Watching Baron Leslie depart, Igor finally let out a long sigh, the taut string in his heart quietly slackening at last.
His earlier proactive mention was, in fact, his final probe.
If the Baron harbored designs on his spirit, the more reasonable approach would have been to let him continue pretending to be an Inferior Elementalist dependent on Elemental Stones, with limited prospects.
That way, it would be easier to control or even seize his contracted spirit in the future.
But now, not only did the Baron help cement his identity as an Orthodox Imprinter, he also proactively provided related ancient knowledge.
Even his background identity had been considered meticulously.
This was almost a clear statement: what I value is you as a person and your future potential, not that troublesome treasure you possess.
This subtle difference finally dispersed the last trace of doubt in Igor’s heart like mist.
He was certain that, at least for now, Baron Leslie was a collaborator, not a potential predator.
That very night, a steward from the city lord’s manor delivered the prepared transcriptions to Igor.
These included information on the fief and the Northern Ruins, knowledge related to Ice Elemental Spirits, the Leslie family genealogy, and the Elemental Meditation Method he urgently needed, among other things.
Igor’s face showed excitement and gratitude.
He once again swore on the spot to protect the Leslie family with his life, then enthusiastically and discreetly slipped a small, bulging pouch of Gold Crowns to the messenger and personally escorted him out of the small courtyard.
His respectful demeanor was thoroughly performed.
Secretly weighing the pouch in his hand, the city lord’s messenger broke into a genuine smile.
He offered Igor a few words of flattery and praise, hinting that he would take the opportunity to speak well of such a noble knight before the Baron.
Only after watching the messenger completely disappear from sight did Igor put away his smile, his expression turning calm as he returned to the residence.
……
“Resilient, decisive, knows how to leverage situations, and even better at hiding…”
“My contractor is truly no simple man.”
Within the Phoenix Pendant.
Having observed the entire process, Aivrel couldn’t help but utter a sigh of admiration.
She was genuinely quite impressed with Igor’s performance.
To struggle free from such a desperate situation in such a short time, swiftly gain the trust of a lord, and obtain a fief of his own…
His mental acuity and planning were far beyond that of an ordinary mercenary.
Yet, while impressed, she couldn’t help but shake her head slightly:
“But alas, no matter how strategic, limited by information and perspective, he still struggles to see the full picture…”
Aivrel focused her mind, and the consciousness dwelling within the Phoenix Pendant quietly spread out.
Invisible ripples spread out, her perception easily broke through the confines of Igor’s wooden cabin, spreading over the surrounding streets.
A cacophony of sounds instantly flooded her senses, the clamor from taverns, private conversations within homes…
Countless voices intertwined into a complex symphony, but filtered through her cold, rational consciousness, they became orderly.
Her perception continued to extend, reaching without hindrance the city lord’s manor situated on the higher ground, effortlessly piercing the advanced wind-element barrier set up inside and out, clearly capturing the private conversation between Baron Leslie and his lady in the study.
“What do you think of this ‘Bolo’?”
The Baron’s voice held a trace of businesslike calm, stripped of the warmth from the banquet.
The Baroness’s elegant voice sounded, tinged with caution:
“He is indeed a rare individual. To escape the Orion family’s hunt with an infant, and even contract with a wild spirit, stepping into the extraordinary… Without both a resilient heart and exceptional luck, it would be utterly impossible.”
“However, while he appears reserved, even blunt on the surface, his responses during the banquet were composed and thorough, flawless. This likely isn’t as simple as he pretends. At the very least, he doesn’t seem like a mercenary who only knows how to wield a sword.”
“That’s not an issue.”
Baron Leslie’s tone carried the composure of one in control:
“Whether he is simple or shrewd is actually unimportant.”
“What matters is that we hold his weaknesses: the stain of an identity the Orion family will never tolerate, and a newly-born spirit enough to provoke covetousness.”
“As long as we hold these two points, he must rely on us, and can only rely on us.”
He paused, his voice tinged with a calculating coldness:
“He is a very good pawn. There has long been friction between Blackwater River and my Shadowgrove Bay. That Count’s expansionist momentum in recent years has been strong, and my father-in-law has long been displeased…”
“If territorial conflicts erupt between the two Counties in the future, with Igor Orion as a banner, we will have sufficient reason and pretext to support my father-in-law in intervening, even nibbling at the ownership of the Orion Viscounty.”
“Even if it doesn’t ultimately succeed, it will be enough to thoroughly annoy the Count of Blackwater River. Heh, Igor will be a surprise gift I prepare for my father-in-law.”
The Baroness seemed to frown slightly:
“If it truly comes to that, Igor’s real identity will inevitably be exposed. The so-called weaknesses will lose their restraining power and instead draw the Orion family’s frenzied retaliation. We… might not be able to fully protect him.” Find the original chapter at NovelPing.
“No need to worry. By then, with the help of the high-grade Elemental Stones bestowed by my father-in-law, I will most likely have broken through the Third Tier Imprint and become a Resonator.”
The Baron’s tone held absolute confidence:
“An Imprinter contracted for only a few years cannot escape the control of an Elemental Master.”
“As for the Orion family’s retaliation… my father-in-law will deal with the Count of Blackwater River, and I can handle Viscount Orion well enough.”
“If Igor cannot cope even under such circumstances, it proves his value is only that much, not worthy of us investing more resources to shelter him.”
The Baroness fell silent for a moment, then asked another key question:
“You… truly have no thoughts on his Ice Elemental Spirit at all?”
Upon hearing this, Baron Leslie’s face revealed an inscrutable expression, somewhat strange, somewhat regretful, and with a hint of apprehension:
“My lady, that is an Ice Spirit…”
“Such a troublesome thing prone to inviting calamity, I dare not let my own family use it.”
“Alright, it’s getting late. Let us retire.”
The conversation ended there.
Aivrel withdrew her perception, her expression complex:
“As expected, before absolute interest and power, any scheme appears fragile.”
“But… why did he say Ice Spirits easily invite calamity?”
“Surely it can’t be related to my identity as the【Ice Witch】, right?”
She slightly frowned, vigilance rising within her.
“Unfortunately… my current power is still too weak, and the intelligence I possess is too scant. For the sake of prudence, it’s better to observe for now.”
The young lady shook her head, committing everything she had seen and heard to memory.
……
Early the next morning.
Filled with infinite anticipation for the future, Igor packed his belongings and, accompanied by his daughter and the wet nurse, set off from Gray Harbor under the escort of a small squad of guards from the Baron’s manor, embarking on the journey to his fief.
……