Ugh Whats happening?

My lord, youre awake? Muker lifted his head when he heard the groaning coming from the bed.

Where are we? Veron slowly rose to his feet with a frown.

This is the recovery room in Shani Temple. We brought you here instead of the clinic because of your critical condition My word, I was so worried.

The cost of visiting a temple was unimaginably high compared to a general clinic. No one but the rich would dare to set foot in the temple, where the amount of healing you got was defined by your donations. Devotees, knights, and nobles were extorted for ludicrous sums of money across Igrant, yet they kept coming. The healing that holy magic could provide was incomparable to what a doctor could do.

The temple? Why?

Verons eyes popped wide open, and he shot up from his seat. He ran over to the mirror in the corner of the room.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Muker quietly turned away; hed expected Veron to act like this.

Whether it really worked or not, the holy magic had at least made the swelling go down but that didnt matter.

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS?! Veron sobbed and cursed and howled. My teeth

Veron tore at his hair. His clean, bright teeth neatly complimented his handsome facebut now his beautiful, petal-like lips flapped over empty gums. Even his incisors were gone.

MUKER! Verons face flushed unbelievably red.

Yes, Young Master, Muker quietly responded.

Right nowGet that bastard right now!

With my strength, that would be impossible.

Useless bastard Knucklehead! You call yourself a knight after being defeated by that tiny bug?! When I get home, every knight that was with me is going to be severely punishedincluding you, you imbecile.

I obey.

Go back and find out who the hell those Fredericks are. Well find them and burn their estate down to the last strand of grass Veron paused. Ah, no. Itd be better to cut their heads off one by one while I make that bastard watch. His parents, his brothers, his servants NOW GATHER MY TROOPS AND BRING ME WHAT I WANT.

Muker bit his lip pensively. ...Impossible.

What?!

We have no reason to do that

Reason, you say?! What are you talking about? The heir of Villas was humiliated yet you say we have no reason?

No one would believe that a boy defeated an aristocrats knights, especially the best of the familys knights Even if they believed it, the honor of Villas would be deeply stained.

How is that important?

It is important, Young Master. Muker forcefully interrupted Verons impending outburst. Sometimes, the familys honor is more important than life.

Wow this useless knight wants to teach me now?

Even if you say that, Muker continued, ignoring the violent light in Verons eyes, the Marquis might think otherwise. Veron shivered at the mention of his father. If our defeatand revengereaches the ears of the Marquis, he might not settle with just punishing us.

Damn it! Veron punched the mirror, scattering bloody shards over the expensive marble tiles. ...Evidence. If I remember correctly, theres no evidence that that bastard beat us, right?! Like we planned, we have to silence everyone involved.

Muker remained silent.

What? What does your silence mean? Do you intend to refuse my order? Are you afraid of the lowly Rebreccas?!

The evidence Mukers face hardened. The evidence was left there.

What nonsense are you spouting this time?

The Villas insignia.

Verons head jerked.

Its not here, he mumbled. The Deon Ring.

Verons expression crumbled. The ring, lavishly carved with the sword-and-shield insignia of Villas, was more than a family heirloom: it was a masterpiece of the Magic Tower, a precious B-Class Deon Ring.

That shit is worth more than a castle!

He said that if you want it back, you have to return right away. He said hell be waiting but besides proof, he may have noticed it was more than just a trinket. Perhaps Mukers head drooped. Perhaps everything was intentional.

Mukers skin was riddled with goosebumps. It was hard to believe a child could have that kind of mind. He couldnt even begin to fathom what kind of person Ash would become as he grew.

I dont know but I do know that he isnt someone we should anger.

...He didnt ask for anything difficult. But, for the time being, I recommend we bide our time.

What should I do, then? Should we just give him the artifact?!

Muker just stared stolidly at him.

No way Youre not telling me to apologize to him, right? Never! I cant do it! Me? Veron, apologizing to an insect?! Do you even know what youre saying?

He told you to come in person, but lets send a proxy first.

What do you mean?

Young Master! Are you still here? Cain approached Joshua with a flabbergasted face. He thought Joshua had left the buildings, so he swept the entire area to find him. It turned out hed just been watching from the corner of the building.

Were you looking for me? Joshua grinned when he noticed the sweat glistening on Cains brow.

You left first, so I thought you would be around here somewhere.

Did you help Count Rebrecca? It looks like youre having a hard time tidying up the place.

Im simply carrying out your directions, master, Cain said, drawing a blank stare from Joshua.

Thats what you call over-loyalty. Joshua laughed.

Its how I roll.

Its not style.

Even if you dont like it, theres nothing you can do about it. More importantly are you going to be okay?

What do you mean?

I mean, the Marquis of Villas Whats going to happen now? It doesnt seem like things will go according to plan.

Of course it wont.

Yes?

Im referring to this. Joshua pointed to the ring resting on the table.

Do you honestly believe Veron Shen Villas will come back here?

He wont.

Then what do you mean? Cain eyed him questioningly.

He cant not come because I have his treasure in my hands. Joshua fiddled with the Villas signet. But, perhaps, he will send a proxy a representative trustworthy enough not to disclose sensitive information.

And who might that be?

Arcadia is rife with rumors. They say Accent rules the Emperors Night, but the House of Villas rules over Accent.

Ah, I know that!

If those rumors are true, he will come to me and then, we know what happens next. Joshua flashed a beatific smile.

My word Cains mind raced. The Marquis of Villas, one of the twelve families, was a major power in Arcadia. They could have coexisted peacefully, so why would his master suddenly make enemies of them? It turned out it was all part of his masters strategy to reach a particular goal

Perhaps you will grow more powerful than even I anticipated