Epic Of The Demonic Sage



In the training grounds of the Inanis Guards barracks, there was a huge crowd of people that were all gathered together.

People were cheering, and a great number of servants and especially the guards were all witnessing the rare sight of Count Inanis on the grounds.

It wasn't a normal occasion for the Count to actually go out of his way to fight, even the Viscountess herself had trouble initiating one with the Count, but somehow the man went out of his way this time for Baron Hugh.

"Hmm, he had always found one way or another to not fight me, but this time, he's actually gone out and initiated it himself." Viscountess Blackshield said with a small mutter underneath her breath.

"Viscountess Blackshield, it is a surprise to see you here." Captain Donald said.

"Yes, I couldn't miss something like this for the world, you know?" 

"Ah, so it's why the state of your estate is of a small matter to you." Captain Donald muttered under his breath. 

The two of them had fought each other before and Captain Donald thought of himself as a gentleman who was able to work with other people, but compared to Count Inanis who was his direct superior, Viscountess Blackshield was… while not necessarily equal in rank, seemed much closer to him than Count Inanis.

Viscountess Blackshield's face schooled over into a cool feature. She was much more expressive now than she had been before at the Etara's Cross banquet, but only because the people here were much more willing to open up and communicate with her genuinely.

However, when it came to the fact that someone like Captain Donald was becoming a little passive aggressive or showed hints of spite, that was when the cold personality of Viscountess Blackshield came back.

'I understand that my presence has been perhaps a nuisance to the authority of this Captain, but I am free to do as I wish. Hah, I suppose if I was more bloodthirsty as I was before, I would have already challenged him to a match but somehow… being here in Inanis City surrounded by other people has made me softer.' Viscountess Blackshield thought. 'Well, not soft enough to not be here.'

She was originally supposed to be with Countess Lita, Baroness Hugh and even Lady Alessa, but the promise of a fight was far more interesting than any kind of tea time with the ladies for her.

Count Inanis was a natural fighter and leader. He was Rancor, the great renowned fighter who was able to slay hundreds.

Meanwhile, Baron Hugh himself was rather shorter and had a portlier body. But somehow, the Baron was able to hold a sword well and looked actually focused that time.

'I… don't exactly recall Baron Hugh's gift. Hah, I never really bothered with the other nobles' Gifts unless they are particularly strong or related in combat, so I am assuming that his Gift is much more related to merchant stuff.' Viscountess Blackshield crossed her arms over her chest.

"Have you ever encountered Baron Hugh before?" Viscountess Blackshield decided to reach out a little. Extend an olive branch of goodwill to Captain Donald.

"I'm afraid not, Viscountess. I am not sure, but I did hear stories that Baron Hugh and Count Inanis's relationship during their younger years was also good. Not as good as with Viscount Felldan, but they have a strong amicable relationship due to the close distance between the Inanis territory and Baron Hugh's lands."

At the mention of Viscount Felldan, the smile on Viscount Blackshield's face became a little even more icier. 'Ah, yes, the bane of my existence him.'

"Hmm, pardon me for speaking so frankly around you, Viscountess." Captain Donald said.

"We have already been here together for weeks, Captain Donald. I do not see any issue with you being much more candid with me. In fact, it is something that I will appreciate coming from you." Viscountess Blackshield said. "Not everyone has to array themselves in a garland of lies and parade around."

Captain Donald noticed the edge in Viscountess Blackshield's voice. He was sure that she was implying someone else, but at the moment, it was a conversation that didn't really seem appropriate in the battle grounds.

'I… I have been a little more upset due to what I am feeling, but I am a little cold to Viscountess Blackshield despite her position.'

"What were you going to ask?"

"Ah, well, it is simply my observation over the years of working with Count Inanis that you are not among the number of people that he considers his closest confidants."

"That much is true." Viscountess Blackshield said. 'If anyone were to find themselves eating out from the hand of that Viscount Felldan, I don't think I would have liked being around them, Count or not.'

"Yes, but you must already know that it is not the Count Inanis himself who invited me here but Lord Asher Inanis. And so by default, I am under the grace of Count Inanis in this particular situation." Viscountess Blackshield said. "Does that bother you, Captain?"

"No. It does not."

"Hmm, based on how you are acting around yourself, it feels like a lie, but that is not my issue." Viscountess Blackshield said. She hated thinking of words as much as Viscount Felldan. There was an icky and slimy feeling that permeated her skin where she was to ever find herself being compared to the Viscount.

'But it's natural, considering that we both share the same rank. I am a threat to him, and Count Inanis his own personal way of getting a leg up.'

"Do you know of Baron Hugh's Gift?"

It was an interesting conjecture.

Nobody was actually quite sure what was the Baron's Gift, and perhaps, none of the soldiers would figure it out as Baron Hugh called out a request.

"No Gifts, Count Inanis. I actually want to have a chance this time instead of fearing that I'll get plunged into death." Baron Hugh called out with a nervous laugh.

"Of course." Count Inanis nodded.

Those were the terms laid out for their current battle as Lucius and Benjamin arrived to witness the battle and speak with the young man's father.