Chapter 368 Uncannily Familiar (3)

After the brief tear-inducing scene, Basil, Iliana, and Ione bade their farewell, then left the Magic Institute. Not many words were exchanged between them; even Lawson merely gave Basil an understanding look and a light nod.

There was no word exchanged either between the three people. It was as if there was a silent agreement to not talk anything about what had happened in the hall.

As they sat in the carriage, Basil was recalling the things Lawson had said to him.

–I knew your father well ... Halton was a Viscount that was admired by all of his subordinates. He was an outstanding Knight, who had many Mage friends.

–We had discussed many things about the battlefield; he was an insightful young man who had left a memorable impression on me. Many people mourned for his "fall," and I was one of the many.

Other than the more detailed story about his father's trial, Lawson had also told him how sorry he was.

–I did nothing, but watched as he was brought to the judgment room. He knew I was there—he smirked at me. The 'you are not in the wrong' look he gave me really made my heart wrench.

–As his son, I owe you my deepest apology. You can cut my head, but please, let me witness the day when Iliana can eternally smile before you do that.

Lawson admitted that he had been haunted by guilt ever since the day where he did nothing as he watched Halton being executed in front of his eyes. His guilt was even amplified the moment he saw Basil's faint resemblance with Halton.

He had been conflicted when he had first heard someone named Basil Pacifer was participating the Regional Tournament. Although Basil's birth had never been told to anyone, he immediately knew Basil was Halton's son.

'Is this lad courting death?' he thought at that time.

As someone who had been a part of the Supreme Court, he knew what it meant to be a male Pacifer: being the Fated Child and the most hunted individual by the Church.

He was glad that, until now, the Church still dismissed Basil's identity as a male Pacifer. Because of that, while their suspicion was still low, he wanted to give Basil his utmost protection—by hiring him as a Professor of Randalvine Magic Institute.

Although the Institute couldn't openly go against the Church, it could significantly limit the Church's movement. In addition to that fact, the Institute's relationship with the Kingdom would be fortified, which would make the Church think twice before touching Basil.

–If you can tell how similar I am to my father, why can't the others? It seems a little bit weird to me that no one can figure out that I am the Halton Rothermere's son.

–Just before I quit being a member of the Supreme Court, I killed all of my colleagues—seventeen of them—in a fit of rage. I am a Mage first and foremost, so killing a bunch of old men who chanted twaddles wasn't that hard for me.

–In other words, those who remembered my father's face clearly had all died ... It is amazing to think that you could get away with it.

–I was using a fake identity when I joined the Supreme Court. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have been accepted due to my well-known identity as a Mage.

–So, what was actually your purpose of joining the Church's Supreme Court?

When Basil asked that question, he was greeted by a minute of silence. He waited patiently, however, and didn't rush Lawson to immediately answer him.

–Faith—I wanted to prove that my faith wasn't wrong.

Lawson had been one of the minority of Mages who followed the Church's teaching. He had been a devoted follower, who had tasted the miracles the Gods had given him.

He had always prayed to the Gods before he went to the battlefield, and when he returned safely, he attributed it to the Gods' miracles, instead of his skills. For years he had believed it to be the case.

When he heard an unpleasant rumour about the Church, his faith was shaken for the first time. He wanted to make sure if it was really the case, so after years of effort, he finally got admitted to be the member of the Supreme Court.

It was just a month after he had joined it, but he had found countless of the wrongdoings of the Church. His faith quickly faded; until, eventually, he ended up abhorring anyone that was part of the Church's system.

Halton's death was his breaking point. Just three days after Halton's execution, he killed every "judges" present that day, and retreated into the shadow.

Only after he became a Seventh Circle Mage did he reemerge. He was immediately offered the title of nobility, and he didn't even think twice to take it, because it would keep the Church's hands away from him.

"Did you take the offer?"

Iliana's question woke Basil from his thought. "I did. It wasn't a bad deal," he answered with a soft smile. "Besides, I can do anything I want there."

"Huh, guess you and Ione will spend a lot of time together."

Turning to Ione, who was sitting opposite him in the carriage, Basil said, "I didn't expect them to go as far as offering you a position there."

"Hm. I was surprised too, but it is something to rejoice about, isn't it? It can be our facade until we can leave for the Pacifer's village after all."

Although Basil wasn't sure if Jacinda knew about the feud between the Pacifer and the Church, by the way the Institute easily gave them the offer, he was convinced now that Lawson was really trying to protect all of them.

"What about you, Iliana?" Basil asked. "Are you going to be a Professor too?"

"Well... I don't think I am suited for that position," Iliana said slowly. "I recently found out that I am fond of the battlefield, so I am more interested in joining the Royal Army ... To become a Legion Commander."

Blinking his eyes briefly, Basil smiled faintly afterwards. "You will make a good Legion Commander. You lead people better than you think."

"Well, that's assuring, considering it came from a former Head Commander." Iliana chuckled. "I might reconsider though. I mean, I love you more than the battlefield, so I think it's better to be always by your side."

Basil immediately shook his head faintly. Iliana had been an outstanding Legion Commander in her last life; now that she had developed a desire to be one again, it would be a waste to discourage her.

"Go, do what you want. The protection the Kingdom gives you is better than the Institute gives us, so you don't need to be afraid," Basil said. "The army will bring you many opportunities to thrive."

"Kuhum! Thank you for giving me the approval," Iliana responded with a blush.

Basil didn't quite understand why Iliana needed his approval to do what she wanted, but he nodded his head nonetheless. He didn't mind protecting those he cared about, but he still preferred them to be independent.

There was, after all, no guarantee he could always be by their side. When they showed any intention to get stronger so they could protect themselves, he would do his best to support them.

...

When Basil, Iliana, and Ione got home, they immediately got busy with their own thing: Basil with giving pointers to his sisters, meanwhile Iliana and Ione with catching up to each other after being separated for more than a decade.

Time flies like an arrow—by the time they knew it, there was only an hour left until the dinner with Anthony.

Since they were going to have a dinner with the Royal Family, each of them was busy with making themselves look presentable for the dinner ... Well, except for Basil.

As someone who didn't think too much of how he should look, Basil believed he looked good in whatever he wore. It was a little bit narcissistic of him, but none could argue given his otherworldly handsome look.

Just like that, thirty minutes passed. Those who had finished dressing themselves gathered in the living room; and, surprisingly, in addition to Basil, they were Shirley and Clarissa.

"Y-You look handsome, Brother," Shirley complimented shyly.

"Um... I am enamored by your looks, Basil," Clarissa remarked, her cheeks were bright red.

Clad in a white suit that was decorated with a unique black and golden embroidery, Basil looked more formal than he had ever been. Wearing the Professor robe of Randalvine Magic Institute instead of the suit jacket, he made his identity as an outstanding Mage clear.

Naturally, it was hard for any woman who saw him to tell him he didn't look good.

"Thank you, also, you both look great too," Basil complimented.

Shirley and Clarissa were endowed with beauty. Wearing the highest quality dress Basil had bought them but they never had the chance to use, they looked more beautiful than any beautiful Noble in Braxtein Kingdom.

"Your hairstyle—it suits both of you well. Is there a Spell to help you make it?"

"There is no such a thing, Brother." Shirley giggled.

"Then, who—"

"We did it for them. That's why it took us long."

At the interruption, Basil turned around. He was immediately greeted by Iliana, who was clad in a white dress with black linings; and Ione, who was clad in a red dress with golden linings.

None of them styled their hair; they let it loose, but they still managed to look way better than Shirley and Clarissa. Out of ten people they would meet, Basil was sure that no one would call them ordinary.

"Hm. Both of you look great."

The irresistible beauty the two was showing could drive any man mad, but Basil was just as casual as usual about it. Since none of the women had expected him to react more, fortunately, none of them were offended.

They understood well that Basil wasn't really interested in anything other than his Mastery over the Principles he was practicing.

"By the way, where is pops?" Basil quirked one of his eyebrows faintly. "What took him so long to dress himself?"

Not long after he was being talked about, Danzel arrived in the living room. "Fu-fu. Everyone, how do you like this old man? I have been learning mannerisms and fashion for the last three months, and this is the result."

Clad in a grey suit, Danzel wore a grey tailcoat on top of his dark grey vest. He used hair wax to style his hair—it looked slick, and glistened under the light.

Since all of them had never seen Danzel like that, they collectively said, "You look impressive." They immediately agreed that the unofficial clothing contest was won by Danzel.