Muker panicked.

Defend our lord!

The other Villas knights, waiting in the back, grudgingly drew their swords. Immediately, over a dozen people were blocking access to Veron. Count Rebreccas knights were reaching for their swords, too, when Joshua raised his hand.

Do not step forward.

What do you mean, Young Master?

This situation is my problem I dont believe the Rebrecca Knights should become involved in this.

What do? Doesnt this concern Young Lady Icelines safety? Even if Young Master Joshua is handling it right now, this still concerns Rebrecca. The knights shame was palpable.

But Villass knights, who had no idea who Joshua was, were absolutely perplexed by the situation.

How could the descendent of some family hed never heard of act so boldly towards a Marquiss son, Varon wondered.

Isnt that borderline suicidal? I certainly wouldnt object to a swordfight breaking out.

The Frederick family Im not familiar with the name. What is your rank?

Does it matter?

It doesnt, really. Veron burst out laughing. After all, your family will disappear from history real soon. The boy sneered. Your sin was not understanding the difference between my heaven and your earth. Interfering in my business must mean you have a death wishI wont just wipe out your family, Ill kill your dogs and every plant growing on your estate. Then youll understand how foolish you were for provoking Veron Villas.

Thats how powerful I am. Verons mouth stretched into a savage grin. Get down on your knees, Ash, and I might be merciful to only cut off one limb.

He didnt show it, but Veron was pretty pleased with the current situation. He was used to getting what he wanted: all he had to do was threaten everyone involved and theyd apologize, beg for their lives, and fork over the goods. However, despite his prodigal habits, he knew a Marquiss son didnt have the clout to challenge a high-ranking noble like a Count.

Well, its not that I fear the Rebreccas; its just that it would be a nuisance if the rumors reached my fathers ears.

As such, Veron was quite happy to assuage his pride by trampling the boy in front of him.

Hes perfect. By all appearances, Joshua was the spawn of some low-ranking noble hick. Verons snake-like eyes glittered, and he licked his lips.

This is nauseating.

What? Veron was jolted out of his fantasies. What are you up to now

I said its horrid. The smell of trash makes my stomach churn.

The rest of the group was blown away by Joshuas offensive comment.

This kid! Muker shouted. How desperate are you to die?! You dont even know how respect works!

Respect? For that thing? Joshua howled with laughter. Is that the same respect you use when you get a gang of knights together to persecute a woman?

Muker! Veron decided that fun-time was over.

Yes, my lord!

How much longer do I have to put up with these insults?

Give me the order! Ill take care of it immediately!

Immobilize that insectIm going to kill him myself.

I apologize: it seems you need to die. Muker hefted his sword. You were the one who threw away your last chance You have no one to blame but yourself.

Hah! Blame, you say? Joshua sneered. Theres no such word in my vocabulary.

Joshua stepped forward to meet Mukers advance.

Three people sat in the private office of Viscount Steck in Locke Castle: the owner, Viscount Vig Beck Steck, an unidentifiable, gray-masked individual, and a girl. Viscount Vigs empty eyes stared into nothingness while the other two spoke.

Its been a long time, Miss Anna. The masked one bowed to the girl.

Its been a while, Ju-ang. I see youve arrived earlier than expected.

I came in a rush when you summoned me.

Anna just smiled.

Figures So, what did you want to talk about?

Theres a problem, Anna said.

You think its a problem?

The girl nodded. Maybe I should call it a nuisance rather than a problem?

She seems to be in a good mood Ju-angs eyes flickered with curiosity as Annas speech became excited.

May I ask what this problem is?

A monster has appeared in the Agnus duchy.

Are you referring to Babel von Agnus?

I see the rumors havent spread too far yet, after all, Anna said with a shake of her head. Another child of Duke Agnus has appeared and, horribly, hes a scumbag who outstrips Babel von Agnuss abilities.

Ju-ang was astonished; Babel was one of the most talented people on the continent, never mind the Empirehow could some kid possibly compare to a genius like Babel?

How come you didnt report this sooner?! Ju-ang leaped out of their seat. You could have used a communication tool

Theres a chance the information could leak. Anna giggled when she saw Ju-ang clamp their mouth shut. Its been a long time since Ive seen you, Ju-ang, so dont overwork yourself. This information will spread all over the continent anyways.

What?

He could wield mana before ten years old. That kind of talent is the greatest of all time, in the continent and beyond. Do you think Avalon will stand still with such a treasure in his hands?

Ah!

Duke Agnus will spread the stories throughout the Empire to elevate his familys reputation. In times of peace, like now, whispers like this can whip up a storm.

Yes, youre right. Ju-ang nodded.

On the surface, it appeared they were living in an unprecedented period of peacebut the continent was closer to a primed powder keg.

The continent had been engaged in a quiet buildup of power. The simple folks might rejoice because their country had become stronger, but those in the halls of power whispered of rebellion and civil war.

However, there was always a solution:

War.

In battle, the power of a master is absolute, Anna whispered. No country would fight a war if they didnt have a chance to win. So, they always need to know what the other countries are up to; the number of intelligence organizations has been steadily increasing.

The right information could be a game-changer when the other countries decide to defend or attack. Ju-angs brow furrowed. ...I understand now, Miss Anna. But regarding the other son of Duke Agnus: his appearance is bad news for us. If you make a mistake, decades of your planning could go to waste in an instant.

Im not going to let that happen. Anna smiled bitterly.

Are you thinking of?

Its simple. What if we could subdue that monster?

Is that possible?

Its possible. Because he Once upon a time, he, too, was abandoned

Anna swallowed the words and waved her hand. Anyways, Ju-ang, Ive come up with an idea. Ill travel up to Arcadia to enroll in the academy.

The academy Then, Duke Agnus will

Its fine, for the time being. Believe in me: I will bring him here, upon the name of Anna Bell Grace.