Ch-18: Meeting the Redhead

The morning unfolded with a gentle breeze, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the earthy fragrance of freshly cut grass. The sky above was an expansive canvas of azure blue, adorned only by a few fluffy, cotton-white clouds drifting lazily.

As the sun climbed higher, its warm rays cascaded down, enveloping everything in a golden embrace. The temperature was just right, neither too hot nor too cold, making it the perfect morning to venture outside and revel in nature's splendor. Birds filled the air with a symphony of melodic chirps and trills, their songs echoing through the tranquil surroundings. The air felt crisp and invigorating, refreshing every breath taken.

Clang Clang

"In the training fields of the Count's mansion, two figures stood, their bare torsos glistening with sweat as they engaged in a fierce sword spar.

"Lord Adam, this is completely unfair! How did you become so strong all of a sudden, right after getting in shape?" Alex gasped for breath, his eyes fixed on Adam with exhaustion, his sword lying discarded on the ground where Adam had easily disarmed him.

"Alex, my strength was always there, but my previous weak physique prevented me from fully unleashing it," Adam taunted, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he gazed up at the panting Alex, sword in hand.

In the morning, after waking up, Alex suggested that they test his swordsmanship to see how much he had improved since gaining a stronger physique. Adam agreed, thinking that Alex might be a challenge or at least a draw. However, he soon realized his mistake when, within a minute, Adam effortlessly disarmed him.

It was a refreshing change for Adam to defeat Alex, who had always bested him in their spars. As they trained, a few maids, elegant and beautiful, surrounded the training field. Their faces blushed and their lips glistened as they observed Alex's bare torso. Adam couldn't help but notice their reaction, finding it amusing. He had agreed to this training session partly to test his own charm on women, and it seemed that his charm was quite potent. He was certain that if he were to ask any of these women to accompany him to his bed, they would not refuse, and perhaps even compete for the opportunity.

"So, Alex, craving some more of a beating?" Adam taunted, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips as Alex struggled to stand.

"Nah, I've had enough. I can't wait to see the expressions on those bastards' faces when they realize just how much you've improved," Alex replied, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes as he imagined the frustration on Liam and his cronies' faces.

"Hmm, they won't last much longer," Adam said, his voice turning cold, causing Alex to flinch involuntarily.

"M-my Lord, are you planning to... to kill them?" Alex stammered, his nervousness evident in his voice.

"Yes. They attempted to take my life in the forest," Adam revealed, a simmering anger flickering across his features as he recounted how Liam and his henchmen had hired the assassins. Alex's face contorted with a mix of anger and determination.

"How dare those bastards! My Lord, I will assist you in exacting revenge upon them. If you hadn't become so strong, they would have succeeded in taking your life. My Lord, why are we hesitating? Let us inform Lord Alvin immediately," Alex suggested, his mind consumed with rage. Memories of his past, on the verge of being sold into slavery, flooded his thoughts and if Adam had not saved him from being sold, he would likely be a slave at the moment. He owed his life and undying loyalty to Adam, and the mere thought of someone plotting against him ignited a fierce rage within Alex.

"Now is not the time, Alex. I'm certain they have hidden supporters. Rest assured, I will eliminate them all in one swift strike," Adam responded, his voice steady and resolute. He knew the impending danger loomed, sensing the increasing density of mana in the past few days. Judging from this ominous sign, Adam believed that the Apocalypse would commence within a matter of days.

"Lord Adam, Lady Amber and Lord Alvin have summoned you. The Daughter of Duke Flameheart, Ruby Flameheart, is currently with your parents, along with your cousin Liam," a maid informed, stealing glances at Adam's bare torso. Adam raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the news of his cousin's fiancée, who had arrived just the previous day.

"Very well. You may go. I will join them shortly," Adam replied, his dismissal causing the maid to hurriedly leave the training field.

Inside the Count's mansion, Adam's father, Alvin, and his mother, Amber, engaged in conversation with Ruby Flameheart, a busty red-haired woman who wore a smile on her face. They chatted amiably, while Lukas stood nearby, his eyes wide with astonishment.

Lukas cursed silently in his mind, unable to hide his disdain. "Damn two-faced woman," he thought, observing Ruby's facade of a gentle noble lady, which starkly contrasted with the sadistic nature he knew her to possess.

"I heard that your son is at home. Where is he? Isn't he here?" Ruby inquired, a hint of dissatisfaction in her voice. Adam's parents, Alvin and Amber, noticed the undertone and Amber responded politely.

"No, Lady Ruby, my son is currently at the training grounds, practicing swordsmanship with his personal knight, Alex," Amber explained, maintaining a smile on her face. She subtly glared at Liam when he scoffed at Adam's training remark, her displeasure evident. Both she and her husband were well aware of the schemes that Liam and his father, Lukas, were plotting. However, they chose to remain silent, as they had their own allies, including Ruby's own father. Amber engaged in polite conversation with Ruby and the only reason behind it was because she was aware that the father and daughter were not on good terms, as she had gathered from her sources.

" Oh, look Adam is here" Amber said as Ruby looked at the entrance and was frozen stiff immediately when she landed her gaze on him