Chapter 612: New House
Charles raised his eyebrows and soon nodded.
"I truly understand the reason for hating him, Young Master. But please understand that he is in a position where he can only take orders like a servant. Although he held the Noble position for namesake, he is a mere puppet."
"Duke Eldrakar?" Charles had already known the relationship between Baron Cedric and Duke Eldrakar and asked.
"Yes, Young Master. Unlike your Father, he is a ruthless and narrow-minded person. Although your Father's plea can save your life for a few more years, he will always see you as a thorn in his eyes. Be careful not to get near him at all costs." He paused for a moment and then spoke gravely.
"If possible, try to enroll in Radiant Academy and become an elite student. That way, you can even avoid any assassination attempts."
"Didn't Father already send Guard Captain Kenneth and his team members to protect me?" Charles couldn't help but ask.
"That's why I'm more concerned about your safety, Young Master. Although Lord Baron doesn't know his true character, I know Kenneth very well. If someone pays some good amount, he will pay no heed to anything." Butler said in a solemn tone.
"I'll keep that in mind," Charles said with a nod and decided to make him become an obedient slave for him.
'I plan on keeping a low profile and staying in this place for the next two years. So, I need some good servants to do all the odd work. Although this Butler is most suitable for that job, it can't be helped.' As for his enrollment into the Radiant Academy, he still had yet to decide.
'Genesis, give me some information about Radiant Academy.' He ordered.
[Yes, Host. In the year 2405, Second Arcane Era, Radiant Academy was founded by Samuel Lockwood and has been under the management of the Lockwood Family...]
'Skip all the useless information. Can I find any sword techniques? I need to learn a good technique and find a way to master this thing called 'Aura.' Although I managed to fool Baron Cedric, I must be careful around high-rank mystics.'
[Searching for information related to sword arts... Found it!]
[There are thirty beginner-rank sword techniques, 6 Intermediate-Rank Sword techniques, and one uncompleted High-Rank Sword technique stored on the top floor of Heaven's Library, Host.]
'Oh, can anyone read it?'
[No, Host. Only the 'Elite' Students are allowed even to enter the top floor. Moreover, there is also a Legend Rank powerhouse guarding the Library, so it's impossible even to sneak in.]
The corner of Charles's lips twitched as he noticed 'Genesis' had answered his next question.
At that moment, Charles thought of something and asked.
'Now that I think about it, why couldn't I level my dagger skill? Is it due to my Average rank 'Darkness' affinity?'
[Yes, host. Although your dagger skill comes under sword affinity, it also strongly influences the darkness element. To make things worse, not only is your sword affinity average Rank but even your 'sword' affinity is Low Rank, causing your dagger skill to stagnate for a long time.]
'Thank goodness I didn't pick up 'Thief' class after transmigration.' He muttered and soon asked.
'Is there a way to improve my 'Darkness' affinity rank? I also want to improve my sword affinity and learn a good sword or dagger art.'
[Yes, Host. There are multiple ways to improve one's low-level elemental affinity. The first option would be buying a darkness elemental affinity potion. Although the price will be high for Rank-1 or Rank-2, you can easily get them if you hunt some Rank-4 or Rank-5 Magical Beasts and sell them for Sacred Gold coins. The second option is to do a sacrificial ceremony to the Will of the Shadow or Darkness Realm and get help from it...]
Genesis also gave him more ways, but he felt they were hard to achieve.
'The first option is the best one. So, what about increasing my 'Sword' affinity? Can it be done with potion?'
[No, host. Unlike elemental affinity potions, no alchemist can create a sword affinity potion using materials. But many records say that perfecting understanding of sword techniques could allow one to gain 'Sword Enlightenment' and improve one's sword affinity level. That's why Sword Path is considered to have unlimited potential.]
'Nah, I'm not interested in becoming a Sword Path Mystic after becoming a powerful mage. I want a way to perfect my disguise and not get exposed.' While he was chatting with Genesis, the carriage made multiple turns and soon entered a street called 'Crystal Lane.'
Before long, the carriage reached the end of the street road and stopped in front of a small single-storied house surrounded by a small lawn.
As the carriage parked at the house entrance, Charles and Butler Nigel also stepped out of the carriage and looked at the house surrounded by greenery.
The single-storied house stood gracefully at the end of Crystal Lane, its charming presence enhanced by the serene surroundings.
The front of the house featured a welcoming porch adorned with intricately carved wooden railings. Climbing vines snaked up the supporting pillars as if nature sought to embrace the dwelling. A cozy swing, swaying gently in the breeze, added a touch of whimsy to the entrance, inviting passersby to pause and savor the tranquility of the surroundings.
The exterior walls, painted in a soft hue reminiscent of the morning sky, exuded a sense of tranquility and comfort. Delicate shutters framed the windows, their white paint contrasting against the gentle tones of the facade. Flower boxes adorned the sills, overflowing with blossoms that spilled their vibrant petals, infusing the air with their sweet fragrance.
"This house looks so good. Why didn't Baron let me live here before? Problems would've been solved pretty easier." Charles muttered as he opened the fence gate and stepped on the lawn. Before long, he and Bulter Nigel reached the house entrance and opened the wooden door.
Charles soon stepped in and found himself in a haven of cozy charm. The interior boasted an open layout to foster a sense of togetherness and conviviality. Evening sunlight poured through the large windows, casting a warm glow upon the hardwood floors that spanned the space.
The living area, adorned with plush sofas and overstuffed armchairs, was centered around a crackling fireplace, serving as a good place for relaxing.
Adjacent to the living area, a spacious dining room beckoned with an elegant wooden table adorned with delicate lace and fresh flowers in an exquisite centerpiece.
"The flowers look new... Who manages this house?" Charles couldn't help but ask.
"This is a guest house managed by a maid named 'Stella.' She is also your mother's friend so you may have met her before. She will be the one who will do all kinds of chores and even take care of your daily necessaries, Young Master."
"Oh? It seems my Father has some big plan to use me." Charles said with a smile and quietly walked towards the nearby sofa before sitting down.
After that, he gave Butler Nigel a curious look and asked.
"But I don't think my father will allow me this live in this luxurious environment without expecting anything in return, right?"
"You have guessed it right, Young Master. He wants you to become a Rank-3 [Blood Swordsman] before you reach 30 years old. Until then, you can stay in this house or enter the Radiant Academy to improve yourself."
"Okay. You can tell my Father I'll not disappoint him." He paused for a moment and also added.
"Also, I will enroll in Radiant Academy after two months. Until then, I'll stay here and focus on improving my skills."
Saying so, he stood up from the sofa, quietly moved to the bedroom, and decided to rest.
On the other hand, Butler Nigel stayed in the house for the next two hours, told the maid Stella to take care of all necessary needs of Zephyr, and even warned Guard Captain Kenneth not to make anything hard.
After that, he told everyone to take good care of Young Master Zephyr and left around 7 P.M.
...
The next day.
17th May, Year 6418, Second Arcane Era.
It was around 7 A.M.
Charles woke up after a long sleep and slowly sat up.
"I slept for more than 12 hours." He checked the time with his stopwatch and slowly stood up from the wooden bed.
After that, he moved towards the bathroom and freshened himself up. Then, he took a shower and changed his cloth into a new one.
"I should go and eat something." He had long noticed a 30-year-old woman cooking in the kitchen and went to the main hall.
He also checked the surroundings with his' wisdom power' and noticed only one guard was sitting on a wooden chair under the tree shadow in the lawn.
'Butler Nigel's words are indeed true. Except for this soldier, the Guard Captain and his other teammates are nowhere nearby.'
Shaking his head, Charles first moved towards the dining hall and entered the kitchen.
