Returning to his senses, Arthur gazed deeply into Rian's eyes and spoke with a serious tone, "There are two matters for which I require your assistance."
Upon hearing this, Rian composed himself and attentively listened, attempting to discern what kind of assistance he could provide to the teenage boy sitting before him.
In his heart, he harbored doubts about having anything to offer someone like Arthur, who seemingly possessed everything already.
Strength?
His peak strength had been greatly diminished after being ambushed by the treacherous members of the Black Swan organization, who conspired to undermine him in silence.
Furthermore, Rian realized that he currently lacked the ability to protect himself, and considering the formidable might of Duke Asvold's mansion, he wondered if Arthur was in need of a strong individual to safeguard him.
Money?
The notion seemed utterly preposterous, and Rian wasn't foolish enough to believe that the privileged young master standing before him would request such a favor, right?
Thus, a sense of curiosity welled up within him, and he wondered why this exceptional teenager appeared to be seeking something valuable from him, although he couldn't fathom what it could possibly be.
Arthur's words continued after a brief pause, leaving Rian utterly astonished by what he heard.
"Firstly, what I seek is your guidance in the theory of mana manipulation," Arthur revealed, his expression graced with a faint smile, promptly sharing his present wish.
Upon hearing this, Rian's eyes widened in disbelief, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "What?!"
"You want me to teach you mana manipulation techniques?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion.
Arthur simply nodded faintly, taking a leisurely sip of his tea.
"Indeed, I am interested in learning about your theory of mana manipulation," Arthur stated calmly.
"Do you have any objections?" he inquired, directing his gaze towards the still-confused Rian.
Rian gently shook his head and offered an explanation: "Please understand, young master Arthur, it's not that simple."
"The theory itself has not been fully verified for its accuracy, and even I am uncertain about it. It's merely a collection of my speculative thoughts on mana manipulation," he admitted with a hint of embarrassment.
However, Rian knew that what he had said was the truth, but he himself was unsure about the validity of this theory.
Furthermore, it was merely a spontaneous idea that had occurred to him during a mission back when he was still part of the Black Swan organization.
Therefore, he hesitated, unsure of whether he should disclose this information to Arthur or not.
Upon hearing this, Arthur did not doubt Rian's words, as it was expected that the theory would still be in its preliminary stages.
Furthermore, considering the upcoming plot of Rian being pursued by the Black Swan organization, Arthur anticipated that Rian would further refine and develop the theory within a few months.
Unfazed by the situation, Arthur responded, "Don't worry; you only need to teach me, and I will perfect it."
His indifferent tone stirred a restless unease within Rian's heart.
"Perfect it?" Rian took a deep breath upon hearing those words, realizing that if this theory were to be perfected and disseminated worldwide, it had the potential to revolutionize the practice of mana manipulation in this world.
And he believed that something like this should be completely impossible to accomplish.
However, as Arthur uttered those words, he couldn't help but find himself believing that this teenager sitting before him was indeed capable of achieving it!
For the first time, Rian encountered a teenager whose attitude, temperament, and appearance defied his age, leaving an indelible impression and creating a truly unique experience in his life.
This, in turn, elevated Rian's estimation of Arthur.
After a brief moment of reflection, Rian asserted with determination, "Very well, I shall impart upon you the knowledge of mana manipulation, young master Arthur."
Upon hearing this, Arthur merely nodded in response, his expression barely shifting.
However, a hint of amusement played across his face as he curiously inquired, "By the way, didn't you happen to notice how I became aware of your knowledge regarding mana manipulation—a theory you never even divulged?"
Once again, Rian was taken aback by Arthur's question.
"Exactly! How could he possibly be aware of my theory, which I've never shared with anyone?" Rian tightly clenched his palms as he gazed at the teenager before him, leisurely sipping his tea.
Fear and awe toward Arthur surged to a level that Rian had never even imagined.
Observing Rian's reaction, Arthur chuckled, feeling a sense of familiarity and normalcy.
When confronted with an unknown or unfamiliar situation, living beings instinctively activate their alert systems as a means of self-preservation.
The similarity in responses holds true for both animals and humans.
However, humans, with their reasoning abilities, exhibit a more complex level of vigilance.
Rian's present situation precisely reflects this reality.
In the face of Arthur, Rian experiences a profound sense of vulnerability, where all that he holds, including his deepest secrets, seems utterly powerless.
This outcome was precisely what Arthur had intended all along—to guide the conversation along the path he had carefully orchestrated from the beginning.
Achieving this requires exceptional emotional intelligence, the ability to anticipate others' thoughts, and, of course, a deep understanding of the plot of a novel!
Nervously, Rian quickly responded, "Of course, Young Master Arthur. I didn't consider that possibility at all."
Arthur chuckled and leaned his head on his palm, remarking, "No need to fret, Rian."
"I'm not requesting your assistance in vain."
Upon hearing this, Rian's expression shifted to one of confusion as he awaited Arthur's intention.
Arthur's words landed on Rian like a heavy blow: "I know where your wife and daughter are!"
The impact of those words was like a bomb detonating in Rian's mind.
In a rush, he stood up and urgently questioned, "You?!"
"Is what you're saying true?" His booming voice echoed throughout the room.
Maintaining an indifferent expression, Arthur responded, "Don't be hasty."
Rian quickly regained his composure, recognizing his own lapse in judgment.
"I apologize, young Master Arthur," Rian expressed with remorse.
Arthur nodded, seemingly unperturbed, and clarified, "I assure you, I wouldn't deceive you."
"However, I won't disclose their whereabouts until I make my second request," he stated nonchalantly.
A sense of relief washed over Rian, prompting him to rise slowly while bowing respectfully.
He replied, "It's no problem, young Master Arthur."
"Just the knowledge that you possess their whereabouts fills me with immense happiness," Rian said sincerely, conveying his gratitude.
For the first time, Arthur witnessed an expression of genuine gratitude on Rian's typically somber face.
"Thank you, young master Arthur," Rian reiterated, bowing his head once again.
Arthur waved his hand casually and remarked, "No need to be so formal. It would be best for you to return to your room and rest now."
"Considering the long journey you've undertaken, I imagine you must be weary," he added, providing an explanation.
Immediately, Arthur clapped his hands.
As if in response to his gesture, the room's door swung open slowly, allowing a maid to enter.
Respectfully, the maid inquired, "How may I assist you, young master?"
Arthur gestured towards Rian and instructed, "Please escort him to the prepared room."
The maid bowed and turned towards Rian, addressing him, "Sir, please come with me."
Rian nodded in acknowledgment to the maid and turned to Arthur, apologizing, "I apologize once again, young master Arthur."
Once again, Rian bowed his head in respect, while Arthur acknowledged him with a simple nod.
Shortly thereafter, they both exited the room, leaving Arthur alone and casually leaning his head forward.
After a few minutes of casually leaning back, Arthur suddenly inquired, "Have there been any developments regarding the three high-ranking Luvic families?"
The room, which had been silent with only Arthur's presence, was unexpectedly filled with a voice that seemed to have no gender, responding, "As one would anticipate, young master."
"Although the three families appear stagnant, the unmistakable signs of their imminent actions are becoming increasingly apparent," the voice continued.
"In addition, the intensifying tensions at the border serve as an additional catalyst." The enigmatic sound echoed throughout the room.
Upon hearing this, Arthur nodded and instructed, "Continue to monitor the situation until I command a retreat."
"Rest assured, everything is now under control, and there is no need for concern." Arthur closed his eyes, expressing his confidence.
"Very well, as you command." With those words, the voice suddenly vanished, as if it had never been present.
Arthur gradually opened his eyes, rose from his seat, and gazed out of the window.
"The situation remains well managed," he reflected before departing the room at a leisurely pace.
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