章節 10: The Number One pt. 3
"Stop!" I commanded. "Don't come in."
The door stopped mid-swing.
"Forgive me, Master." It was Dustan. "I was instructed to fetch for you and the attendants led me here."
I hastened my movements, trying to complete my disguise.
"Who called for me?"
"I believe they were your special guests for today."
Ah. The VIPs. "Tell them I'll be there in a moment. I just need a change of clothes."
"Alright, Master."
"And, Dustan?"
"Yes Master?"
"I'll be having lunch with my guests today. You will have to eat by yourself, should Alva remain knocked out by that time."
"Yes... Thank you for your concern Master." I didn't refute him.
I heard Dustan's footsteps walk away. As soon as I was sure he was gone, I let out a sigh of relief. That was too close.
I guess I'll have to be more vigilant about changing clothes with Alva and Dustan around. At least, when Adelredus barges into my room, he doesn't seem to think much of the sight of me covered in bandages.
AfterI finished my disguise, I headed off to the east wing, where all the party is held on my floor. Today, I had some VIPs who had requested for my time. It was one of the reasons why despite being pulled off from the matches as Adelredus promised, I still had to participate in my usual bout of challengers.
Entering the VIP room, my presence immediately garnered the attention of everyone in the room. Nobles have always been some of my frequent guests. That's why this lavish tea room was erected to serve the extravagant tastes of the nobles who supported me.
"Today was quite a match, Faust." One of the nobles commented.
"Yes, truly it was. Especially that last boy who went against you." Another nobleman said.
"I have heard rumors about it."
"About what?"
"About the number one finally taking in some... qualified disciples." All the nobles looked at me, trying to confirm it.
I gave them my best smirk. "It's true."
At my confirmation, the lot began to buzz with excitement.
"The young lad, what is his name?"
"Do you have any plans taking another disciple soon?"
"My son! Why don't you consider teaching my son?"
Keeping my business smile, I tried to keep myself from exploding into a ravaging fit. "The boy's name is Alva. As they are my first... 'qualified' disciples, I would love to focus my efforts on teaching them first. As for the viscount's son, I shall keep him in mind when picking my disciples after my current lot had matured."
Everyone seemed pleased with my answer. Lunch was served to us, moments later. At times like this, the chefs went way and above the usual meal course and presented meals befitting of the noble's class.
But, the noble's food placed a nauseating stench in my mouth. My stomach churned. I was barely able to stand their lavish and unusual tastes. It made me want to just bolt out of here and cook my own lunch. After chatting a bit more with my VIPs, I excused myself to prepare for the afternoon.
"I'm looking forward to your disciples doing well in their debut matches soon." The viscount patted my back.
"Indeed, the boy has much talent."
I left the room, feeling more drained than when I was on the battlefield. Well, I suppose this is also a battle in of its own tier. As I walked back to my room, I loosened my tie and opened up a few buttons of my attire.
On the way back, I came across the medics. They greeted me, and informed me of Alva's condition.
"He's recovering well, sir Faust."
"Good. I'll visit him later."
With that, they left.
Before I reached my room, I decided to drop by the training grounds and get some much needed stress relief. To my surprise, Dustan was there. He seemed too into his training to have noticed me.
So, I decided to watch him for a bit.
Dustan held a saber, my choice of weapon. He whirled around and tried to copy my technique. Of course, a beginner like him wasn't able to do it. He failed to execute the move I used during the match.
I chuckled, alerting him of my presence.
"Master!" He whirled around and bowed to me.
"You're ten years young to be doing that move."
"Yes, Master. Your techniques were really intricate."
"Of course they are. I created it and perfected my techniques for ten years."
"Is that how long you've been here in this Tower?"
"That's right. I'm a veteran." I smirked. "So, how'd you find the match?"
"It was... not that good."
I looked at him in surprise. "What?"
"I honestly detest violence."
"But you said you wanted to improve your close combat skills. Is that a lie then?" I prodded him.
"I do want to improve my skills in that area as I am lacking in many ways. But, I believe in using strength and power to protect the ones I cherish."
I couldn't help but scoff at his words. "No matter. It is violence."
"Maybe so, Master." Dustan smiled. He bowed again towards me. "I shall take my leave then and visit Alva. Do you require us to do anything this afternoon?"
I bit my lip. "... No. Just take the rest of the day off. Send my regards to Alva as well."
I watched him leave the training grounds. Taking a saber in my hands, I began to practice my swings. There was something about Dustan that seemed off. But, I couldn't tell what it was.
As I continued to swing my blade, I felt the tension in my muscles increase. My intuition was tingling.
There is something. Something that made Adelredus leave for his hometown despite swearing off it. Something that Dustan and Alva is hiding.
I sheathed my saber, panting for air despite the stamina I've built up for years.
For some reason, I felt even more stressed than before.
-- 收到的禮物 
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票