The gates of the Rosenberg estate opened slowly.
Tall. Imposing. Silent.
Adrian stepped out of the carriage, his eyes scanning everything.
Knights lined the path.
Servants stood in perfect formation.
Yeah… this is a different level.
"Stay composed, Young master," the knight beside him said quietly.
Adrian glanced at him.
"You've been unusually helpful. Name?"
The knight straightened.
"Sir Kael Darius, at your service."
Good. Reliable type.
"Alright, Kael," Adrian said, adjusting his sleeves, "try not to let me embarrass myself."
"…I will do my best."
As they walked forward—
Whispers started.
"That's him?"
"The Ardent disgrace?"
"Why is he here?"
[Reputation: -23]
[Passive Effect: Negative Rumors Active]
"…They're really committed to the insult," Adrian muttered.
At the entrance stood an older man in formal attire.
Sharp eyes. Perfect posture.
"The head butler," Kael whispered. "Be careful."
"I am Sebastian Vale, steward of the Rosenberg household," the man said coldly.
His gaze pierced through Adrian.
"…So you are the second son of Baron Ardent."
"That would be me."
Sebastian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Follow me."
No greeting.
No respect.
Harsh.
As they entered—
Adrian noticed another figure leaning casually against a pillar.
A young noble.
Blond hair. Smug expression.
"…So this is the famous failure," he said with a chuckle.
Kael's hand tightened on his sword.
Adrian raised a hand slightly.
Relax.
"And you are?" Adrian asked calmly.
"Leonhardt Voss."
He smirked.
"Son of Viscount Voss."
Ah. Background bully type.
"I expected… less," Leonhardt continued.
"You don't look completely useless."
"…Give me time. I might disappoint you," Adrian replied.
A brief silence.
Sebastian glanced at him.
No reaction? Interesting…
[+2 Reputation]
Leonhardt frowned slightly.
"…Hmph."
"Enough," Sebastian said. "The Count is waiting."
Audience Chamber
The doors opened.
A vast hall.
At the far end sat a man whose presence alone changed the air.
Count Rosenberg.
"…So," the Count spoke, his voice calm but heavy,
"Baron Ardent sends you."
Adrian stepped forward.
Every step echoed.
Every eye watched him.
Don't mess this up.
He bowed—not too deep, not too casual.
"Adrian Helios von Ardent. I bring a letter from my father."
The Count didn't take it immediately.
Instead—
"…Why?"
"…Why what?"
"Why would your father send someone known as incompetent?"
Silence.
Pressure filled the room.
Kael tensed.
Sebastian observed.
Leonhardt smirked.
Adrian exhaled slightly.
Then—
"Because sending someone competent proves nothing," he said calmly.
A pause.
"But sending me…"
He met the Count's eyes.
"…means even I must succeed."
Silence.
Sebastian's gaze sharpened.
Leonhardt's smirk faded.
The Count leaned back slightly.
"…Interesting answer."
[+6 Reputation]
He finally took the letter.
Opened it.
Read silently.
The room waited.
Then—
"…You came at a troublesome time."
Adrian blinked.
Of course I did.
"One of my knights has been injured," the Count continued.
"And a small matter requires handling."
Leonhardt scoffed.
"A trivial bandit issue."
"Yet unresolved," the Count said calmly.
His eyes returned to Adrian.
"…Tell me."
A faint pressure filled the air.
"If you were in charge, how would you deal with it?"
Oh, come on.
[New Quest Triggered]
"First Test of Judgment"
Adrian thought for a moment.
Then—
"I wouldn't rush in blindly."
Leonhardt rolled his eyes.
"Bandits rely on advantage—terrain, surprise, numbers," Adrian continued.
"So I'd gather information first."
The room quieted.
"Track movement patterns. Cut supply routes. Force them into a bad position."
A pause.
"Then strike when they're weakest."
Silence.
Sebastian's eyes widened slightly.
Kael looked impressed.
Leonhardt frowned.
"…Basic."
"Yet effective," the Count replied.
[+5 Reputation]
"…Words are easy," Leonhardt said.
"Can you actually fight?"
Ah.
There it is.
Adrian looked at him.
Calm.
"Not particularly well," he said honestly.
Leonhardt smirked.
"I thought so."
"…But I learn quickly."
[Hidden Trigger: "Measured Confidence"]
The Count stood.
"Then you will stay."
Everyone froze.
"You will observe—and assist," the Count continued.
"Let us see if your words have weight."
[Quest Updated]
→ Participate in subjugation
→ Maintain composure
→ Prove capability
Adrian sighed internally.
So much for a peaceful life.
But a small smile appeared on his face.
…This might be interesting.