Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"Well, it's not just a gut instinct," Kiana said with a sigh. "I suppose it all seems on the surface that Gellor and his mercenary team operate all smoothly, but there is some conflict here and there too."

"You've spoken highly of them when you first recommended them to me," Lucius pointed out.

"And they are an incredible and professional group, I never said that they were not! But sometimes it does occur to me that Finch may be taking a more active role in leadership even when Gellor is doing a fine job already. It's a bit unasked for and Gellor doesn't always say anything since it's Gellor, but I'm sure that he's also mildly off-put by it too." Kiana said. "He's quite a relaxed leader that it seems that his people sometimes take advantage of it is all."

Lucius glanced at Kiana's somewhat distressed expression. Even though she didn't say it out loud, it was somewhat clear that she was invested in Gellor and the mercenary group to care about such things.

'While it wasn't apparent during our time in Aisse and Kiana does a good job of appearing professional, she does care about things.' Lucius thought.

"I think there will always be a bit of friction within groups that exist and so long as it's not enough to dissolve the group from functioning then I see no reason to worry," Lucius said. "If Gellor had any problems then I think that he will address it himself. Do not consider the man as some sort of pushover, Kiana. There is still a reason why he is regarded by his team as the leader, and if Finch was interested in becoming the leader then she would have contested it already."

"Perhaps you're right… it just irks me a little that the members of his team are quite relaxed. I nearly wished to strangle both Albus and Ariana while we were on our way to Aisse Territory." Kiana muttered. "I suppose Barty was alright, quiet and everything, and he did fine with taking care of the horses, but then again, he also likes to gamble a lot."

"It seems to me that you've repressed quite some things during the trip to Aisse Territory," Lucius expressed with an amused look.

'Of course, Kiana mostly kept to herself and stuck to my side during the duration of the trip but of course she would have her own observations.'

"Did they truly not bother you, Asher?" Kiana asked curiously.

"I did not worry about those things." Lucius said. "But it occurs to me that perhaps another reason why you're somewhat frustrated with Finch and the others may stem from the fact that you keep an orderly way of things here in the mansion with those in our employ. The fact that Gellor does not the same with his people leaves you upset."

Kiana blinked and glanced at Asher in surprise.

'I'm… I'm not supposed to be surprised anymore whenever Asher makes insightful comments since I am talking with Asher after all, but he still manages to make me shocked and somehow it really can't be helped.'

***

"Young Lord Asher, it is good to see you. How was your day outside?" Viscountess Blackshield greeted with a relaxed smile on her face.

Dinner was already served but the Viscountess mostly nursed a glass of Humble Blaze in her hand and was sipping merrily.

"It was good, Viscountess. I hope that today was pleasant for you while you were in the manor," Lucius greeted. "I would have brought something from the city but I wasn't able to do so."

"Do not worry. I presume that you had other important errands. Besides, I'll be visiting the city tomorrow, remember? …well, I admit that I may have already sent an aide of mine to check one of the finest weapon shops here to purchase anything that might caught my eye, but other than that, the city is still unexplored," the Viscountess said.

'Since the Viscountess has been drinking since this afternoon after the spar, it makes sense that she is a little inebriated. I suppose that also accounts for as to why the Countess isn't here?'

Viscountess Blackshield noted Asher's silence and made a guess.

"The Count was supposed to join us, and he did manage to do so for a little, but the Countess was exhausted and so he chose to retire with her early tonight."

"Yes, I am impressed that you are able to hold your liquor well, Viscountess." Lucius said as he sipped his own drink.

After an exhausting day of being outside of the manor, Lucius was in fact a bit famished, but it was not like the ravenous hunger he experienced before.

"It is something of a talent," Viscountess Blackshield smiled. "But please do not feel the need to drink with me. It must have been a long day for you, Young Lord Asher."

"I admit that is a bit true," Lucius chuckled. "I would have liked the opportunity to also spend a day relaxing on the balcony, but if I were to relax, then I would also miss the chance to do things of importance."

"You work harder than any of your peers and perhaps even those around my age and older," the Viscountess Blackshield murmured. "Please do not forget to also have time to unwind and take care of yourself, Young Lord Asher."

"Thank you for the reminder, Viscountess." Lucius said. "I plan to keep that in mind and retire a little early tonight once I've finished eating. Our spar did exhaust me quite and I'm afraid that I'll need all the rest for our trip to the city tomorrow."

"By all means then, do not let my presence stop you. I have fallen asleep many times after a battle since I've pushed myself." The Viscountess said with a smile. "Also, nourish yourself with the meal and try to eat a lot. I think the Countess has insisted the food to be nutritious for both of us to recover. You are probably already familiar with it."

"Thank you." Lucius soon delved into eating his dinner which was a quick and sumptuous affair.

The Viscountess was more than happy to drink and only engaged in a few more conversations with Asher before he turned in for the night.