Silas was heading to the knight training ground. It had been three days since the clash with his mother.
Azaria went to the Dark Forest yesterday so he got a lot of free time right now. He thought he could rest but his mother summoned him.
Seems like her preparation was over. Silas didn't know what she was preparing but he didn't reject her offer. After all, Elowen's instinct was sharp.
He arrived at the training ground and found himself in the center of attention. Many young and old knights were staring at him with great interest. Some gazes were filled with disdain and others were trying to gauge him.
Silas ignored them, he didn't feel uncomfortable just because he was in the center of attention. As a con man, he forced himself into the center of attention many times.
He had also gotten used to being treated like trash as well. Of course, he didn't want that type of thing. After all, Silas was not a pervert.
But still, it was surprising that his mother didn't calm down the rumor of him insulting Dulua's fiance. After a quick scan, he found his mother under a shade.
He walked over to her and took her hand and kissed lightly. "I have arrived."
"30." Elowen commented on his behavior.
Silas forced a smile and asked, "So why am I here?"
Elowen didn't answer him. Instead, she turned to the maid and whispered.
The maid left the area and went to the place where the knights were training. She then comes with one knight.
Silas's eyes immediately went and judged the young knight. His hair was red orange with a string of blood red scattered across, especially on the back of his head. He was also taller than him.
That was a negative point.
And the main vibe Silas got from the young knight was that he was hot. He didn't mean that in that way. The young knight was like a fierce sun.
The young knight saw the count's wife and immediately bowed in a knightly manner. It was a flawless execution in Silas's eyes.
"75." Elowen smiled, muttering the points.
Seriously, what does a perfect 100 look like? Silas rolled his eyes.
"Stand tall, young knight." Elowen commanded.
"Yes, Miss Viremont." The young knight stood up proudly. He assumed the relaxed stance and eyed Silas.
But he didn't allow any emotion on his face. He merely glanced and resumed a position.
Elowen nodded in satisfaction. She turned to her son, Silas and asked. "Do you know why I don't suppress the rumor about you?"
"Beacuse it is true?" Silas said flatly.
Elowen smiled, ignoring her son. "I want to see your potential retainer. The one who will not judge you from a rumor even if that rumor was true. You are going to be the heir of Viremont, Silas. You need trusted retainers beside you."
Silas stayed silent. He didn't want to be the heir but before he rebuked the title he still wanted to enjoy the benefits.
"So you are giving me this knight as a retainer?" Silas said. He always saw through his mother's plan but he decided to play the role of clueless son.
Not just that, he wanted to check the young Knight's reaction. It didn't disappoint him.
The young knight frowned, his bow furrowed.
Silas smiled inwardly.
"I am not…"
"Smart." Elowen interjected the young knight.
Silas didn't react and stayed silent.
Seeing him, Elowen waved her hand. "I want you to gain your retainers on your own. This is my request. During your trip, at least get one retainer."
Silas nodded.
The exchange between mother and son puzzled the young knight. But after a few thoughts, he understood it.
I see. I have been played by him. The young knight nodded.
You don't get a retainer from someone. You have to earn. Earn trust. Earn loyalty. Earn life. Earn death.
That was why the young knight felt an impulse to correct his young master that he was not that kind of person who gave his loyalty blindly.
Silas wanted to see if the young knight was truly a man of such principle.
Under the wave of Elowen's hand, the maid came up and presented a box to Silas. Silas took the small box and asked, "What is this, mom?"
"Your travel expenses. I have prepared your carriage. You will take 5 people from the family. And another 4 for your protection. This young knight will be your own personal guard."
Silas nodded.
Elowen left after that. She said that she and his father will say goodbye in the morning.
Now, he and the young knight were left alone in the training ground. Of course there were other knights but they didn't get closer to them.
Silas looked around and lifted up his head, looking deeply at the sky. He then turned his attention to the young knight. "Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"No, sir." The young knight replied in a clear tone.
"Good. Let's catch a meal."
"Ah.."
"What? You don't want to eat with this cold hearted person." Silas flashed a smile.
"No, sir. I will join you, sir."
Silas nodded and walked to the main building of house Viremont. The young knight followed behind him.
Abruptly Silas came to a stop. The young knight didn't notice as his mind was still processing why the young master invited him to lunch.
His red orange head bumped to the young master.
"I apologize, sir."
The young knight looked at Silas and bowed down.
"Silas."
"Sir?"
"My name is Silas Viremont. Call me Silas."
"I can't do that, sir."
"Why? I can't see any reason you can't do that. It is just a name. What is so important about the name?" Silas pressed.
"But."
"It is just a name." Silas pressed again.
Seeing resolve in Silas's eyes, the young knight sighed. "I will call you by name,…Silas."
Silas nodded.
The young knight didn't know why Silas was not walking yet.
"Your name."
"Ah, I almost forgot." The young knight bowed and stated his name and rank.
"I am Roland. I am currently a fourth circle knight and developing the fifth one. I have a gift as well. If you wish to know, I can explain my gift to you."
"No need. I will learn it in due time. Nice to meet you, Roland."
"I..I hope so, Silas." Roland smiled.
Silas ignored the rude remark and entered the dining room. Currently, there was no one in the dining room. His father didn't have time to eat in the dining room as he was busy with the state affair.
His mother was also the same. She managed both servants and soldiers in the house. She also has to socialize with other wives for influence and news.
Silas ate quietly and quickly. As a person grew up in a slum, his manners were refined than regular people. Even more so than your average noble.
As for why, he didn't want to share it.
After finishing the meal, he lifted up a tea cup and stared at Roland.
"Tell me something, Roland."
"What about?"
"What is your goal?"
Roland opened his mouth and stopped by Silas's hand.
What is with this family? Always cutting someone's words.
"I don't want to hear some bullshit like saving everyone and such. Just tell me your deepest desire. It can even be a cruel one. Don't worry. Don't worry. I don't judge people. I am quite an open minded person after all." Silas chuckled.
Roland was silent.
Seeing that Roland couldn't give him an answer, Silas smiled. That was also one reaction he expected.
He didn't heed completely to his mother's request but she was correct. He needed people beside him. Right now, he is weak.
He could use mana quite well. The circle inside his heart was also unstable. He could feel it trembling with each heartbeat. He needed to fix that. Otherwise, his life would be in danger.
That was not in top priority. Silas's talent was quite good so he was confident that he could regain everything in one month, if he tried.
But…he was lazy.
Silas gathered his thoughts. Roland's talent was higher than him. Silas was only at three circles around his heart and Roland was on his way to the fifth one. Looking at how he easily mentioned it, it seems like he hasn't hit the limit yet.
And there is a gift he mentioned as well.
He is a suitable person I can rely on. That is if I am only looking at his capabilities. I need to know him.
Silas sighed.
Listening to the sigh, Roland thought that he had disappointed Silas. He stood up and said. "My dream is to inherit the name of the great sun."
Silas was stunned by his sudden declaration. He then nodded. "A good goal."
Having the knowledge of the game and general knowledge of the world from previous Silas's memories, he understood what Roland was talking about.
Roland wanted to be blessed by the sun. Such an arrogant dream.
Silas felt a wave of exhaustion from that.
Good. Good. I don't want him as a retainer anymore. His goal doesn't align with me. It is troublesome.