Epic Of The Demonic Sage

Lucius and Kiana returned to the mansion and found themselves being waited upon in the dining hall.

The Count and Countess were together, and even the Viscountess was present and simply drinking her Humble Blaze.

'Perhaps at another time, I wouldn't even be allowed to leave the Inanis mansion, but now that the trust Count Inanis has in me has grown enough to let me leave unattended, even with the Countess's worry and concern about me.'

"Asher, you have returned at last." Count Inanis greeted him with a nod. "I did not expect you'd leave to deal with the man as the underground dungeon is already sufficient enough, but I am glad that you've returned safe. For the next following days, the city will be in high alert. The presence of Bordeaux has been disconcerting and we shall have all the guards patrol the area."

"While you and the Viscountess are safe now… it is better to stay where we are, Asher. I heard that you went to the rehabilitation center but please let it be the last time you go out until this matter settles down." Countess Lita said, forehead creased with worry. There was so much concern on her face that even Count Gabriel couldn't do anything about it.

"Yes, it is best to take rest for now." Count Inanis nodded. "We are unsure if there are other criminals like him that are around, but either way, it is enough to once again have the streets be patrolled. Perhaps we have grown a bit too relaxed and at ease."

"I see. Thank you for informing me of this, I will reassure you that I will not be going anywhere else, Mother and Father." Lucius said. "I owe a lot to Viscountess Blackshield for being around and being there during Bordeaux's attack, but I also wish to apologize for the situation that occurred. It must have been unpleasant that your travel around Inanis city led to this."

"It is not like we can control situations, Young Lord Asher. This is fine." Viscountess Blackshield smiled and sipped her cup. There was a slightly tense look in her eyes which she relieved by downing more of her alcohol. "While I might be the first one to feel cooped up with being simply in one place, I do not think that this will apply here in this situation. In fact, I will find it a restful time. I hope that you also take it as a chance to recuperate too."

"I will."

"Thank you. The Inanis Family has in fact been quite hospitable that I worry that I am the one overstaying my welcome." Viscountess Blackshield wryly said.

"You are free to remain as long as you like, Viscountess."

"You are our guest, the circumstances have not changed."

'As far as I know, there are no other criminals that are on the same level of danger as Bordeaux… and with him being turned into a Stalker Lost, the danger posed to me continues to to lower, but I shall abide by their rules in their own way.' Lucius thought. 'It wouldn't actually be a bad thing for me to rest. I will simply have to use others to do my bidding for me.'

***

The next two days passed in the Inanis mansion peacefully and without any issues.

Lucius initially wished for Kiana to run errands for him, but even she was forbidden to go out and thus left him rather stuck and cooped indeed.

The man did not let it stall him, Lucius spent the next two days meditating, gathering the Hell Energy that he used up when creating Bordeaux and recovering from the fatigue of use.

'It is perhaps a fitting thing.' Lucius thought to himself as the fatigue ebbed within his body for the next few days.

On the third day of the city lockdown, the curfew was finally lifted.

"At last, we can finally leave." Lucius said to Kiana when she reported to him that Count Gabriel had spoken with Captain Donald and received word about the safety of the city. "Prepare a carriage at once."

"Very well, Asher. To whom are we visiting today?"

"We are visiting Leif and the others." Lucius said. "It has been enough time since then."

Kiana's expression flickered slightly and her back stiffened lightly. "I will do as you ask, Asher. It will be good to visit them, they failed to give us enough information about the whereabouts of Bordeaux, didn't they?"

Even though it has been three days since the incident with the Mad Blade, Kiana continued to beat herself up over the incident and now subconsciously wanted to shift the blame, if only a little to Leif and the others.

"Do not be overly hostile, Kiana. There are limitations to what they can or cannot do." Lucius said. "They simply deal with information and not actual tracking of individuals. And even if they provided such services, I do not think any of Leif's men would have lasted against Bordeaux in the first place. You know how long we've lasted. If it weren't for Viscountess Blackshield and catching the man in surprise with the Masked Legion, then the situation might have ended differently."

"Apologies, Asher. You're right… please wait for a moment and I'll arrange our transportation now." Kiana bowed and went to finish her task.

It didn't take too long for them to make their way to the Blind Crow's Tavern.

Upon their arrival, Lucius would meet Leif, Arius, Carlyle and Cohen and somehow, their sentiments were along the same as Kiana.

"Lord… Lucius." Leif's expression usually didn't portray much, but this time there was a sense of concern on his face. "The situation with Bordeaux became out of hand, I hope that you have remained safe… but we have failed to act on time."

"Failed to act on time? I did not expect the people here to come out and apprehend Bordeaux." Lucius raised a brow and then glanced at Arius, Cohen and Carlyle. "The advice you three have given was mostly to avoid the man at all costs and also informed me of his madness. That had been useful warning to me."