Chapter 24: Tightening the Noose (4)

His brother blinked and then frowned. Rylan continued.

“In a world like this, we need power to protect ourselves and what we treasure. I’m already working on strengthening myself and the soldiers,” His tone was firm, “But you need to make use of your talent.”

Aelfric scoffed.

“What talent? I’ve never been capable of doing anything right.”

“You say that and yet, even though we spent most of our time sinking deeper into drugs and whores, you’re still a Second Circle Mage. A full Circle above me.”

Aelfric flinched.

“That isn’t as impressive as you’re making it out to be…”

“No, it is. Even though I dragged both of us down for so long, and even though you had your mysterious condition to contend with, you still achieved what you have. You have talent, brother.”

Aelfric lowered his head. Truthfully, Rylan knew that Gerard had likely said the same thing. However, there was no harm in driving the point home by using his brother’s trust in him. He meant what he said. In Rylan’s memory, there was nobody with more potential than Aelfric, Gerard included. Of course, that was only if he excluded Roland. He was certain that if his brother could overcome his current difficulties, he could become a great Mage.

“I don’t know what the standards for the Magical Academies are so I can’t comment on them, but I’m sure that Father would be able to help you for the time being. I understand if you don’t feel ready to devote yourself to training yet, but at least keep it in mind.”

Aelfric spent a few moments in silence. Then, he raised his head, looking directly into Rylan’s eyes.

“Do you really think I can be someone?”

Rylan smiled, nodding.

“I’m absolutely certain.”

“And you’re training with the soldiers to improve yourself?”

“Yes.”

More silence.

After a few seconds, Aelfric spoke with a soft voice.

“Then, I guess I can try, too.”

Rylan smiled widely. He ruffled his brother’s hair, prompting Aelfric to push his hand away.

“You won’t regret that decision, Aelfric. And, in the end, if you decide that isn’t what you want to do, just know that I’ll always protect you.”

Aelfric smiled. It was a sincere smile, the kind that Rylan wasn’t used to seeing from his brother. In his heart, a feeling of relief rose. He was determined to help his brother through his difficulties, no matter what. He didn’t want Roland’s mistakes to repeat themselves.

The two of them continued to talk as time passed. It was the kind of moment that Rylan treasured deeply. After a long while, he stood up.

“Then, I’ll get back to my own activities. Call me if you need anything and remember to talk to Father about your training.”

Aelfric nodded with a slight smile.

“I will. Thank you, Rylan.”

As Rylan walked out of the door and closed the door behind him, Robert, who was standing next to it, flinched. Rylan looked at him, all traces of his previously soft and calm demeanor gone. Instead, a dangerous light glinted in his eyes. He spoke in a heavy tone.

Stolen story; please report.

“I trust you still remember what I told you, Robert?”

The older man practically jumped in place.

“Y-Yes my lord, of course! I wouldn’t dare forget it!”

“Good. Then I won’t repeat myself.”

The man had already been warned, and Rylan was fully willing to follow up on his threat. Naturally, he wouldn’t kill Robert for factors that escaped the man’s control, but it was good to instill that fear, even if only to ensure that Robert would try his very best. Self-preservation was a powerful instinct; it would make the man go to an untold length.

He looked at Sarah and nodded. She followed him as he walked away. At the same time, his threat was a double-edged blade. The possibility that Robert would quit his job or make a move against Rylan or Aelfric existed, and even though the probability was small, it grew over time. Keeping this in mind, he spoke once they were some distance away from Robert.

“Sarah. Keep watching Robert’s actions. Make sure nothing escapes you. This is a direct order.”

She nodded with a serene expression.

“Of course, young master.”

“Is my father currently free?”

“I don’t know, but I could confirm it.”

He nodded. Sarah grabbed the wand tied to her waist, drawing symbols in the air. Rylan watched the process with interest, trying his best to memorize the symbols she drew. Her eyes glowed with a blue light. After some time, she turned to him.

“According to his subordinates, the Family Head is currently talking to someone within the estate’s main room. They don’t know when he’ll be free.”

Rylan tilted his head. It was one thing for the meeting to take place in Gerard’s study, but the main room was different. It was the estate’s most luxurious, well-built space. His father only met guests there when they were important.

“Oh? Did they say who it was?”

“I’m afraid not, but I could ask.”

He nodded at her. She drew the same symbols in the air. After her eyes glowed for a while, she looked at him.

“Apparently, it’s an envoy from the Vaard family. That was all.”

Rylan narrowed his eyes slightly. Was this related to what he had told Calan? Or was the envoy here for other matters?

Either way, if it’s got anything to do with me, Father will likely tell me.

“Thank you for the information, Sarah. I’ll go train in my room. Father’s subordinates might contact you when he’s free; tell me if they do.”

She nodded with a calm expression. Together, the two of them made their way to his room. When they arrived, he promptly took off his boots and sat on the bed, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. In an instant, he perceived his Mana Core and the maelstrom of mana around it, leaving only a sliver of his awareness focused on the outside world through Roland’s methods. Attentively, he watched the flow of mana within him.

Apart from my weak body, the amount of mana I can use is still too insignificant.

He was only a First Circle Mage, inferior even to Aelfric, not to mention his other siblings. It meant that the amount of mana that could empower his body through his special method was limited. Increasing his mana pool was as important as strengthening his physical body.

A Trait like Prodigy would be truly helpful. Even just Hardworking or an Affinity would be better than a negative Trait.

Of course, he wouldn’t let his Trait hinder him too much. He was confident that he could change it after some time. Because mana absorption was different from developing one’s Aura, he had some trouble becoming proficient in it, but he was now much better than he was in the first week after remembering his past life. Both his absorption speed and the purity of his mana had spiked sharply.

There isn’t much time left to deal with Evenon.

There was something else that he needed to develop apart from his personal strength. It was why he wanted to talk to his father.

Experience is as important as personal power.

He had never fought a Mage and had little knowledge about magic and what kinds of spells different Mages could cast, since his past self hadn’t had any interest in magic. While Roland’s memories were virtually an utter treasure trove, his past life hadn’t truly faced a Mage either. The possibility that there were spells that could prove to be tricky to deal with even to him still existed. As such, he would ask Gerard to help him. The fastest way of becoming familiar with a Mage’s capabilities would be to spar against one.

Besides, so long as it was against Gerard, he could use his full strength without worrying about his opponent being injured. There was a stark difference between the Family Head of a noble family of a mid-sized town like Cantavega and the ordinary soldiers he was going on adventures with. When he sparred against the soldiers, it was mostly done to teach them. He couldn’t truly test his limits.

Knowing my full power is vital.

He needed to know how much of Roland’s memories he could use to affect his performance in battle. There was no doubt in his mind that he would fall extremely short of his past life, but he was just at the start of his journey. There was no point in comparing himself to Roland’s finished form, which had been attained after decades of incredibly harsh training.

Silently, he continued to absorb the mana in the atmosphere. Sitting on the room’s only chair, next to the stool, Sarah watched him. She said nothing. His sliver of awareness couldn’t capture the emotions in her gaze. After some time, she stood up. He dragged himself out of his state of concentration, opening his eyes and looking at her. Her brow was furrowed.

“Young master, the Family Head requests your presence.”