300 An Unsettling Name
Lucius was a little glad that Count Gabriel took his side and believed him wholeheartedly such that he reacted in this way towards the Black Rose Knights.
Even though Lucius had told the Countess and Kiana that he had found a note in the assassin’s body, that was actually far from the case.
If they had brought it up right now, the Black Rose Knights would want to see it for themselves and it would land Lucius in a bit of a tricky situation.
Naturally, Lucius could easily produce a fake note… but it was still difficult to have it be authenticated and compared to say actual handwriting belonging to Biroy.
Lucius would then need to scour the memories of Biroy again to produce a flawless forgery… and while entirely possible with his skills, it would again result in more effort than he would have wanted to expend.
It was definitely a lot easier that the Black Rose Knights took the Inanis Count’s at straight value and reacted to how the man was feeling instead.
“Count Gabriel, please calm down again. I’m sure that Earl Aisse is willing to cooperate—” one of the knights said.
“But the Earl will actually be a little uncooperative. It is the Bergan’s Band we’re talking…” another knight whispered.
“Shh. I’m sure that it will all work out. Please forget my companion’s words. We will truly be able to get to the bottom of this, Count Inanis.”
It was clear to the six Black Rose Knights that Count Gabriel was livid and couldn’t be easily assuaged this time.
To Count Gabriel, now that they’ve questioned the validity of Asher’s statement, he was frustrated that they’d stall this much since he had faith in his son’s words.
He only wanted to protect his family and it was clear that an assassination had taken place and nearly taken the life of his son, but the Black Rose Knights remained hesitant from acting right away.
It was much better if Count Gabriel could take care of this himself. Then he would be able to exact the retribution right away.
There was a dangerous glint in Count Gabriel’s eyes as he spoke.
“If the Earl Aisse does not have a proper answer to this situation and the Bergan’s Band’s actions, Rancor will return and pay them a visit himself!”
At those words, the six Black Rose Knights expression became unsettled and they immediately went to reassure the Count.
“—that will be unnecessary, Count Gabriel! Three of us will leave at once for Earl Aisse’s territory and three of us will remain here to ensure that your family will remain safe from future threats.”
“Yes! Rest assured, answers will be found and justice shall be exacted as fitting as Duran’s will!”
“We will not linger here any longer. Come now, you two.” One of the knights immediately gestured for his companions and they moved forward, moving at a much more hurried pace than before. “When we return, it will be with good news!”
The three Black Rose Knights didn’t even linger for another moment and quickly left as soon as they had come into the Inanis mansion.
It made Lucius raise his brows slightly, and he quickly glanced at Kiana and Countess Lita’s expressions.
They were less unsettled than the Black Rose Knights, but there was still an uneasy expression on their faces as if this was a topic best avoided.
“Kiana, dear. Why don’t you take care of the accomodations for all of the Black Rose Knights that will be remaining with us?” Countess Lita addressed her niece.
Kiana luckily, only hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Right away, Madam. I will return shortly once I am done with your tasks.”
Countess Lita then reached out to Count Gabriel and touched his arm gently. But Count Gabriel still looked furious and not at all satisfied with everything that happened.
Either way, this situation with Rancor was something that interested Lucius right away.
The six Black Rose Knights all held rare ranked gifts and were formidable in their own right.
Lucius was sure that Captain Donald and Lieutenant John would find themselves at a difficult position if they were to face the knights, with their armor and better experience combined.
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Which made it all the more surprising that the name Rancor evoked such an unsettled feeling among them.
It meant that Rancor himself could probably solve the issue with Earl Aisse, that Lucius couldn’t help but want to inquire.
And who else to ask but the man who mentioned the Rancor himself?
Lucius stepped closer to Count Gabriel and cleared his throat respectfully. “Father, I was not aware of this person that you speak of. Who is this Rancor individual?”
Lucius expected an answer from the man, no matter how livid he was, but in an unexpected turn of events, Count Gabriel didn’t give him another glance and merely stormed out of the hallway.
Count Gabriel was headed to his study and didn’t even talk to the remaining Black Rose Knights and was quickly followed by his wife.
Lucius’s brows furrowed together. He didn’t understand the Count’s reaction.
Luckily for him, right before Lita could chase down after her husband, she turned back to look at her son and gave him a tired but kind smile.
“Please wait for awhile, Asher. I will discuss this with you, but first I have to look after your father. He’s furious, but he really needs someone to talk with him.” Countess Lita promised before she hurried after Count Gabriel.
This left Lucius alone with the three remaining Black Rose Knights and without even Kiana by his side.
It was a situation that Lucius wasn’t so thrilled about, as entertaining guests was something that Kiana should have done… but then one of the Black Rose Knight called out to him.
“You are Lord Asher Inanis, yes?”