Chapter 35: Going back

The garden was filled with a lingering air of anticipation as Irene and Liam concluded their discussion.

With a slight smile, Irene glanced at Liam, her eyes conveying both warmth and reverence.

Warmth for that, Liam was completely different compared to the rumors that she had heard from the other lords.

Reverence, it was for the way how Liam behaved during the talk, he didn't show any air of superiority, as if he and she stood on an equal footing. All he had was the craving for knowledge as he continuously asked question after question to satisfy his hunger.

"Is there anything else I need to know?"

 Liam inquired, his voice calm.

Irene shook her head slightly, her smile unwavering. 

"That is all for now. Too much information at one time wouldn't do much since most of it is akin to that of an information dump"

"One at a time when necessary, I will share it with you."

"Just ask me if you have anything else that needs to be clarified"

As the panel before them dissipated under Irene's will, she gestured to the maid standing nearby, indicating for her cup to be refilled which also signaled the end of their talk.

 With practiced efficiency, the maid approached and poured the steaming greenish liquid into the two cups on the table. Liam took this with one heart, taking one final sip before he was about to rise to his feet, Intending to leave.

Seeing this, Irene then interjected with another point.

 "Oh, and a few things I should remind you"

Curiosity sparked in Liam's eyes as he settled his gaze toward her, giving his full attention as he paused within his motion.

"What is it?" 

He asked.

"Well... "

Irene paused for a second, hesitating whether to say it or not.

But then, she continued with a sense of anticipation.

"Make sure to get to know the other members of the alliance"

"They are trustworthy, trust me on this one"

"Having one more friend in this world wouldn't hurt you know?"

 Irene advised, her tone earnest.

Liam remained silent momentarily, his gaze fixed on Irene as if contemplating her words.

 Sensing his hesitation, Irene forced a smile to meet his gaze. Hoping that he would agree.

"No..."

 Liam started, his voice trailing off slightly, indicating his intention to leave.

"O-okay, but don't be too cold to them" 

"At least say hi in the alliance chat"

Irene added hastily, a note of concern creeping into her voice.

"I will think about it"

 Liam replied cryptically.

"And also, here"

 Irene suddenly waved her hand as she summoned her panel, shuttling her fingers over it, and in the next moment.

 [Ding, Lord Irene is sending an item, would the Lord like to accept the request?]

Hearing this prompt, Liam remained nonchalant on the outside, though his finger shuttled towards the sudden panel and he agreed.

Another prompt entered his ears, indicating the trade was successful. 

[Ding, gaining 1 teleportation scroll]

[The item will be automatically stored inside the Lord's panel]

"We are going to resettle our base tomorrow, that's why I am giving you the scroll in advance"

She smiled when she saw Liam's plain complexion as he overlooked the item that he received from her.

"Understood..." 

His response was as plain as his expression.

"A-and, there might be some issues that need to be dealt with tomorrow, can I leave it to you?"

"It is also the reason why I appointed you the warlord position"

"C-can you do it?"

 Irene's eyes glistened in anticipation and worries, a mix of hope and apprehension evident in her gaze.

Liam's thoughts remained undisturbed, a calm river beneath a stoic surface.

 "Does it involve defeating a certain enemy?"

 He inquired, his voice a steady stream of inquiry.

"Yes"

Irene nodded back, her voice carrying the weight of her concerns.

"Is the enemy strong?"

 Liam's tone was measured, his gaze piercing through the veil of Irene's complexion.

"No"

 Irene shook her head.

 "For me, the enemy is strong... but for you, you should be able to defeat it"

 She reassured though the shadows of doubt lingered in her eyes.

 But seconds later, a firm of confidence emerged. Especially after witnessing Liam's dragon form and the terrible coercion that his body exudes, Irene believed it wouldn't be a problem to settle tomorrow's 'problem' easily.

"Then, just leave it to me" 

Liam affirmed and continued.

"I will be leaving now... If anything comes up, you can contact me through the chat" 

"Yes, have a safe journey"

-

As Liam stepped beyond the threshold of the castle walls, the crisp air of the evening greeted him, carrying with it a sense of tranquility that he often found comforting. 

His gaze instinctively lifted skyward, his mind drifting into a realm of contemplation as he pondered the events of the day.

Unbeknownst to him, hidden within the confines of the castle, Irene observed his departure with keen interest. Her eyes sparkled like light bulbs as she stared intensely toward the slowly leaving figure.

 From her vantage point, she watched as Liam's figure moved further away, his silhouette gradually blending into the twilight hues of the horizon.

 Through the glass, she caught a glimpse of something extraordinary unfolding before her eyes.

Liam's form began to shift and contort, a swift and seamless metamorphosis that seemed almost surreal.

 In a heartbeat, he transformed into a magnificent creature—a giant black dragon, its scales shimmering in the fading light. Standing tall and mighty, like a mountain among the grass.

Irene's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in sheer astonishment. 

The sight before her was nothing short of breathtaking.

"I can't believe it"

 She whispered to herself, her voice barely audible above the soft rustle of the curtains.

 "Is he a dragon?"

"A human?"

"A mix of blood?"

"Just what is he?"

Excitement bubbled within her, manifesting in the form of a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

 One spikey strand of hair atop her head seemed to waggle like a dog's tail, betraying her inner thrill at witnessing such a spectacle.

For a fleeting moment, Irene forgot all about the weight of her responsibilities and the challenges that lay ahead.

 In that moment, all that mattered was the exhilarating mystery that surrounded Lord Liam, and the boundless possibilities that lay within this mysterious Lord. Such a lord that will be her immediate boss from now on.

-

As Liam approached the perimeter of his territory, the atmosphere was noticeably different from before. 

Liam's vision was notably enhanced than before, even from such a distance from the sky, he could see the situation within the territory clearly without the help of the map panel.

The streets were now under strict martial control, with Iron Guard footmen patrolling attentively, their presence a reassuring presence in the wake of the recent event. 

Somehow, their heavy footsteps gave the people a sense of assurance of their safety from the ordeal that had just occurred before.

 Adhart's orders were clear: maintain public safety at all costs.

Approaching the territory with breathtaking speed, Liam's presence tore through the air, causing a sonic boom that reverberated across the land. 

The patrolling troops within the territory snapped to attention, their eyes scanning the sky to discern the rapidly enlarging black dot hurtling toward them.

 Even the townspeople, nestled within the safety of their homes, were stirred from their routines by the sudden disturbance in the tranquil sky.

"What's that black dot, Mom?" 

A child asked, peering out of a window with wide eyes, curiosity piqued by the unusual sight.

"It's nothing, dear. Now, let's get you back to bed"

His mother replied, masking her concerns with a reassuring smile, though worry lingered in the depths of her gaze.

This time, however, the people were spared the discomfort of Liam's overwhelming aura and oppression, as he had learned to retract it. 

Instead, they were left with a sense of unease at the unknown, their thoughts swirling with apprehension. 

Minutes passed by.

Within the castle, in a certain corridor, Elera's voice echoed with frustration and determination as she struggled against the grasp of the maids who were desperately trying to restrain her.

"Let me go! I have to find Liam!"

 She cried out, her voice tinged with desperation as she fought against their hold.

"My lady, please, this is for your safety"

"Sir Adhart's orders are clear for the lady to remain within the room until further notice is dispatched"

 One of the maids pleaded, her voice laced with concern and a hint of helplessness at Elera's persistence.

"No, I demand to speak to Adhart!"

"How can he keep me locked up like this?"

"Liam might be in danger, especially after that roar we heard"

"I won't rest until I know he's safe!" 

Elara's resolve was unwavering as she continued to struggle against the maids' grip, her determination shining through despite the obstacles.

Seemingly helpless to restrain her, the maids turned their gazes towards the group of guards on the back.

"S-sir guard, please help us bring Lady Elera back to the room"

"This is under Sir Adhart's orders, please help us to escort the Lady back"

One of the maids implored, her voice tinged with desperation as she sought assistance from the group of guards assigned to Elera's safety.

The guards exchanged looks, understanding the gravity of the situation. 

Two of them stepped forward, their expressions firm yet sympathetic as they approached Elera.

 With practiced precision, they gently but firmly grasped her arms, applying just enough force to restrain her without causing harm.

"No! Let me go! I have to find Liam!"

 Elera protested vehemently, her struggles intensifying as she resisted their efforts to lead her back to her room.

The guards maintained their grip, their movements steady and controlled as they guided Elera away from the corridor, their priority being her safety above all else.

"No! Let me go!" 

Elera's voice echoed down the corridor, her struggles futile as she was lifted by both arms, her feet kicking below her, desperate for solid ground. 

Her disheveled clothes and flushed face bore witness to her distress, while the maids on the sidelines could only exchange worried glances, their concern for the lady evident in their eyes.

"My lady, please be patient. The Lord is sure to come back safely"

"Sir Adhart must have sent some soldiers out to search for the Lord's whereabouts"

One of the maids whispered, her voice a soothing balm amid Elera's turmoil.

As this was happening, suddenly, a deep magnetic voice came from the front. Startling all of the people here due to its familiarity.

"What's happening here?"