Fire Mage (Web Novel)

Chapter 611: Baron's Apology

At that moment, Charles was pretty annoyed by Baron Cedric and instantly unsheathed his sword.

A moment later, he stepped forward and suddenly slashed his sword at the left side wooden cupboard.

In a split second, his sword edges glowed in a sunshine color and cleaved the whole cupboard into two.

"Intermediate-level sword aura? Y-You already reached Rank-2 [Blade Dancer] Class? Impossible! How did you get the class gem?" Baron Cedric couldn't believe his words.

In truth, Charles covered the sword's outer surface with his lawful fire and imitated the 'Intermediate Sword Aura' to fool Baron's eyes. With his Intermediate Dagger Arts, pulling off such a simple sword stance was easy for him.

"You don't believe me? Father, if you still don't acknowledge me as your son, I'll be willing to move away from Silvercrest Household and enroll in Radiant Academy."

"You think Radiant Academy will open for everyone? Only geniuses will be able to get recognition-" He abruptly stopped there and realized how old his illegitimate son was.

'He is only 15 years old but already reached Second Rank Mystic. Not only that, he even somehow managed to slay a peak level Rank-2 Magical Beast, which is almost unheard of. He could be a genius among geniuses in the whole city. Could it be someone helping him?' Multiple thoughts whirled in his head.

Alas, he became clear head in a second and decided not to lose such precious treasure. Among his other three sons, only his second son became a Rank-2 [Holy Knight] Class Mystic and had already become an official church member. Alas, he ranked up only at 35, which was average among mystics. As for his eldest and the third son, both were still stuck in Rank-1. That was why Baron decided to let his Eldest son inherit the Noble Title and make him a noble. At the same time, he also made a good path for his third child and let him become a merchant.

It was all going well for his children until one of the maids he slept with became pregnant.

What was worse was that she hid it in fear of Baron forcing her to abort the child, making things more complicated.

By the time he realized it, it was already too late.

Before the news leaked, he arranged a small marriage ceremony and married her before making her his concubine.

Alas, his first wife and other children didn't like her and drove her out of the Silvercrest Household in a few months.

Baron also didn't chase after her and almost forgot about her and his illegitimate child.

Although he occasionally sent some money out of pity, he never went out and looked for her again.

But a month ago, the news of her death arrived and caused him a headache.

He also learned that his illegitimate son would become an orphan if left behind and decided to let him return to the mansion.

After all, he was still a bit guilty about the past.

He thought his wife and his children would've forgotten about the past and might give him some space to live in the mansion. But a big fight broke out between him and his first wife after he secretly gave him a 'Blade Wielder' class gem and made him a Rank-1 Mystic.

The fight between husband and wife reached his father-in-law's ears and caused a great commotion in Duke's household. In truth, this Baron noble title itself was a dowry for marrying into Duke Eldrakar Household. So, he had no choice but to lower his head and listen to every word of Duke Eldrakar.

At the end of the discussion, Duke forced him to sacrifice his illegitimate son if he wanted to retain his noble title and land.

Although Baron Cedric was a bit sad, he didn't mind sacrificing his fourth son, whom he had no attachment.

That's why he made a small scheme to send him to the Northern Woods to die.

'Alas, things have become much more complicated now.'

If he had become a Rank-2 [Sword Dancer] Mystic at 35, like his second son, he would still try to think of a way to eliminate him.

'But the young boy standing before me has the potential even to become a Rank-5 Mystic! If he is nurtured properly, I might negotiate with Order Church to let him become a high-rank officer and rise to the position of Count.' Greed appeared in his mind.

After some thought, he decided to take things smoothly and spoke.

"Zephyr, I apologize for not seeing your true potential and making your life miserable all this time. As an apology, I'll give you the guest house located in West Borough. Although I still can't make you the heir of the Silvercrest Family or give you my wealth, I'll try my best to find a better position in Order Church and present you with a government position in the future."

'You don't have a shame, do you?' Charles gave him a cold look and sighed.

Although he could make this man's life miserable in a blink, his real goal was not to cause trouble and involve himself in any trouble.

"I understand your concern and will gladly accept your gift, Father," Charles said, bowing his head.

"Good. You can go back and tell Nigel to come here. After I discuss something with him, he will bring you to the new house and help you with everything."

"Yes, Father." Charles bowed his head and quietly walked out of the room.

'Thank goodness he didn't find anything odd about me. No, I think he never really paid any attention to Zephyr in the past. Otherwise, he would've noticed something feels off about me and acted cautiously.' He nodded inwardly and went downstairs before informing Butler Nigel about Baron Cedric's order.

On the other hand, Butler didn't delay a single second and hurriedly ran to the second floor to look for Baron.

Soon, he entered the study and bowed his head in greeting.

"Nigel, I want you to go with Zephyr and help him stay in the guest house for now." He paused for a moment and then added in a low voice.

"Also, send an invitation letter to Duke Eldrakar and invite him for another discussion." A cold look appeared on Baron Cedric's face.

"You finally changed your mind, My Lord?" A relieved smile appeared on his face.

On the other hand, Baron Cedric leaned on the chair and spoke casually.

"That kid has already become a Rank-2 Mystic. If he is nurtured properly, I can use him as my trump card and might increase my status."

A trace of disappointment appeared on Nigel's face as he heard those words. He knew how heartless Baron was to his illegitimate son but still felt angry inside.

Unaware of Butler Nigel's inner emotions, he let out a satisfying laugh and spoke.

"I had no choice but to lower my head before Duke Eldrakar all this time. But now I have a precious treasure, so I will not let myself become a mere servant of the Duke Family from now onwards."

"Humph, once Duke finds out that my fourth son has already become a Rank-2 Mystic, he will have no choice but to shut up."

"M-My Lord, wouldn't he get angry and try to eliminate the potential threat to control you?" Butler voiced his concern.

"No. That man won't go to that length..." He paused as he recalled his order to kill his illegitimate son only a few days ago and facepalmed.

"He will try to assassinate him. Haa, tell Guard Captain Kenneth and his squad members to follow after Zephyr to West Borough and protect him at all costs. It will also be a punishment for not doing their job properly."

"Guard Captain Kenneth? My Lord, I don't think it's a good idea-" Butler Nigel was about to oppose but soon shut his mouth as he saw Baron Cedric's darkened face.

"I've overstepped my bounds, My Lord. I'll tell Captain Kenneth to get ready to move out." Butler let out a bitter smile and spoke.

"You can go back now." Baron waved his hand and thought deeply about how he should explain everything to Duke Eldrakar.

'That man is already a Legend Powerhouse and could squash me like a bug if I overstep my bounds. On the other hand, I'm only a Rank-4 [Blood Warrior] Class Mystic and have no backing.' He pondered for a while and soon decided to lower his head again.

'Although ruthless, he cares a lot about his other grandchildren. If I convince my wife and my other three sons, things will go smoothly.' He muttered inwardly and started thinking of some excuse to convince his wife.

...

On the other hand, Butler Nigel reunited with Charles at the mansion entrance and hurriedly brought him to the carriage house.

Along the way, he met with a member of Kenneth's team and told Baron Cedric's new order for their team.

Within a few minutes, a large wooden carriage engraved with a silver-wolf symbol left the Silvercrest Mansion and started moving towards the West Borough.

A strange silence appeared inside the carriage as the carriage moved on the dirt road.

After some time, Butler Nigel quietly removed the curtain cloth to look outside and asked in a low voice.

"Do you hate Lord Baron, Young Master?"