Baron Rivelle's eyes widened in utter disbelief as his gaze fell upon the three young men standing before him. Recognition struck him almost immediately. As a Baron, he maintained close relations with several of his peers, most notably, Barons, like Baron Canestane and Baron Whale. Consequently, he was familiar with their sons, William Canestane and Finch Whale. Yet, it was not their presence that left him momentarily speechless; it was the third boy standing calmly between them, the Tenth Sun, Asher Wargrave.

Although Asher seldom appeared in public, his name and reputation were known throughout noble society. Those who had attended the grand Royal Birthday Celebration of the Royal Twin could never forget the image of the young man who bore that illustrious title. Baron Rivelle had been among the attendees that night, and the sight of the Tenth Sun's abilities was forever engraved into his memory.

He vividly recalled the duel, or rather, the one-sided beatdown, that Asher Wargrave had delivered to Ryan Silvershade. The event had shocked the entire gathering, leaving many too stunned to even cheer. Since that day, rumors had spread like wildfire, mostly among the youths who had failed to gain admission into the Star Academy. They claimed that the Tenth Sun had secured first place in the academy's brutal entrance battle exam. Even Baron Rivelle's own children had come home with similar tales, speaking in awe of the Wargrave heir's prowess.

Snapping himself out of his astonishment, Baron Rivelle swiftly composed his expression. The look of shock and disbelief faded, replaced by a warm and respectful smile. Rising from his ornate chair, he spoke with practiced courtesy, his tone carrying both admiration and careful restraint.

"Welcome to my manor, Tenth Sun," he said, inclining his head slightly. His gaze then drifted toward William and Finch, who stood respectfully beside Asher. "And to you as well, Young Lord Canestane, Young Lord Whale. It has been quite some time since I last saw you both. I heard from your fathers that you were admitted into the Star Academy, congratulations are in order."

"Thank you, Baron Rivelle," the three responded in unison, bowing their heads politely.

"It seems you summoned us here for a reason?" Asher asked calmly, his posture composed, neither arrogant nor humble.

"Please, have a seat," Baron Rivelle said, gesturing toward the cushioned chairs arranged before him. His smile broadened with genuine satisfaction. At that moment, he could not have been more pleased. As a mere Baron, he could never have dreamed of entertaining a member of the Wargrave Ducal family within his manor. Even if Asher was considered the least influential among the Wargraves, the family name alone carried immense authority, one that demanded respect across all noble ranks.

As the trio took their seats, Baron Rivelle's thoughts wandered briefly. His eyes flicked toward William and Finch, curiosity glinting beneath his composed exterior. He wondered how the two young heirs of lesser nobility had managed to associate themselves with the Tenth Sun in such a short time at the Star Academy.

'It seems the Canestane and Whale families will experience a rise in influence soon,' he mused silently, his calculating mind already racing ahead. 'I must pay both of them a visit after this meeting.'

Despite the Baron's neutral demeanor, Asher, William, and Finch could easily read his intentions. They were all nobles, born and raised among the cunning and ambitious. To seek opportunity where it presented itself was not a flaw; it was their nature, ingrained in their bloodline.

After the three had seated themselves, Baron Rivelle eased back into his chair. His voice carried a tone of practiced authority as he began to speak.

"During the Monster Tides," he explained, "I usually hire various organizations and individuals to protect the city. Some, I employ personally; others, I delegate through posted missions. The Star Academy is among those I personally recruit, as are the Adventurer and Mercenary Guilds. I tend to hire several well-known adventurers and mercenaries from their ranks directly. To make up the remaining numbers, the guilds then post my commission publicly, allowing anyone of sufficient strength or courage to participate. This has been my custom for years, once every one or two cycles, depending on when the Monster Tides appear."

He paused, allowing his words to settle. The flicker of light in the chamber reflected off his silver goblet as silence lingered briefly.

Asher nodded slightly, signaling his understanding. Finch and William, however, remained still. They had heard similar words many times from their own fathers, who operated in nearly the same fashion during the tides. For them, this was a routine discussion. Only Asher appeared genuinely curious, his upbringing within the Wargrave Duchy had spared him the need to understand such logistical matters.

Within the Wargrave territory, the Monster Tides were hardly considered a threat. The Wargraves, powerful beyond comprehension, often annihilated entire hordes of beasts with a single powerful strike. On some occasions, they didn't even wait for the tide to emerge; they would take the initiative, purging the forests and mountains before the monsters could rally. The difference between the might of a Duke and that of a Baron was immeasurable, an unbridgeable chasm that defined the hierarchy of nobility.

Baron Rivelle continued, his tone becoming firmer as he outlined his procedures.

"Whenever an individual or group that I personally hire arrives at the city gates, my knights are instructed to escort them to me immediately. I make all necessary arrangements for their accommodation and meals. Those I employ personally are the core of my defensive efforts, and I ensure they are treated accordingly. As for the others, those who join through the guild missions, they must fend for themselves."

He concluded his explanation with an air of finality, folding his hands neatly atop the table.

'Well, that saves me the trouble of paying for an inn,' Asher thought dryly. Normally, he would have declined such hospitality, given that he barely knew Baron Rivelle and preferred to avoid unnecessary entanglements. However, since Finch and William seemed to share a familial bond with the Baron, he decided to accept.

"So," Asher asked, his tone composed and unhurried, "where exactly is this place you've prepared for us?"

Baron Rivelle's smile deepened, his voice carrying a note of mild happiness. "You need not concern yourself, Tenth Sun. I have already arranged three private chambers for you and your team within my manor itself. You will find them comfortable and well-equipped."

Asher inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, though his expression remained unreadable. Internally, however, he knew the truth. The Baron had not originally prepared any rooms within his own residence. The accommodations he mentioned were most likely in one of the outer buildings, the same lodgings intended for the adventurers and mercenaries he had hired.

But now that the Tenth Sun himself had arrived, accompanied by two young nobles from prominent baronial families, Baron Rivelle would never dare to house them among common sellswords. To do so would be unthinkable. His quick change of plans was both expected and understandable.

Had the visitors been ordinary Star Academy students, unknown to him and unconnected to influential families, Baron Rivelle would have sent them to those lodgings without hesitation. But in this case, the weight of the Wargrave name alone demanded distinction.

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