The Nobles' Scheme

"I assure you, I did not mean to take in another disciple without giving thought to your sons." I tried to pacify the nobles. As soon as I was in the tea room, they flocked me with questions and accusations.

"Even so, sir Kari. It is quite baffling to learn that you have chosen a... low-life as your third disciple." The viscount commented surly.

I had to clench my jaw to stop myself from letting out words that I knew I would later regret. Low-life. They spout insults to commoners as if we are beneath them; people who are not even worth being treated as such.

I gave them my business smile, swirling wine on my glass.

"It is quite a sad thing. To think Jaeger would chose an underwater match of all things. I wonder how he figured that one of my disciples is lacking experience." At my words, some of the nobles flinched.

I knew it. These old farts sold me out to Jaeger. I let out an inaudible sigh.

Jaeger must have convinced them that once my disciples are his, I would fill the vacancy of my disciples by bringing in their sons as mine to teach. No wonder he wanted to have one of his be taken as my disciple.

It was to show that I'm on his side, so these old farts can do no harm unto him and his guild.

I continued to smile at the flock of peacocks, hiding their feathers. "What's got you gentlemen so quiet?" I prodded them.

They looked uncomfortable. One of them tried to hide it by clearing their throat.

"Sir Faust, what do you think of choosing another disciple?" The viscount asked.

I leaned back on my chair. "Though I'm quite impartial to the idea I would rather not. Do forgive me, but having three is already a handful for me."

"I'm sure you will do just fine, Faust. After all, that disaster 7 years ago only happened because you chose the wrong disciple." One of the less influential nobles, Baron Freiherr, commented in a glum tone.

"What ever happened, seven years ago?" Another asked.

"Why, you must be quite new Sir, if you do not know the wretched history of sir Faust's first disciple." The count exacerbated.

I bit the inner side of my cheek to keep myself from cursing the man. "... Rest assured, such a tragedy won't happen again." I forced a smile. "Which is also why I want to focus on nurturing the... children under me."

Lest they become discriminatory fools like you. I grumbled in my head.

"Children?" Count Graf scoffed. "That recruit from Anguilla is already well beyond the age of maturity. And he has quite the grotesque appearance, if you ask me. Unlike our dear sir Faust here, who is brimming with beauty, despite his origins."

The other nobles chuckled at his depreciating joke.

"You speak correctly, Count. However, I do not only look at their age. Their build, stamina, techniques, and innate charisma—I look into their maturity holistically. Is that not why you want your sons to be my disciples?" I opened my palm to them.

"Because I am the best there is." I smirked, clenching my fist.

The nobles looked at each other, as if planning a subterfuge. But, they could not deny my words.

"Yes, Faust. While it is true that you are the best hope there is for this god-forsaken place, do remember that you are nothing without our support." The count countered, demonstrating the most desperate of efforts to put me under his thumb.

"Are you threatening me?" I raised a brow.

Count Graf chuckled dismally. "Of course not. We would never dare anger our... charming sir Faust."

"We just... want to guide you to make the right decisions." The viscount followed up.

I took a swig from my glass.

"... Alright." I let out a sigh. "I'll hold a tournament to pick a new disciple."

"A tournament?"

"Why hold something frivolous like that when you can just pick—" I held up my glass to shut him up.

"If you want me to choose a disciple, you have to let me handle how I pick them. This is to be fair to the other... eligible young men who want to have the honor of being taught by me."

The count and viscount shared a look. The other nobles didn't seem as opposed. More like, they seem to be awaiting instructions.

Hah! So the count and viscount are the masterminds behind this ploy.

The count scoffed. "You make it sound like you're looking for a spouse."

Of course he'd say that. I kept my calm and chuckled politely.

"It is only right that I diligently select my disciples, lest my reputation as the number one be tarnished once more." I parried.

The wine in my glass was already dwindling. I'm running out of patience for these nobles. That, and I was beginning to feel light-headed.

Jeez. How does Adelredus manage this kind of stifling matters everyday? I'm lucky I only get to entertain these old beards every once in a while.

The nobles still looked apprehensive with the suggestion. Looking at the time, I realized that I wasted too much time appeasing them. It would soon be dinner time. Hopefully, those kids, particularly Alva, did not kill each other off by now.

Well, better speed things up here. And what other way than to barter?

"I will tell you what, Count. I am shall take on two more disciples, winners from the tournament. I guarantee that, one of which, will be a noble son from your houses. Does this placate you?" I proposed.

The Count seemed pleased, smiling as he nodded his head. "Very well, Faust. As for the tournament—"

"I shall inform you of the rules at a later date." I told the man in a low voice. The count looked elated.

I drank the last of my wine. "Well then, gentlemen. You will have to excuse me as I shall make the necessary preparations for this tournament. It will happen in a week. I shall expect your contributions soon." With that said, I went away.

I was just in time for dinner after I changed my clothes to more loose-fitting ones. Alva, Dustan, and Hund were already sitting at the table.

"I see you have yet to kill each other off." I commented sardonically. "Have you bonded well with one another?"

"Hund will sleep at the kitchen." Alva announced nonchalantly. I glared at the teen.

"I told you, that's not up to you to decide. Hund will—"

"Master, I wish to sleep in the kitchen." Hund cut me off.

I raised a brow at the man. "Are you defying me?"

At my question, Hund pursed his lips and backed down. I let out a sigh. It seems like Alva is keen on having his way be done.

"Fine. If you do not want Hund in your quarters, he shall stay in mine for the time being."

At my words, Hund and Dustan looked at me and shouted incredulously. "What?!"