Mushoku Impact

Seeing Alex place his hand on the pommel of his sword, Paul's expression morphed into a deadpan as he asked, "Seriously...?" in an annoyed tone.
Before Alex could respond to Paul's words, Jean garnered the attention of everyone present by chiming in to declare, "The Viscount is correct. I am more than capable of making decisions for myself..."
Misunderstanding Jean's intentions, an arrogant and victorious smile developed across Alex's face as he sneered in Paul's direction. He was so full of himself that he didn't even consider that Jean would follow up her previous statement by adding, "To that end, I ask that the Viscounts step aside. It isn't very courteous to block the path of a lady, much less one who already has an escort..."
Without waiting for the duo to respond, Jean walked past them and linked arms with Paul. When Alex saw this, his expression went from disbelief to cold fury as he stated, "Someone of your caliber and beauty shouldn't be wasting your time with a reprobate such as this. If you joined the Knights, I could put in a good word and have you promoted to the Rank of Member 1st Class without cause. Even if this cur becomes Water God in the future, it won't be for another ten to twenty years at the earliest. Don't waste the most important years of your life-"
Interrupting Alex's speech, Paul lazily remarked, "For someone who tells others not to meddle in people's personal lives, you sure do chatter a lot. And seriously, man? Trying to bait a woman with promises of 'putting in a good word' for them? That's just sad..."
Glaring daggers at Paul, Alex growled, "I've heard just about enough from you...!" as he retrieved a pristine white glove from his pocket. The moment he tried to throw it at Paul's face, however, Jean deftly snatched, her eyes narrowed as she said, "The sentiment is mutual..." before throwing it back at him.
Not anticipating Jean's actions, Alex found himself at a momentary loss. However, instead of acknowledging what she said, he resumed glaring at Paul, asking, "Cowering behind a woman? And here I thought you couldn't disappoint me further..."
Instead of reacting as Alex expected, Paul adopted a 'friendly' smile as he mused, "Cowering? I'm just allowing Jean to do as she pleases. You know, that thing you arrogantly encourage others to do despite actively trying to sway and manipulate her...?"
Reacting like someone that just had tea thrown into their face, Alex took a deep breath, eyes widening and nostrils flaring as he replied, "Slanderous cur! You think you're in any position to lecture me!? I'll have that tongue of yours ripped from your mouth...!"
Though he really wanted to do it himself, Paul stood still and maintained his 'friendly' smile as Jean released his arm and stepped forward to slap Alex in the face. Paul would have punched him, personally, but seeing the man reel back as a crisp smack echoed throughout the amphitheater was pretty satisfying...
As Alex found his foot, hand gravitating towards his cheek with a look of disbelief on his face, Jean took the liberty to remind him, "My Master may have had his status and title stripped away, but it doesn't change the fact he was born to the Lord and Lady of House Notos. He is also the Special Envoy of the King and the chosen successor of the Water God. If he goes on to become the next Water God, the only person he will be obligated to answer to is the King. Remember that the next time you refer to him as a cur or question his standing..."
Answering in Alex's stead, Marcus held his long-time friend back as he adopted a smile and replied, "Please forgive my friend his indiscretions. It is no secret he has become infatuated with Dame Jean. Ardor is known to cloud the minds of men and women alike when the mark of their affection is beholden to another. It was never his intention to insult or offend..."
Hearing Marcus's words, the look on Alex's face alternated between hate and disgust. He clearly didn't agree with them but forced himself to smile near the end as he expressed, "Viscount Blackbird is correct...I permitted my worry for Dame Jean's future and prospects to cloud my judgment. It was never my intention to offend the King's Envoy..."
As Paul's status as a Special Envoy placed him as a member of the Royal Court, even if only provisionally, he could make things difficult for Alex if the King lent his ear. The latter had been aware of this from the start, but seeing Jean look past him as Paul approached had caused him to lose the facade of calm and poise he had painstakingly cultivated over the years.
Understanding that Alex was attempting to cover his ass, there were few things Paul would have enjoyed more than kicking it then and there. The thing that stopped him was Jean returning to his side and linking her arm through his. Similar to Marcus placing his hand on Alex's shoulder, this was her way of holding him back, not because she was worried about his chances of victory, but because they hadn't come to the Capital to pick a fight.
At least not yet...
Forcing a 'friendly' smile, Paul responded to one of Alex's first questions, explaining, "I was led here by one of the Dean's secretaries. My teacher has arranged to have me exhibit my skills and assist with lessons at least thrice a week. Earl Whiteowl happily agreed to her suggestion, so here we are..."
With an expression that looked like he had swallowed a bug, Alex replied, "I see..." in a somber tone. He was scheduled to teach three more classes today, which meant he would have to tolerate Paul's presence for at least an hour, maybe four. He could use this as an opportunity to embarrass the fallen Lordling, but that probably wouldn't earn him any favor with Jean or the Earl...
While cursing like a sailor within his mind, Alex adopted a 'friendly' smile of his own as he said, "I'm sure the students will be beside themselves with anticipation to have the 'legendary' Paul Greyrat as an instructor. My class ordinarily focuses on Sword God techniques and footwork, but it wouldn't hurt to give students a taste of what both Schools are capable of..."
Imagining Paul attempting to show off only to have his guard broken like a piece of fine glassware, Alex's smile gained the undertones of a sneer. If Paul were foolish enough to pit his Water God Style against his Sword God Style, Alex would happily shatter the illusion of his prowess.
Seeing through Alex's surface thoughts, Paul had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as he replied, "We'll see. Based on your reaction, I would imagine they're more likely to criticize and condemn me. It's amazing how brazen people can be when they know nothing of the circumstances surrounding someone..."
Interpreting Paul's words as a taunt, Alex couldn't prevent himself from snorting. It wasn't nearly as condescending as his previous snort, but it conveyed his disdain for Paul's bravado clearly...
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After returning to the Citadel and finding no emergency, Reida grabbed one of the on-duty sentries by the collar, asking, "Did anything happen while I was away?" in a threatening tone.
As Reida was somewhat notorious for beating the hell out of people, a noticeable shiver racked the body of the young sentry as he replied, "T-T-The only thing of note is the arrival of the Sword King, Sir-"
Without waiting for the youth to finish, Reida dropped him before taking off like a bullet towards the depths of the Citadel. She knew her coward of a son wasn't daring enough to do anything in front of the students, so she ignored the lecture halls and dojos as she made her way toward the instructor housing area.
Detecting traces of Electro Energy even before she arrived, a conflicted look marred Reida's face as she halted outside the door to Ei's and Lilia's room. She could feel the Vision nestled between her breasts humming as it absorbed imperceptible Elemental Particles from the air, and, though it wasn't noticeable to most people, Reida could feel an extremely powerful sword intent lingering in the air.
Understanding what must have transpired, an uncharacteristically tired sigh emanated from Reida's throat. She wasn't fond of the man Vuldar had become, but there was a very brief period where she had enjoyed watching him grow. Perhaps if she had praised and held him more, his father wouldn't have been able to control and manipulate him with such ease...
Shaking her head, Reida muttered, "No sense in regretting the past..." before turning away from the door to Ei's room and walking over to her own. She suddenly felt exhausted, so while it would probably be better to report the situation to the King and do damage control with the Greenbull family, she decided to take a nap. If someone came by looking for Vuldar, she would tell them the truth; she hadn't seen him once since he ran away crying weeks ago...
With that in mind, Reida plopped face-first into her bed, her voice audibly strained as she muttered, "Dumbass..." in a sulky tone...
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Though most students had a habit of showing up mere moments before class was supposed to start, Philip Boreas Greyrat had always enjoyed being among the first to arrive wherever he went. His eyes appeared to be perpetually shut, but the reality was that he had been born with enhanced vision, not all that dissimilar to Paul. Instead of the ability to track fast-moving objects with ease, however, his eyes were able to zoom in on and enhance the details of whatever he was observing.
While some might consider such an ability incredibly useful, the truth of the matter was that it was an extreme inconvenience. Despite his efforts, Philip had never been able to control his nascent Demon Eyes. When his vision wasn't constantly zooming in and out, it was giving him super high definition views of the individual pores on people's faces. Thus, unless he was attempting to intimidate someone with his almost ghostly-blue eyes, he kept his eyes squinted to the point they appeared closed.
Fortunately, while many considered him to be pretty creepy, Philip's propensity to squint ensured he almost always had a smile on his face. This made him seem a lot more approachable than other Nobles, so he was fairly among middle and low-ranking Nobles.
As per usual, Philip opened his left eye just enough to get a better view of his surroundings the moment he entered the amphitheater. When he did, his vision immediately focused on several prominent features around the arena before 'involuntarily' zooming in on Jean's breasts and the seam of her formfitting white pants. Then, and only then, did he notice a man with hazel brown hair and familiar leaf-green eyes looking toward him.
Recognizing the man's identity pretty much instantly, the smile on Philip's face became more prominent as he squinted his eyes and made his way over to the arena. Ever since Jean and Eula had arrived, Philip had been eagerly yet patiently awaiting Paul's appearance. Part of this was due to a desire to ask how Jean and Eula had aged up alongside him, but the main reason was as could b expected. If he could receive the backing of House Notos through Paul, his chances of inheriting the Lordship would increase exponentially. At the very least, that's what his father, Lord Sauros Boreas Greyrat, had told him during their most recent exchange...
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(A/N: Looks like Paul isn't the only one playing politics...Amarant is a Lord for a reason xD...)

"Well met, Viscount Goldweaver, Viscount Blackbird. And might I say what a pleasure it is to see you again, Dame Jean. Still as radiant as ever."
Though it wasn't rare for students to gree them, Alex furrowed his brows in response to Philip's words. Unfortunately, even his status as a Viscount was inconsequential compared to Philip's standing as the Second Son and Heir Presumptive of House Boreas. The status of the Greyrat Houses was so great they didn't even bother with titles such as Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquess, or Duke.
Offering a courteous but visibly uncomfortable bow, Alex replied, "Master Philip is too kind." before raising his head and inquiring, "Is there a matter Master Philip wished to discuss?"
Nodding his head in affirmation, Philip casually replied, "Indeed. However, my business is with Dame Jean and her company. If you gentlemen would be so kind as to give us some privacy, I would greatly appreciate it."
With an overbroad smile that made it appear as though he was screaming inside, Alex supplied another courteous bow as he answered, "As you will, Master Philip. Pardon our imprudence..."
Gesturing for the duo to depart, Philip waited until Alex and Marcus were a fair distance away before looking up at Paul and remarking, "You have grown quite a bit since our last encounter. It's amazing what three years can do to a person..."
Adopting a smile, Paul replied, "You have no idea." before asking, "How have you been, Philip? If the rumors are to be believed, you've found in quite the predicament."
Exhaling a chuckle, Philip gestured for Paul and Jean to follow him to the opposite end of the arena, far from prying ears, as he mused, "I see your travels haven't dulled your sense of humor. Rather than a predicament, it would be more accurate to describe my circumstances as a catastrophe."
Upon reaching their destination, Philip's expression became serious as he opened his ghostly blue eyes, met Paul's gaze, and stated, "Let's not foot around the issue. We both know my brother is unsuited for the position of Lord. If you could convince your fa&mdash;the Lord of Milbots to back my claim, I would owe you an unpayable debt."
Shaking his head, Paul contended, "You presume I still have leverage with House Notos. Have you forgotten my exile...?"
"..."
Understanding full well that Paul's family hadn't abandoned him, Philip's mind raced to comprehend whether there was a hidden meaning within his distant cousin's words. He knew Paul was being targetted by the First Prince Faction, but the Royal Academy was one of the most secure places in the Kingdom. There were so many anti-surveillance wards in place that it was believed not even the Demon Empress could peer within.
Making things a little easier, Paul's eyes briefly flicked towards Alex and Marcus. The duo had originally been standing on the opposite side of the arena but had gradually moved closer as more students filtered in.
Without needing to follow Paul's gaze, Philip's smile broadened as he said, "You must have experienced many things during your travels. If your schedule permits, perhaps you can regale me with a few tales over tea? If not today, then sometime soon."
Returning a smile of his own, Paul divulged, "The Water God has arranged to have me assist with swordsmanship lessons here at the Academy. I'm not particularly fond of tea, but I don't mind sharing a drink or two with an old friend. So long as it's within the Academy."
Understanding why Paul wouldn't want to venture beyond the walls of the Citadel and Academy, Philip offered a curt nod as he revealed, "The Great Houses each have secure villas on Academy grounds. You and Dame Jean are more than welcome to attend me once classes have ended."
Though she still had a class to teach after Philip's, Jean looked to Paul to see what he had to say. Safeguarding him was a much higher priority than teaching a few Noble children. The Academy might be safe, but there was no way of knowing what might happen if he went alone...
Patting Jean's hand as assurance, Paul said, "I would be happy to come along. Jean, however, still has classes to teach. I'm afraid it'll have to be just the two of us."
Exhibiting an expression of mock disappointment, Philip remarked, "That's a shame. I always thought Dame Jean would get along splendidly with my wife. Hahahaha~"
Understanding that Philip was making a joke, Paul resisted his sudden urge to smack the tea-haired youth upside his head. Instead, he said, "We'll continue this conversation later. For now, you've got a lesson to attend."
Offering another curt nod, Philip replied, "Indeed." before turning away to join his classmates. His brief conversation with Paul had garnered quite a bit of attention, not just because it was conspicuous to be standing off to the side, but because every male student in the class had their sights set on Jean. Seeing her standing next to Paul with her arm linked through his had caused a rather tense atmosphere to permeate the area.
Noticing the many people glaring at him, a wry and slightly exasperated smile adorned Paul's face as he softly remarked, "I understand why they would be jealous, but come on..."
Adopting a very similar smile, Jean squeezed Paul's arm as she said, "It's no different from our time back at the Milbots Academy. Don't let it bother you too much. After all, they're just children..."
Punctuating her words, Jean planted a chaste kiss on Paul's cheek before releasing his arm and making her way over to the center of the arena. Her actions earned Paul even more enmity, but having already gotten used to such things, he just smiled and followed close behind...
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After fending off the attacks of envious and pretentious brats for a little more than an hour, Paul told Jean they would speak back at the Citadel before meeting up with Philip to board a small but luxurious carriage. Only high-ranking Nobles and members of the Royal Family were permitted to use carriages within the Academy grounds, so, while other students had to walk or run between classes in separate buildings, Philip could enjoy a short reprieve as he was ferried to his destination.
Though his villa was a short distance from the main campus, Philip was unable to contain himself, stating, "If you render your assistance in the succession battle, I can promise you a lesser Lordship within the Fittoa Region. My father, Lord Sauros, was beyond impressed with the number of improvements you and your people were able to complete in just a few short years. If we join hands, not even the First Prince will be able to stop us from bettering our Regions..."
As the image of a certain red-headed Sword King appeared in his mind, a faintly exasperated sigh emanated from Paul's throat. After his encounter with the King, he had no doubts the man would try to pair him with Ariel if the opportunity presented. Thus, even if it was a pretense to ensure Eris wouldn't fall victim to the current system, he resolved himself to say, "I've already discussed the matter with my father. He also believes that a union between our Houses will benefit the entire Kingdom. To that end..."
Even without Paul finishing his explanation, Philip perfectly understood what he was trying to convey. He had even discussed the matter with his wife, who, at one point in time, had wanted to marry Paul. She was a little reluctant about promising a daughter to House Notos, but, understanding what was at stake, she had already agreed to the arrangement.&nbsp;
Better one child than all of her children...
Raising his hand, Philip adopted a very punchable smile as he said, "Say no more. So long as you help me attain the status of Heir Apparent, I can promise you that our Houses will stand united from then onward. If you'd like, I can even convince my father to cede the territories we were forced to assume ownership of three years ago..."
Shaking his head, Paul surprised Philip by stating, "If things go well, the borders between the Milbots and Fittoa Region may as well not exist. So long as the people are well-tended, it doesn't matter whose banner they fall under."
Adopting a genuine smile, Philip replied, "Well said...!" while clapping his hands. He had expected Paul to try and leverage innumerable benefits in exchange for his cooperation. If their positions and circumstances were reversed, he certainly wouldn't have been shy...
Seeing through Philip's thoughts, Paul couldn't help rolling his eyes. He didn't know exactly what Philip's father had permitted him to pledge, but it doubtlessly exceeded a few fringe territories. Paul might have cared if he didn't know they would need to evacuate the entire Fittoa Region once the red orb appeared over Roa...
Before the conversation between Paul and Philip could pick up again, the carriage gradually slowed to a stop outside a small, three-story villa with a 'meager' fourteen bedrooms, two kitchens, and a large bathhouse. The extra rooms were intended for any retainers the main occupant managed to bring to their side. However, since Philip was concerned about brother poaching or threatening the people he recruited, the only residents at the moment were himself, his wife, and their one-year-old son, Thomas.
Having anticipated Paul's arrival since news first circulated regarding his entrance into the Capital, Hilda was unsurprised to see him alongside her husband. What did stun her was how much he had grown, an expression of disbelief marring her usually solemn and dignified countenance.
Resisting the urge to stare at Hilda's remarkably well-developed breasts, Paul raised his hand in an overly casual manner, saying, "Yo. Long time no see. Congrats on getting married and becoming a mother."
Coming to her senses in response to Paul's words, Hilda nearly responded to him before catching herself and performing a polite curtsy toward her squinty-eyed, perpetually smiling husband.
"Welcome back, Philip. I pray you had a pleasant day..."
Nodding his head, Philip replied, "Quite so." before gesturing to Paul and saying, "I had the privilege of witnessing the youngest Sword and Water Saint in history, Sir Paul, fend off more than half a dozen of my peers. It was quite the spectacle."
Seemingly ignoring Paul's existence, Hilda supplied a nod of her own as she curtly replied, "How fortuitous." before adopting a slight frown as she asked, "I take it you and the Water Saint have matters to discuss...?"
Giving Hilda mixed feelings, Philip's smile widened as he said, "The matter is settled." before shifting his gaze to one of the Maids bowing nearby and adding, "Though we will be taking tea and coffee in my study."
Bowing even lower, the black-haired Maid promptly replied, "As you will, Master Philip." Then, alongside two other Maids, she went to prepare tea, coffee, and a variety of snacks.&nbsp;
Returning his attention to Hilda, Philip asked, "Will you be joining us? Sir Paul has promised to regale me with tales of his adventures."
Understanding that Philip's invitation was more a general courtesy than anything else, Hilda shook her head and said, "Thomas could awaken at any moment. I wouldn't want to interrupt Sir Paul's regaling..."
Nodding his head in approval, Philip replied, "So be it." before turning to Paul and adding, "Allow me to show you to my study."
Though he was a little irked by the sudden transition to proper etiquette, Paul accepted Philip's invitation after waving to Hilda one last time. She followed their departure with her eyes, but, as it wasn't the 'place' of a young Noblewoman to intrude on her husband's affairs, she didn't follow after them. Instead, she lingered in the luxuriously decorated foyer for a moment before exhaling a sigh and retreating upstairs. They had hired a wetnurse to help care for their son, but, as any good Asura Noblewoman ought to do, she preferred to pamper and feed him personally...
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Though people like the King and Reida were becoming increasingly aware of how dangerous Paul and his Party were, they were among the few who knew the 'truth.' Most didn't even believe they were a Party of Saints, so, with the fearlessness of a young lamb entering into the den of a sleeping dragon, Vuldar forced open the door to Ei's room with a smile that made his intentions transparently clear.
Seeing his would-be quarry step back, the smile on Vuldar's face became even more sinister as he practically growled, "Don't blame me for what's about to happen, wench. Everything you're about to suffer is the result of your affiliation with that pretentious little brat..."
As Vuldar raised his hands like he was about to pounce on her, Ei's look of contempt morphed into one of unbridled disgust as she asked, "And what of the others? Are they also being beset by you and your filthy lot...?"
Sealing his fate, dark laughter emanated from Vuldar's throat as he said, "Oh, don't you worry about them. Once I'm through with you, I'll be sure to pay each of them a visit..."
"I see..."
"Huh...?"
Hearing Ei's voice suddenly emanating from behind him, Vuldar attempted to turn only to find his body both rigid and in immense pain. He had never experienced electrocution before, so he didn't fully understand what was happening as Ei muttered, "No evidence..." in a cold tone.
As Ei sliced downward with a vibrant purple sword that Vuldar had failed to see her draw, the pain in his body increased to an unfathomable level. It was only for a brief moment, but he felt as though every individual cell of his body was being sliced apart as an eye-shaped tear opened up to swallow him whole. When it faded, not even a hair remained of the once-proud Sword King.
Without even sparing a glance toward where Vuldar had been standing moments prior, Ei called out, "It's safe now." in a calm voice. Shortly after, Lilia emerged from a small storage closet, her eyes briefly searching the room as she asked, "Where did he go...?"
Shaking her head, Ei stated, "That's not important." before gesturing toward the unfinished meal she and Lilia had been enjoying. Paul had been worried about the two of them living alone, so instead of letting Lilia enroll as an ordinary student, she had been boarding with Ei as a live-in disciple. This was a beneficial arrangement for both parties as Lilia had a peerless Swordmaster to guide her while Ei had someone to prevent her from inadvertently burning down the Citadel.
Swallowing the knot that had formed in her throat, Lilia meekly replied, "I understand..." before making her way over to the half-eaten arrangement of food. She had always had more respect than fear towards Ei, but the knowledge that her interim Master could effectively erase someone from existence shook Lilia to the core...
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Unaware that her eldest son had just died, a slight frown marred Reida's expression despite the fact she had been smiling moments prior. Paul and Earl Aegir immediately noticed this, the latter seizing the initiation to ask, "Was there something foul mixed in with the food...?"
Shaking her head, Reida replied, "Nah, the food tastes fine. It's just...I feel like I've forgotten, or maybe lost something? I can't really explain it..."
No longer feeling hungry, Reida placed down the fork she had reluctantly picked up after observing Paul and Earl Aegir. Then, trusting her intuition, she stated, "I'm returning to the Citadel. Those brats wouldn't be able to understand even if I tried to teach them, so Paul can assist in the lessons without me."
Without waiting for a response, Reida rose to her feet, approached the nearest window, and promptly leaped out. They were on the third story, but someone who could casually leap more than 70m into the air didn't concern themselves with falling ten.
Rising after her, Paul followed Reida to the window but elected not to leap out. Instead, he observed her with a severe expression on his face as she blitzed across the kilometer-long parade field in seconds. Earl Aegir also rose to his feet, proposing, "Perhaps it's for the best if we end our brunch here. There is still more than an hour until the lecture you and the Water God were expected to attend, so you've more than enough time to follow after her if you'd like."
Though he was tempted to do exactly that, Paul eventually shook his head after mentally accounting for the location of his allies. Even if the King had died the previous night, it would take weeks before power and authority could be transferred to the First Prince. And that was assuming he was allowed to take the throne at all. Thus, unless Orsted himself had invaded the Citadel, the incident that triggered Reida's abnormal reaction shouldn't have anything to do with them. At the very least, they shouldn't be in any significant danger...
"It should be okay. There are many capable people within the Citadel. If a situation occurs that they and Reida can't settle, my presence would only complicate things..."
"Mmm...knowing your limits is a good thing. Trusting in your companions is also important..."
Not wanting to get into a lecture, Earl Aegir allowed his words to trail off as he pulled out an ornate silver pocket watch to compare its time against a mounted clock. After confirming the times were the same, he nodded in approval before pocketing the watch and saying, "I'll have someone show you to the amphitheater where you'll be rendering your assistance. There should be a class going on, so you can alleviate any doubts you may have by observing another instructor."
"Right."
Though his interest in the Citadel was increasing by the moment, Paul suppressed his curiosity as one of the most secretary-like women he had ever met escorted him to a large, open-air theater. There, a total of thirty-three students had gathered in the arena, several of which were dressed in fine clothes that were better suited to a ballroom than a battlefield.
Recognizing Jean among the three instructors, Paul resisted the urge to wave and interrupt the class as he found a place to sit in the stands. She noticed him around the same time as the other instructors, but instead of walking over or waving, she just offered a subtle nod before returning her attention to an ongoing spar.
Seeing the lackluster abilities of the students, Paul wasn't surprised. The oldest appeared to be around 12-13 years old, and it was clear they didn't care about swordsmanship. And why should they? Most of them wouldn't leave the Capital their entire lives, and, by this age, their respective paths had already been decided. Those that were lucky enough to be born First or Second Sons bore the responsibility of continuing their family's legacy. As for the rest, they would invariably become low to mid-ranking Knights or servants within the Houses of higher-ranking Nobles...
With half an hour passing like three, Paul began to reconsider his deal with Earl Aegir. Fortunately, just as boredom reached a peak, the lead instructor, a blonde-haired man with blue eyes who appeared to be in his twenties, gathered the students for a few parting words before dismissing them. Unfortunately, no sooner had the students started to disperse than both he and his colleague gravitated toward Jean, their proximity much closer than proper etiquette dictated.
Exhaling an exasperated sigh, Paul muttered, "Of course..." as he rose to his feet and approached the trio. He didn't know what they were saying, but the forced smile on Jean's face made it clear she wasn't amused by whatever they were proposing.
Noticing Paul's approach, the blonde-haired man, donned in stylish and extremely expensive-looking armor that consisted of a muscular, ebony-black cuirass, ornate golden greaves, matching gauntlets, and pauldrons turned to him and noted, "You're that fellow who was loitering about the lower rungs of the cavea. If you've no business here, you should excuse yourself. My associates and I aren't in the habit of entertaining vagrants."
Though Paul's clothing was reasonably high quality, it was far from the standards of Capital Nobles. He had also developed a habit of wearing his collar open, something no 'upstanding' Noble would even consider. Thus, at first glance, he gave off the appearance of a well-off mercenary rather than a bonafide, albeit former, Noble.
Resisting the urge to spartan kick the twenty-something in his chiseled jawline, Paul adopted a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as he said, "One of your 'associates' happens to be a member of my Party and one of my most trusted allies. If I come to learn you and your friend have been harassing her, you're going to be receiving an introduction to the ground. And trust me, your relationship will be intimate."
Scoffing as if he had just heard the most ridiculous thing in the world, the blonde-haired man turned to Jean and asked, "This cur is the 'legendary' Paul Greyrat? Given your lady-like bearing and disposition, I expected a lot more than...whatever this is."
Visibly suppressing a sigh, Jean took it upon herself to gesture to the two men, explaining, "These two 'gentlemen' are Viscounts Alex Goldweaver and Marcus Blackbird, Sword Saints and Companion Knights of the 22nd Chivalric Order..."
Hearing Jean mention his pedigree and rank, an unabashedly proud smile developed across Alex's face. He was only twenty-two years old but had already attained the Rank of Companion in just two short years. With his talent, not even his status as the Fourth Son of House Goldweaver could prevent him from reaching the Rank of Knight Commander or even Grand Officer in the future.
Contrasting whatever expectations Alex may have had, Paul appeared wholly unimpressed as he remarked, "That explains the pomp. Just how long do you spend polishing that 'immaculate' armor of yours? Oh, let me guess, someone else shines it for you...?"
Understanding what Paul meant when he placed extra emphasis on the condition of his armor, a contemptuous expression formed across Alex's face as he remarked, "Not everyone feels the need to prove themselves by slaying mindless beasts and routing poorly equipped bandits. Nor do they need to resort to forbidden techniques to stay relevant in a society that has disowned them..."
Since the only people who had 'disowned' him were envious asshats and people wholly unaware of the situation, Paul couldn't help rolling his eyes in response to Alex's taunting. He genuinely didn't care what the man had to say; the only thing that mattered to him was whether or not he and his little shadow were harassing Jean.
Ignoring the contemptuous gaze Alex was giving him, Paul looked past him and asked, "Have these bunglenuts been badgering you...?"
Though she knew what would happen if she answered yes, a wry smile developed across Jean's face as she replied, "I have refused each time, but Viscount Goldweaver seems determined to have me attend dinner at his family's residence. As for-"
Before she could absolve Marcus of any overt misconduct, Alex stepped in between Jean and Paul; his blue eyes narrowed as he said, "What I do and who I invite to dinner are my business. As for Dame Jean...though she may be a member of your Party, you've no right to meddle in her personal life. No one here is forcing her, so take your petulant envy elsewhere."
As if it was supposed to scare him off, Alex placed his hand on the sword at his hip. He had heard the news regarding Paul's nomination as Reida's successor, but no true Sword God user feared a member of the Water God School. With the amount of effort he had made over the past sixteen and a half years, he was absolutely sure he could trounce a thirteen-year-old brat playing at being an adult. Paul may be the youngest Sword and Water Saint in history, but the methods he used to obtain said ranks were known to all. There was no way he could defeat a 'genuine' Sword Saint...
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Chapter 141: MI141: Tension : Politics