Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1530 - 526: The Death of an Old Friend (3)

"Lord Rein, handling this is my responsibility. But with our limited power, even assisted by a few Sword Bearer lords, we remain outmatched. Thus, we've had no choice but to shelter the two ladies here in the Temple for the time being."

Brandel, who shouldered a silver two-handed warhammer, expressed his regret.

"This setup is already quite appropriate, Lord Brandel; there's no need for you to feel guilty."

"Angus, Evelyn, Neoro, it's been ages."

Rein advanced and softly embraced each of his old comrades, remarking.

"Apologies, Captain; we're still not strong enough, and we're in the midst of probing..."

"Relax, I've taken care of it already. Oh, and where's Viery?"

Rein scanned the surroundings and noticed Viery's absence.

"Captain... Viery passed away from his wounds..." Evelyn, her red locks framing her face, averted her gaze, her eyes tinged with redness.

"What? Viery's gone?"

Rein’s gaze slowly tightened, a frosty presence radiating from his form.

Just then, a young woman dashed from a nearby chamber—it was Georgia. Spotting Rein right away, she hurried to his side and gripped his arm firmly, declaring:

"Lord Rein, my brother has perished."

"Fandar's dead as well?" Rein replied, a touch surprised.

"Indeed, Lord Fandar got turned to stone, and his head was cut off too." Lagaray explained, observing Georgia who was overcome with emotion and speechless.

"I should have heeded Lord Luther and headed straight back to the Imperial City. That's how..." The elegant Jennifer murmured in self-reproach nearby.

"This isn't on you at all." Rein reassured her.

In that instant, Neoro, having closely inspected the statue that Captain Rein had carried into the chamber, let out an involuntary gasp: "Captain, that statue you've brought... could it be?"

"The ones who ambushed you last night—I’ve eliminated them all moments ago. I spared this one because I intend to head to the Isodre School on the Shirendil Plateau."

Hearing this, shock rippled through the group!

Rein’s suggestion to approach the Isodre School at this juncture clearly signaled no peaceful intent.

"Lo... Lord Rein, that's a major school; I'd be content if you just avenged my brother's killer." Georgia’s wide, lovely eyes stared at Rein in astonishment, mingled with worry.

"Rest easy, Georgia; if they had the nerve to slay your brother and Viery, settling for less won't cut it."

"Jennifer, Lagaray, Evelyn and the rest will escort you back to the Imperial City first; afterward, I'll send the Sword Holder Airship to transport you."

"Very well, now that you're here, Rein, we'll follow your lead on everything." The graceful Jennifer offered no resistance.

"Yes, if you're heading to the Shirendil Plateau, stay cautious!" Lagaray agreed with a nod.

"Angus, Evelyn, Neoro, if you're willing, I'd like you three to join me at the Imperial Headquarters." Rein stated, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"For real? Captain!" Angus burst out with enthusiasm.

"Absolutely, without a doubt."

Rein had quickly assessed them and seen that Angus and his companions had made solid progress in their abilities over this time. Though it paled against his own gains, it stood out among their equals.

Above all, Rein realized that as his power grew, managing affairs without a personal team grew cumbersome.

In particular, when he was away, securing his family's protection proved unreliable, so building his own circle was overdue.

..."

Thirty minutes passed.

Mingster Swordsmen Division.

"Rein, have you wrapped things up?" Admiral Edward served Rein a cup of black tea, inquiring.

"Mingster's issues are handled, but next, I must journey to the Shirendil Plateau."

"Isodre School?" Admiral Edward linked it instantly; his teacup-holding hand shook a bit, his eyes bulging.

It was plain Rein had no casual reason for venturing to the Shirendil Plateau.

"Rein, that's a prominent school, led by Sect Leader Stuart Abel, the Dawn Wizard known as the 'Shield of Rock'; you..." Admiral Edward creased his brow slightly, commenting.

He held no doubts about Rein’s capabilities, yet the foe was a seasoned Dawn Wizard with formidable techniques.

Besides, the Shirendil Plateau served as the enemy's base, granting them home-field dominance; clashing head-on appeared...

"My thanks for your worry, Admiral Edward. I'm here to talk about moving Angus, Evelyn, and Neoro to the Imperial Headquarters—can you bear to let such promising individuals go?"

"Ha, no issue at all!"

"Still, Rein, won't you think twice about tackling the Isodre School more carefully?"

"No, it's time to settle these matters properly." Rein declined with a head shake, finishing his black tea, then added.

"Admiral Edward, appreciate the tea; I anticipate our next meeting." With those words, Rein stood to take his leave.

..."

A few minutes afterward.

A swift airship soared southwest, as those on the ground observed it fade into the distance.

"Admiral, do you believe the captain's trip to the Shirendil Plateau this time will..." Here, the red-haired Evelyn wrinkled her forehead and voiced the concern Jennifer and Lagaray shared too.

"No, it won't happen!"

Admiral Edward grasped Evelyn's implication and firmly denied it at once.

"Lord Rein’s safety doesn't trouble me; it's the repercussions this could stir that worry me."

Hmm?

All eyes turned to Admiral Edward involuntarily.

Regarding the upper echelons' politics, none there matched Admiral Edward's insight.

"Should Lord Rein clash sharply with the Isodre School, some figures and factions in the Empire's higher ranks might seize on it to target him."

"That's the real headache."

..."