Adrian's gaze briefly flickered over Mira Blackthorn as she introduced herself, her regal presence demanding attention.
There was something about her, an air of authority that seemed far beyond her age. Curious, he decided to activate his appraisal skill, only to be shocked to find out her awakened rank.
Name: Mira Blackthorn
Class: ??? (Third Class)
Health Points: ???
Mana Points: ???
Strength: ???
Agility: ???
Intelligence: ???
Charm: ???
Luck: ???
Every one of her stats was hidden—marked only by the familiar '??' symbol, just like Seraphina's had been.
That could mean only one thing. Mira Blackthorn was a third-class awakened, a powerful and rare status that only a handful in the kingdom could claim, and at the young age of twenty-three.
This was something no one else in the kingdom had any idea about—not a whisper had been uttered about her being this powerful.
Adrian now knew a secret that could shift the balance of power in the kingdom, but he maintained his calm, offering no hint of the revelation in his expression.
Straightening his stance, he turned back to Lira, his mind carefully tucking away the information about Mira for future contemplation. He would have to tread carefully around her.
"Thank you, Lady Lira," Adrian said, his tone sincere but guarded. "I truly appreciate you taking the time to visit while I was unconscious."
He chose not to mention his time in the Divine Realm with the Goddess of Fate. That was something far too delicate to share to outsiders.
Lira's response caught him slightly off guard. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she waved a hand dismissively.
"It's not much," she said softly, her gaze flicking away from his for just a moment, betraying a vulnerability beneath her usual wit. "You saved my life once, so this is really nothing in comparison."
Adrian's lips quirked in a small smile as he studied her demeanor. As he looked at her faint blush and slightly low tone of her voice, he couldn't help but think, "Hmm, could it be she is interested in me."
He quickly refocused his thoughts. Lira's unique ability, Arcane Cartography, was something he had coveted since the first time they met.
With it, she could map out magical energies and locations with precision, a skill that would be invaluable to him.
If he could have sex with her using Yin-Yang Harmony Technique, eventually he would be able to absorb it.
Mira, watching her sister's blush and subtle mannerisms, seemed to come to her own conclusions.
Internally, her thoughts were far more calculating than the composed smile she presented outwardly.
"It appears my naive little sister may have taken an interest in this man", she mused to herself, the corners of her lips twitching in amusement.
" Perhaps I can use this to my advantage. Having Adrian Everhart in my corner might be a good thing, especially his Aunt, a 3rd class awakened. My foolish sister might just help me acquire the perfect pawn for me to play around with against Vortigern family."
The room grew quiet, an awkward tension settling between the three of them. Adrian noticed it too and decided to break the silence.
"So," Adrian began, his tone light as he folded his arms casually across his chest, "what brings you both here today?"
Lira, clearly irritated by the presence of her sister, huffed slightly before responding. "I actually came to inform you about the situation in Baron Mortimer's territory," she said, giving Mira a pointed glance.
"But as you can see, someone decided to tag along uninvited."
Mira raised a brow, her lips curving into a playful yet somewhat disingenuous smile. "Oh, come now, dear sister. Surely my presence doesn't bother you that much?"
Adrian watched the exchange with mild amusement, though his focus was primarily on what Lira had mentioned.
Adrian leaned forward, his expression sharpening with curiosity. "Lady Lira, could you update me on the situation in Baron Mortimer's territory?" he asked, his tone measured yet expectant.
Lira nodded, shifting her weight slightly as she folded her arms in thought. "Yes, well, things have been quite eventful since you were unconscious," she began, casting a brief glance at Mira before continuing.
"Your plan to attack the Mortimer estate may have come off at the perfect time, albeit without your direct involvement. While you were out of commission, Mortimer's exiled son staged a rebellion and attacked the castle."
Lira's voice grew more serious. "He hired a powerful individual to assist him, someone strong enough to almost kill Baron Mortimer."
Adrian raised a brow, feigning shock as he listened. Inwardly, however, he recalled the intricate web he had spun—using the portals of the Virtual Training Chamber, to launch a surprise attack on Mortimer, subduing him with a slave seal and forcing the Baron to concoct a story.
The entire rebellion narrative was merely a convenient cover for Adrian's covert operation, allowing Mortimer to play along with his version of events.
"But," Lira continued, her tone with hatred, "Count Vortigern had stationed three of his strongest retainers nearby. They were able to resolve the crisis and save Baron Mortimer. Now, a week later, there's going to be a public execution of Mortimer's son as punishment for his actions."
Adrian nodded slowly, allowing the information to sink in while maintaining a front of controlled surprise. "I had no idea things had that escalated much. And now an execution… Baron Mortimer is inviting nobles to witness it?"
"Indeed," Lira replied, her gaze steady. "He's invited many prominent nobles to attend. It seems he wants to make an example of his son, to reaffirm his authority over his lands. Good thing you didn't attack, otherwise, your reputation would have been damaged by baron Mortimer, even if you didn't help the exile son, he would have spun it to fit his narrative."
Adrian stroked his chin thoughtfully, his mind already working through the implications.
His silent intervention had gone unnoticed, with the kingdom none the wiser about his manipulation of the events surrounding Baron Mortimer.
The execution would only further solidify the story of rebellion, keeping Adrian's true actions hidden.
He replied to her in a relieved tone," Indeed, I had been lucky not to attack him. But this complicates things right now, we won't be able to attack him for now."