Epic Of The Demonic Sage

During one evening while gathered in the dining room, the Inanis family were having their dinner together and discussing an upcoming event.

"We will be setting off for Etara's Cross for the banquet tomorrow, Asher. Have you already let Bishop Reynald know beforehand that you will be gone?" Countess Lita asked.

"Yes, I've already informed him, mother." Lucius replied.

"Good. The Bishop has been present quite a lot recently such that I'm afraid that he might come here even with us gone. Other than that, while I'm proud that you are progressing well in your studies, this event is not something that you must miss." Countess Lita reminded. "So I'm grateful that you spoke to him already."

Count Gabriel sipped his wine. He was more than happy to let his wife speak with Asher in regards to the upcoming banquet and simply listened in.

"Of course, mother. This isn't something I would miss for the world." Lucius reassured the Countess that he would be going. There was much to be gained from mingling with those in their circle. "In fact, I have already asked Kiana beforehand to prepare my suit."

"Oh yes, she did check in with me on that." Countess Lita smiled in relief and rested a hand to her chest. "You have selected quite a suitable attire, Asher. Forgive me, I've gotten a little preoccupied with Alessa's outfit that I'd nearly forgotten."

"Do not fret about it, mother." Lucius waved a hand. "With Alessa being introduced to the noble society, it makes sense that you would be more concerned with her than with me. I take no offense to it."

It was also visible and clear in Countess Lita's gaze that she was enraptured with the idea of dressing up Alessa.

'Hmm… one can almost wonder if Kiana herself was subjected to the same treatment before.' Lucius thought about Asher's older cousin and couldn't quite imagine it.

Kiana was dressed for practicality and was no-nonsense that Countess Lita probably hadn't gotten a chance for it.

"You should see what I've chosen for her, Gabriel. We hid it from John so he'll only see it by tomorrow, but I am sure that the man will fall madly in love with her again," Countess Lita said eagerly.

"Mmm… if they have another child with an Epic Rank gift then I see no issue with that," Count Gabriel said as he put down his wine glass and smiled a little.

It was clear that the man was joking, but it was also said in a tone that was enough to make one wonder if the Count was actually serious.

"About that, mother, will they be bringing Cia?" Lucius asked. "They will, right?"

"Of course, I've actually recommended Kiana to be the babysitter so Alessa and John can mingle with the others." Countess Lita said.

While Lucius had no interest in children whatsoever, and his downfall was even brought about because he had been unaware of an unborn child in his former lover's body, Lucius didn't dismiss Cia entirely.

There were certain uses for children, and bringing Cia would highlight the matter all together that Alessa and John were suitable to enter the nobility circle.

Albeit they could also be under a disadvantage in case that Cia was one of those unruly babies and caused a commotion in the banquet.

"That's good to hear," Lucius said.

***

The next day soon arrived and the Inanis family departed for Etara's Cross.

Compared to when Lucius had traveled with Gellor and his mercenary team, the journey was smooth and had no delay whatsoever.

Lucius joined both his father and mother in the Inanis Family's official carriage, the same family insignia inlaid on the carriage with crested gold.

Meanwhile, Alessa, John and Cia with Kiana were in another carriage and traveled after them.

"There's no traffic at all is there?" Lucius murmured as he checked behind the curtains.

"Of course there won't be any." Countess Lita smiled. "It's officially known that your father and you will be traveling to Etara's Cross for the banquet and for those who did not hear the news, well, they'll figure it out for themselves."

Upon the sight of Count Inanis' carriage whilst accompanied by his personal soldiers, any other traveler immediately made way for them to pass through.

In fact a lot of them immediately left the road and gave great clearance.

Additionally, the soldiers from the royal army who patrolled the highway themselves also made sure they would be uninterrupted and provided them a path.

While there were other nobility in Inanis City, most of which were also allies of the Count and under his care, only a selected few were given an invitation and needed to be present.

'This will be a chance to check which ones are truly allies and which are less than suitable.' Lucius thought.

He had confidence that Count Inanis knew his people well, in fact, the Inanis Family would have not survived if there was a lack of good judgment in the family.

However, there were also people who were great at camouflaging their intentions and were not truly vested in the Inanis Family.

'While my encounter with most of the nobility have been rather questionable from Viscount Drew, to Baron of Harrels and I have not even heard good things from the Earl of Aisse Territory, there is no doubt that there will be high-functioning nobility there that needs to be watched as well.'

Lucius didn't forget the leader of the Arkaves Guild, nor the unknown stranger that killed countless of royal soldiers and escaped unseen.

'There are talented people in this world and I must see to it whether they are with or against me so I can decide on their fate.' Lucius decided.

It didn't take too long before they arrived at Etara's Cross and unlike Lucius's discreet appearance before as he blended in with the crowd, their carriage's approach was met with great joy and celebration.

A festivity took place as Count Inanis, his family and companions made their way to the heart of the city.