CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 670: Extra Payment

Under the cloak of night, Asher, Lyra, and their hired escort reached the Wargrave Estate. Asher proceeded toward the main building with an air of unhurried composure. Before he could enter, however, the hired man’s voice cut through the stillness.

"My apologies for the interruption, Tenth Sun, but my task is complete, and I must be on my way," the old man stated, his gaze fixed upon the ground, seemingly hesitant to meet Asher's eyes. His demeanor conveyed a mixture of deference and apprehension.

Lyra, positioned behind Asher, came to an abrupt halt. Her dark eyes immediately darted towards the hired hand, a swift, sharp flicker of killing intent passing through them. How dare he address Asher, her Young Master, directly! His communication should have been with her; she was the one who engaged his services, and he had no standing to speak with the Tenth Sun.

The man's best course of action, Lyra inwardly acknowledged, was to depart the Wargrave premises immediately. The potential dangers of remaining far outweighed any perceived security the estate might offer.

What if, for the first time, something vanished from the Wargrave Estate? He would instantly be made the scapegoat. What if he offended a maid or butler with ties to a Sun or Moon? His immediate demise would be a certainty, leaving him no wiser as to the gravity of his transgression.

His wisest move was to collect his payment and retreat, avoiding both death and needless complications. Lingering any longer would only heighten the probability of misfortune.

"Are you certain you do not wish to stay the night? Should you depart the Wargrave Estate now, bandits will undoubtedly lie in wait. My maid traveled a considerable distance to bring you here from your domain. If you leave at this hour, you won't reach your home tonight and will likely take several days," Asher proposed.

"There is no need for your concern, Tenth Sun. I shall be safe. Facing bandits is an ever-present risk in our world, regardless of the hour. Furthermore, my family awaits me, and I am eager to return without delay," the hired hand replied, his voice calm yet infused with a quiet resolve.

Asher acknowledged the man's words with a nod, his expression remaining impassive. His offer was merely a gesture of courtesy, a polite invitation to rest. Since it was declined, further insistence was unnecessary. Besides, the hired man spoke truth; bandits operated ceaselessly, day or night, making encounters a constant possibility.

"Arrange for an Enduron Horse to be prepared for him. Also, add one hundred gold coins as a gratuity for his diligent work today," Asher instructed, his tone level, as he continued walking and entered the Wargrave Estate without pause. His words were directed at Lyra.

"As the Young Master commands," Lyra responded with a respectful bow.

At the mention of the 'extra payment,' a smile graced the hired man's lips. He bowed in unison with Lyra, a flicker of genuine appreciation in his eyes. His original compensation was a mere ten gold coins, already a generous sum far exceeding his usual earnings.

Few individuals required his specialized skill in enhancing land fertility; it was primarily commoners deeply engaged in agriculture who sought his services. Nobles and merchants involved in agricultural trade possessed their own established methods and did not depend on individuals like him.

Even with his ability to boost fertility, the effects were long-lasting, not a recurring service yielding constant weekly or monthly income for farmers and common folk.

One might suggest he could moderate his ability, subtly enhancing fertility to encourage repeat business, but regrettably, he lacked such fine control over his innate power.

Lyra met the hired man's gaze and, observing his pleased expression, simply led him away without further remark. Had she been less composed, she might have struck him for his audacity in addressing her Young Master directly. However, she restrained herself, focusing instead on fulfilling her duties.

Upon entering his chamber, Asher let out a soft sigh. Without delay, he shed his attire and proceeded to the bathroom. While he possessed the capability to cleanse himself instantly using Astra energy, the tactile sensation of water cascading over his skin offered a unique and unmatched comfort – a simple yet profound pleasure that even immense power could not replicate, alongside the tranquil contentment of a warm bath soak.

Emerging from the bathroom after changing into his sleepwear, he settled by the window, his gaze directed towards the celestial orb gracing the night sky, its soft luminescence piercing the surrounding darkness. A spontaneous smile graced his lips as he recalled the exuberance of the children, their sheer delight in showcasing new attire and footwear, their happiness unbridled and pure.

'I often ponder what my existence would be like had I been born a commoner,' Asher mused internally, the notion fleetingly occupying his thoughts. With a gentle shake of his head and a faint smile, he dismissed the idea, recognizing that such a humble inception wouldn't have suited him.

It wasn't a matter of disdain for commoners, but rather, why would he relinquish the fortune of being born into nobility, and not just any noble family, but the scion of a Duke, a Wargrave, for the mediocrity of a commoner's start? The chasm between these two origins was vast, profoundly impacting status, opportunities, and influence.

However, Asher understood that despite the villagers' current jubilation, their respective Village Chiefs would soon deliver somber tidings regarding the demise of loved ones, should they be among the abducted. The merriment of this moment was ephemeral, destined to be supplanted by sorrow.

'Each Village Chief will likely postpone the announcement until tomorrow; after all, they are all pleased about the resources,' Asher contemplated, his eyes remaining transfixed on the moon.

A knock echoed in the chamber. 'Enter,' Asher responded with characteristic indifference.

Lyra entered, her voice clear, 'Young Master, dinner is ready to be served.'

'Serve it. And fetch the finest wine you possess,' Asher instructed, his back still turned to Lyra, his gaze lingering on the night sky as if lost in contemplation.

'Yes, Young Master,' Lyra acknowledged before departing, returning shortly thereafter with the meal and libations, leaving Asher to dine while gazing into the expanse of the night.

As Asher partook in his meal, his thoughts drifted towards the agenda for the following day, his mind already orienting itself to forthcoming duties. 'Tomorrow, I shall confer with Grand Elder Morthen regarding the World Map; thereafter, I will bid farewell to my Elder Brother before departing for the Star Academy,' he reflected, taking a sip of his wine.