Robert's Dilemma

In the baron's residence, Cyrus scoured the halls for Robert. Even though Cyrus currently is the strongest figure here, Robert is still the real lord and the commander of the knight cavalry; ever since the morning, this guy has not shown his face at all.

As Cyrus approached Robert's quarters, he encountered Dorthy emerging from the room.

"Hey, head maid, have you seen Sir Robert anywhere?"

"My lord is training with the knights, Sir Wizard."

"Tell him to visit me... no, forget it. I'll go to him myself."

"If Sir Wizard desires, I am at his service. I'll call for Sir Robert... it's my duty to serve you better, Sir Wizard."

"No... Tell the maid to remain in my room permanently. I'm tired of doing these little things by myself."

In the past...

Cyrus had told everyone to stay away from him because he wanted to be alone. He was really thinking about killing everyone here.

But after he met Lady Genevieve, his lust for blood has lessened quite a bit and now he didn't want to hurt people as much as before.

He also found it hard to find people in the big castle; thus, now he realizes how important a maid is for taking care of himself.

After searching for a long time, he finally arrives where the knights are practicing their skills, honing them through sparring. Meanwhile, Robert can also be seen sweating after being defeated by the head knight of the cavalry, Sir Julius.

"Sir Wizard... it's truly an honor to have you join us again," Julius said, his enthusiasm evident.

This man, with his beautiful silver hair and the surname Mystil, is no ordinary knight. He's the cousin of the esteemed late Lady Gwendolyn and the current Baroness Genevieve Mystil.

In Nodara, he's renowned as an exceptionally talented auror, mastering the second energy of the world, known as aura, at the very young age of 16.

Aurors are often considered on par with wizards in strength, especially in close combat, where they excel wielding hand weapons.

While some are skilled archers, their numbers are few, as some wizards also use archery, predominantly of the Elf race.

But what sets them apart is their raw strength and prowess in close combat, which truly shines every time, surpassing that of wizardry.

But Julius isn't just skilled with a Sword.

Upon awakening their aura, few aurors awaken a guardian spirit born from their will to fight, but it is quite a rare occasion.

In Julius's case, his spirit is none other than a majestic Twin-headed black Serpent.

Another unique aspect is that , their spirit doesn't have any ranks; its strength depends on the auror's current strength. Since Julius is currently a 4-star auror, so is his spirit.

"It can't be helped since the baron doesn't seem to be interested in the courtesy of the host. I myself have to roam around the castle,"

Cyrus remarks, expressing his frustration.

In a sudden rush of panic, Robert flings his sword aside, his words tumbling out,

"I... I just can't. Honestly, facing Sir Wizard fills me with shame. I've caused such trouble in front of my guests, and I regret it deeply."

"Sir Wizard, there must be some misunderstanding. My brother-in-law is not malicious, nor is he an alcoholic. He's a nobleman who knows how to honor his guests,"

Julius interjects, firmly defending Robert's character..

'Who do you think you're fooling? Do you take me for a child?'

Cyrus contemplated inwardly, opting to withhold his thoughts rather than expressing them aloud.

"I've forgiven you, so there's no need to worry. And let's not forget, I helped you sober up, didn't I?"

Cyrus replies, forming a smile as warm and kind as possible.

"Help me to sober up?" Robert feels the urge to curse at him, but he reluctantly endures. At that time, he was so scared that he urinated in his pants; the fear was so intense that even recalling it now makes him feel terrible. But he can't say anything to Cyrus as in the presence of strength, all he can do is bow and agree.

"Absolutely, sir wizard... You indeed opened my eyes that time."

"And What's with this 'Sir Wizard' all the time, huh? Call me Cyrus. I'm just a humble guest at your house afterall,"

"We dare not," Robert and Julius responds respectfully.

"Forget it... How are the preparations going? Something is about to happen in the capital, and so..I obviously have to go back. For that, tomorrow will be the day when I attack the portal," Cyrus announced.

"That's too early, Sir Wizard,"

"Do you have problems? Weren't you all practicing for three months?"

"Baron, you also have to participate," Cyrus replies sternly.

"We absolutely have nothing to say. If Sir Wizard has made up his mind, then we will do anything to aid him," baron and others responded unanimously.

"Alright, practice well," Cyrus concluded before leaving.

After Cyrus left, Robert sighed, his eyes growing serious.

Throughout the time, his biggest concern was Cyrus as he used to think.

Does he think I'm incompetent?

After what happened, will he hold a grudge against me?

Robert's worries were not unfounded. In nobility, even a small mistake can escalate into wars. Sometimes, honor can be a tricky thing that ignites a fire in one's soul, triggering their egos.

Though Cyrus isn't noble, he is still an archmage, a pillar of power in the Vortex Empire, only behind the Transidents and mythical beings.

Another concern lingered...

What if Cyrus doesn't want him to participate in the expedition?

As a noble, every lord has a tied duty towards their land, such as protecting the commoners of their fiefdom.

If an outsider from the imperial capital were to solve their troubles, wouldn't his respect in the people's eyes diminish?

Even if everyone knows that the black portal is dangerously sinister a threat of A-level, he would still be regarded as a coward. Thus, there is a need for a certain level of involvement in every act, especially if it concerns the safety of his govern land.

But now after Cyrus said that he also has to participate in battle, there is newfound energy circulating within him as his biggest dilemma has been solved.

"You're not looking too good, brother-in-law."

"Do you really think we stand a chance at destroying the portal, Julius?"

"Destroying it on the first try? Highly unlikely. Word has it that it's demonic."

"But what if monsters break out?"

"Don't worry needlessly, brother-in-law. We can't afford to dampen the morale of our fellow knights. And let's not forget, the Sun Guild dispatched a team here even before the sir wizard arrived."

"Yes, my concern might've been unnecessary."

"Also, you better not treat my sister badly for the time being, or that bitch might ruin everything once again."

"Yeah, that's something I have to... control."

And so, Robert and Julius resumed their practice sessions.