Chapter 47: Not his strong suit

In the study, besides Hurbert Rodney himself, who was sitting, Silas, Vanessa, Nero and the butler were all standing. It was how Hurbert expected things to be. He was someone who deserved great respect, for his achievements had directly affected the fate of all of Kolar, if not all mankind.

Although he himself was only an Arcanist despite his mature age, the card recipes he had created could empower countless who were stronger than himself. They changed the tides of many battles and influenced the results of many critical situations.

Although he could not claim to be solely responsible for the success of countless key figures in Kolar, it was more or less certain that at least some of them would have died without relying on his works.

So, although he himself had yet to achieve a higher realm, his influence more or less equaled one beyond the Arcanist level. That was without even considering his status as director of an army division.

The due respect he was being given was what he deserved, which is why when Nero suddenly and rudely interrupted him, it peeved him even more. His impression of the child fell even further. With a stern gaze and a frown, he continued to speak.

"You can polish a diamond, but you cannot polish dirt. If that is the extent of your vision then so be it. Perhaps, if the culmination of your path does not result in death in a ditch somewhere, you can stand guard outside Silas' workstation in the future."

Nero was so shocked, he was not even angry. Instead he only laughed. A part of him, a large part of him, reminded him that there was no need to act out. The man in front of him was a big shot in the army, and even if he could not become a useful contact, there was no point in turning him into an enemy.

To an extent, Nero had already seen through his personality. The man was a narcissist. In his eyes, everything in the world revolved around himself. He was not being a negligent parent on purpose either, most likely. In his eyes, he was probably doing a great job.

But at the same time, to someone like him, Silas would never be a child. Rather, he was just one more achievement to pin on his own shoulder.

"Listen up, let me educate you so that you wake up from your dreams. I did not latch on to anybody, nor do I need anything from your prestigious Rodney name. It is my influence that protects your son from being bullied in school, not the precious Rodney name. I am the one who made sure he keeps doing well. But what would you know about the troubles your own son faces?

Your own men treat your son like dirt, probably because they know you don't care about him. But what would you know of that?

"You have a lot of pets here, in ponds and closed in cages. But your son is not a prize bird that you take care of by throwing food on the floor and grooming a couple of times, then appreciate in passing. Even more, I am certainly not someone you can just order around. If your fragile ego can't take it, feel free to move Silas to another school.

I'd like to see how well the Rodney name holds up when there are no foot soldiers around to protect it."

The more he spoke, the more Nero realised that his anger was quickly evaporating. The old man really was deluded. Why was he even wasting time talking to him? He should just leave.

"Of course I know how Silas is treated, but with all the comforts he receives at home, he needs a bit of toughening up!" Hurbert spoke, as if to prove that he really knew what his son was going through.

"Back in my day, we managed fine without all this pampering and coddling. If he doesn't face a bit of toughness, how will he grow? But what would a child know of such things? Depart. I no longer wish to waste my time with you. The path you walk is a short one.

The next time I think of you, you will probably already be dead somewhere, like all the other arrogant young men who dream of grandeur."

Nero, who was actually just getting ready to leave himself, paused. So he knew Silas was being mistreated, and encouraged it? A twinge of anger flickered amidst his amusement.