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

"Lord Rein, it's my responsibility to handle this. But our power is insufficient, and even though we had assistance from a few Sword Bearer lords, we were still overpowered. That's why we had no choice but to shelter the two women here in the Temple for now."

Apologetically, Brandel spoke while shouldering his silver dual-handed warhammer.

"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 his old comrades one by one, uttering.

"Forgive us, Captain, our abilities remain somewhat lacking. 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 fell to his wounds..." Evelyn, her fiery red hair framing her face, averted her gaze, her eyes turning misty.

"What? Viery's gone?"

Rein's gaze sharpened bit by bit, a cold presence radiating from his form.

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

"Lord Rein, my brother has passed away."

"Fandar's dead as well?" Rein replied, mildly taken aback.

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

"I should have heeded Lord Luther and headed straight back to the Imperial City. That's what caused..." Jennifer, the elegant woman, reproached herself nearby.

"You bear no fault in this." Rein reassured her.

Right then, Neoro finished inspecting the statue that Captain Rein had carried inside, and he blurted out in astonishment: "Captain, this statue you've brought... could it be?"

"I've just eliminated all those who assaulted you last night. I spared this one because I intend to head to the Isodre School on the Shirendil Plateau."

Hearing that, shock rippled through the group!

Rein's suggestion to approach the Isodre School at this juncture clearly wasn't for a cordial call.

"Lo... Lord Rein, that's a major school. I'd be content if you could just take down the one who slew my brother." Georgia's wide, lovely eyes bulged in surprise as she stared at Rein, her worry evident too.

"No need to fret, Georgia. If they had the nerve to strike down 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. Soon, I'll organize a Sword Holder airship to transport you all."

"Alright, now that you've returned, Rein, we'll follow your lead on everything." Jennifer, the striking woman, voiced no dissent.

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

"Angus, Evelyn, Neoro, if it suits you, I'd appreciate having you three join me at the Imperial Headquarters." A faint grin crossed Rein's face as he suggested.

"For real? Captain!" Angus burst out, thrilled.

"Absolutely, without a doubt."

Rein had quickly assessed them and seen that Angus and his companions had made solid progress in their power over this time. Though it didn't match his own gains, it was impressive among their equals.

Above all, Rein realized that with his growing might, managing affairs without a personal team was becoming cumbersome.

In particular, when he wasn't present, his family's protection couldn't be assured properly, so it was high time to build his own group.

...

Thirty minutes afterward.

Mingster Swordsmen Division.

"Rein, have you wrapped things up?" Admiral Edward offered Rein a cup of black tea as he inquired.

"Mingster's troubles are sorted, but next I must travel to the Shirendil Plateau."

"The Isodre School?" Admiral Edward linked it instantly, his grip on the teacup faltering a bit, eyes flaring wide.

It was plain Rein had no cause to journey to the Shirendil Plateau idly.

"Rein, that's a prominent school, led by Sect Leader Stuart Abel, the Dawn Wizard known as 'Shield of Rock.' You..." Admiral Edward creased his brow faintly while speaking.

He wasn't doubting Rein's capability, but the foe was a seasoned Dawn Wizard with formidable skills.

Furthermore, the Shirendil Plateau served as the enemy's base, granting them home-field dominance, making a direct clash seem...

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

"Ha, naturally, no issue at all!"

"That said, Rein, won't you think twice about tackling the Isodre School with more caution?"

"No, it's fine—this trip will settle some lingering problems." Rein declined with a head shake, then finished his black tea.

"Admiral Edward, thanks for the tea. I'm eager for our next meeting." Saying so, Rein stood to say goodbye.

...

A few minutes passed.

A swift airship soared off to the southwest, as those on the ground watched it fade from sight.

"Admiral, do you believe the captain's trip to the Shirendil Plateau this time might..." Here, Evelyn with her red locks knitted her brows and posed the query that Jennifer and Lagaray shared.

"No, he won't!"

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

"I'm not concerned for Lord Rein's well-being, but for the repercussions this could stir up."

Hmm?

All eyes turned curiously to Admiral Edward.

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

"Should Lord Rein clash harshly with the Isodre School, I fear some figures and factions in the Empire's higher ranks will exploit it to trouble him."

"That's the real headache."

...