Epic Of The Demonic Sage

'While it would have been interesting for the Nexus to be able to assess plants, I suppose it being useable on people and beasts is good enough. I've familiarized myself with studying and scholarly works even without it before so I need not be truly compliant… its convenience is only applicable when the subject is present, not when it's unavailable after all too.' Lucius thought as he waited alongside the Viscountess, Captain Donald and the Count for the herb to be delivered.

The herb was essentially a sedative and when ingested in quantities large enough, it would function exactly as the sedatives that were available in Lucius's old world.

'Now that I have observed Bordeaux up close and personal, it has become quite clear to me that he is thoroughly uncooperative and that turning him to my side in his current state is too much of an effort with little return. Restraining him from causing too much damage to others and keeping himself hidden will be akin to asking water to stop flowing. Once this interrogation is over, turning him into the Lost is the most useful choice.' Lucius thought as he observed the knocked out man.

"Viscountess, in regards to this situation…" Count Gabriel suddenly spoke as they waited.

"What about it, Count Inanis?" Viscountess Blackshield asked.

"As Countess Lita said, we have put you and our son's life in danger. We will see to it that this man is punished sufficiently."

Viscountess Blackshield's gaze lingered on Bordeaux and her shoulders squared a little.

"This is an unfortunate situation, Count Inanis. It was also unforseeable so please do not worry about it. I have no intentions of spreading this if that is what you have been concerned about."

"I do not wish to withhold you from speaking about what you wish to discuss, Viscountess. We've already had a lockdown here in the city, but I am sure that word will eventually spread either way. It is far better for you to give a more accurate telling of the events than anything else."

"Hah. If I am, to be honest, Count Inanis, I would have preferred for word not to go around. It's not often that I find myself bested by an individual. I have a reputation to uphold, so once word arrives that I was injured by such a criminal, it will make people think I am weak." Viscountess Blackshield said.

"You can simply prove them wrong when you encounter them, Viscountess."

"I suppose. Thank you, Count Inanis. I would have preferred to be known as completely untouchable, but what happened has already happened."

Lucius didn't say a word as the two nobles talked with each other. While Viscountess Blackshield wore a smile around Lucius and seemed more relaxed, she was stiff and courteous once again with Count Inanis.

'With the two being compared to one another, it isn't so surprising that they act like this. In addition, the fact that Viscount Felldan is also close to Count Inanis does not completely escape the Viscountess' perception as well.'

At long last, a guard arrived with a bag of the herbs who bowed respectfully. "The Calming Root herb, Count, Viscountess , Captain Donald and Lord Asher."

"You may go."

"We can finally get on with this then." Viscountess Blackshield said impatiently.

"Bind him properly." Captain Donald made his guards resecure Bordeaux's restraints before they force-fed him the herbs.

"Ughhh… that tastes like crap." Bordeaux muttered with a groggy and dazed appearance.

"Enough. You will answer our questions. Why did you come here to this city?"

"Why wouldn't anyone want to go to this city? Heh." Bordeaux chuckled weakly. "Rancor was acting up again and the man's child, someone giftless, survived an assassination attempt all by himself. That had to be bullshit, so I came to check, wanted to see it for myself heh. I guess by the looks of things, it was right."

Count Inanis's face hardened.

"You do not work for anyone?"

"Psh, working for someone. I hated working for my knight order, hated dealing with mercenaries and their politics. Why would I go through the trouble of getting an employer when I can take whatever I want. Ugh, I wanted that guy's sword. It was useful." Bordeaux slurred and eyed Asher. "Once I get out of this, I'll take it. And oh, that shield that changes shapes. I want that too. Of course, it's no fun trying to kill someone when they're asleep, since they can't struggle as much, but I guess that's an option now."

Count Inanis's eyes glinted at the same time as Viscountess Blackshield.

There was a tenseness in the air.

Lucius cursed inwardly and cut in.

"Father, if you will allow me to take this man, I will find more useful information from him. We've already allowed this man to waste your and the Viscountess's time when it could have been put into other more important things."

"Very well, but I will still keep my word." Count Gabriel stepped forward and grabbed Bordeaux's arms. He shattered them in one go as Bordeaux let out a small howl of pain.

His dulled senses made it so that while under sedative, he couldn't restrain himself from his own reactions.

"If the Count is doing that then I hope there is no harm in doing what this bastard has attempted to do to me earlier." Viscountess Blackshield approached and kicked the man's legs until she finally crushed the man's feet.

A delicious crunch echoed inside of the underground dungeon alongside another sound of pain from Bordeaux.

Captain Donald's features were schooled calmly while Lucius held back from gritting his teeth.

'These injuries will elevate the chances that turning the Mad Blade into a Lost will fail. Curses.' Lucius thought, but couldn't do anything except watch.

Without Countess Lita around, the two nobles were more willing to pour out their frustration on Bordeaux and might end up killing him too.

'No. They still have restraint, they are not complete animals subject to their whims and fancies.' Lucius thought with growing concern until Kiana arrived.

"Count Inanis? Countess Lita is searching for you."