Lucas and Robert finally arrived at a small estate. Lucas expected something bigger, but considering Robert was alone in his family and everything he saw was currently owned by him, he only had respect for the man. Mostly because Lucas was practically broke. His rings, which he had to take from his severed arms, had some items and cores, but they weren't all that special. The crystals and coins he had, he used in the past to promote Agatha's place.
Now, he didn't have a lot left, but on the other hand, Lucas had no need for food or sleep. Not that he wanted to stop either of those. He still had a few things left, and plenty he could sell, but Lucas never bothered with it. If he had to achieve the same level of wealth Robert had without using tricks to his advantage and exploiting the people around him, he found little success in his cards.
"Lucas, while we were able to get away from Lord Noir's inspection, it doesn't mean this is over. The Colors are all very stubborn people, once they are interested in something, nothing can stand in their way for finding out more about it."
While Robert was speaking out loud, Lucas felt anything but prepared to go up to someone of that power. He was barely Rank 4, there were too many Ranks between them. He could barely fight against a Rank 4 when he was Rank 3, there was no suitable strategy for going up against someone of a Rank he couldn't even feel.
"It's best if you don't use Dark magic unless your life depends on it. It's not an order you have to follow, this is just advice."
"Are they that dead set on killing anyone who controls Darkness?"
Robert waved the mere notion away, "Of course not, but unless you have the necessary power or standing so that it becomes too much of a hassle to remove you, they don't take kindly to anyone using it. It's an open secret that people who donate a ton are also given a pass for knowing about Darkness magic. But if anyone openly uses it, all protections are out."
"So I can study it and practice it behind closed doors, but never use it against someone," walking through the building, Lucas was fascinated by the size and the amount of servants cleaning the spotless place, perhaps another rule for nobles to follow.
"That's the gist of it. But you'll have to make a large donation first, since you lack the power and standing."
"Can't I leech of off yours?"
"Hahaha, Lucas, I'm only popular among the Rank 3's, I'm nowhere influential enough," arriving in his office, it wasn't hard to tell Robert was a hard working man. The amount of papers neatly arranged on his large decorated desk would frighten any bureaucrat. The books in the shelves on the side were all related to business and laws of The Holy Kingdom.
While Lucas had some kind of inkling, he never truly grasped the Ranks of the people in the ballroom. Seeing Robert had some intel on the people there, he couldn't help but question it. "Where are we exactly?"
"We're close to the capital of The Holy Kingdom. The place we met was a military base for a while to prepare for the invasion of Sabaoth. The ball here was to celebrate the results achieved, hence all the high figures."
"Who were they?"
"You have The Colors, the highest ranking officials in The Holy Kingdom that are under the direct service of the Goddess. They consist of seven Rank 8 mages that support the Kingdom in whatever way necessary."
"Seven?", Lucas wasn't exactly a master when it came to colors or light, the first thing he thought of was a rainbow, but as far as he knew, there were 7 colors in a rainbow, black wasn't one of them. He wasn't even sure if black was a color or a pigment.
"Yes, Black, Pink, Green, Blue, Brown, Red and Silver. They are the strongest forces The Holy Kingdom possesses. There are other officials and departments with a Rank 7 or 8 mage at the helm as well."
Lucas heard the information, but it wasn't being captured. The Ranks and the amount of mages at their disposal was so large, he didn't need to make a calculation to never go against them. Shaking his head, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why did Frigus even attempt to go against them?"
"Corruption and bribery are tools some mages use to get what they want. I don't suppose you're any different?"
"Well..."
"Nowhere on Aurora is it possible to openly practice Dark magic. So mages form groups, take over countries from the shadows and install procedures that allow them to do so."
Hearing Robert speak so plainly about it, he initially found it hard to believe. But a second later, he would do the exact same thing. If he wasn't able to use Darkness openly, he would simply create a place where he could. The best way would be to set someone else up for the fall, so any random country would do.
"Why not leave for another planet?"
Shaking his head again, Robert was about to explain, but someone entered the office with a envelop. "Good afternoon my Lord, we have received a letter from the local garrison. I believe it is addressed to both you and this sir."
The servant looked like a young man, couldn't be older than 30, and held no mana in his body in the slightest. Robert thanked the man as he received the letter before letting him leave.
Lucas stared at his departure with a strange look. "Don't look down on my people Lucas. They don't have any magic, with the amount of mages available in The Holy Kingdom, the moment one doesn't have any magic, they are almost doomed to poverty. These are hardworking men and women."
"I didn't say anything."
"I know you well enough that you were checking him out to see if he could pose a threat. I don't want you to look down on them."
"Don't you remember I am a commoner as well?"
Despite his powers, he was indeed a vagrant without any noble title or even last name. He didn't have a home or family left. He was alone.
"You might be a commoner, but you have magic, Lucas. Please remember that there is more than just wealth and titles. The lowest step on the ladder isn't a commoner, it's a magicless one."
Robert had completely turned around from his previous stance. He used to believe it was up to nobles to lead the others, to show the fools and commoners how to live, they were below his standing because they were inherently inferior. Now, the protection of those lesser than him in standing and power was all he was striving for.
"Looks like you changed a lot more than I first expected."
"Well, I was able to witness a first hand account of a commoner who was able to achieve great accomplishments and had a fool of a father that only gained his title due to inheritence. It made it clear that origin of birth mattered not if one was stupid. I'm making use of my position and lands to give jobs to those struggling out there."
"Why bother with it? Why not live in luxury?"
Robert frowned as he opened the letter, "I know you are smarter than that Lucas. Why do you think?"
Having a small internal conversation, it quickly became clear, "You still have to live for hundreds of years. If the people aren't happy, they'll revolt and fail. But it's more hassle."
"There you go. If my lands are prosperous and I am an aid to The Holy Kingdom, everyone will support me in different ways. This is the most stable future one can accomplish. Luxury can be amassed in the future through the work of my people and myself."
Lucas exhaled slowly. He wasn't sure if he wanted to be a ruler of some country. In the Underground, he was an aid, a consultant with a high position and bossed people around to achieve his goals. In Sabaoth, he adopted a similar position and planned things out to gather intel and currency. If he had to rule over farmers and normal people like Robert had achieved, Lucas felt it wouldn't sit right with him.
He was a fighter, no matter how he looked at it, he wasn't fit to rule. He hated the responsibility and the many questions thrown at him. He just wanted a safe home where nobody could threaten him.
Reading the letter, Robert summerized his findings, "They are willing to let you choose between a couple of places."
"Are there any near Sabertooth mountain or your old home?"
A strange glint appeared in Robert's eyes. "I won't question your intentions. But if you go that close to Frigus, you'll just get more eyes on you, not only from The Holy Kingdom, the Bailey family as well."
"I know what I'm doing."
"Do you?", Robert started to write his reply without waiting on Lucas.
'Are you certain this is worth the risk?'
'Why the fuck not?'
'I agree, I'm sorry, it's just that we decided so quickly, it's not us.'
'It ain't you and me, sure, but some things don't require thought, if you have to burp, you burp.'
'Could've explained it away with a reflex.'
'Nah, you always try to keep some bullshit mask on, I'm the honest one here. I speak the clearest. If I say that we should do it, we should.'
'I'm not going to agree with everything, but in this case, I stand on your side. We need to make sure.'
Lucas had to check if one of his theories was correct or not. He would do whatever it took to validate his ideas, and Robert wasn't one to look past it.
"There, with this, you will be deployed at three separate cities and villages. The only important one is Losak, it's the closest to your old home. In the midst of battle, you will always be noticed, your Rank is too attracting. But if the enemies vanish faster than their schedule permits, you might get a few hours to yourself."
Folding the letter, he placed it in an envelop without waiting for Lucas' agreement. Stamping the letter closed, a servant appeared to pick it up. Lucas wasn't exactly on bad grounds with Robert, nor was he on good ground. They were former enemies to neutral neighbours.
"If you're going to ask why I didn't wait for your approval that's because in the end, you're the servant. I need to act the part. Don't forget that I am still your master. I won't abuse you or take advantage of you. Just don't forget who has to look up to who."
Lucas frowned, but knew this wasn't the place. He needed to separate his thoughts first. He felt that they were equals if not potential companions, Robert had none of that. The sudden change in demeanor made him think of his own acts.
'He was under a mask the entire time?'
'Bah, he's become as disgusting as you.'
'He's got the upper hand.'
'Do we kill him?'
'No, not yet at least, we still need his connections and protection.'
'Can we escape during the last mission?'
'It's an option, but we'll have to see. Perhaps we should give him a chance as well.'
'That fucker? Nothing he says can be trusted, cause he's like you!'
'Well, not everything I say is a lie.'
Nodding slowly, Lucas seemed to accept the situation, "Alright. When do I leave?"
"Now, if you haven't forgotten, the Garisson Commander expects you at the city of Salvation within half a day, considering the hours that have already passed, it's better if you start hurrying. Just fly to the northwest for a few hours and you'll arrive."
Lucas acknowledged it, but didn't move from his spot. Robert looked at him with a questioning look. There was nothing urgent to discuss at the moment, there were more pressing matters for both sides. Lucas had to prove his worth and allegiance and Robert had to make sure that his paperwork for Lucas was made in order.
As a Rank 4 mage, he wasn't exactly allowed to freely roam around without letting the Holy Kingdom know where he was at. Nobody would stop him from going to a city, but he had to inform the correct people. If not, there were some hefty fines attached to it, something Robert wasn't willing to pay.
"Uhm... Where exactly is north west from here?"
"Don't you have a compass?"
"No?"
Robert shook his head as he simply pointed outside his window. "Go in that direction, the first big city with a large clocktower in the middle is the place you're looking for. Or any town that's been burned to the ground, depending on how far the fight has gotten. Don't die out there as well. I still need you."
With that, Lucas rushed outside and fled to the sky.
Having left a few minutes ago, a new knock came from Robert's door. Letting the visitor enter, a tall man with a short white bear appeared. "Ah, Liam, you just missed him."
"Missed who?", a pondering look appeared on his face as he noticed the glee his master was reveling in. "Our good old friend Lucas has found his way home."
"Lucas is here?", looking around the office, nothing of note was visible, but to think that after all those years he would see that small little boy again, he felt his world tilt.
"I said you missed him, he left for Sanctuary, and after that he has 2 other cities to visit before he will return. My contract is still active, he is under my control."
Liam opened his mouth for a moment before closing it. He frowned slightly before facing his master, "Robert, you know you can't play around with him."
"I know, I know, my father had the same contract and he still died at Lucas' hands."
Clenching his hand slightly, he mustered up the courage once more to look at his young, but now grown, master. "I think you should break the contract as a sign of good faith. He'll help us for our connections, but he won't feel chained. That boy needs freedom more than anything."
"No, what he needs is love. And he won't find it on the battlefield, that is certain. We can stand in as a family for him. Besides, if it weren't for us hiring Venion, he wouldn't ever have awakened."
"Robert!"
"I'm just stating the truth here. Look at things realistically Liam, he killed my father, destroyed my estate and endagered my life by connecting his past identity to the scout of my father. Do you not remember the many times the Bailey family hounded us? This is just karma, his way of repaying us."
"Robert...", Liam had become quite a lot older over the years, just as Lucas and Robert grew into fine and capable men, he had started to reach the later years of his lifespan. The white beard already gave the first sign, but the many wrinkles on his face and his slow walking speed said the rest.
He was in no position to advocate for Lucas, because while the man suffered in his youth, his reaction did cause the death of many of his former colleagues and friends. All wiped out for Lucas to escape. At the time, he was focussed on survival for his own and his family, but all the others were left to die a horrid death to cover Lucas' escape.
Heaving a slight sigh, he departed before giving a few words of advice, "Just be cautious, Robert, you know how the Lord ended up."
After he was gone, Robert's face lost all emotion as he stared at his desk. Turbulent emotions ran around his heart, but he refused to let any of them in. In the end, he simply clicked his tongue.