Epic Of The Demonic Sage

A shudder went down Nurse June's spine. The Young Lord's expression was frightening compared to his genial manner earlier.

More than that, it was the fact that Lucius discovered that she used her gift that alerted her. She did not realize that he was this extremely skilled at detecting Aether.

Or perhaps he was simply too paranoid.

Yes, that was more likely.

"Forgive me… this one does not understand what the Young Lord is speaking about." Nurse June tried to lie with a sweet smile.

"You know very well what I am referring to." Lucius flatly said.

"Perhaps it is your imagination, Young Lord?"

"You're telling me that my judgment is clouded?" Lucius raised a brow, speaking more coldly.

He would have preferred to not fool around any longer, but he was also interested in seeing how much further she'll dig her own grave.

"No, Young Lord. It is…"

Nurse June vigorously shook her head and became desperate. It was clear that every minute she lingered here, the worse things were getting for her.

"It is just… after this exhilarating battle, you must be exhausted and yet find yourself unable to relax. Would you like me to fetch you a drink? I can also call for a nurse with a healing gift at once!"

Lucius faintly smiled at her feeble attempts of escaping. It was a smile comparable to a predator staring down at its prey who didn't realize that it was already trapped from all corners.

"You must be so bold enough to attempt to deceive me, Nurse June. But isn't it clear that you just used your gift right now? Lingering Mark, wasn't it?"

Nurse June's eyes widened and her hand instinctively withdrew from Lucius's right arm.

Lucius instantly grabbed her wrist, a vice-like grip that prevented her from escaping.

"Now tell me, while I'm still feeling generous, on why a weasel has sneaked her way into camp."

The nurse stared at him with a frozen expression. She was now in a complete state of shock at the Young Lord's words and was unable to comprehend how he realized her gift and agenda.

"Young Lord…"

"Do not test my patience, Nurse June." Lucius said.

He had no intentions of letting her off easily, but it was also important for him to discover how much she was willing to divulge on her own.

Was this Nurse June willing to betray her orders to save her neck? Or would she remain silent throughout the duration of this?

What were the chances that Nurse June would kill herself to prevent information from being revealed?

This would inform Lucius of the methods of the superiors who sent her.  Were they ruthless as the Barrom Clan who had ways of finishing off servants who even thought of disobeying?

Nurse June slightly swayed, her knees feeling weak, as she stood in front of the Young Lord. Out of all her missions, this was the first time that she ever gotten herself captured.

Her thoughts raced in her head and her palms became sweaty. Nurse June looked everywhere at once in desperation before a crazy idea clung to her.

"I… I'll scream, Young Lord," Nurse June trembled. "What would your soldiers think if they thought that their beloved Young Lord was forcing himself on a nurse? You'll tarnish the Inanis Family's name if you don't let go of me now."

Lucius stared disappointedly at the nurse before tightening his grip, crushing her wrist was an easy matter for him.

Nurse June yelped in pain, tears springing up in her eyes.

Even if she had screamed, Lucius' accommodations were built more for privacy and comfort of a young lord. Hence why not much sounds would have left the tent in the first place.

"If you do not give me the truth now, I'm quite inclined to let you know that a broken wrist is the least thing for you to worry about." Lucius's eyes glinted. "We can very much also solve this issue of you screaming right now as well if you wish."

The thought of cutting up the insolent tongue of the nurse crossed Lucius's mind alongside various torture methods. Of course, it was easier if she spoke up now as a mutilated tongue would hinder it.

Nurse June looked at Lucius and came to the realization that this was very real. If she did not speak up now, those threatening words of Lucius would very much turn into cruel actions.

Gone was the amicable and kindly Young Lord, instead the full colors of his character was now fully revealed.

"T-the reason why I am here is to use my gift, Young Lord." Nurse June said. "As you have already known, my gift is the Lingering Mark. I have come to mark the valuable soldiers who used their skills and strengths well."

Lucius looked at her wordlessly, and it was enough to unnerve her further. Most people would have already said something, it was human nature to respond to social cues.

But Lucius did the opposite for its intended effects.

"N-not only that, but I also needed to find the documents where the soldiers' gifts are recorded. This is all in order to be able to track them later by members from various mercenary groups."

"And the purpose of all of this is to achieve what?" Lucius asked. The answer was evident already in between the lines, but it was still better for her to admit everything.

Nurse June hesitated, because from her previous words, it was still possible to make the wrong conclusion that her superiors simply wanted intel on the personal army of the Inanis Family.

However, she found herself unable to tell a lie in front of the Young Lord. Nurse June felt like he was able to see right through her no matter what.

"All of this is to be done so that these soldiers will later be abducted or killed. The aim is to weaken the Inanis Family and its territory, Young Lord." Nurse June finally revealed.