Epic Of The Demonic Sage



Benjamin bowed his head low. "Forgive me, Lord Asher. I was too blinded by my own insecurity with my gift… that I failed to realize that one's ability and talents are not merely determined by what one has, but by how one uses it instead. Gift. No gift. It is how one takes advantage of all that he has with him at his disposal that makes one become a better person or not."

Lucius looked at Benjamin for a moment.

'Am I mildly disappointed that he did not understand the true meaning behind my words? To a great extent, I am not that surprised that he did not get what I mean considering how focused he is on his own insecurity… but the fact that he can acknowledge his weakness and still be able to spin and craft his words around to save face is at least of good quality. He won't do badly under proper training.'

Compared to Benjamin, Lucius's own past was far more brutal and unforgiving than the young lord would ever be. To compare the two was akin to saying a bed of rose petals was as uncomfortable as that of just thorns.

'Of course, growing up in an environment where one is coddled and cared for, it is natural that he'd find himself under stress at what he thinks he lacks, unable to clearly and effectively use everything that he does have.'

Benjamin waited in silence for Lord Asher's words. The next reply determined whether or not the friendship between Benjamin and Asher might be formed.

'All I had to do was not offend him and be in Lord Asher's good graces. How could I have messed that up so bad? If Father were to learn of this… hah, I just hope that Lord Asher isn't so petty enough to drag this with Count Inanis. It wouldn't even be petty at this point because how obtuse did I have to be to say it in his face that my Gift sucks when he doesn't have one? I should have buried my face into whatever book, Lord Asher gives me next. I'm good as dead anyway.'

"I agree with your statement, Lord Benjamin."

"H-huh?" Benjamin looked up in disbelief. 

"I did not find myself offended at all by what you have said, Lord Benjamin. In fact, I have gone through the same exact thing as you did." Lucius said. "In my earlier years, I have been so focused on the lack that I experience within me. That lack of a Gift had bothered me for a longest time, and I tried to bury myself in swordsmanship. I wanted to be like… Master Frank, that excellent swordsman who proved himself exceptional even without a Gift."

"But… but you're good at it, Lord Asher. Did you not receive a personal accolade from the King of Gisir himself?" Benjamin pointed out.

"While that is the case, I had done so while still being reckless. I nearly lost my life back then," Lucius chuckled. "It is not something I recommend you do for the risks that it might propose. Not everyone is willing to do everything that it takes to succeed after all."

Benjamin listened to Lord Asher's words. He knew from the bottom of his heart that what the Lord was saying was correct.

'I… my Father at one point wanted me to be like the other noblemen my age. Able to handle weapons and other things expected from us, the fact that I had failed him made him quite upset that I couldn't live up to it.' Benjamin thought. 

"What about you… Lord Benjamin?" Lucius asked.

"What is it?"

"Do you think that you have what it takes to make your way up from your current position into that of someone at a higher status." Lucius asked. "Etara's Cross is a prosperous city thanks to the contributions of both the Baron and Baroness. Are you ready to take up the challenge and uphold the long standing tradition of keeping Etara's Cross as one of the most successful trade hubs in Gisir, or do you wish to do something else?"

'If I had the choice, I'd rather just stay in the library and read books, maybe make some documents and assist where I can. It's relaxing and not stressful. I like to have a cup of tea and some biscuits… it's not much, but it makes me happy.' Benjamin thought.

However, that was not something that Benjamin could do for all of his life.

"I… I do not wish to let my family down, Lord Asher. The Etara's Cross is something that my family has taken care of for a certain amount of time. Even before anybody in our family became a noble." Benjamin explained.

The history of the Hugh Family becoming the nobility of the Etara's Cross was a story that stretched long.

It wasn't simply something that happened for them in one snap like a great valor or feat.

Each generation contributed to making the last one better than the next.

"And so you wish to build a business like what Baron Hugh wants."

"I mean… if I may be so frank, Lord Asher?"

"You may."

"Isn't that what you said is the reason why you've spoken to me as well? It's not like I'm terrible at business work. Or rather, I'm actually, uh, good with some things. Like the administrative work and the things that happen in the background." Benjamin scratched his head. "If it's uh, meeting with possible clients and others. I honestly don't find myself really comfortable with it. But just because I'm not comfortable… doesn't mean I can't try, right?"

"Hmm, that is a good way of looking at things." Lucius said. "I do hope that you consider my offer though."

"O-oh, I will!" Benjamin quickly said. "In fact, I think this is the best opportunity that has arrived for me. It would be a wrong decision to let this go when you're being quite kind already. I am grateful, though I'm not so sure about all the details and how our workflow will be like? The distance between us will slow down communications."