Chapter 21: The Baron’s Wrath

Chapter 21: Chapter 21: The Baron’s Wrath

Eagle Claw Manor, the study.

The butler reported everything that had happened on the west side of town in detail to Baron Uer, who had just returned to the manor.

"A stone pillar erupting from the ground? A mysterious Mage?"

Baron Uer wearily rubbed the bridge of his nose.

He couldn’t believe that such a bizarre incident had occurred in his territory when he had been gone for less than ten days.

His doubts subsided slightly upon learning that Mage Dugan himself had made the assessment.

Although Dugan was a Mage with an obscure specialty in studying insects, his judgment was beyond question.

’Perhaps... it’s just as Dugan said. Some Mage, bored out of their mind and fond of showing off, was just passing through Print and did it on a whim.’

However, the moment he remembered that Dugan was still at the manor, a suppressed rage flared up inside Baron Uer.

That Dwarf Mage hadn’t left, which meant his precious son was probably still burying his head in a pile of insects at this very moment.

"And where is that good-for-nothing?" the Baron’s voice grew cold.

"Er... Young Master Cyril, he..." The butler trembled, stammering, "He’s still on the west side... He said he wanted to investigate the scene further, to see if the Mage left any clues..."

Baron Uer let out a cold snort. ’How could such a clumsy lie possibly fool me?’

’Doesn’t a certain worthless "friend" of his live on the west side?’

"Investigating the scene? More like he went to see that Hesia again, I’d wager."

He knew his son all too well! Investigating a Mage’s clues? Just an excuse!

"Have the Guards drag that little brat back here at once!"

The words had barely left his mouth when Cyril rushed in from outside, a trace of excitement on his face.

"Father! You’re back! This is great! Listen, about that stone pillar on the west side, we’ve..."

"Silence!" Baron Uer slammed his hand on the desk, cutting him off. "Did you think your little tricks could fool me? Don’t tell me you were investigating. Did you run off to see that good-for-nothing ’friend’ of yours again?"

"Father, Hesia isn’t..."

The moment the words left his mouth, Cyril realized he had fallen into his father’s trap—

he had just admitted that he had, in fact, gone to see Hesia.

Seeing that his son had indeed lied to him for the sake of that boy, Baron Uer’s fury was completely ignited.

His recent condolence visit in Houlder had given him a profound understanding of Lady Rose’s methods.

The Count’s sons from his previous wife were completely suppressed, while she held total control over everything inside and outside the Count’s Mansion.

Given that woman’s disposition, she would never spare any blood of the Atmesia Clan, not even a useless nobody who had been stripped of his title and posed no threat.

Getting involved with that Hesia would certainly lead to no good.

And yet his foolish son was still running around with the last scion of that clan every day.

The boy wasn’t a noble anymore; he was just walking trouble!

At this rate, the Eagle Claw Clan would be dragged down with him sooner or later!

"Guards!" Baron Uer’s voice boomed with unquestionable authority. "Go and drive that Hesia out of Print."

"Father, why?" Cyril’s voice trembled. "You can’t do this! Hesia isn’t a menace! He was the one who guided me, who helped me find a way to command insects!"

His gaze fell on Dugan, who had been drawn by the commotion, and he shouted, "Master Dugan! I’ve found it! I’ve found the insects I can form a link with!"

Baron Uer’s face darkened as he roared, "Shut your mouth! Are you still chasing that damned Mage dream? Haven’t you brought enough shame to the Eagle Claw Clan? What’s the use of messing around with those buzzing things all day, other than making us a laughingstock?"

Realizing his outburst had affected Dugan, he adjusted his tone. "Mage Dugan, please forgive my outburst. My anger is not directed at your Profession, but... this worthless son of mine simply doesn’t have the talent! He’s just wasting your time, lost in a dream of his own making!"

Cyril seemed not to have heard his father’s roar at all. "Dugan! It’s mosquitoes! Let’s go to the swamp and try it now! I swear, I can command them! I..."

"I think the swamp’s miasma has rotted your brain!"

Baron Uer had completely lost his patience. He pointed a trembling finger at Cyril. "You’re mad! Utterly mad! You’re not going anywhere!"

With a wave of his hand, two Guards immediately stepped forward and seized Cyril, who was trying to leave.

"Father, trust me! Just once..." Cyril struggled desperately. "I can really do it! This is the method Hesia taught me!"

Hearing him mention Hesia’s name again, Baron Uer’s fury exploded once more.

"Drag him to his room! Lock the door! Without my permission, he is not to take a single step outside! I’ll break the legs of anyone who dares to let him out!"

"Let me go! Father! Listen to me!" Cyril struggled desperately, like a trapped young animal. His despairing roars, filled with indignation and rage, echoed down the hallway. "You’re killing my dream with your own hands! I’ve had enough of this cage! I’ve had enough of being the damn heir to a Baron! I just want to leave this place!"

Baron Uer couldn’t be bothered to spare him another glance, as if he weren’t his son but some loathsome object.

He turned to the embarrassed-looking Dugan.

"Master Mage, my apologies for the scene." The Baron’s voice regained its noble decorum. "As you can see, the boy... he’s become obsessed. He did not inherit the reason and Wisdom befitting the Eagle Claw Clan. I believe you need not waste any more of your precious time on him."

He paused. "Of course, to thank you for your hard work, and for the... hope you had for Cyril, I will have a small gift prepared for you tomorrow morning as a token of my apology and respect."

These words were tantamount to an order to leave.

Dugan understood. Baron Uer wanted to get rid of him quickly to completely extinguish any of Cyril’s lingering hopes.

Dugan stroked his beard and gave a slight bow. "My Lord, I appreciate the sentiment, but the gift is unnecessary. I will depart for Fernandez first thing in the morning."

He glanced in the direction where Cyril had been dragged away and said with a hint of regret, "To be honest, this trip was not entirely fruitless. Spending a few days with a vibrant young man like Young Master Cyril was quite an interesting experience for me."

Just as a weary Baron Uer waved for the butler to escort his guest out, and Dugan was preparing to take his leave...

Outside the study, around a corner of the shadowed corridor.

The stout Ferdinand and Otto exchanged a look of tacit understanding.

Ferdinand silently mouthed the words, "Go catch... mosquitoes for the young master?"

Otto mouthed back with equal silence, "Of course!"