CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 685: Playing Matchmaker

Time vanished as Asher, Williams, and Finch conversed ceaselessly, their laughter occasionally filling Asher’s chamber. Lyra’s meticulously prepared delicacies, procured from Asher’s system storage, were already served; the quality and sophistication far surpassed the fare offered at the academy’s cafeteria, a testament to Ducal Household cuisine.

"So, Asher, with your innate talent, do you foresee yourself ascending to the role of Duke, or what the Wargraves term the Primarch?" Finch inquired, a cookie midway to his mouth, his legs propped casually on the table, embodying complete relaxation.

Asher paused briefly before responding, "To attain the rank of Primarch, one must first achieve the Crownstar Life Rank. I am confident I can reach this pinnacle within a few years, perhaps a decade. However, my elder brother, Malrik, possesses a greater likelihood of achieving it first," he stated, his voice steady and unperturbed.

"Furthermore, on a personal level, this Duke title holds little appeal for me; it simply signifies more burdens. I would much prefer the position of an Elder or Great Elder; their roles appear less demanding, affording them the freedom to pursue their own endeavors at any moment," he elaborated, transitioning from a refreshing juice to a glass of wine with measured grace.

"Indeed... that holds a certain truth. Besides, all Wargraves command identical fear and respect, regardless of their ducal standing," Finch mused, nodding subtly as he considered Asher's perspective.

"My primary concern lies with the assertion that you could reach the Crownstar Life Rank within a decade, or even sooner," Williams couldn't refrain from interjecting, a sigh betraying his evident unease at the implication.

Asher merely offered a slight smile in reply, "My brother attained the Crownstar Life Rank at twenty-nine. I am currently eighteen; you should not find it astonishing that I might replicate that very achievement," his tone firm and devoid of any hint of boastfulness.

A palpable absence of arrogance or conceit colored his voice, replaced by a calm factual observation that lent his words an uncommon weight.

'Though I am certain I will reach it in considerably less time,' Asher thought to himself, a quiet self-assurance taking root in his mind.

"Yes, the First Sun is exceedingly formidable, almost beyond human comparison," Finch commented, leaning back slightly. "At times, I question who is the more extraordinary individual, you or him?" he added, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Asher offered no immediate response; his gaze remained fixed on Finch’s bird, which appeared to be pecking at cookie crumbs scattered by Finch, his observation of the small creature marked by mild fascination.

"Well, lacking any apparatus to quantify talent, definitive answers are elusive," Asher finally replied, his tone casual yet imbued with logic.

"However, should you attain the rank of Primarch, whom do you intend to wed? Surely, you are aware of the numerous attractive women surrounding you?" Williams inquired, his curiosity now veering towards an entirely different topic.

"Indeed, there is Darissa Camber, though I suspect her father might object, given she is his sole heir and their family maintains a neutral stance. Then there is Princess Vaelra; the Emperor would undoubtedly favor bestowing the Kingdom upon his son, being male and all. And finally, Ryaen Silvershade—my personal favorite, possessing beauty, talent, poise, and maturity; she embodies perfection," Finch declared, launching into an almost theatrical enumeration of the women in Asher’s life.

"You list them as if these women were mere commodities displayed on a supermarket shelf," Asher couldn't help but retort. "Pray tell, do you harbor the outdated belief that women are inherently weaker than men?" he questioned, a slight arch to his brow.

"Certainly not; only fools subscribe to such notions. Perhaps such ideas held currency before Astra energy infused our world, but unequivocally not now," Finch responded instantly, his tone dismissive.

"I concur with Finch. I believe Ryaen holds a certain affection for you; observe how she frequents your company. Even during the Prince's challenge, she was by your side, and you departed together afterwards," Williams offered, his reasoning appearing somewhat sound.

Asher let out a sigh, perplexed by his companions' sudden preoccupation with his romantic entanglements. He felt they were misinterpreting the entire situation, not only the prevailing circumstances but Ryaen's intentions as well.

Asher inferred from Ryaen's reserved demeanor and her infrequent interactions with others that she was not one for extensive conversation, nor did she possess many friends. This, he surmised, was the reason she occasionally sought his company, more out of convenience than any deeper sentiment.

Naturally, Asher would not dispute that Ryaen was the most captivating woman he had encountered within the Zarethorne Empire. However, this did not translate into an immediate infatuation or allow immature impulses to dictate his actions, as his two rather foolish companions seemed to suggest.

They were, quite simply, friends... for the present, at least... though the future remained unpredictable.

"Why are you two discussing this and pairing Ryaen and me as if you're getting paid for it?" Asher couldn't help but interject, his voice tinged with a hint of annoyance.

"I wish we were getting paid," Williams sighed, his words heavy. "Right now, I'm at my lowest point ever; I used all my academy points to buy another weapon, as my last sword shattered during my recent mission," he lamented his financial state, finding poverty foreign for a noble. "I'm envious of you and Finch; after all, soul-bound weapons are practically indestructible," he added wistfully.

Asher simply gazed at Williams, deciding against further comment. Weapons, after all, were items requiring constant purchase and upgrading. It wasn't possible to buy a weapon and use it indefinitely. Without a soul-bound weapon, Asher doubted he could have defeated Blue or Debro... unless, of course, he had devised alternative strategies.

"Ryaen and I are merely friends, end of discussion," Asher stated firmly, attempting to put the matter to rest immediately with a decisive tone.

"You two seem like the perfect couple," Finch persisted, unable to resist. "I mean, she challenged Princess Vaelra and emerged victorious, then Prince Vaelric challenged her as well, and she won again. This means, at this very moment, you are both Rank 1 and Rank 2 within our class. If that's not a perfect match destined by the stars, I don't know what is," a smile graced Finch's lips as he leaned forward slightly.

Asher raised an eyebrow at the report of Ryaen ascending to Rank 2, yet he wasn't overly astonished. While he was unaware of the Princess's combat strength, Asher recognized that Ryaen was exceptionally formidable in every aspect, her growth nothing short of remarkable.

'I wonder how much stronger she has become since then,' Asher mused inwardly, a smile touching his lips as he contemplated Ryaen's progress and refined combat prowess, a subtle sense of anticipation stirring within him.

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