Chapter 65 — Do You Dare?
"Oh, my, there you are, Your Highness!" A baritone voice called out as the uninvited guest stepped into the small hall.
Lucian, standing beside his desk and cleaning his sword with a white handkerchief stained with blood, looked up briefly, his gaze cold and indifferent. He returned his attention to the blade, meticulously wiping off any lingering bloodstains.
"Your Highness," the orange-haired man repeated, his lips twinkling as he tried to control his fury, fueled by Lucian’s cold attitude, under his forced smile.
"Yes, Baron Noah Gionhard. How can I help you?" Lucian’s voice was calm but icy, his gaze still fixed on the blade— clearly disinterested in the man before him.
"I was just passing through and thought to pay you a visit. It’s such a shame that you have to work here. His Majesty should have given you a more fitting place for your duties," Noah sighed, clicking his tongue as if to express disappointment although it was evident he was picking on Lucian’s shabby workplace.
Lucian’s hand stilled for a brief moment, but he made no movement to respond. He glanced at the baron’s face with a dismissive look before pulling out his chair and sitting down. He placed his sword into his sheath before speaking.
"So, you decided to visit me just to talk about such nonsense?" Lucian’s voice was sharp as he leaned back, crossing his arms.
The baron’s cheeks flushed a dark red, his initial confident posture faltering as he tried to regain his composure.
"I was merely saying that... this place is so close to the forest. Isn’t it... dangerous?" Noah’s lips curled into a mocking smile, but there was a slight hint of sarcasm in his voice, betraying his gentle tone.
"If I were afraid of fighting demons, I wouldn’t have survived the last ten years battling the Eldorians. As for this location, it’s perfect. I don’t need to waste time traveling around. The monsters come right to my doorstep, only to be killed by me," Lucian replied with a grin, his emerald eyes gleaming under the shadow cast by the afternoon sun.
Noah scoffed, his mouth opening and closing as if struggling to voice the insults simmering within. He clenched his fists, trembling in anger as the veins on his hands bulged slightly.