Chapter 34: Bold Talk
Originally, I didnt like sweating.
It made my clothes damp and my skin feel sticky, which was uncomfortable. However, the sensation of washing away the sweat, which felt sticky and stuffy, could also feel refreshing and invigorating.
After finishing his morning training, Shiron washed away his sweat cleanly and changed into a fluffy bathrobe.
It feels good.
With a sudden motion-
Shiron opened the window of his bedroom with a slightly flushed face.
A pleasant warmth rose from his body, and the cool air, which still claimed that it was winter, tickled his skin. Just as he was starting to feel a bit weary
Master, that arrogant bald man wishes to see you. What should I do?
A voice, sounding slightly sharp, came from behind him. It was Ophilia. Normally, she would speak in a soft voice, but now she emitted an unfamiliar vibe. Shiron looked back with glaring eyes.
Ophilia, didnt I tell you before? Dont call him bald. Tell me again that my uncle wants to see me.
It seems Hugo wants to meet you.
Thats better. But dont use such language in front of my uncle. Its not pleasant.
Understood, Master.
Ophilia gave a bright smile while Shiron frowned and sighed.
At least Yuma or Encia know how to be a little discreet
After yesterdays hero declaration, it felt like Ophilias attitude towards Hugo had become blunter. He had repeatedly warned her, but Hugos behavior, as if he had no regard for Shiron and acted like neither a hero nor a lord, probably didnt sit well with Ophilia. Shiron sighed, thinking of this.
But, what does Hugo want now?
Shiron flung off his robe and opened his wardrobe. He aimed for attire that wasnt too imposing yet tidy.
After all, appearance mattered when meeting someone superior. It was not just to show the effort made to meet the person but to express respect.
Though it might not be the case for Ophilia, to Shiron, Hugo was worth that effort.
Shall I do your hair? How about some perfume?
While helping him dress, Ophilia asked. She probably guessed Shirons intentions for the meeting.
Shiron looked at his reflection in the full-length mirror, checking his outfit from various angles, then nodded as if satisfied.
Thats fine Do you know where my uncle is right now?
Hes in the central reception room on the first floor.
Hes always so busy.
Following Ophilias guidance, I arrived at the reception room on the first floor, where Hugo was firmly seated on the sofa.
Surprisingly, Yuma was by his side.
The spacious room was filled with the fragrant aroma of black tea. Yuma had gently set down snacks and black tea on the table.
However, Shiron did not immediately sit down.
Please, take a seat.
As soon as he was given permission, Shiron sat on the sofa opposite Hugo as if he had been waiting. Hugo watched this action and gave a small smile.
How are you feeling now?
Im fine. Its nothing, really.
As Shiron spoke, he picked up a snack in front of him. His hand, firm from exercise, was healing from a recent injury from morning training. It looked quite unsightly. However, Shiron deliberately showed his hand.
Haha. After all, a real man should not make a big deal out of such minor injuries.
Hugo laughed heartily as if he was quite pleased with Shirons audacity.
Hes exactly like his father when he was young.
However, Hugo was aware that Shiron was showing off his injury on purpose in a positive way. He admired this aspect of Shiron too.
He took a sip from his teacup and observed Shiron.
In front of Hugo, Shiron was eating the snacks without any hesitation. If you only looked at this action, he seemed as innocent as any child.
However, theres no way Hugo would regard Shiron as just an ordinary child.
The succession ceremony was just yesterday. Shirons unexpected action left a strong impression on everyone present, and Hugo was no exception.
Hugo put down his teacup with a contented smile.
The reason I wanted to see you is to make a proposal.
What kind of proposal?
Shiron took a sip of his tea and looked straight at Hugo.
Id like to take you and your younger sister into my home.
You mean leave Dawn Castle?
Do you have any reservations?
No I dont mind, but its just so sudden.
Shiron glanced at Yuma, who was standing next to him, but she was just smiling.
I understand why youd be taken aback. Leaving behind a place and people youve grown attached to.
Perhaps youre right.
Shiron lowered his face to an angle where Hugo couldnt see him. Soon, a smile crept onto his face. It was as if a surprise had fallen right into his lap.
How fortunate.
This sudden offer was nothing but good news to Shiron. Currently, the best equipment he could get in Dawn Castle was a single holy sword. The capital of the empire, where Hugos mansion was, offered much more.
There hasnt been much progress in my training either. It was a waste to just swing a steel sword all day.
After some thought, Shiron slowly raised his head.
So, am I going to the capital?
It seems so.
Why not give it a shot? A hero should play in the big waters, right?
Shiron nodded with a playful expression. Hugo laughed at his casual manner.
Arent you sad to part with your servants?
Can I bring two of them?
Oh? Do you have someone in mind?
It just feels right.
Shiron recalled two specific figures in his mind.
Take your time and think about it. The capital is quite far from here.
Just as he started feeling thirsty, he felt things had turned out well. Shiron tasted the tea with a bright smile on his face. For some reason, his head tingled, sensing that things were going smoothly.
By the way, theres something I had my servant Hani check.
?
Before the succession ceremony, you told Yuma and the other servants not to interfere even if you fail, didnt you?
Pfft!!
Suddenly
Shiron spat out the black tea he had been sipping.
However, none of the tea reached Hugo. Shiron blocked the spurting liquid with his teacup.
Cough! Cough!
My lord, are you alright?
Yuma patted Shirons back, and Shiron glanced at her sideways.
Yuma, did you tell him?
No.
Such a conversation was exchanged just through their gaze.
Hugo stroked his chin with one hand, looking amused.
You seem very surprised I knew something I shouldnt know.
Not really.
Shiron replied, patting his chest.
When was that?
Hugo stroked his chin in good spirits while Shiron wiped his mouth with a napkin handed over by Yuma.
Snap!
With one clap from Yuma, the messy table magically returned to its original state.
Shall we continue the conversation then?
Please go on.
Where should I start
Hugo leaned forward, the weight shifting, making the sofa creak beneath him.
If you warned them in advance did you know you might fall beneath the ice?
I knew.
His cool response.
Hugo smiled at that.
Prophecy.
Without a doubt in his mind, Hugo was sure of Shirons reaction.
Youve awakened the power of prophecy. Since when? Normally, after the coming-of-age ceremony, one has to complete a separate ritual to obtain the power of prophecy. Yuma, am I wrong?
No. Lord Shirons situation is exceptional.
Thats what Im saying
Yuma replied with a smile, whereas Hugos expression darkened.
The power of prophecy was not something a child of Shirons age should possess. Depending on the user, seeing the future could be more of a curse than a blessing. While the saints might think differently, at least Hugo believed this to be the case.
Since when?
Hugos voice was unusually high.
What triggered it?
This guy is getting overly excited.
Shiron felt the situation taking an odd turn. Hugos eyes were filled with something resembling keen interest. It was not pleasant at all. The excessive attention from the maids was already more than enough.
How do I get past this
Shiron quickly thought.
There was no way Hugo could know that Shiron was a transmigrated person. Unlike Glen, an insignificant character like Hugo couldnt possibly foresee the future.
Still, Shiron was certain that Hugo wouldnt harm him. He knew Hugos nature, and Yuma, his insurance, was right by his side.
But here, he had to choose his words carefully. Showing the holy sword and deflecting the conversation was an option, but it would not dispel Hugos suspicions. More questions would inevitably arise. The longer the conversation went on, the more likely inconsistencies would emerge.
Finally, a sudden idea struck him. There was no more time to waste, so Shiron spoke up.
It began the day my younger sister hit me, and I fainted
Shiron decided to sell out Lucia. Well, not really sell out.
Because all Shiron did was tell the truth.