proceeded to organize the equipment he carried.
Slowly, he made his way towards the exit of the practice field.
...
In the hallway
Arthur had tidily transformed, but not excessively so, as he opted for semi-formal attire instead of formal garments.
His physique had also shown improvement, although he still experienced mild fatigue in several areas, particularly his legs, arms, and chest.
However, such matters held little significance for him, as he had grown accustomed to them.
Furthermore, having ascended to the status of an elemental, his perspective on these things had shifted entirely!
Upon hearing the question, Arthur halted his steps and swiveled his gaze toward Runa, who stood behind him.
He spoke softly: "Don't worry, Runa."
"I assure you, everything will be fine, and I'm quite certain they are not what you envision."
Runa delicately pursed her lips, a trace of concern lingering on her face.
There was a reason behind her unease: Arthur's desire to meet the three individuals he had instructed Runa to locate was not without purpose.
To her surprise, the trio appeared to be vagrants, devoid of any distinctive appearance.
This raised her concerns about the possibility of them posing a threat to her young master, who had ventured off without an escort.
The situation was understandable since Runa was unaware of the true identities of the three individuals she perceived as beggars.
However, Arthur possessed knowledge to the contrary.
"Truly, you must trust me," he added gently, his hand tenderly stroking her hair, aiming to instill a sense of security within her.
Runa nodded lightly, and with newfound determination, she declared, "If they harbor any ill intentions towards the young master, I will intervene!" Her small, clenched fist accentuated her adorable resolve.
Arthur couldn't help but smile and give a slight nod in response to Runa's endearing display, all the while thinking, "They would never entertain such thoughts, for I possess a profound understanding of their nature, perhaps even more than they do themselves."
"Yet, hearing her speak those words truly warms my heart. I am truly fortunate to have her by my side."
After a momentary pause, Arthur spoke in a subdued tone, "Very well, let us proceed."
Subsequently, the duo embarked on a leisurely walk along the hallway, their destination set in a designated room.
...
In a room
Seated upon a lavishly adorned sofa, three individuals exuded an air of tranquility.
It was evident that they awaited something, their lack of familiarity preventing any conversation as they adopted nonchalant expressions.
Suddenly, a knock on the door startled them, breaking their reverie.
*Knock!
In response to the soft knock, the door swung open noiselessly, capturing the attention of the three individuals, who lifted their heads with a mix of curiosity and intrigue, their eyes fixed upon the doorway.
Standing before them was an exceptionally handsome teenage boy, a sight that caught them off guard and piqued their interest.
Trailing behind him was a teenage girl radiating extraordinary beauty.
To their astonishment, they instantly recognized her as Runa, the mastermind behind their unforeseen rendezvous.
"Apologies for the extended wait," said the handsome teenage boy in a gentle tone, his every gesture and demeanor reminiscent of one well-versed in royal etiquette.
Indeed, the teenage boy in question was none other than Arthur himself.
Observing the immediate reaction of the three individuals, they promptly rose to their feet, demonstrating their respect.
"Greetings, Young Master Arthur," all three expressed, bowing slightly to acknowledge his presence.
Witnessing the scene unfold, a subtle smile graced Arthur's lips as he nodded in acknowledgment.
Without delay, Arthur settled himself on the sofa positioned across from the trio, while Runa, with her graceful presence, attended to the task of preparing tea for him.
Observing Arthur take his seat, the three individuals followed suit, resuming their positions.
Arthur's eyes remained fixed on the three individuals, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he silently observed them with intrigue.
Speaking in a hushed tone that was barely audible, he whispered to himself, "Yes, it is indeed them."
"These individuals hold immense significance and harbor concealed power," he mused, his fascination growing as he observed the captivating auras and distinctive traits that emanated from each of them.
The trio, comprised of two middle-aged men and one middle-aged woman, maintained a quiet demeanor, seemingly awaiting Arthur's affirmation.
"Well, it's possible that you're already aware of my name," Arthur began, his tone light, rising to his feet from the sofa.
"Nevertheless, allow me to reintroduce myself," he continued, a bright smile adorning his lips as he surveyed their reactions.
"I am Arthur Asvold, the heir to the Asvold Mansion!" His declaration rang out with enthusiasm, his eyes gleaming with anticipation of their responses.
The three individuals nodded in understanding, but Arthur, keenly observing their expressions, couldn't help but applaud them silently.
"They are truly remarkable individuals," he commended himself inwardly, swiftly resuming his seat.
In the presence of anyone, even a Luvic noble of lower status, his imposing presence would elicit fearful trembling or suppress any inclination to display such indifference.
Yet the three before him seemed unconcerned with his status.
"Now, let's see how your reactions remain unchanged once I unveil your secret," he playfully mused to himself.
Without delay, Arthur proceeded with his statement: "The reason I summoned the three of you here is for a matter of utmost importance."
"However, it would be more appropriate to discuss it privately with each of you." Arthur took a sip of the tea that Runa had skillfully prepared.
Upon hearing this, the three individuals furrowed their brows, displaying evident confusion on their faces.
Disregarding their confusion, Arthur maintained a nonchalant demeanor and remarked, "Well, I imagine you must be quite fatigued after the long journey."
"Allow me to arrange a special bedroom for each of you."
The trio remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts as they tried to make sense of Arthur's puzzling behavior.
"Very well, Runa," Arthur addressed Runa, signaling her to proceed with the task at hand.
"Please prepare rooms for all three of them."
"Oh, by the way, there's something I would like to discuss with you," Arthur said casually, his gaze shifting towards the middle-aged man positioned at the far end of the sofa.
The middle-aged man bore a burn scar near his neck, its mark slightly extending towards his shoulder, a visual reminder of past trials.
His physique exuded strength and vitality, while his aura emitted a unique essence that sharply contrasted his outward appearance.
Of particular note were his piercing eyes, resembling a keen-edged sword capable of cleaving through anything.
Slightly taken aback, the man questioned, "Are you referring to me?" He pointed at himself, seeking confirmation.
Arthur nodded gently in response, and the middle-aged man acknowledged him with a subtle nod, his countenance devoid of any fear or apprehension.
Witnessing the interaction, Runa experienced a slight surprise; her countenance was tinged with a trace of concern, yet she refrained from uttering a word.
Soon, Runa guided the remaining two individuals out of the room, leaving Arthur alone with the middle-aged man.
s the door clicked shut, enclosing them in privacy, Arthur resumed his leisurely sips of tea.
However, displaying a hint of impatience, the middle-aged man inquired, "Young Master Arthur, is there a specific matter you wish to discuss with me?"
Taking notice of the man's question, Arthur gently set his tea aside and directed a smile toward him.
"Indeed, I have an important matter to discuss with you," Arthur replied, his tone light and amiable.
"Before we delve into that, would you mind introducing yourself?" he requested cordially.
The middle-aged man, still displaying a sense of confusion, hesitantly revealed, "My name is Rian Fanhard."
"I am merely a beggar commonly spotted on the outskirts of Rozen," he replied.
However, upon hearing this, Arthur chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief, and queried in a taunting tone, "Are you truly convinced that you are nothing more than a beggar?"
A subtle shift in Rian's expression was evident as he asserted firmly, "Indeed, I am nothing more than an ordinary beggar."
"Thus, may I inquire as to the significance of my presence here, Young Master Arthur?" he added, a hint of pressure lacing his words.
Pretending to be unaffected by the underlying pressure in Rian's tone, Arthur maintained a cold smile as he gazed upon Rian before him.
He responded, "Certainly, there is something of great importance." Instantly, his aura underwent a palpable transformation.
Sensing the abrupt shift in pressure emanating from Arthur, Rian couldn't help but be taken aback.
Without delay, he inquired, "In that case, what is it??"
Arthur let out a faint sigh and spoke in a casual tone, "I need your help."
Hearing this, Rian feigned ignorance, a look of confusion crossing his face. "Pardon me, but could you please clarify, Young Master Arthur?"
"I am but a humble beggar," he said, shaking his head as if feigning a lack of comprehension regarding Arthur's intentions.
Undeterred by Rian's futile attempt at deception, Arthur swiftly retaliated with a cutting response, refusing to be swayed by Rian's pretense.
"No need to feign ignorance, Rian Fanhard," he uttered with a cutting-edge in his voice.
"Or should I address you as the former leader of the Black Swan, betrayed by your closest confidant?"
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦