475 A Parent's Loss
“Ah, what perfect timing, it’s just about to begin,” Lucius said. It was easy to learn more about a person through the way they operated through life.
‘In fact, it might be even telling of what type of a person will become depending on their gift. Of course, it’s the old nature vs nurture conundrum, and yet the answer does always lie somewhere in between.’ Lucius thought.
Benjamin glanced at his father, Baron Hugh, and a mixture of feelings coursed through him.
Respect. Fear. Love.
It was a strange tonic of emotions that whirled around the young Lord’s mind as he witnessed his father, the man who strove and drove him hard to study swordsmanship, also carry a sword himself.
‘Father always said that noblemen have to be good at every matter regarding to all areas in our life. I know that Count Inanis is exceptional, but if Father truly shows some skill in using the sword… then perhaps it simply shows that he is not a hypocrite as I’ve assumed him to be.’ Benjamin thought.
Lucius glanced at Benjamin’s slightly hardened expression and noticed the way the man’s jaw tightened slightly as his fist clenched together.
This was not the stance of a man that respected or adored his father wholeheartedly. There was friction there. Some undercurrent that perhaps many might have ignored in fear of finding themselves being pulled down under than what was necessary.
‘Hmm, while I have not much experience with my own parents due to their positions mostly as breeders for the Barrom Clan, it does not mean that even I was thoroughly immune to some thoughts that might be plaguing Benjamin right now.’ Lucius thought.
It seemed natural to declare to the world that one’s parents were special, provided to by the gods or fates, or whatever conspired things in a way to help you reach and survive in this world.
But there was also a feeling that it was random, mere chance, and you could have ended up with parents born from the lowest of the low which could have been the case for Lucius who was born in the highly hated Great Barrom clan that spanned across nearly half the world due to their influences.
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‘To hold one’s parent in great esteem and to always value their opinion above yours. To make anyone’s opinion matter more than oneself is a path that cuts down to quite a treacherous road led by the crossroads and signs made by others… instead of forging one’s own path on their own.’
So right now, Benjamin was like… an unfinished book in Lucius’s eyes if he were to go with the very same analogy that Benjamin had used.
‘His story is unfinished. It’s still ongoing and one can only wonder what paths are branching out right now for him. Of course, for those who are unaware and are incapable of making their own decisions… it truly makes sense that one needs to lead and guide them like lambs.’
“Lord Benjamin, you seem a little stiff. Are you worried about what will happen to your father?” Lucius asked.
“A-ah, yeah.” Benjamin said with a nervous laugh. “I haven’t exactly seen him pick up a sword at all. He tends to busy himself with paperwork, spending most of the rest of his time eating and drinking so it’s a little… worrisome. But I think Count Inanis will not go too far, so it is safe.”
“Indeed. Once this fight is over, we will need to approach Baron Hugh. I hope that he will be in a good mood regardless of the outcome.”
At those words, Benjamin froze a little. Baron Hugh and good mood. It was a combination of something that triggered him and made his thoughts run amok.
‘He’ll be defeated and he’ll laugh it off. That’s what my father always does… others won’t really notice his sour mood. Even people like Count Inanis are said to enjoy my father’s social and outgoing nature. It’s not as extravagant as Viscount Felldan’s, but it is a type of social friendliness that he has mastered and crafted over the years…’
“Well, we are sharing good news with Baron Hugh, so there is nothing to worry about.”
“Y-yeah.”
***
The result of the fight between Count Inanis and Baron Hugh was not at all surprising. Someone was at their top peak physical condition and the other one less so.
However, there was some fight in Baron Hugh’s method that spoke of how he actually tried hard and gave it his all.
Baron Hugh went down out of the training ground while sweating hard and accepting a drink from one of the Inanis servants.
Rio accepted the tossed sword and went on his merry way. The little mushroom boy had nothing but a background in that particular moment.
“Baron Hugh, may I have a word with you right now?” Lucius approached the Baron alongside Benjamin.
“Ah, Young Lord Asher!” Baron Hugh laughed. “It is a little embarrassing to be seen completely defeated in the training grounds, but it is good to see you, Benjamin and…”
“Ah, Lily is still in the library, reading.” Benjamin replied.
Baron Hugh’s expression narrowed imperceptibly to almost everyone. However, to Benjamin who expected it and flinched slightly and Lucius, who was actively waiting for it, it was clear as day.
“I hope that she is having a fine time there then,” Baron Hugh said. “But ah, yes, I am forgetting. What manner of good is it that you have to share with me, Young Lord Asher?”
‘Based on how things turned out. It does not seem that Lord Asher has shown any interest towards my daughter if she was left by herself… but perhaps I could be mistaken. Perhaps it is Lord Asher asking permission for my hand’s daughter?’