In the quiet of the orchid room, Janet exhaled and looked toward Roland. "It’s about the children’s education," she said, voice low but serious.
Roland’s brows creased. "Education? Is there a problem?"
He had been teaching them basic foundation exercises himself about discipline, posture, body movent. The rest, including etiquette and reading, had been left to Roan and a few tutors from nearby villages. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was effective so far.
Janet gave him a side glance, her lips twitching with a hint of frustration. "Husband, you seem to be unaware of what’s happening around you."
"Just speak straight," Roland muttered, already sensing where this was going.
"Ever since Erina witnessed your breakthrough, Count Wellington will surely hear of it. Your strength won’t remain in the shadows much longer. You’ll gain influence, Roland. And when that happens, noble eyes will fall on you and everything tied to you including the children."
Roland leaned against the nearby tree, arms folded, his eyes narrowing with thought.
Janet continued, "Right now, their education is fine, but it won’t match up to what noble families provide. Those children grow up breathing refined speech, customs, politics... Our kids are bright, but in the noble world? They’d be eaten alive without proper polish."
Roland sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead as her words dug into his conscience.
He hated it, but she was right. In the world power ruled above all but other things also matter on a grander stage.
The noble world played a different ga.
It was one of masks, veiled insults, and power disguised in manners and lineage. Even if they forgave his own roughness for the sake of his accomplishnts, they wouldn’t be so lenient with his children.
People might not offend him but they kids would bite back his own children’s.
He didn’t need to imagine it as he could already see the condescending smirks, the cold exclusions, the casual bullying. In that world, weakness wasn’t just strength of arm, but failure to adapt.
"You’re right, Janet..." Roland finally said, voice low. "It’s your husband who’s been short-sighted."
Before she could say anything else, he reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her close into a sudden kiss. Janet flinched in surprise.
"Roland—not now!" she yelped, cheeks flushed. Her knees still hadn’t recovered from his earlier rampage. "Have so sha!"
"What? Am I a beast in your eyes?" Roland chuckled, amused by her flustered reaction.
Janet gave him a glare and muttered, "Ask that question to yourself in bed, not out here."
That made him laugh even harder, and he gently caressed her cheek. "Hah... it’s my Janet who knows best."
"Don’t worry..I am thanking you for reminding ."
Later that evening, Roland called Roan over to the hall. The air between them was thick with a new seriousness.
"I’m thinking of making a trip," Roland said.
Roan arched an eyebrow. "Should I co along?"
Roland shook his head. "No. This ti, I’ll go personally. I’ll take a few of the children with . They’ve been cooped up here too long so they need to see the world outside."
"Also bring that boy.I want to have a talk with him."
Roan was caught off guard for a mont, but nodded. "Alright. I’ll go fetch the boy then."
Minutes later, a boy with cold, sharp eyes and jet-black hair entered the room. His posture was firm, his expression calm, but his aura carried a faint, dangerous edge.
Roland studied him. "What’s your na?"
"Argon," the boy replied without hesitation, his voice clear and steady.
"Do you have any blood feuds? Do you want revenge?"
Argon blinked, caught off guard by the blunt question. Silence lingered before he finally nodded. "Yes."
"Who?"
"One of the local authorities."
Roland leaned forward. "Tell ."
Argon looked down, gathering his words. "I was supposed to enter the knight academy. I earned the spot fair and square. But the Town Lord’s son wanted it too. He ca to with an offer of money and influence in exchange for the spot but I refused."
He paused, breathing heavy for a mont. "That night, they sent people after . I beat them back. Almost killed them. But my parents pulled away. The next day... I returned ho."
His voice cracked slightly. "My parents were dead. Murdered. They said it was a thief, but I know better. I ran. I had no choice."
There was sadness but he steadied himself and finished, "I’ve been working as a rcenary since. I heard Lord Roland was recruiting and ca here."
Roan’s face turned grim. Roland sat back, then glanced at Roan. "We’ll verify this."
Then he turned to Argon. "The world’s like that, kid. I can’t believe anyone with just their word.What if you are simply lying?"
"I’m not afraid," Argon said, voice low. "Because I spoke nothing but the truth."
A smirk pulled at the corner of Roland’s mouth. "Good. Then let give you a choice. If the investigation proves you right, how do you want to proceed?"
Argon dropped to one knee. "I want to kill them with my own hands. I don’t need the Lord’s help for that... but please, show the path to strength."
Roland’s eyes lit with approval. He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a scroll. "This is a three-star technique. Take it. It’ll help you survive the road ahead."
Argon’s hands trembled as he took the scroll. His eyes were wide with awe as he slamd both knees to the ground.
"Master!" he shouted. "From this mont onward, I vow to follow your command till death! I’ll stake my life and blade in your service, no matter the road!"
Roland winced and waved a hand. "Stop calling that, it hurts my ears. Just call Lord like others. You’ll receive your reward, and don’t speak of this to others."
Argon bowed his head. "Understood. I’ll keep it in mind."
Roan watched from the side, his gaze lingering on Argon’s burning determination.
"Aahh..I hope this boy doesn’t turn out to be the protagonist."
"What do you say My Lord?"
"Nothing...Just ignore my blabbering."
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