As Isabela's voice called from outside, Terry and Riley emerged from the room. Riley carefully locked the door behind them, making it evident that he had accepted the items Terry had brought.
Sensing that Terry had something to discuss, Riley dismissed the servants, leaving only himself, Terry, and Isabela at the table.
Riley wasted no time. "Terry, your visit isn't just a casual call, is it? What's on your mind?"
Terry nodded. "You're right, Mr. Riley. I need some information about the Artian Empire. Additionally, I'd like to ask for your help in watching over my home."
Riley's brow furrowed slightly. "Your home? What do you mean?"
Setting down his glass of juice, Terry explained, "It's about Chris. She doesn't know any combat skills or magic. I often worry about her safety while I'm away, so I hope you can keep an eye on her."
"Chris?" Isabela's ears perked up at the mention of this name, her tone betraying a subtle curiosity. "Who's that?"
Terry glanced at her, sensing the need to clarify. "Chris is my only family. I grew up an orphan, and it was Chris who raised me. I have a duty to protect her."
"Oh," Isabela murmured, her expression softening, though a glint of something else flickered in her eyes. Riley, observant as always, chuckled inwardly. **She's tense. How amusing.**
"That won't be a problem," Riley assured him. "I know all the mercenaries in the city. A word from me, and no one will dare bother her. Now, about the Artian Empire... Terry, were you involved in their recent troubles?"
Terry's face hardened. "I was."
Riley studied him with a mixture of admiration and concern. "Why would you pick a fight with an entire empire? That's a dangerous game with little benefit for you."
Slamming his palm against the table, Terry's voice trembled with emotion. "Because they killed my sister. She was my only family, and they took her from me."
Riley exhaled deeply, his gaze steady. "So that's it. I think I understand now. You must be that child—the one from years ago."
Terry saw no need to conceal his identity further. His father's reputation, while controversial, was no universal taboo. Only the Artian Empire had reason to pursue his bloodline with vengeance.
"Do you seek to restore your kingdom?" Riley asked, his tone both cautious and intrigued.
Terry shook his head. "No. Titles and thrones mean nothing to me. They're burdens that will only hinder my future. All I want is vengeance. I watched my sister die before my eyes."
Riley nodded in acknowledgment. "In that case, I'll keep you informed about the Artian Empire's movements. But Terry, are you truly prepared to face their two Fifth-Rank guardians?"
"Fifth-Rank guardians?" Terry's voice sharpened. This was precisely the information he needed.
"Yes," Riley explained. "The Artian Empire has two formidable protectors. The first is Cameron, a Water Element Grand Magus known for his unparalleled defensive magic. He serves as the guardian of Prince Shook. The second is Sal, a Fifth-Rank Grand Swordsman who protects the Artian king himself. Sal's Gale Blade Barrage is a technique few can withstand. If not for the king saving his life in his youth, Sal would never have pledged his sword to the Artian Empire. Without him, the empire would hardly hold its ground."
Riley paused, his expression turning grave. "If your goal is to kill the king, you'll inevitably face Sal. Are you sure you can contend with a Fifth-Rank swordsman?"
Terry frowned, shaking his head. Against ordinary soldiers, his current abilities—bolstered by tools like Gaosu or Yingzi—were more than sufficient. But challenging a Fifth-Rank master was an entirely different matter.
Seeing Terry's hesitation, Riley suddenly laughed. "Ah, I see now. That's why you only destroyed their city walls. You're setting the stage for others to finish the job, aren't you? Let the neighboring nations do the heavy lifting."
Terry smiled faintly. "Exactly."
Riley couldn't help but admire the boy's cunning. It was a brilliant strategy—if it worked. Unfortunately, Artia's strength lay in Sal, a deterrent other nations were reluctant to provoke.
Still, the visit wasn't in vain. Armed with new knowledge about the Artian guardians and Riley's promise to protect Chris, Terry left feeling reassured.
As Terry's figure disappeared down the street, Isabela pouted. "Father, why didn't you stop him? He shouldn't be going up against those two Fifth-Rank guardians."
Riley chuckled softly. "Ah, my dear daughter, don't underestimate that boy. He's far more capable than he appears. And more importantly..." Riley's gaze darkened with thought. "Did you notice the ring on his hand? It bears the emblem of the Guildmaster. In two days, the Guildmaster himself will arrive in town. If that boy is truly his protégé, then the Artian Empire may very well face its doom. Two Fifth-Rank guardians? For the Mercenary Guild, they're nothing more than a joke. Artia's fate depends entirely on the boy's relationship with the Guildmaster."
Isabela's eyes widened. "Then why did you accept his gifts? Aren't you afraid the Guildmaster will punish you for taking advantage of his student?"
Riley coughed, a flush rising to his face. "What kind of daughter says such things about her father? Besides, it's a token of respect from a younger generation. Why shouldn't I accept it?"
"Respect for his elder? When did you become his elder?" Isabela smirked.
Riley grinned slyly. "Well, that depends on you, my dear daughter. You have the power to make me his elder, don't you?"
Isabela's face turned scarlet. "Father! What kind of father says such things about his daughter?"
Riley sighed dramatically. "Every father wants the best for his child. That boy's future is limitless. If you win his heart, I'll have no regrets in this life. But if you can't, well... I'll chalk it up to fate."
Riley's words weren't without merit. In a world where strength dictated status, securing a bond with someone as talented as Terry would be a monumental boon. And for Isabela, a marriage to him would far surpass any union with the city's ordinary mercenaries.