Even though Baron Hugh said those words, his children did not actually feel insecure about what he said because their thoughts were actually in the same direction.
'Imagine that, his own father recommended and backed him with his proposals… even actually listened to them in the first place and it all turned out incredible. Father's right, there is much to be gleaned from someone like him.' Benjamin humbly thought.
'He's not much older than me but why is he so experienced? I don't think even Benjamin is as great as Asher and he's quite well-read. Father said that we shouldn't mention about Asher's lack of a gift, but somehow he's achieved far more than brother.' Lily thought. 'Not to mention… he's quite handsome too.'
Lily cast a few looks in Asher's direction, her cheeks heating up. As a young lady, it was unwise to be so bold but her gaze kept getting drawn to him.
Lucius who had noticed the look from Lily, gave her a smile before he turned back to Baron Hugh and shook his head to contradict genially.
"I'm quite sure that there's much I can learn from your children as well, Baron Hugh. We can obtain knowledge from multiple sources and we all have our own specialty." Lucius remarked. "I am sure that Sir Benjamin and Lady Lily here will make quite a contribution."
"Actually, now that you mentioned a re education center, Lord Asher, it somehow reminded me of this book that I have read. I think Alana's priests have done the same as well, trying to help people who committed crimes to turn for a better and more spiritual life." Benjamin said. "I've researched and compiled some of it, and though you already have done your own, perhaps it will be a good supplementary?"
Lucius raised his brows mildly, somewhat surprised but decided that perhaps this young man wasn't so bad if he had time to read and contribute.
"Is that so? I'd like to see it if you're willing. I'm quite curious with how the church of Alana has done it and if they have numbers on it. It does not surprise me that it's already been done before, there's not much new ideas under the sun and what differentiates is mostly the execution." Lucius said amicably.
"Well, I'll be happy to bring you to the library. You can almost say that it's my personal little nook. I spend way more time there than in my room or banquets really." Benjamin said with a sheepish chuckle.
"What other books have you read, Benjamin?" Lucius asked. "I've recently done some reading on Artificer books and Rune Beasts one as well."
"Ah, well, too many to count actually. In recent times though, just yesterday, I've read about two or three." Benjamin admitted. "History, economics and tax as well… Etara's Cross is quite a business hub and I've been trying to get father to support me in starting my own business."
"And I've told you that I need to see your product or service first." Baron Hugh shook his head with a chuckle. "I'm proud of him, and fortunate that he's quite well-read… he just needs to learn where to apply them."
"It's a good thing to read, and especially better to be able to use them indeed. What about the book on Alana? When did you last read it?" Lucius said.
"Maybe a couple years back. But I remember it clearly and can recite several passages if you want me too." Benjamin said, eager to prove himself.
"You can remember that much?" Lucius raised a brow. He didn't think that there were great spells that allowed one to have such good memory so it only meant one thing. "I don't think people can remember what they even ate a few weeks ago, but you remember something you've encountered years prior."
"Oh, that's because I have a Gift for it." Benjamin scratched his cheek sheepishly. "It's a Rare gift called the Book Archiver. It allows me to read and memorize them at a rate far better than other people."
"Is that so? What a useful gift." Lucius remarked.
"You think so?" Benjamin said pleased.
"Indeed. Knowledge is one way of accumulating power." Lucius said. "So the fact that you can pull them out from your memory easier than others is quite a good gift."
It was actually intriguing that Lucius finally found someone with a gift that was more related to mental skills than anything else. Upon activation of Nexus, he read the contents.
Gift Name: Book Archiver
Description: It is a memory related gift that allows a user to read and memorize books better than others.
Rank: Rare
Type: Mental
Evolution: Possible
Evolution Requirements: 2x Glass Eye beast rune crystals + 100 Aether Crystals
'Hmmm… the requirements are quite low compared to other Rare gifts that are needed. This is actually quite a useful gift and one can only imagine what it'll be like once it reaches an Epic Rank. He might actually be useful if I were to have my hands on him.' Lucius glanced in Benjamin's way. 'It's a support gift, but this is quite excellent for administrative work and others if one can direct this young man well. I'll see to it to add him later into my ranks and create another loyal supporter.'
"See, Father? Someone appreciates my gift." Benjamin grinned in relief.
"I never said that it was bad, my son." Baron Hugh chuckled. "It's just that you haven't been able to put it to good use yet is all I said."
"Because you haven't been giving me any chances yet." Benjamin sighed.
"Ahem, once the banquet is over, would it be possible if Baron Hugh and his family visited Inanis City? I think it will be greatly beneficial to see how the city runs and perhaps we can discuss the Masked Legion after festivities." Lucius said.
"That's a good idea, Asher." Count Gabriel nodded.
"Why, I wouldn't turn down a chance to get away from Etara's Cross for awhile." Baron Hugh chuckled. "A little vacation doesn't sound bad… and ah yes, for the purpose of seeing the changes in Inanis city from upclose, yes it will be a good experience for both Benjamin and Lily here."