Others Summon Dragons, I Summon Legendary Knights Chapter 377 Aina Bane
Previously on Others Summon Dragons, I Summon Legendary Knights...
The construction crew made their appearance soon after. Godfrey made the decision to remain for the entire day, while Isolde found herself occupied with the persistent attention of young children.
After a period, she had to relent and simply go with the flow of their energy.
With assistance from the female employees and the elderly man, she gradually settled in. The hours passed, and the sun eventually dipped below the horizon.
Approaching the entrance of a hall, Isolde observed a row of bunk beds. All the children were settled on their beds. At the far end of the hall, Godfrey was seated in a chair, his legs casually crossed, leaning against the wall as he engrossed himself in a storybook.
A subtle smile touched her lips. 'He looks so endearing~' Isolde mused silently, propping herself against the doorframe.
Dirge stood by Godfrey's side, softly singing a lullaby. It was an unfamiliar melody to Isolde, yet it possessed a profoundly calming effect on her spirit.
'They've been quite animated since you arrived,' Old Man Adam's voice reached her ears, prompting her to turn her head towards him.
'And you seem quite pleased to see him in such a state,' the old man remarked, to which Isolde offered a simple nod.
'He hasn't been like this for a very long time.'
'He's a genuinely kind young man. I've witnessed his formidable skill in combat, how swiftly he could strike down foes, but it was always for the purpose of protection. Different circumstances naturally elicit different responses,' the old man stated with composure.
'A different environment brings about a different reaction.' Isolde echoed his sentiment internally.
***
That evening, Godfrey accompanied Isolde back to the mansion. Following their meal, they retired to the second living room.
'That old man was quite pleasant,' she commented, then collapsed onto a sofa, stretching languidly with a cute yawn as Godfrey activated the television.
'I find myself envying him. To think of living for a century and remaining untouched by the harsh realities of this world of summoners,' Godfrey replied, crossing one leg over the other.
The television flickered to life.
'I'm completely drained. Looking after children is exceptionally taxing,' Isolde pouted.
Godfrey let out a soft chuckle. Abruptly, the news anchor's announcement captured their attention.
'Following the demise of Bane's Family Head, his wife, who had previously estranged herself from the family, has made a surprising return and has unexpectedly assumed the mantle of Family Head. It appears Lady Selyne Pendragon is not the sole individual presenting a shocking revelation. The second most influential house is, in effect, mirroring this turn of events.'
Isolde's brow furrowed.
'After the loss of her son and her husband, with whom her relationship was reportedly strained, coupled with her sudden reappearance, there is considerable reason to question her capacity to lead such a prominent family. Whether her motive stems from a need for power to avenge her kin or not, the Bane Family has been experiencing a series of unfortunate setbacks recently.'
The news anchor then displayed a photograph of Aina Bane disembarking from a vehicle. She was elegantly attired in a crimson suit, complemented by a striking, wide-brimmed hat and long black gloves.
A faint smile graced her lips, and perched upon her shoulder was an owl.
It was an owl of ordinary size, yet Godfrey recognized it instantly as her summon. It was an exceedingly rare occurrence for powerful summons to manifest in such diminutive forms.
'Aina Bane has issued a declaration asserting the Bane family's preeminence as the greatest family in this region…'
Godfrey turned to face Isolde. 'Aina Bane. Do you believe she harbors intentions of avenging her husband and son? I was responsible for her son's death, yet the blame will likely fall upon Isaac. You were the one who brought down her husband, but they will probably attribute it to me. Given my association with Isaac, the threads of suspicion naturally converge upon me.'
'The greatest family in the region. That statement speaks volumes; she is unlikely to pretend as though nothing has transpired.' Isolde reached for a tablet and initiated a search for information on the woman.
This was her initial encounter with any details concerning Aina; she had always operated from the shadows.
Her profile appeared, but beyond the information she already possessed, nothing else of significance was revealed. Even the intrinsic abilities of her summon remained unknown.
'There's nothing substantial beyond this. She has effectively concealed herself.' Isolde's frown deepened. 'However, if she dares to target you, we will be compelled to eradicate an entire lineage.'
A fierce light ignited in her eyes.
***
A woman with flowing black hair, mirroring the dark hue of her summon's fur, reclined in a bathtub. Her eyes were closed as tendrils of steam dispersed into the ambient air.
A short distance away, a female butler stood attentively, holding a plush bathrobe. She observed her employer, Aina, as she luxuriated in the bath, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she leaned back.
After a brief interlude, Aina broke the silence. 'Miriam, provide me with the latest intelligence.'
'The internet is abuzz with discussions regarding your newfound status. However, the news concerning the complete annihilation of the Bane family's elders and key figures has been meticulously suppressed. Not a single word has surfaced.'
Miriam reported with unwavering certainty. She maintained a posture as rigid as a soldier's, her hair pulled back into a perfectly neat bun.
'Excellent,' Aina responded, her tone devoid of any discernible emotion.
Miriam cleared her throat before continuing. 'Regarding the Battle Gods gang you encountered, they have unequivocally rejected the proposal.'
Aina's eyes fluttered open, her expression darkening. "They possess more cunning than their appearances suggest. It's logical that Godfrey Daniels wouldn't remain at the Paragon Tier indefinitely, and he'd certainly avoid entangling himself with the new head of Pendragon. Either he's merely a boastful deceiver, or he's genuinely a Titled god."
Aina was fully aware of this situation but desired those men to probe Godfrey, ensuring her certainty. They were merely disposable pawns in her grand design.
"Intimidated by a mere nineteen-year-old. Pathetic men." she scoffed, snapping her fingers. Miriam promptly moved to assist as Aina stood. Miriam deftly helped her into the bathrobe, then quickly stepped back, allowing Aina to secure the fastenings herself.
Aina proceeded directly to the vanity mirror, with Miriam close behind. Seating herself before the looking glass, Aina examined her reflection, touching her skin and narrowing her gaze for a more precise inspection.
"He stands as a formidable mountain, an imposing peak, yet toppling mountains is my particular expertise. Especially one who has undermined the Bane family and now shields the killer of my beloved son."
Miriam remained in quiet deference.
With a turn of her head, Aina addressed Miriam. "Engage the Battle Gods. Since they lack the courage to confront a single man, offer them a substantial reward to hunt Titled gods and procure the core for me. Its essence will be used to nurture nascent talents. You, Miriam, shall be among them."
Miriam executed a respectful bow.
Her heart pounded with fervent resolve. She shared Aina's unwavering convictions. The Bane Family was destined for ultimate greatness, poised to become unrivaled on the world stage. They were, in essence, the very bane of opposing forces, concepts, and abilities.
Their ordained purpose was to maintain the world's delicate equilibrium.