Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"Tomorrow?" Lucius asked, feeling mildly surprised. "Will you be sparring with either Captain Donald or Gellor now?"

Captain Donald and Gellor immediately both looked alarmed at Asher's words.

Even though Viscountess Blackshield finished her spar with the Young Lord, somehow, both of them were actually on guard as if a spar were about to take place.

'Even though there is nothing shameful about losing during a spar, it will be mildly embarrassing if Viscountess Blackshield defeats me after just finishing a spar with Young Lord Asher.' Captain Donald thought as his back straightened slightly. 'Count Gabriel will understand… but it is also not a good look either way.'

'I do not think Albus will ever let me forget that I was once defeated by Viscountess Blackshield after her spar with Young Lord Asher if it happens. He'll even bring it up even more if it's after Captain Donald and Viscountess Blackshield's spar as well.' Gellor thought. 'Ariana and Finch will constantly ask about it as well.'

The two men were excellent warriors by all metrics, both having been trained by Master Frank, with even Gellor being constantly in the top five out of hundreds of Master Frank's students and Captain Donald being entrusted by Count Gabriel, and it was why they were both on guard.

It was a foolish thing to be overconfident, and while they both had an understanding of their own strength and gifts, the two preferred to be more logical in their analysis.

Meanwhile, Viscountess Blackshield who heard Lucius's question, couldn't help but laugh again.

It was hard to tell whether Lucius had gotten it right or wrong. Either way would have worked, but the Viscountess finally replied.

"I am not as energetic as you are, Young Lord Asher."

"I find that hard to believe, Viscountess Blackshield." Lucius remarked. "Our spar proves fully just that. And your stance also says otherwise."

'Is there any particular reason as to why the Viscountess does not wish to leave today? It is of no issue to me, but there might be something that needs to be taken care of.'

Viscountess Blackshield then smiled a little. "I simply wish to sit on the balcony of the mansion today and drink some Humble Blaze. It's been a while since I've done something like that and the scenery you can view here in Inanis City is much more beautiful than what you can see in my mansion. I wish to take advantage of that."

"Oh, so that is the reason, Viscountess," Lucius said. "If that is the case, then I wish you a good time."

Both the Captain and Gellor inaudibly sighed in relief at those words and were actually considering excusing themselves to head in their own directions.

Meanwhile, Countess Lita laughed at the remark as her eyes lit up. "A day at the balcony and with nothing but Humble Blaze? That sounds like a wonderful time. I'll join you today, Viscountess and the two of us can have a lazy day."

"That sounds like a pleasant day indeed, Countess." Viscountess Blackshield smiled and nodded. "Will it be alright for you, Count Gabriel? Or would you like to join us as well?"

"Please enjoy yourselves today, perhaps I will join shortly if I have the time." Count Gabriel wished the two women well. "However, there are other things that preoccupy me for today."

"Thank you for allowing us the chance to observe the spar," Captain Donald once again thanked the Count, Countess and Asher. "Now that it is finished, I will be taking my guards back to work and also discuss our experience."

They were the first group to leave, with both the Viscountess and Countess Lita leaving the next after they bade the Count and Asher goodbye.

"Please get changed right away, Asher and perhaps consider resting as well," Countess Lita said in a motherly tone. "It is a tiring day. If necessary, or if you wish, perhaps have Healer Delia check on you."

"I think Young Lord Asher is fine, Countess Lita. Let us go." Viscountess Blackshield remarked before she bade him goodbye.

"I will see you at dinner I believe, Asher." Count Gabriel said and then went on his way as well.

This left Lucius with Gellor and his mercenary team.

"Now that I've thought about it, it is a surprise to see the three of you here at Inanis Mansion today," Lucius said and glanced at Gellor and his men. "You are also not accompanied by Ariana and Finch. Did something happen of particular importance?"

The only occasion where Gellor and his team sought him out was when they had needed his help with taking care of Finch's injuries.

'If the two of them were in any sort of risk, then I'll be disappointed to hear of it.' Lucius thought to himself.

"No, not at all, Young Lord Asher." Gellor shook his head. "We were invited by Miss Kiana to come and observe. It is a pity that Finch and Ariana were not here to observe the spar, but we will tell of the events today."

"They will be sorely jealous as to have missed quite an opportunity to witness your battle prowess, Young Lord Asher." Albus added.

"Very well. If there is nothing of urgent matters, then I will be taking my leave as well." Lucius said. "I know that there are things that I have to take care of with your team, Gellor. I did make promises with all of you that I intend to keep, but some important things have taken priority as of late. Please wait until then."

"We understand, Young Lord Asher. We are already quite grateful to be under your service." Gellor reassured him.

'I suppose the Mark of Obedience is doing a fine job with keeping them patient. Or they're naturally this professional. Either way, today I can deal with far more urgent tasks.' Lucius thought.

As he left the training grounds, Kiana appeared with a new envelope in her hand.

"Young Lord Asher. How was the spar? I have a letter for you." Kiana greeted with a bow.

"Who is it from?" Lucius said as they walked into the mansion.

"Leif." Kiana replied.

"I was planning on seeing him today. It's good timing. I will get changed first and then meet with him then."