The Baron's Fury

Eagle Claw Manor, study.

The butler gave Baron Ul a detailed report of everything that had happened in the town's western outskirts while the baron had been away.

"A stone pillar that burst out of the ground? A mysterious mage?"

Baron Ul wearily rubbed his brow.

He hadn't expected such an unbelievable incident to occur in his lands after he'd been away for less than ten days.

Only after learning that Mage Duggan himself had made the assessment did his doubts ease somewhat.

Although Duggan was a mage specializing in the obscure field of insect research, his judgment was beyond question.

Perhaps... just as Duggan had said, some bored mage who enjoyed showing off had happened to pass through Plint and casually cast the spell.

However, when he remembered that Duggan was still at the manor, the baron's pent-up anger surged up again!

The dwarf mage hadn't left yet, which meant his precious son was probably still burying his head in a pile of insects.

"Where's that good-for-nothing?" The baron's voice turned cold.

"Uh... Young Master Cyril, he..." The butler trembled and stammered, "He's still in the western outskirts... He said he wanted to investigate the site further and see if the mage had left behind any clues..."

Baron Ul snorted. How could such a clumsy excuse possibly fool him?

Wasn't some obscure "friend" of his living in the western outskirts?

"Investigating the site? I bet he went to see that He Xi again, didn't he?"

He knew his son all too well! Investigating clues left by a mage? An excuse!

"Send the guards to drag that brat back here at once!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Cyril hurried in through the door, a hint of excitement on his face.

"Father! You're back! That's wonderful! Listen, about that stone pillar in the western outskirts, we've already—"

"Shut up!" Baron Ul slammed his hand on the desk, cutting him off. "You think your little tricks can fool me? Don't tell me you went to investigate. Did you go see that 'friend' of yours again—the one who's just as useless as you?"

"Father, He Xi isn't—"

The moment the words left his mouth, Cyril realized he'd fallen into his father's trap—

Hadn't he just admitted that he really had gone to see He Xi?

Seeing that his son had indeed lied to him for that boy's sake, Baron Ul's anger flared to its limit.

At Hord's memorial service, he'd witnessed firsthand the methods of that "Lady Rose."

The sons the count had with his former wife were thoroughly suppressed, while she controlled everything inside and outside the count's residence.

Given that woman's nature, she would never spare a single member of the Atmesia Family—not even a worthless man who'd been stripped of his title and posed no threat.

Getting involved with He Xi could only lead to trouble.

And his foolish son was still going to spend time with the last surviving member of that family every day.

The other boy wasn't a noble anymore. He was walking trouble!

If this went on, he'd drag the Eagle Claw Family down with him sooner or later!

"Guards!" Baron Ul's voice rang with unquestionable authority. "Go and drive that He Xi out of Plint."

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

His gaze fell on Duggan, who had come over at the sound of the commotion, and he immediately called out, "Master Duggan! I found them! I found the insects I can connect with!"

Baron Ul's expression darkened as he roared, "Silence! You're still chasing that damned dream of becoming a mage? Haven't you brought enough shame on the Eagle Claw Family? You spend all day with those buzzing pests. What good does it do besides making us a laughingstock?"

Realizing that he'd dragged Duggan into this, he adjusted his tone. "Esteemed Mage Duggan, please forgive my outburst. My anger isn't directed at your profession. It's just... my good-for-nothing son simply doesn't have that kind of talent! He's only wasting your time, lost in a fantasy of his own making!"

Cyril acted as if he hadn't heard his father's tirade. "Duggan! Mosquitoes! Let's go try it by the swamp right now! I promise I can control them! I—"

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

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

He waved his hand, and two guards immediately stepped forward and seized Cyril as he tried to leave.

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

Hearing him mention "He Xi" again, Baron Ul's anger erupted once more.

"Drag him back to his room! Lock the door! He's not to set foot outside without my permission. If anyone lets him out, I'll break their legs!"

"Let go of me! Father! Listen to me!" Cyril struggled with all his might, like a trapped young beast. His despairing roars echoed through the corridor, full of resentment and fury. "You're killing my dream with your own hands! I've had enough of this cage! I've had enough of being the damn heir to a baron! I just want to get out of here!"

Baron Ul couldn't be bothered to look at him again, as if Cyril weren't his son but some irritating object.

He turned to Duggan, who stood nearby with an awkward expression.

"Esteemed Mage, I'm sorry you had to witness that." The baron's voice regained its aristocratic composure. "As you can see, the boy... has lost his mind. He hasn't inherited the reason and wisdom befitting the Eagle Claw Family. 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 efforts and for your hopes for Cyril... I'll prepare a small gift for you tomorrow morning as an apology and a token of respect."

Those words were nothing less than an order for him to leave.

Duggan understood. Baron Ul wanted to send him away as soon as possible and put an end to Cyril's hopes once and for all.

Duggan stroked his beard and bowed slightly. "My lord, I appreciate the gesture, but there's no need for a gift. I'll set out for Fernandez first thing tomorrow morning."

He glanced toward where Cyril had been dragged away and said regretfully, "To be honest, this trip wasn't without its rewards. Spending a few days with a lively young man like Young Master Cyril was a rather interesting experience for me."

Just as Baron Ul wearily waved for the butler to see their guest out and Duggan prepared to take his leave,

in the shadowed corner of the corridor outside the study,

the chubby Ferdinand and Otto exchanged a knowing look.

Ferdinand silently mouthed, "Should we... catch mosquitoes for the young master?"

Otto mouthed his reply in turn. "Of course!"