Chapter 501: Unwanted Meeting.
“You want me to come with you?”
Roland’s heart sank as the armored knight approached. His father - Wentworth Arden, wanted to see him. After years of distance and the hidden identity he held, this was the one situation Roland had been hoping to avoid. Nevertheless, refusing wasn’t an option, especially not in a public arena surrounded by soldiers, nobles, and mages, all under his father’s watchful eye.
“Certainly, the Lord Marshal has ordered me to guide you to him, please follow me Lord Mage.”
The Knight Commander was cordial, but there was an implied threat in his mannerisms. He had approached alone, yet many other soldiers and knights were watching intently. A mage, dressed strangely, stood in a hidden position with a staff pointed in his direction. It was clear this wasn’t a mere suggestion, it was an order.
As a man from the institute, there was no real reason to refuse the summons. A normal person might assume that the Marshal simply wanted to thank him. After all, Robert was Wentworth's son, and he had survived thanks to Roland’s invention. However, the duel had been a reckless plan, for which Roland could be blamed. It was entirely possible that he would be reprimanded or even attacked for putting a noble's son in danger.
"Does he know who I am, or is he just trying to figure out who the man is that’s been getting involved with his children?"
Roland's involvement with Lucienne, Wentworth’s third daughter, was well known. Francine had likely informed others that he had helped Lucienne during the Viola incident and continued to protect her at the institute. Now, with him aiding Robert as well, it could easily be seen as suspicious. No ordinary person would go out of their way to help members of the same family without some ulterior motive. His reason, however, was simple: they were all related by blood, and he felt sympathy for his brother. Yet, he wasn’t ready to part with his Wayland persona just yet, and refusing this invitation wasn’t an option.
“Very well, lead the way.”
With a deep breath, Roland pushed off from the wall and gave the knight a small nod. He made sure to conceal his voice behind layers of mana. Though his father had not been there to witness him grow up, Roland’s voice was similar to Robert’s. The connection could be made, so it had to remain hidden.