13 Aftermath (Pt.2)

"Lucian! Be respectful!" Lilith exclaims with a scornful look.

She then looks at the man with an apologetic expression.

"Please excuse his disrespect, Marquis." She respectfully says.

Lucian's eyes slightly widen at the revelation.

'Shit. That makes so much sense, considering this bedroom and his clothing. He's a Marquis. A relationship between us could be advantageous. I can't believe I almost screwed that up.' Lucian's thoughts stream as a cynical smile rises from the corners of his lips.

Lucian takes a second look at the Marquis, analyzing anything he could use to his benefit.

The Marquis wears a black tunic sewn from what looks like the highest quality silks. A set of leather cuirass sits on top of the tunic, made of a resilient type of leather that Lucian has never seen before. It has a texture that resembles a mixture of Rhinoceros and Crocodile. This is due to its highly dense but scaly nature. In the center of the cuirass is a Red Wolf painted with a blood-red hue. Two purple gems reside in the leather plating on either side of the wolf, revealing the presence of hidden enchantments, concealed even to Lucian's trained eyes.

Aside from the cuirass, the Marquis wears a set of gauntlets, plated boots, and an equipment belt holding an intimidating longsword with a silver hilt. The pommel of the sword bears a peculiar blood-red gem. Looking to the Marquis' physique, he has the muscularity of a trained warrior that suits his attire. The Marquis's appearance beckons a drive for efficiency only furthered by his short black hair cut down for ease of use. However, the look suits him as it emphasizes his stoic looks and dark brown eyes that flicker with a grey hue between each breath, exuding the presence of dormant power.

(Author's Note: The presence of magic profoundly influences human appearance. Those with magical power bear abstract coloring in their eyes, hair, and physique. This is based on the strength of their power, race, etc. For humans, it is common for eye color to be most affected.)

'It doesn't look like this guy beats around the bush. Being straightforward is probably the most efficient approach to gaining his trust. Connections are the key to power. It's the same as the corporate world, even more so in a medieval world. Considering this guy could execute anyone he wishes in his realm. I remember several accounts of that kind of thing happening in Earth's history.'

"It's quite alright, madam. I believe that he has earned the right to be discourteous considering recent events and the fact that I haven't properly introduced myself." The Marquis humbly replies, looking to Lilith.

His gaze diverts to Lucian, his expression as if he is looking at a prized gem.

"I am Harald Adalwolf, Marquis of the Skalborn March, Defender of The North. My family has protected this land from the Southerners for the past three centuries, guarding the mountain passes with our blood."

(Author's Note: A march is a border county which is usually the first line of defense during an invasion. Therefore, a Marquis is allowed for a more prominent military presence than other counties.)

"Now, for why you are here. This will require a much longer explanation."

"We have received recent reports of scouts from the South prodding the borders for any weaknesses. Due to this, I engaged in an investigation of the town's defenses on the night of your attack. While investigating, I decided to check on the status of the slums under the current mayor. During my exploration, I felt an incredibly powerful surge of mana erupt. For fear of attack, I mobilized a party of the local guardsmen to the location of your attack. Sadly, when we arrived, your battle had already ended, and you lay in that young girl's arms." Marquis Harald points to Layla before continuing.

"The surge of mana had dissipated by the time we arrived. After asking her what had happened, she pleaded with us to help you before she told us anything. That night I took you back to my castle and requested the best physicians I have to aid in your recovery. Once your wounds had been treated, the girl filled me in on the shocking events of that night. Upon realizing that you had defeated the criminals, I sent for your parents to reside in the castle until you awakened and my questions could be answered. I would like you to know that very few survive an awakening, and even fewer that can manage to cast a spell within their first year. You have gone above and beyond that, piquing my extreme interest in you, boy." Marquis Harald calmly speaks, his gaze never drifting as he looks deep into Lucian's eyes.

"So, what happened from your perspective?" He asks.

Lucian pauses, thinking over the events and the best way to describe how he could do such crazy things without incriminating himself as a Demon.

"I'm not really sure. Everything is blurry. I remember my body crackling with Lightning and feeling incredibly strong. But I have no idea how to do it again or what happened after that." Lucian says, trying his best to feign amnesia.

Harald nods as he rubs the stubble on his chin in thought before speaking.

"Very well. It can't be helped. I've heard that you suffered major head trauma. My physicians were unsure if you would ever wake up. I think it's the best possible outcome that you did. I can't ask you for more than that. I apologize for my rudeness in prying into your mind." The Marquis says, bowing to Lucian to the amazement of all in the room.

"It's alright. I wish I could help you more or repay you for the aid you have given me." Lucian replies.

'Great, I was worried he wouldn't believe me for a second.'

"Actually, there is a way you can help me." Harald replies.

"Hmm?" Lucian mumbles.

"I know it is very sudden, but I would like you to enter into my household as my apprentice." Harald says with a commanding tone.

"Huh!?" Everyone in the room exclaims in shock.

"My Lord, you would do us such a great honor?" Lilith exclaims, still shock-ridden.

"Apprentice?" Lucian questions.

"Yes."

Harald pauses, thinking about the best way to respond.

"If you decide to accept. I would be your mentor in the ways of becoming a mage. Whether you become successful or not, your debt will be repaid. You will have everything that I can offer you until the age of 12." Harald responds.

"What happens at 12?" Lucian interjects.

"At the age of 12, you will be entered into Aesludor's Magical Academy to become a registered Mage. However, I will warn you now. In return for your schooling at the academy, you will be required to enter military service for two years. After, it is your choice what profession you would like to pursue. I will do all I can to help you until then. This is not without benefit for me, as your achievements will bring honor to House Adalwolfen. So do not think I am doing this for nothing."

(Author's Note: Aesludor is the name of the Kingdom.)

'A Mage? Hmm. I can't think of why I would refuse. I need to become stronger, and I bet the academy will have information on this world. Magical training won't hurt either. I need to check out the update to the main quest as well. It was updated a while back, but I wonder what lengths I'll have to go to unseal Atrioch.

"I would like to accept your offer, but what of my family?" Lucian asks.

"Your family will be given a place to stay within the keep." Harald replies.

"Hhm!" Siegfried clears his throat.

"My Lord, I beg your pardon. But I run a Blacksmithing Shop in the town, and it would be impossible for me to leave my work so suddenly."

"Hmm."

"I see that is an issue."

Harald takes a second before a lightbulb blinks in his mind.

"Siegfried, I would like to offer you a position as the Castle's Blacksmith. You will be paid properly for all equipment you produce and given a monthly salary. It would hurt the local economy if you closed down your shop suddenly, so I will be giving you one year before your service, and your son's apprenticeship will start. During this time, I will send for another Blacksmith to replace you in the town."

"Is this alright for all of you?" Harald asks with a slight pleading in his eyes.

Lucian and Siegfried nod.

Lilith sighs before nodding.

"You boys are always shaking up my life, aren't you." Lilith says, staring daggers at both of them.