The Runic Alchemist-Chapter 423: Back In Lockwood 2

Inside the baron’s massive villa, they were offered drinks and then seated in the hall according to the arrangements made. The situation was straightforward—he was going, and they could come along if they wished.

Still, some lords might not have fully believed the baron’s claims and needed to hear it from Damian himself for confirmation. He had already proven the baron’s words true by flying here in his ship. The blue waygate entrance was not far, so those with keen mana senses must have noticed it from a distance.

Lucian’s mother and relatives were present as well, along with many of the maids who had once served Damian. They smiled at him, and he acknowledged them with a nod but exchanged no words. Most of the lords were preoccupied with their prince and the elf princess, though a few still approached him occasionally as Lord Silas and the baron made preparations, leaving the guests seated in the many padded chairs.

Lumi took in everything around her with wide eyes, like a lost cub in an unfamiliar jungle. Fortunately, Reize was beside her, keeping her from feeling completely overwhelmed. Lucian sat near Damian and Maelor, while Sam had already been whisked away by Grace—where to, no one knew. Duke Ashborne was present, however, deep in conversation with Evrin and Einar.

Damian caught snippets of their discussion—words like "visit" and "spellmaster"—but paid them no mind. Finally, the baron and Lord Silas finished speaking with the others and gathered everyone’s attention. The room quieted as people took their seats.

Damian’s gaze met that of the woman sitting opposite him in the circular arrangement of chairs.

She had dark green eyes and skin with a slight bluish hue. Dressed in a silky noble’s attire, she looked as if she had stepped out of a sci-fi film rather than a noble gathering. Her striking appearance made it impossible for her to go unnoticed. He had heard her name during his time in Lockwood but had never seen her in person until now.

Countess Souldealer.

A third-ranker from the Lyran Hold in Southern Dawnstar—home to one of the oldest and unconquered dungeons on the continent.

Despite her ominous title, she was the only true healer in the five kingdoms. While some Highswords could perform high-level healing spells, and there was even one esper among them, no one in the other kingdoms possessed an ability like hers. Her esper power enabled her to heal wounds more effectively than any known spell—even regenerating severed limbs. No one dared cross her, knowing they might one day rely on her gift.

The fact that she remained here—untempted by offers from the Empire, Eldoris, or Faerunia—was intriguing, especially in times like these. What was she waiting for? After decades of life, surely notions like loyalty and honor had long since faded.

Lord Ashborne took a seat beside her, suggesting they had some amicable relationship, perhaps due to both hailing from the south.

Baron Marcus stepped into the center of the circle and began, "As we have already discussed in detail over the past two days, an opportunity to make a difference has presented itself. Many of you have already agreed to join us, and all of Dawnstar is grateful. But some of you have yet to decide.

Th𝗲 most uptodate novels are published on ƒгeewёbnovel.com.

We leave in two hours. With half of the soldiers you brought to my barony, the other half will stay here to protect your regions from any harm. I won’t lie—the king will not be pleased. But this is the only way to save more people from being sacrificed and to have even a slight chance of recovering our captured citizens from the Empire.

"If you have questions, ask them now. Lord Silas and I will answer as best we can. Prince Maelor and Lord Ashborne are also here to address any doubts."

A scoffing voice interrupted from the side. "And what if this is all a trick? A setup to wipe out the remaining Dawnstar forces in one fell swoop?"

Damian turned to the speaker—a young man with disheveled hair, sleepy, bored eyes, and a wine glass in hand.

Before Lord Silas could respond, Maelor answered first. "Believe me, brother—"

’Brother? Prince Leon, then? The hell was he doing here?’

"—the man sitting beside me doesn’t need tricks to clear this entire room single-handedly." Discover stories with novelbuddy

Murmurs filled the room as gazes landed constantly on Maelor and Damian.

Damian remained silent. He didn’t care whether they joined or not. His presence here was more of a charitable act than a plea for peace.

"Young prince," Duchess Souldealer said in a calm voice, though her expression was anything but. "Our honor demands that such remarks not go unchallenged. Are you not overstating your… friend’s abilities?"

"No man, not even the famed Morph Viallist, can be gifted in everything," Duke Layden Varia added, backing her up. "He may have some tricks and trinkets, but true strength does not rely on mere toys to win battles."

At that moment, Sam and Grace entered the room and quietly took seats beside Lucian.

Rather than joining their respective houses, Lucian, Grace, and Maelor remained together—a subtle but deliberate statement.

Damian noticed Lord Asheborne eyeing his daughter for not siding with them, but Grace seemed to ignore him completely. What had happened in just a few days? Her siblings were with her father, while many middle-aged lords had brought their younger heirs.

Sam leaned in slightly. "What’s going on?" His voice was low, but those nearby could still hear.

"Don’t know.." Damian replied casually. "That guy over there said I use toys in fights though.."

Sam let out a short laugh. "You did cheat a lot in the exam."

"I would have had you if it weren’t for that ridiculous sword," Lucian added.

"Yes, yes. That is right," Einar nodded sagely.

"Dream on," Damian muttered, sipping his wine.

Only when he turned back did he notice the entire room had gone silent, everyone staring at them wide-eyed.

Maelor cleared his throat, attempting to smooth things over. "Pardon us. Please, continue."

"Disrespect!" the Duke’s son snarled, his face red with anger. "Do you think a mere Sunblade can speak so casually in the presence of Lady Souldealer, in front of so many honorable Dawnstar lords?"