Lucien and Sebas departed with Kael, who mentioned he'd stay a while longer in the territory.
Before separating, Kael gave information about the Coalhearts.
In short, fighting one of Coalheart's talents head-on would be a grave mistake. Each one of them possess powerful skills.
Kael also mentioned that a spy may have entered Lootwell territory three years ago, back when the previous Baron was taking in refugees.
Lucien remembered it well.
Three years ago, a famine struck one of the border noble houses. It's a tragedy that sadly wasn't uncommon.
In response, they opened their gates and took in refugees seeking food and shelter.
Lucien's parents used the opportunity to recruit new servants from among those refugees. Anyone, young or old, was welcome as long as they were capable.
Unfortunately, Dreggor was among them. They truly believed he was just another displaced soul seeking refuge.
In hindsight, most of those who eventually left during the territory's hardships had come from that same group. Perhaps, seeing signs of decline, they feared history would repeat itself and fled.
In the end, only three of the recruited servants chose to stay loyal to the household through everything.
When Kael heard about Dreggor, his suspicions were confirmed. He warned Lucien once again to be be cautious.
Dreggor might not be the only one. And worse...
"You might be their next target."
After that, Kael took lodging in one of the unoccupied houses within the estate.
"That's right... who said there could only be one spy? What if—"
Lucien's train of thought came to an abrupt halt.
A chill ran down his spine as a sudden realization struck him. Cold sweat formed on his back.
"Sebas," he said. His voice was low and urgent. "Gather all the servants in the study. Now."
Lucien's expression was so serious that he didn't even make his usual lighthearted joke about Sebas's name. Sebas instantly sensed the gravity of the situation, and a cold knot tightened in his stomach... Lucien was about to do something dangerous again.
Without a word, Sebas gathered the last three servants in the manor.
A chef.
A maid.
A gardener.
"""Young lord,""" they greeted, bowing slightly.
"Thank you for your loyalty to Lootwell over the years. I promise you will be rewarded. But first…"
SCAN.
Lucien activated the skill without hesitation, examining all three at once. He ignored any strain it might cause his eyes.
Three panels hovered in the air before him.
***
Name: Sinep ♂
Age: 37 years old
Race: Human
Job: Chef
Level: 7
Title:
• Lootwell's Chef
• Golden Hands
Skill:
• Cooking
Magic:
• Household Magic
Loyalty: 70
Status: grateful/steady
***
***
Name: Aginav ♀
Age: 31 years old
Race: Human
Job: Housekeeper
Level: 3
Title:
• Maid in Lootwell
Skill:
N/A
Magic:
• Household Magic
Loyalty: 70
Status: grateful/steady
***
***
Name: Rodyart ♂
Age: 27 years old
Race: Human
Job: Insect Keeper
Level: 17
Title:
• Coalheart's Loyal Servant
• Whisperer
• Lootwell's Gardener
Skill:
• Swarm Boost
• Breed
Magic:
• Household Magic
Loyalty: -20
Status: evasive/alert
***
Lucien let out a heavy sigh. He didn't even need to guess.
He was barely holding his anger.
"Sinep. Aginav. I'll call you later for your reward. Rodyart... stay."
'Even if their names sound funny reversed, Sinep and Aginav are clear,' Lucien thought grimly.
The two servants departed with grateful smiles. They too are fully aware of what's happening in the territory. They had noticed the change in their young master and could only feel gratitude for the man he had become.
Lucien then stood and methodically closed every window, carefully inspecting each crack and crevice. He made sure no gaps remained.
He wouldn't let even an "insect" slip inside. Given Rodyart's skills, this caution was deliberate.
Darkness enveloped the study and Lucien's cold voice cut through the silence.
"Sebas, apprehend him."
At Lucien's command, Sebas sprang into action.
"Wha—ugh!" Rodyart's surprised shout was cut short as Sebas swiftly pinned him to the ground.
'You didn't even need my explanation. That's why you're the best, Sebastian!' Lucien thought, admiring Sebas's efficiency.
Lucien's gaze locked onto Rodyart as he spoke coldly, "I wonder… how did you manage to kill my parents without Sebas noticing?"
Rodyart's eyes widened in shock.
He fell silent, unsure how Lucien had uncovered the truth.
But without solid proof, they couldn't accuse him openly.
Rodyart quickly realized he needed to choose his words carefully. He just found out that Sebas was incredibly strong. No matter how hard he struggled, Sebas didn't budge. Just from that, Rodyart knew he was outmatched.
"Young master, I'm nothing but a weak gardener," he pleaded with his voice trembling. "How could I possibly kill the Baron and Baroness? They took care of me and I owe them my life. Why would I harm them?"
His words sounded convincing and Lucien admitted to himself that he might even believe them if not for the system's help.
"Hmm," Lucien murmured. "Did you kill them with the bees? Wait… I just confirmed they were normal bees. Was it some kind of skill?"
Nervousness flickered in Rodyart's eyes. He wasn't sure if Lucien's question was a mere guess or the result of careful analysis.
Either way, it was terrifying. With every word, Lucien was closing in on the truth.
Rodyart opened his mouth to spin another lie but then...
Suddenly, a book with an intricate design materialized before Lucien, hovering in the air as if it possessed a life of its own.
Rodyart's eyes widened in shock. He had never seen anything like it.
But Sebas's reaction was different. Hidden in the shadows, Lucien didn't notice the single tear that slid down Sebas's cheek as he gazed at both Lucien and the floating book with deep pride and sorrow..
Then, his expression shifted back to its usual calm. 'As expected of the young lord... "He" must be so proud...' Sebas thought, his eyes now gleaming with renewed pride.
Rodyart panicked and struggled against Sebas's grip. He didn't understand the nature of the mysterious book but to him, it radiated a dark and ominous presence.
Lucien calmly turned the glowing page. The light spilled across the study and illuminated the darkness.
***
Skill (Active): ★★★
Illustration: A figure manipulating insects with threads of mana
Name: Swarm Boost
Description: Greatly enhances insects' capabilities (including speed, pheromone potency, venom, mating drive, and more)
***
Lucien's silence was terrifying.
Rodyart felt the weight of his gaze. The fury behind those cold eyes made him want to vanish.
"Swarm Boost, huh."
When Lucien muttered the skill's name, Rodyart's first instinct was to flee. No one else knew of his ability. There was no way Lucien could have found out.
But then he noticed Lucien was staring at the floating book before he spoke the name.
Then it hit him... there was no escape.
He had uncovered something terrifying. And for sure, Lucien would never let him walk away alive.
Lucien's expression twisted into something fierce and haunted. 'Why didn't we realize this sooner?' he thought bitterly.
"So that's why you kept a third of the garden full of flowers... to feed your insects."
A flicker of regret crossed Lucien's face. 'If only I had unlocked this ability sooner.'
He fought back tears, refusing to let even one fall. But the fury in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Lucien's thoughts drifted to the warmth his parents had once given him... a warmth he knew he would never feel again. He knew they wouldn't want him to shed tears.
With that memory, he made a firm and unyielding decision.
"Sebas, torture this traitor—but do not kill him. I will be the one to deliver retribution for my parents."
Sebas glanced at Lucien's troubled expression and felt a deep sadness wash over him. Despite his strength, he once again had failed to protect what mattered most to his young master. The helplessness he felt was all too familiar. It's like that time...
After a brief moment to steady himself, Sebas nodded and carried out Lucien's orders.
An hour later, in a separate room, Lucien entered with a sword in hand. Without hesitation, he plunged it into Rodyart's head.
A system notification echoed through the silence.