Unwilling

"Brother!!"

Redian barged right through the center of the training ground without restraint. He was so absorbed with his goal, he didn't notice the people around him were dumbfounded. Some of the knights were in the middle of a sparing when their young master suddenly jumped up and down like a rabbit amongst them. Resulting in them stumbling awkwardly. It's really a relief they didn't do any dangerous fighting today. Or else, an accident could happen.

Redian was so intent on finding his brother that he paid them no heed. Not even a glance was spared to the knights. Redian's focus was split to every corner of the place. But, no matter how many times he looked, he couldn't find his brother.

The knights were embarrassed. Was their presence means nothing to the young master?

"Salute!"

The Captain in charge of today's training shouted loudly, which then followed by a vigorous reply.

Redian waved his hand and gestured to let them continue. The Captain nodded lightly. He gave his men some instructions before approaching Redian.

"Young Master Redian, It's rare to see you here."

"Mmm."

"Where's my brother?"

The Captain stroked his chin. His mind wandered momentarily.

As if remembering something, The Captain's eyes lit up, "Ah! Young Master Adrian said he will be busy and wouldn't have time to train."

"If I'm not wrong, He has been away for a couple of days already."

Redian's eyes squinted, "What is he busy for?"

"I'm sorry, Young Master. I don't know the details." The Captain smiled sheepishly.

Redian let out a sigh. He really wondered how his brother could be away in a critical moment like this. This way, he couldn't get to the bottom of this situation. He needed to satisfied his curiosity.

Redian pursed his lips unhappily. His face was taut and annoyed.

Feeling concerned, The Captain couldn't help but ask, "Is something the matter, Young Master?"

After contemplating for a while, Redian decided to try them. There's a possibility they knew something.

"Have you heard the thing about Azares?"

The Captain went 'Ohhh', dragging his tone. He was making it as if he knows the in and out of the story. Redian's hand was itchy to smack him, but he held back. Redian remained silent, hinting the Captain to keep going.

The Captain's face revealed a hint of ridicule and contempt.

"We heard it."

The entire knights were thrown aback when they heard the news. It was simply outrageous to think someone like Azares could join the subjugation team. Even though they were only fighting monsters, it's still dangerous. Much more so than going to the war. Mainly because monsters' behavior was hard to predict and extremely ferocious. They couldn't be certain where those monsters will come from, or how they will attack. It's better to fight against a human since you could still guess their attack pattern and compromise with them.

In such circumstances, they didn't have the time to babysit Azares. It's considered good if Azares could keep himself safe. However, who would believe he can do it?

The Captain was having a headache lately. He couldn't bear the knights' complaint regarding this matter. Still, he was reluctant to ask the Duke. He is a knight. He trusts his lord. Therefore, he had to endure getting tortured by his subordinate.

Redian's eyes sparkled.

"Do you have any idea why?"

Why would father agree?

The Captain averted his gaze from Redian. He also knew nothing. He heard some of the servants discussing it and spreading rumors. But, he didn't know which rumor is true. If he said anything wrong, he was afraid his lord would be mad. So he shut his mouth.

"Young Master, I don't think it's wise to keep investigating." The Captain tried to persuade Redian to stop.

Despite that, Redian was still unwilling to let this matter go.

"Send someone to me when my brother is back."

After that, he pretended to be deaf and left the Captain. The knights around them glanced at the Captain who was left behind, curious about their conversation. Feeling the gazed, The Captain turned and glared.

"It seems like you still have energy left."

"Do you want an-" Before The Captain finished, the knights dispersed and scrambled away from him. They were trained, their sense of crisis had become more accurate. They felt the Captain would prolong the training, so they hurriedly left.

---

Meanwhile, Azares also had a major headache.

Sylph had gone and came back. However, he had too much fun flying everywhere and messed with people outside the manor. Now, he didn't want to go back at all.

[I did what you ask. So let me play!]

What kind of 'play' do you want to do?

Azares believed he was too unlucky recently. He met Sylph, got discovered by the Duke, and was being monitored. Azares was worried imagining his upcoming days.

[You can't]

[I have to lay low for now]

Sylph was dissatisfied. He circled Azares and scrutinized him.

Sylph felt it was the right time to get revenge. He 'casually' said, [What's so great about you?]

[You talked as if you are someone important]

Sylph mentioned it in passing. Yet, he didn't know his words would jab Azares's sore point. It's true he's not that important in this family. Still, how can you say that in front of me?

'Must you be so heartless?'

Azares was speechless. He didn't expect Sylph's tongue to be so sharp.

[What? Am I right?]

Spotting Azares' blank expression, Sylph began gloating on Azares misfortune.

[Hahahahaha! That's it!!]

[Hahaha] Sylph laughed out loud. He was clutching his stomach and spinning happily in the air.

Azares clamped his mouth. He watched Sylph in silence. Although it pricked his heart a little, he didn't mind. He had long been aware of it. He was used to it. So It's okay.

When Sylph's laughter died down, he calmly looked at Azares.

[Don't worry. Since you are my contractor, I will take care of you]

Azares mocked him, [Oh. That's so nice of you]

[Yes. That's why let me stay]

[...]

Azares was too lazy to argue anymore. He begrudgingly agreed.

[Don't make any trouble]

[At least, not until the subjugation start]

Sylph tilted his head, [Subjugation? What is that?]

Azares was in the middle of his way to the bedroom. His head was still muddled by the thought of his 'possibly' upcoming misfortune. Hence, he didn't pay attention the Sylph and carelessly answered.

[It's when you massacred monsters]

[Oho?]

Considering Sylph had never known human activity, Azares went on, [We killed them periodically to control their number. We also eliminated those who attacked the village and city]

[Mm. It would be a pool of blood]

Sylph was listening attentively to every word Azares said. He smiled widely and his face grew sinister.

Sylph exclaimed, [I can't wait!]

This time, Azares agreed with him, [Me too]

Azares was still muddle-headed, that he didn't realize they were waiting for a different thing. Sylph couldn't wait to go on a rampage. While Azares couldn't wait to finish everything and leave.

In the future, Azares would regret this day so much, he wanted to faint and never wake up. Who would have known that his careless remark would earn him a terrifying title?!