Epic Of The Demonic Sage

Lucius was fairly certain that his conclusion was made from a logical standpoint.

Bordeaux was a master of bladed weapons and the person who killed off those royal soldiers of Grantz was someone with the same skill set.

'However, compared to Arius, Cohen and Carlyle, I am basing this on their lack of intimate knowledge of said man. I don't have the complete information either on everything that transpired during the killing, so it is indeed most likely that I am wrong.' Lucius thought.

While Lucius normally wouldn't speculate, his own expression of such a statement was enough to make Arius, Cohen and Carlyle provide answers.

'It's quite a silly thing between social norms that when a person says something wrong or inaccurate, there is a good deal of individuals who will take glee in trying to correct you. While a bit unnecessary as they'll answer without a need for me to be wrong, it's an effective way of getting answers.' Lucius thought.

Ignorance in a palatable dose often made other people more willing to offer the correct response in an effort to appear more knowledgeable or superior.

"The reason why it's not Bordeaux is because the direction of those soldier killings is the opposite of the one where he came from," Arius said.

"Oh, yes, that's right." Leif blinked and remembered that. He had nearly forgotten that fact and was caught up in Lucius's words, the nobleman was able to sound persuasive and certain that it made Leif worry for a second.

"And besides that, if it was Bordeaux? He'd love to take the credit for killing instead of being nameless. I'm sure that if we found him right now and asked him if he did it… well, he'd answer yes or no." Cohen said.

"The man isn't one to deny or lie about who he killed. On the contrary, I think he'd leave a giant message telling people that he's the one who's killed this and this or that he was around the area."

"Whether that's from the blood of the victims or something more obvious." Arius said with a slight grimace. "Honestly, that's quite a waste of time and goes against trying to keep your head low as a criminal. Even more reasons to avoid working with him. He might sign it with his and your name."

"Hah. Did he really do something with using blood?" Cohen snickered then turned to Carlyle. "Shouldn't that be more of your thing, considering your gift and all."

"Just because I have Blood Hammer as my criminal name doesn't mean I'd go around dipping my finger in blood and leaving notes." Carlyle rolled his eyes, but then rubbed his chin. "… And now you're making me curious about trying it."

"Don't pretend like you haven't actually done it." Cohen rolled his eyes, but then he cleared his throat and turned to Lucius. "But to also ease up your concern a little, Lucius… while Bordeaux is strong, he isn't as skilled enough to be killed without being seen and leaving no clues at all."

"Yeah, he isn't that smart enough to think ahead." Carlyle said.

"While the killer of the royal soldiers isn't Bordeaux, he's still someone to be reckoned with, Lucius," Arius said.

"I see, thank you for the piece of advice. I will take that into account…" Lucius tapped a finger idly on the table.

It was a rather small tic, Lucius only did it once, but Arius, Leif and Kiana noticed it all the same.

'I've already been advised to not approach this Bordeaux individual, with everyone here claiming him to be a mad man… and yet all that does is invoke my curiosity.' Lucius sighed inwardly although if he was given a chance, he might have smiled a little and shook his head. 'Meeting someone as mad as Bordeaux isn't exactly new, in fact, it's actually extremely familiar to deal with such individuals as I've already done so in the past.'

Lucius was from the Great Barrom Clan, everyone was used to their disposal and that included insane and deranged individuals as long as they were capable of being used as a weapon.

They were most often not suited for work that involved critical thinking or espionage, but it also depended on the individual.

'… If I were to get this man to work for me, then it will be a great chance to expand the scope of my power once more. While I won't necessarily add him to the ranks of Arius and his group unless certain situations call for it, it will be good to have someone as skilled as him. If he does not cooperate, perhaps it will be nice to add him to the Lost ranks… but that might decrease his swordsmanship capacity. Either way, before I am to consider that, I'd need to learn what makes Bordeaux tick so I can approach him.'

Arius glanced discreetly in Leif's way and then that of Cohen and Carlyle.

'I'm not exactly certain since I don't know how Lucius works. But I can't help but have a certain feeling that we might end up getting sent to apprehend Bordeaux for him. And with that happening, while it'll be a three against one scenario in addition to our gifts being upgraded into Epic Ranks… it's still going to be a pain to deal with. Bordeaux isn't going to make it easy for us.' Arius sighed inwardly. 'Of course, there's also the chance that we might be able to hold a proper conversation with him and just invite him, but the chances may not be on our side.'

Meanwhile, Kiana herself closed her eyes and thought about the situation for a moment.

'Knowing Asher, he might really want to meet this Bordeaux individual. I know I won't be able to dissuade him, but Leif did have a certain point about needing to report it to Count Gabriel. The situation almost warrants for it… and yet that's not the only thing that we're supposed to be worrying about right now. Bordeaux isn't the only criminal that's lurking in our city right now.'