The Baron's Fury

Eagle Claw Manor, study.

The butler reported everything that happened in the western suburbs of the town to Baron Ul, who had just returned to the manor.

"A stone pillar that sprang from the ground? A mysterious mage?"

Baron Ul rubbed his temples tiredly.

He hadn't expected such unbelievable strange occurrences to pop up in his territory in less than ten days of his absence.

Only when he learned that it was Mage Duggan himself who made the judgment did his doubts subside slightly.

Although Duggan was a niche mage who studied insects, his judgment was beyond question.

Perhaps... it was just as Duggan said, some mage who was bored and liked to show off just happened to pass by Plint and casually cast it.

However, the moment he thought of Duggan still being at the manor, the suppressed anger in Baron Ul's heart flared up again!

The fact that the Dwarf mage hadn't left yet meant that his precious son was probably still burying his head in a pile of insects.

"Where is that useless thing?" The Baron's voice turned cold.

"Uh... Young Master Cyril he..." The butler shivered and stammered, "is still in the western suburbs... He said he wanted to investigate the scene further and see if there were any clues left by that mage..."

Baron Ul let out a cold snort. How could such a clumsy cover-up fool him?

In the western suburbs, wasn't there a "friend" who lived there, someone of no repute?

"Investigate the scene? I think he's gone to see He Xi again, hasn't he?"

He knew his son too well! Investigating mage clues? What a pretext!

"Immediately send guards to grab that little brat and bring him back to me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Cyril rushed in from outside the door, a hint of excitement on his face.

"Father! You're back! That's great! Listen to me, about that stone pillar in the western suburbs, we have already..."

"Shut up!" Baron Ul slammed the table, interrupting him. "Do you think your little tricks can fool me? Don't tell me you were investigating; did you go to see that "friend" who's as useless as you are again?"

"Father, He Xi isn't..."

As soon as he spoke, Cyril realized he had fallen into his father's trap--

Didn't this mean he was admitting that he had indeed gone to see He Xi just now?

Seeing that his son had lied to him for that boy, Baron Ul's anger was completely ignited.

His experience at Holder's condolence ceremony had made him deeply aware of "Lady Rose's" methods.

The Count and his ex-wife's sons were suppressed, and she controlled everything inside and outside the Count's mansion.

With that woman's temperament, she would absolutely not let go of any bloodline of the Atmesia Family, even if it was just a useless person who had been stripped of his title and posed no threat.

Getting involved with that He Xi would definitely bring no good.

And this foolish son of his was actually running off to mingle with the orphan of that family every day.

That person was no longer a noble; he was a walking disaster!

If this continued, the Eagle Claw Family would be dragged down by him sooner or later!

"Guards!" Baron Ul's voice carried an undeniable authority. "Go, drive that He Xi out of Plint."

"Father, why?" Cyril's voice trembled slightly. "You can't do this! He Xi isn't a scourge! He guided me and helped me find a way to control insects!"

His gaze swept over Duggan, who had come over upon hearing the commotion, and he immediately shouted, "Master Duggan! I found it! I found an insect that can connect with me!"

Baron Ul's face darkened, and he roared, "Shut up! Are you still dreaming of becoming a mage? Isn't the reputation of the Eagle Claw Family enough for you to lose? What's the use of messing around with those buzzing things all day, other than making us a laughingstock?"

Realizing he had involved Duggan, he adjusted his tone. "Esteemed Mage Duggan, please forgive my outburst. My anger is not directed at your profession, but rather... my disappointing son simply doesn't have that kind of talent! He's just wasting your time, indulging in dreams he wove himself!"

Cyril seemed not to hear his father's roar. "Duggan! It's mosquitoes! Let's go to the swamp and try them now! I promise, I can definitely command them! I..."

"I think the miasma in the swamp has addled your brain!"

Baron Ul completely lost his patience. He pointed at Cyril, his finger trembling. "You're crazy! Completely crazy! You're not going anywhere!"

With a wave of his hand, two guards immediately stepped forward and restrained Cyril, who was trying to leave.

"Father, believe me! Just once..." Cyril struggled desperately. "I can really do it, this is the method He Xi taught me!"

Hearing him still mention "He Xi's" name, Baron Ul's anger flared up again.

"Drag him back to his room! Lock the door! Without my permission, he's not allowed to step out of his room. Anyone who dares to let him out, I'll break their legs!"

"Let me go! Father! Listen to me!" Cyril struggled desperately, like a trapped young beast, his desperate roars echoing in the corridor, filled with unwillingness and rage. "You are personally killing my dream! I've had enough of this cage! I've had enough of being some damn heir to a barony! I just want to leave this place!!"

Baron Ul couldn't be bothered to look at him anymore, as if he weren't his son, but an annoying object.

He turned to the embarrassed-looking Duggan beside him.

"Esteemed Mage, you've witnessed a spectacle." The Baron's voice regained its noble composure. "As you can see, this child... has become obsessed. He doesn't possess the reason and wisdom that the Eagle Claw Family should have. I don't think you need to waste any more of your precious time on him."

He paused. "Of course, to thank you for your hard work, and for your expectations of Cyril... I will prepare a small gift for you tomorrow morning as an apology and a token of respect."

These words were tantamount to a dismissal.

Duggan understood. Baron Ul wanted to send him away quickly, completely extinguishing Cyril's lingering hopes.

Duggan stroked his beard and bowed slightly. "Your Lordship, I appreciate your kind intentions, but there's no need for a gift. I'll be departing for Fernandez first thing tomorrow morning."

He glanced in the direction Cyril had been dragged away and said with a hint of regret, "To be honest, this trip wasn't entirely without its rewards. Spending a few days with such a vibrant young man as Young Master Cyril has been quite an interesting experience for me."

Just as Baron Ul wearily waved for his butler to see Duggan out, and Duggan was preparing to leave.

Outside the study door, at the shadowed corner of the corridor.

The plump Ferdinand and Otto exchanged a knowing glance.

Ferdinand silently mouthed, "Go catch mosquitoes for the Young Master...?"

Otto mouthed back, "Of course!"