The following events occurred after the duke dragged himself back home. At the Duke's mansion, the maidservant was bowing towards a woman who did not spare a glance at her greeting. Based on her luxurious clothes she was the Duke's wife. Walking to the master bedroom she pushed open the door. An old woman and a teenager dressed in priest's attires were administering potions and writing prescriptions. Recognizing the duke's wife who stepped in the teenage boy bowed but the old lady remained unfazed while checking the health of the Duke. 'Stupid hag, if not for her proficiency she would be executed for rudeness' thinking along these lines the Duke's wife approached the lady with a cheerful demeanor while asking after her husband. "He is alright, apart from minor bruises and low mana all is well. But it is weird" frowning at the last phrase of the old lady the duchess asked "What part is weird about it?" the old woman was rubbing her thumb and index finger simultaneously and the duchess protested "We have already paid you and you greedy money mongers call yourself people of the church" facing this beauty who was breaking a fit the old lady smiled with a face full of wrinkles and said "It's nothing if you are not interested just ignore it. After all, there are times ignorance can be bliss" in response to this sarcastic remark the duchess cussed in a quiet tone before dipping her hands between her breast to bring a money bag. "May the God of light bless your duchess' generosity" a blank face void of any emotion was the reply she got from the duchess. Aware of her brimming anger the old woman hurriedly reported "What was weird was that his mana experienced some backlash." "Backlash? that can only be possible when your affiliation rejects your supplications" crossing her arms the duchess was unsure and asked, "But we are affiliated to the church of light, Darius would never ally himself with any other dark gods" the tightened expression on the face of the duchess proved Darius was not involved with any other rival gods. She knew her husband was a coward who only valued his survival both in a political and literal sense. 'Darius would not put his life in danger without profit. This must have been a tactic by those damn Novics'. "Well, I hope you can clear his doubts since I have to make a report to the higher-ups" letting out a genial smile the duchess grabbed the shoulder of the priestess and whispered something. Frowning the duchess put her hand on her chin as if contemplating something before nodding her head. Watching on the sidelines the teenage boy looked at both women with a disdainful gaze. After the church's entourage had exited the duchess complained "Where is Anastasia? She should at least spare some time to come over. Better keep it a secret not to bother her." The duchess decided it would be better if her daughter could focus on her studies since the news had been kept under wraps using hush money.
"Josh, what was so urgent you disturbed my alone time?" although Greg's voice sounded calm Josh knew he was boiling in anger deep within. Josh also knew Greg's so-called 'alone time' was an addiction to polish his rod discretely. Looking outside the window at the beautiful sunrise eyes closed, chest out with a dignified aura Greg awaited a response unbeknownst to him Josh had already cussed this perverted lord of his a thousand times. "Pardon my intrusion but this matter could not be delayed any further. One of my informants discovered that the duke had received backlash and the matter is currently kept under wraps" with a silly smile on Greg's face he rushed to grab the shoulders of his subordinate. His previous grumpy attitude had taken a hundred and eighty-degree turn "Do you know what that means?" grimacing in pain Josh could barely speak calmly "What master?" Snapping back to reality he saw that Josh's face was contorted in pain so he quickly apologized and replied "With this, I can break through to be a Level 10 ranker. The last stage of a Tiro-ranked Priest, only the temptation of the Aurora potion could force me to involve myself in this cat and mouse game called politics." rolling his eyes Josh inwardly thought 'Says the guy who 'recommended' himself as the head of Tiro-ranked researchers'. meeting the awkward gaze of his subordinate he sighed before regaining his composure once again. "Tell the Novics the work has been done." nodding his head in affirmation Josh excused himself out. Laughing wildly after he was alone Greg muttered some cringe-worthy words towards his 'bright' future. He was not concerned anyone would eavesdrop because his office was sound-proofed. (What a shameless man)
Presently at the 37th floor of the tower, a black-haired youth was knitting his brows deep in thought, although his gaze was fixed steadily on the body in front of him. 'I don't understand the reason why it is impossible to devour her magic. Could it be because she's an elf? Good thing I got Grace to get the items on that list. ' "System why is it impossible to devour her magical aptitude?" *Based on the Second clause in Revisions of Marcus Aurelia. The individual's magic circuits must be unblocked before one can feel and manipulate mana* 'Fuck' Bradque recalled the information he read at the library. He was in a dilemma because the 'strongest' faction were spellcasters but in terms of individual strength, bloodline cultivators were superior but limited in potential. The number of bloodlines nowadays was too diluted to be ranked, and once you reached your bloodline limit there is no more room for improvement. Bloodline cultivators were also under the authority of their progenitor which means if Hades ordered all of his 'Family' to die "I will not be an exception" that was the reason he sought a way out of the shackles of the bloodline. Spellcasters on the other hand may not be the strongest but had greater potential and more roads to transverse on their journey. Taking a deep breath before picking Krista like a sack of potatoes on his shoulder he spoke softly " No use brainstorming. I can simply hire a potion master in this regard. First of all, I must look the part of a savior" After muttering the last sentence Bradque scratched open the blisters that had already clotted his injuries to resemble a hero.
"Anastasia" "Princess" the two guards arrived at the location their best friend laid still unconscious. They were so apprehensive that they forgot Veronica was also in the cave. Veronica saw their frightened gazes and quickly soothed their nerves "She just needs to rest for at least a day" swiftly turning their heads they realized Veronica was sitting on the floor of the cave "V-Veronica you were here?" "Oh that's great news" to clear their doubts Veronica replied Grace's question "Master instructed me to rescue the princess immediately I was done with the battle" while her reply was lukewarm they both felt warm. "Good work Grace" weak steps accompanied the weary voice that spoke. "M-Master are you alright?" rushing to support Bradque who almost lost balance Veronica frowned before speaking again "Why don't we cancel the invitation to the Walpurgis night?" bobbing his head with his eyes twitching in pain he replied "There no need to postpone my debut, that would just antagonize me more among the demon-circle" listening to his reply Veronica still suggested "But-" cutting her reply short with a frown she understood tacitly "Arden Master." "Thump" Emilia suddenly fell to her knees her armor rattled against the earthen floor but Bradque looked unshaken at least that was the case to bystanders. Inwardly he rejoiced 'That was definitely worth it, to think the only trick in the bag to work was Prince charming how irritating' "Grace what are you doing?" Bradque pretended to be astonished and exclaimed. "You do not need to be humble." This one has seen the extra mile you went in order to save the Princess. I Emilia Krin accept you as my master both heart and body. I am not in a position to request anything from you, I wish nothing but Anastasia to be safe" Grace was on one knee, her head bent and her right hand to her chest. Presented with this scene Bradque inwardly thought 'It was worth it' Faced with the long silence even Grace was getting jittery but before she could intervene Bradque spoke up "I accept your allegiance." Emilia breathed a sigh of relief before Bradque continued speaking again "However you should take heed. If you betray me as your master in any circumstance you would be held accountable" gulping in fright she responded frantically "you have my full support" inwardly mocking her statement he thought 'full support huh? Let's attest to that shall we?' 'System display Grace and Emilia status'
Name: Grace Vaunit
Age: 18
Affiliation: Church of Light, Demon King Bradque
Level: 5
Abilities: Swordsmanship(S+), Marksmanship(A+)
Strength: Level 5
Agility: Level 5
Mana: 5000
Loyalty: B
Name: Emilia Krin
Age: 19
Affiliation: Church of Light, Demon King Bradque
Abilities: Swordsmanship(A+)
Level: 4
Strength: Level 4
Agility: Level 5
Mana: 4800
Loyalty: C (Moderate Loyalty-susceptible to betray you if things go awry)
"Hehehhe...cough cough " chuckling before covering his mouth Bradque saw the weird gazes that were directed at him, shaking his head he gave his orders. "It is nearly late. Grace and Emilia take the princess to the dormitory and take these necklaces they will block your affiliation with me. Veronica, we need to finalize preparations on the upcoming Walpurgis Night" nodding her head Veronica replied "Understood Master" As Veronica was supporting Bradque out of the cave he turned around before looking at Grace and said with a smile "Congratulations on breaking through" blinking in surprise Emilia exclaimed "You already Level 5? That's awesome" flicking Emilia's forehead she stopped her friend's crazy outburst. Ignoring the racket made by Emilia and Grace he whispered to Veronica "Krista is at the entrance of the cave we would teleport with her in tow. She is an elven genius and thus her disappearance would cause a racket. I have two options either to gift her as an alliance gift or spare her to maintain a good relationship with the elves."