Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Ugh

Brother!

The one-eyed slave boy regained consciousness with a murmur, nestled against Kais back.

It wasnt long after Kai had carried the boy to transport him to a priest due to his severe injuries.

Despite the boys condition appearing critical, he regained consciousness much faster than expected, causing the younger sister walking beside them and even Kai, who was carrying him, to look back in surprise.

However, only Logan remained unfazed.

Hes really quick to get back up.

It was a natural consequence since he had been secretly using the power of a Force Core throughout the journey.

The life-energy Logan had poured into the boy, using the maximum output he could manage for over 30 minutes, was far better than the sacred magic of average low-level priests.

The boys recovery was nothing unexpected to Logan. However, what concerned him was the younger sister, who kept glancing back and forth between her brother and Logan.

Could it be

Even knights sensitive to the matter didnt notice the foreign aspects of his Force in experiments.

For example, Kai, who carried the boy, didnt sense anything unusual, so how could such a young child?

It must be a coincidence.

Dismissing it casually, Logan flashed a bright smile at the regained boy.

Awake now, Victor? Congratulations on escaping the troubles of a violent master.

But the response that came to his smile was a sudden punch.

Die!

The speed of the punch was surprising, coming from a boy so thin and frail.

Despite the childs attempt, the punch was harmless against Logan.

As Logan dodged the punch with a baffled expression, Kai, who was holding the child, immediately turned and pinned him down.

Crash!

Ugh! St-Stop. Let me go!

Brother!

R-Ria?!

What should we do with this one, employer?

In the chaotic turn of events, Logan sighed and gestured to Kai as they looked at Victor, who had been subdued with an arm twist.

Kai took the hint to let go, and the instant he stepped back, the boy, Victor, lunged at Logan again.

Ria! Run awaugh!

Is he full of fight, or just foolish. Sigh

Logan gripped the boys neck and lifted it to meet his eyes head-on.

Kid, do you not see the situation? Do I look like those slaver bastards youre used to?

An overwhelming murderous intent, surpassing that of the average Force user, blazed from the two red eyes.

It was so surprising that even Kai, standing behind him, was startled, and it was impossible for the young boy, Victor, to bear it.

Victor instantly groaned, his face turning pale.

Gackack

Brother, ple-please, mercy

Ignoring the young girl clinging to his feet, Logan only stared coldly at Victors increasingly pale face.

Its good to have spirit, but you have to choose your battles.

Grargh

Only death awaits a dog that cant discern who to fight, kid.

Thud.

Ugh. Cough!

Logan coldly spoke while looking down at the boy coughing on the ground.

Let this be your last warning, Victor. Follow my words and your sisters safety will be guaranteed. But if such an incident occurs again

Ssshhh.

The murderous intent filled in his red eyes bore into Victors very soul.

Not only you but also your sister will be disposed of.

Crack.

As Logan casually crushed a pebble in his hand, the color drained from Victors face.

Then, he slowly nodded.

Good.

Believing that the lesson had been taken to heart, Logan finally offered a carrot.

I intend to teach you martial arts. I will have you trained as a knight and eventually make you one.

At those words, Victors head shot up.

His eyes, a mix of red and blue, widened dramatically.

Me I mean, are you talking about me?

Not only Victor was surprised by Logans words.

Kai, who had overheard the conversation, couldnt hide his shock, and neither could the dwarf, Hammar.

The unexpected move to make a knight out of a slave child they had just bought seemed outrageous to them.

But Logan looked steadily into Victors eyes without a hint of uncertainty.

Yes. As you might know, a knight is a rank of nobility. Naturally, this would free you from the status of a slave.

But

The expression of the blue-haired kid, which had been filled with nothing but venom, changed rapidly in a matter of seconds.

Whether he should trust those words and if he could indeed undergo knight training.

Aagh! Are you even listening to me?

Ignoring Ricks desperate pleas, Logan made his way straight to the Lords residence.

Logan here.

Come in.

Almost as if expecting him, a deep voice beckoned, and Logan entered without delay.

As I thought.

The sight of the two people seated at the head of the meeting room oozed coldness.

As soon as he entered, a cold voice that matched the sight addressed him.

So, was your runaway pleasant?

It was a meaningful outing on my part.

Hearing the rumors, it seems youve enjoyed a mad escapade. At least it was worth it for you.

Sigh. This is becoming troublesome

His fathers reaction was worse than he expected.

But, unlike his inner thoughts, his reply was ready and immediate.

Rumours are merely that. There is no shame in my actions.

To those words, his stepmother, Merian, showed an incredulous expression, while his father, Patrick, seemed slightly hopeful.

Are the rumors misconstrued?

Im not sure which rumors you refer to.

The Grand Duke has been collecting monster meat, bought a young slave and a dwarf. Recruited hundreds of low-level mercenaries into the domain. Ive omitted the hyperboles and stated the facts.

Merian helped him kindly with an explanation, which made Logans brows furrow, but his demeanor remained unchanged.

Is there anything among these you wish to apologize for?

Not at all.

Patricks eyebrows twitched at the confident answer.

That means theyre all true.

Yes, they are.

Look! You see? The Grand Duke lacks self-awareness. He doesnt realize how his actions tarnish our familys honor

Mother, that is too harsh.

What?

I used the money obtained from my annulled engagement as I saw fit. Father has already stated that it is not his concern.

The two locked gazesMerians sharp eyes and Logans bold red eyesexchanged sharp glares.

A heavy sigh emerged from the other red-eyed individual, Patrick.

You heard it, dont you? Even now, will you continue to take his side?

Enough

The Grand Duke is fundamentally wrong

Enough, Madam!

Patricks voice boomed intimidatingly, resounding within the room as Merians face turned white.

Y-You How can you speak to me like that

Madam. Please step outside. I would like to have a word with Logan alone.

You really

This will be my last warning to Logan.

The word warning seemed to mollify her a bit, whether it was the effect of the previous scolding or something else. Merian shot one last venomous glance at Logan before exiting silently.

Of course, there was a bit of lingering resentment.

Bang!

Even after the study door closed with a noise that could break it, Patrick gazed at his eldest son with a heavy look for a long time.

And soon, a voice heavier than his gaze filled the room.

What exactly is the problem, Logan?

It looks like I wont be able to get away with a simple answer.

Upon hearing his fathers voice, Logan sensed it.

His expression hardened as he contemplated his answer, but his fathers calm voice proceeded ahead.

Lets have a frank conversation. Whats the issue? Whats the reason for all this?

If I told you, you wouldnt understand.

You dont wish to be understood?

Thats not it.

Do you actually have a reason?

Yes, I do.

Ugh

The sigh transmitted a palpable frustration.

Patrick was about to continue when a low voice, filled with complex emotions, silenced Logans response.

Are you aware of how people are speaking of you?

I have some idea.

Do you? They say youre violent, cruel, obsessed with money, and recently, youve gone crazy.

Among these, how much have you actually heard? Shall I detail more specific rumors?

Patrick wasnt seeking a real answer, so Logan quietly kept his mouth shut.

How long must I shield you? Is there an end in sight to this