At the same time Daolin was returning home, in a dimly lit basement, a figure clad in black knelt before a portly man.
"My deepest apologies, leader. We failed. Young Master Daolin happened to be in the building next to our target location today. He appeared and intercepted six of our men. Upon realizing it was him, I aborted the assassination. The wounded man immediately took his own life, and the rest of our forces withdrew completely."
"You acted correctly. With Daolin serving as a smokescreen, even the King would not suspect this assassination attempt was orchestrated by me. However, have you discovered how Daolin managed to arrive at the scene so promptly?"
"Apologies, leader. We have not yet ascertained that."
"Then find out."
Has that brat Daolin guessed something? Is he truly that fixated on the position of family head? Well, that suits my purposes just fine. If he proves he has the capability, I wouldn't mind giving him the opportunity.
Meanwhile, I was on my way back. Seated in the carriage, I was reflecting on today's unexpected events. I was far too reckless today. If it weren't for Izoruti's Kanryu reacting in advance to the enemy's attack, I would have been finished right there.
Moreover, those people weren't there to assassinate me. Losing my life to protect that foolish woman, Ariel, would have been a tremendous loss. I must be more careful next time.
I cannot afford to be careless just because I've fought a Sword King. Without an absolute defense skill like Dragon Saint Aura, even a small mistake could cost me my life. This was truly a lesson for me.
A small arrow shot into the body? Pull it out, cast a healing spell and a detoxification spell, and it's fine. But if it hits the forehead, it's fatal.
Today, of Ariel's three guards, two died instantly from sword strikes to the head. The other was stabbed in the stomach; even his intestines were visible. But as long as he wasn't killed instantly, I could save him. That's the perfect example. Ensure you don't suffer fatal attacks. When facing unavoidable attacks, prioritize protecting your head.
Finally, the way those people retreated was suspicious. I have a feeling they weren't scared off by my fireball. They ran only after seeing my face.
But that might just be my imagination. Wouldn't anyone retreat immediately upon seeing me cast such powerful magic?
Thinking too much is making my head feel a bit dizzy.
After returning home, the maids prepared hot water for me. I went to take a bath first.
Today, it was Lilith who helped scrub my back. She walked up to me and let out a startled 'Ah!'
I thought she was frightened by my robust muscles. What's the big deal? It's not like she's seeing them for the first time.
Just as I was feeling smug, she rushed over, even dropping the scrubbing cloth from her hand onto the floor.
Then she began feeling around my chest. "Master, who did this red mark come from? Does it still hurt? Should I call a doctor to examine you?"
Following her hand, I saw a thick, red sword imprint on my chest.
This was probably from that blow Izoruti landed on my chest with the flat of her sword. Seeing the mark now reminds me she used her full strength back then.
If it weren't for the fact she saved my life, I would have left a similar mark on her. No, I can't just let this go. When she grows up, I'll definitely make her experience the pain of being struck on the chest too.
Thinking about how I almost got shot dead by an arrow today... Dying like that, having enjoyed nothing in life! After finally transmigrating into a wealthy young master, that would have been such a waste. Right now, I feel like I've brushed past the gates of the underworld and want to seize the day and enjoy life.
I took hold of Lilith's hand and said calmly, "It's just a minor injury. I was attacked by assassins today. This was a necessary sacrifice to protect my companions behind me."
Lilith's small, trembling hand gently caressed my chest as she softly sobbed beside me. She must have been moved by my bravery.
Over these four years, the little girl has grown up. Currently, her looks are the most striking among all my maids. Moreover, her figure is the least aligned with Prodia aesthetic standards. It's a bit... something to look forward to.
If this continues, I'm afraid I won't be able to bear letting her leave my side.
Ah, after so many years of noble life, I've become corrupted too.
The night is so cold. It would be warmer to sleep together. Hehe!
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