Chapter 74: Shockingly Terrible Fans
The following day arrived far too quickly for Roderic’s liking.
He’d spent most of his time training, unwilling to even think about the gathering.
And finally, with the combined effort from the past two and a half months, Roderic could feel the time nearing.
’Two days,’ he thought, wiping the sweat from his forehead. ’If I push myself, I can form my second aura seal in two days.’
That’d officially place him on the same level as Elite Knights. But that was only in name.
If it came down to it, who knows how strong he’d actually be with his techniques.
A satisfied smile grew on his face just thinking about it.
But unfortunately, that smile vanished just as quickly.
Knock! Knock!
’’Young master?’’ Edmund’s voice rang out behind the door.
Roderic attached his hooked blades to his belt with a sigh.
’’Come in,’’ he said.
The door slowly opened, revealing his chubby middle-aged attendant.
’’It’s time to freshen up and get changed, young master,’’ he said warmly. ’’The gathering will begin in two hours.’’
Roderic stared at him for several long seconds.
Then, the deepest sigh imaginable escaped his mouth.
’’Fine,’’ he muttered.
...
Some time later, a luxurious carriage rolled through the streets of Aldermere.
Inside, Roderic sat with his arms crossed, wearing an expensive black outfit prepared specifically for the occasion.
His hooked blades were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a ceremonial sword hung from his waist.
Despite looking every bit like a young noble, his expression made it obvious he’d rather be anywhere else.
Edmund sat opposite him with a small smile.
’’Young master, it can’t possibly be that bad,’’ he said, trying to comfort him.
Roderic slowly looked up with venomous eyes.
’’Oh yeah?’’ he asked, letting out a soft scoff. ’’What makes you say that?’’
Edmund’s smile remained unchanged.
’’You’ll get to interact with other nobles your age,’’ he said calmly. ’’Who knows, you might even find your future wife here!’’
Silence fell inside the carriage.
Roderic just stared at Edmund with a deadpan expression.
’’I don’t know about a future wife,’’ he replied casually. ’’I do know about my ex-fiancée.’’
Edmund’s smile stiffened right away.
He cleared his throat awkwardly as his gaze darted out the window.
’’You’re right,’’ he muttered. ’’Perhaps finding a future wife should be left for another time.’’
Roderic nodded once.
’’A wonderful idea,’’ he replied casually.
Then he too turned his attention to the streets outside.
For several seconds, it remained completely silent inside the carriage.
’’Still,’’ Edmund eventually continued, ’’try to remember your father’s wishes. You don’t have to enjoy yourself, but making a few allies certainly wouldn’t hurt.’’
Roderic glanced back at his attendant.
As much as he hated it, the man was correct.
’’I know, I know,’’ he replied with a sigh. ’’I’ll try my best to be nice.’’
Edmund nodded with a grateful smile.
Just like that, everything fell silent again.
Roderic let out another sigh and rested his cheek against his fist, glancing out the window.
’Allies,’ he thought. ’What kind of allies can I even make in this batshit crazy kingdom...?’
The carriage continued moving for several more minutes before finally beginning to slow.
Roderic glanced outside right away.
Massive castle walls had long appeared ahead.
But glancing through the open gates revealed a massive estate, made entirely from white bricks with a blue roof, while several blue flags fluttered above it.
Hundreds of lanterns illuminated the road leading through the gates, while several luxurious carriages had already passed through.
Fortunately, there didn’t seem to be that many yet.
’’Looks like we arrived early,’’ Edmund commented.
Roderic groaned as he stretched his body.
’’Good,’’ he yawned at the same time.
Straightening again, he cracked his neck and fists.
’’The fewer people I have to deal with, the better.’’
Edmund shook his head helplessly.
Moments later, the carriage rolled through the gates and came to a stop.
A servant quickly opened the door from outside before bowing respectfully.
Roderic immediately stepped out, his gaze locked onto the bright mansion ahead.
He could already hear the music playing loudly inside.
’Alright,’ he thought, adjusting his stiff collar. ’Let’s get this shit over with.’
Only a moment later, a butler dressed in an extremely formal black suit walked towards him.
The man bowed slightly before gesturing for Roderic to follow him.
’’Welcome, Mister Whitemane,’’ he said, his voice low. ’’Please follow along.’’
Roderic nodded politely.
Together with Edmund, they followed after the butler to a set of enormous doors.
Before long, they arrived inside the massive main hall.
And as expected, it was still relatively empty.
Perhaps thirty young nobles were scattered around the luxurious room, talking among themselves while servants walked between them carrying trays of food and drinks.
Roderic’s eyes instantly landed on the latter.
’At least there’s some good, unique food,’ he thought, licking his lips.
Just then, Edmund bowed politely beside him.
’’Good luck, young master,’’ he said cheerfully. ’’I’ll be heading to the attendants’ lounge temporarily.’’
Roderic glanced back at him and nodded right away.
’’Go,’’ he said, waving him off.
Edmund’s smile widened.
Without another thought, the chubby man disappeared into a much smaller room on the side.
’’Lucky bastard,’’ Roderic cursed under his breath.
His gaze immediately landed back on the food.
Unfortunately, before he could even take three steps toward it, someone called out to him.
’’Roderic Whitemane?’’
He paused right away.
Turning around, he found three young men approaching him.
’’It really is you,’’ one of them said with a surprised smile. ’’I almost didn’t recognize you.’’
Roderic raised an eyebrow.
He had absolutely no idea who this man was.
Thankfully, that didn’t seem to matter.
’’My name is Julian Harwick,’’ the young man introduced himself. ’’Second son of Baron Harwick.’’
The other two quickly followed along.
’’I’m Marcus Halden, eldest son of Baron Halden.’’
’’Felix Flower, second son of Baron Flower.’’
Roderic nodded politely, making a mental note of the three.
’’Roderic Whitemane,’’ he introduced himself.
’’Oh, we know,’’ Felix replied immediately.
Roderic couldn’t help but raise his eyebrow even further.
Julian let out a chuckle.
’’You’ve become famous recently,’’ he explained. ’’Especially after what you did to those two boys.’’
’’The stoning platform!’’ Marcus suddenly exclaimed.
Roderic’s expression stiffened slightly.
’’Is it actually true you let commoners throw rocks and rotten food at criminals?’’ Marcus continued excitedly.
Glancing back at him, Roderic nodded once.
’’That’s brilliant!’’ Felix grinned. ’’I can’t wait to execute some of our criminals like that!’’
Roderic blinked several times.
’What the fuck is wrong with these people?’