TRANSMIGRATED AS A GHOST

As the meeting continued the higher ups of the kingdom discussed countermeasures to the growing demon threat and the political backlash that this attack was likely to cause.

This was the second major threat the kingdom had faced this year, and with the damage that was incurred it was likely that the current administration’s competence would be called into question.

‘When is this going to be over.’ Marcus thought while trying to hide his disinterest.

Now that he had found out what he wanted to know and relayed his account of the battle, there was nothing more for him to do.

Mrazivy was also pretty much in the same boat, and she looked bored as well.

Still in case something else of importance came up they needed to be paying at least the minimum amount of attention.

“That is all for today. All of you are dismissed.” The king said when the meeting had finished.

Thankful for it to be over Marcus swiftly left with Mrazivy and saw her back to her room.

“Now I need to go to Lilia, but I will be back later. If you could schedule a time where we can talk to James and Lyra as well, that would be great.” Marcus said right before he left._.

With his ghostly powers he easily slipped out of the castle and made it back to his estate.

When he arrived, he found his staff a bit distraught from the little bits of news that they had heard.

“Lady Irene, you are back and safe! Thank goodness.”

Clara was incredibly relived to see that her employer and master was alright.

When Marcus asked her what she knew, she told him that all she had heard was that there was an attack by demons at the engagement party.

Naturally she wanted more details from Marcus, and he obliged to tell her exactly what happened.

“Now judging by the fact that you know so little. I can assume that Lilia is not here?”

Nodding her head Clara acknowledged that Lilia had not returned.

‘She must be at Alaric’s estate. I can imagine that they took her in after everything that happened.’

Knowing that Lilia had not returned home and was with friends instead, Marcus had Clara prepare his carriage as quickly as possible.

When it was finally ready Marcus hastily got into the carriage being pulled by Blitz who along with Roxene and Inten had returned after the battle the day before.

Soon they had arrived at the Skalbeck estate, and while it was considered bad manners and very rude to arrive unannounced. In this case, Marcus did not care.

Unsurprisingly the guards at the gate were caught off guard by Marcus’ sudden arrival, but after a quick call to the main estate he received permission to enter.

When he arrived at the front entrance even before he could get out of the carriage, he saw Lilia running up.

Stepping out without waiting for Clara to stop the carriage, Marcus ran up to Lilia as well and caught her in his embrace.

“I truly am glad that you are okay.” Marcus said as he hugged her.

Lilia for her part began crying saying how scared she was that he was going to get killed while fighting that massive demon that seemed like an unstoppable force.

Hearing this Marcus cracked a smile, since it turned out that both of them had been worrying about each other more than themselves.

Not long after Lilia arrived, Bianca, Alaric and Viscount Skalbeck came to greet Marcus.

“I want to tank you all now for taking care of Lilia for me while I was unable to. I truly am glad to count you among my friends.” Marcus said as he bowed his head.

However, this seemed to only distress them.

“No need for that Irene. It is us that should be thanking you and your sister. Lilia was the one that was protecting us during the attack. She showed off truly unbelievable power for one her age, and her equipment was at the same level as the top knights of the kingdom. I dare say that we all might be dead without her.” Viscount Skalbeck said before getting down onto his knees and bowing till his head almost hit the ground.

Bianca and Alaric quickly followed suit and Marcus was flabbergasted by this display.

What they were doing now was considered the greatest show of gratitude by lowering yourself completely to someone.

It was not something that was normally done, and certainly not to someone of a lower rank.

When they got back up, they invited Marcus inside for some tea and other refreshments and he happily agreed.

“Though I must say that it seems unbelievable how strong Lilia is. To think that she is only thirteen and already over level forty.” Bianca said as they made small talk.

Of course, Lilia was definitely an odd case. Marcus had put her through the ringer in a dungeon, while also supplying her with skill orbs, natural treasures, and top tier armor.

This had made Lilia much stronger for her age than what would be anywhere close to normal, as she was already as strong as a veteran knight of the kingdom.

Yet as they discussed Lilia astonishing power, Alaric got up and bowed his head to Marcus.

“I want to be strong as well. If I stay as weak as I am I will not be able to stay by Lilia’s side. Please help me?”

In the wake of Alaric’s sudden outburst his parents moved to reprimand him and told him to apologize for his rudeness.

But Marcus just waved his hand and laughed, not minding and actually enjoying seeing Alaric’s determination.

‘If he wants to be strong for Lilia than that is great. And I can use this as a test to see if he really is worthy of my little sister.’ Marcus thought as a wide smile crept onto his face.

“Sure, I do not mind training you up just as I did Lilia. But I must warn you it will not be easy, and you will certainly get injured or maybe even die along the way.” Marcus said, making sure to emphasize the gravity of what Alaric was asking.

“I promise I can do it. I want to be strong enough to protect Lilia instead of the other way around.”

With Alaric’s positive response, Marcus, before agreeing looked towards his parents.

Certainly, he could not teach Alaric anything without their approval since he was still a minor.

“No there is absolutely no need for Alaric to-“

“We would be delighted if you helped our son to grow stronger. You have our full support, Lady Irene.”

As Viscount Skalbeck was about to refuse Marcus’ offer, Bianca jumped in and agreed while giving her husband an icy smile that left no room for debate.

After what had just happened and seeing Alaric’s own desire, she was perfectly fine with him going through some hellish training if it meant he would be able to protect himself.

“We very much trust your abilities Lady Irene, and I am certain you will be able to help our son get stronger. Isn’t that right dear?” Bianca said while continuing to give her husband an icy smile.

Nodding his head he gave no further resistance, and it was decided that Marcus would help Alaric become stronger so that he could stand beside Lilia.