Epic Of The Demonic Sage

'It seems like Kiana is growing power hungry.' Lucius thought. 'The motivation behind it seems quite benevolent as it stems from a desire to protect me, but underneath it is also the sense of helplessness that she does not wish to experience once more. Most likely brought on by her experience in her earlier years.'

"… What do you think, Asher?" Kiana asked tentatively. She sat down on the chair opposite of him and squeezed her hands tightly. "I know that materials must be hard to obtain, either expensive or time consuming to get and I wish I would get it myself but there are matters in which I am required in the household. Although, you must have also promised the same to other people and they take precedence to mine."

"You're rambling, Kiana." Lucius pointed out calmly.

"R-right. Sorry. I'm just a little frazzled with how everything went." Kiana waved a hand.

"I understand. You have spoken correctly that there are various matters to attend to and sometimes it becomes apparent that they need to take priority due to urgency or importance, but I will look into your request. There is some worth to it." Lucius rested a finger beneath his chin. "However, I must remind you that Bordeaux has already become one of my followers and so our strength has already increased. It means that your current fear has been mostly absolved. At the moment, we are also not fighting incredibly wealthy individuals, so their use of artifacts may be limited."

"I… you are correct," Kiana said, shoulders relaxing just slightly. "I… I will try to improve where I can then, from now. If I knew how to aim better then I might have been able to hit Bordeaux… though, I guess it is also a good thing that I did not kill him since he was added into your ranks."

"Good. You're seeing the benefit of the outcome rather than letting your emotions take hold of you. That is one way of looking at things if you wish to." Lucius said. "Sometimes, things do not always go our way even with the most careful of preparations and so we need to adjust our plans or see what we can gain from our current circumstances."

"Your plans always seem to turn out well, Asher," Kiana said. "Everything. From the winery, to the rehabilitation center, the matter with Viscount Drew in the past, and I need not list all of the scenarios… but I think you're right. I was just focused on that feeling of helplessness earlier."

"Indeed. Well, I think the matter has been settled now, right?" Lucius asked.

"Yes." Kiana nodded firmly.

"Good," Lucius said.

'Managing and maintaining the morale of these people certainly takes effort, but it is a necessary task that occurs in this setup of mine.' Lucius thought.

***

Once Lucius and Kiana returned home, they were quickly greeted by Neta, who looked urgent.

"Young Lord Asher!" Neta bowed. "Bishop Reynald is currently being entertained by the Count, Countess and Viscountess."

"The Bishop?" Kiana's brows lifted in surprise. She hadn't expected him to come and neither did she remember Asher summoning the Bishop either.

"We shall go there at once," Lucius said.

'When my Artificer lessons were put on pause because I had to go attend the celebration banquet, I relayed that he will return once I have come back from the banquet in a few days to allow me some rest. With the Viscountess accompanying us, I may have forgotten to relay the new events, but this is fine.' Lucius thought. 'We already made agreements to keep my position a secret, so there should be nothing to get worried about with the Bishop and Viscountess meeting.'

Lucius soon arrived at the drawing room where guests were entertained. Bishop Reynald was having a cup of tea with the rest of the nobility.

"Young Lord Asher!" Bishop Reynald's eyes lit up at the sight of Lucius. He looked ready to prostrate himself, but held himself back.

The eagerness was prevalent in his voice though.

"I apologize for not being able to come right away. The sudden lockdown of the city actually has made me quite worried but I am."

"It is good to see you, Bishop Reynalds." Lucius nodded in greeting. "My apologies for not sending a letter when I've arrived informing you."

"Oh, you will not be taking lessons today, Young Lord Asher?"

"If you are worried about being hospitable to me as your guest, do not think too much about it." Viscountess Blackshield waved a hand idly. "It is impressive that you have a Bishop from the Church of Etara coming here personally to teach you of their artificer methods. I do not recall if you've mentioned this before, but you truly are a brilliant young man."

"Thank you, Viscountess." Lucius said.

'It is a little hard to read Viscountess Blackshield's face, even right now that she has opened up a little. But judging by her words, I do not think that she will put much attention to my connections to the Church of Etara which is a relief. She prefers to mind her own business.'

"Of course, once you are done with your lessons, do not also come hesitate to visit the guards barrack." Viscountess Blackshield glanced out the window, and her lips curled into a small smile. "It will be good to practice not only one's mind but body too."

'It seems like Viscountess Blackshield is thoroughly enjoying her time here in the Inanis City and doesn't seem to have many plans on returning yet.' Lucius thought. 'She did mention that there are capable people in her lands. Well, I see nothing wrong with it.'

"Thank you for your consideration, Viscountess. I will keep that in mind and thank you for hosting Bishop Reynalds while I was gone." Lucius added, looking at her, alongside the Count and Countess.

"Well, best not delay your lessons now, Asher." Countess Lita smiled. It was an activity which Asher participated in that she could find herself relaxing to.

"Of course." Lucius excused himself with Bishop Reynald and proceeded to their lesson.