"After you return, notify Siden, Lionel, Sylvie, and Melissino. I want to see all four of them in the hall of the Central Mage Tower tomorrow morning."
"Tell them to pack their things. They may bring no more than ten attendants and no more than one hundred gold coins."
"Yes, Father."
"All right, get out."
"Yes."
After respectfully bowing, Ankrol took several steps back before turning and walking toward the door.
After leaving the study and closing the door behind him, the tension in Ankrol's heart finally eased somewhat. It was not until he had left the Central Mage Tower that he completely calmed down.
Don't look back. Don't look back.
Repeating those words silently, Ankrol controlled his pace and tried his best to appear composed.
He was still on the Floating City. Perhaps... no, Father was definitely watching him. If he showed even the slightest lack of composure, he would surely be dragged back and asked whether Father was that frightening.
Remembering his past experiences, Ankrol's body could not help but want to tremble, but he forcibly held it down.
No matter how he answered, he would not escape receiving Angus's treatment.
Other than his younger sister and eldest brother, the only junior Father could treat casually—or who could make Father treat them casually—was Third Brother, who had been imprisoned.
As for everyone else, Velin might count as one, but Ankrol had never met him and did not know the details.
After boarding the Floating Ship and leaving the Floating City, Ankrol finally relaxed completely and began reflecting on Father's words before he left.
Siden was Second Brother's youngest son, a Low-rank Gold Knight. He had a bad temper, loved showing off, and cared greatly about appearances. He had perfectly inherited his father's ways—a complete wastrel.
Lionel, Fourth Brother's