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Inside Viscount Renn's manor in Mistellia, the study was filled with an uncomfortable silence. A retainer was looking down at the floor uncomfortably.

The viscount did his best to maintain a calm demeanor and asked. "Are you sure the report is reliable?"

"Yes my lord. The entire hamlet was massacred. Out of the 73 residents, not one was spared." The retainer answered while rubbing his sweaty palms on his trouser.

"And what of the nearby garrison?"

"They didn't realize of it until two days later. The leader of the garrison sent the report. He has also asked for the wizards under your service. According to his words, the scene is very strange."

The viscount sighed helplessly. Such a huge amount of casualty was rare. Specially so since Libsidia had been peaceful for the past decade. "I understand. Any clues as to who did such a thing?"

"We don't know.... but the report said that it wasn't bandits or a ragtag bunch of lowlifes."

"I understand. You make take your leave." Viscount Renn waved his hand and sent the retainer away. As soon as the door closed shut, he massaged his temple to relieve the stress.

"Would you like a cup of tea?" The butler who was attending to him asked professionally from beside him. "The lady bought some excellent herbal tea yesterday. They have extraordinary calming effects."

"No, I am fine." The viscount rejected the suggestion and put his hand down. "Ready everything. We are leaving early tomorrow. Also, send word to Manuel to meet me as soon as I get back to Renn castle."

"I shall send our fastest horses to deliver the message to Sir Manuel."

*****

"Why so soon? I wanted to attend more parties." Rosie complained as she looked at her mother.

"Calm down. Why are you so worked up? Look at Vincent, he's younger than you but isn't complaining. Can't you be half as composed as him?"

"That's only because he can't wait to shut himself inside his study in the castle. Besides, he has no friends. Mother, can't I please stay? I already have plans with several friends."

Renee smiled lightly and replied without cutting corners, "No! You are coming with us. Besides, you need to prepare yourself for your return to the academy. And don't throw another tantrum. It's only three more months until winter. You will come back then anyways."

"Yes, yes. And what do I do during winter? Sit beside my window and look out the window like a love struck maiden?" Rosie commented in a ridiculing manner. Renee stared at her intensely, causing the girl to shrink back in fear.

"Don't bicker too much. We need to start moving now." Viscount Renn cut in between the two. He recognized this pattern. If he let it be, the mother and daughter would stop talking to each other for a few days in the least.

"This is all because of you. Rosie is already sixteen, yet you keep on sheltering her. Look how rebellious she has gotten recently." Renee complained to her husband who had stepped in as always to protect their daughter. She was quite troubled by how overprotective he was of Rosie.

The viscount hurriedly shifted the topic in order to not delve deeper into the topic. Who knew what the consequences would be if his wife started throwing a tantrum too. Turning to Vincent, he spoke hurriedly. "Vincent, don't read too much during the journey. You will be accompanying me and Manuel for the inspection. There won't be any time to rest so don't tire yourself while we move."

"Why me? It sounds like a pain. Besides, your wizards should do just fine anyways."

"Did I say you could refuse?" Viscount Renn stopped his son immediately and continued. "Besides, the wizards already gave up. They said that the event was very strange. And I don't think anyone would be more qualified to study about strange things than you."

Vincent was tempted a little bit when he heard the word strange but continued playing hard to get. "But doesn't that mean that it's dangerous? I don't want to. I have been riddled with bad luck recently. What if something serious were to happen to me?"

"Stop making excuses, tell me what you want."

"Then I want the minotaur's heart that is stored in your collection." As soon as he heard the question, Vincent answered with great fervor.

"Alright, you can have it. It's not much use to me anyways."

"No fair." Rosie shouted in disbelief. "Can I come as well? I don't want anything in return."

"You aren't going anywhere. Such a cruel scene shouldn't be witnessed by a young girl." Renee declared before her husband could be convinced by Rosie.

The family boarded a carriage amidst constant bickering. A row of carriages and armed escorts on horses made their way to Renn castle.

After two and a half days of travelling, a citadel came into view. The walls were made of stones and easily stood over five meters tall. Standing in front of it, it gave people a feeling of insignificance.

Inside the stone walls, a prosperous town was bustling with activity. Ignoring the scorching sun, people were moving around, taking care of their chores and other activities. The outer areas were mostly populated by normal civilians. A few taverns and pubs were also built there. As one moved deeper, the number of shops increased significantly and the residents were craftsmen and their family.

And in the very centre of the town, a castle made of black stones stood proudly. This was Renn castle, the main castle belonging to the Renn household. It had been built more than a hundred and fifty years ago. Initially, it started as a small castle. But with each generation, it got larger and more fortified.

It had seen a fair share of war and sieges. In its long history, it had only fallen once.

"Home sweet home." Vincent stretched his entire body to rid himself of the discomfort of the long journey. He couldn't wait to take a long relaxing bath.

"Yes, it's good to be back. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of lazing around. Let's go. Manuel is probably already waiting for us." The viscount spoke as he alighted the carriage, shattering Vincent's plans about the bath.