Because of the order to capture Robin, Leilin had been in a foul mood all evening.
No matter how this matter developed, it would ultimately be detrimental to the Ouroboros Ring.
That a disciple of a Morning Star Wizard had committed an act of betrayal would deliver yet another fatal blow to the recently stabilized morale of the sorcerers.
But since this was Gilbert's will, Leilin had no choice but to comply.
However, he couldn't shake the feeling that this matter wouldn't be so straightforward.
……
"Welcome, Leilin!"
Robin laughed heartily and embraced Leilin, his face beaming with joy, seemingly unaffected by the news he had received.
At this moment, Robin still appeared as a very young man — if one ignored the numerous sigil markings on his face.
Compared to their last meeting, the markings on his forehead had become far more terrifying, covering nearly half his face and making Robin's original features appear grotesque and frightening.
"Senior Robin!" Leilin forced a stiff smile.
The brief physical contact moments ago had sent a chill through his entire body, every pore contracting.
The sensation was as if Robin had transformed into some savage beast, triggering an immediate defensive reflex in Leilin's body.
Leilin's gaze passed over Robin, sweeping across the clan members behind him.
Robin's clan was known as the Barber Family — even within the Ouroboros Ring as a whole, they were an ancient noble house with exceptionally pure bloodline inheritance and considerable influence.
During their previous venture, Robin had casually dispatched five third-rank sorcerers and even brought along a pure-blooded nephew, showcasing the family's deep reserves.
But now, the young men and women following Robin all wore dark expressions — more accurately, they looked utterly lifeless.
What surprised Leilin even more was that not a single family elder was visible behind Robin. There weren't even many third-rank sorcerers present, and Roa had vanished entirely.
"Something major must have happened!"
Leilin's premonition grew sharper, but his expression became even more sincere, tinged with an apologetic note. "I'm sorry, Senior. By my master's orders..."
"Oh! Rest assured, this whole matter is a complete misunderstanding! I'll go with you to headquarters tomorrow to clear it all up!" Robin appeared perfectly candid.
With that, he enthusiastically stepped forward and invited Leilin. "You haven't seen my castle or laboratory yet, have you? Stay here tonight. Your retainers are my honored guests as well — I've prepared a lavish banquet for them. I'm sure you'll love it here..."
Faced with Robin's warmth, what could Leilin say? He could only lead his retainers, who had traveled all the way with him, into the vacant rooms Robin had set aside for them.
The oak floor gleamed with an oily luster, the air thick with the scent of incense, and the four walls were adorned with portraits, armor, and swords.
Though Pike had no specialized knowledge of such assessments, he could tell this was undoubtedly one of the finest rooms in the castle.
"But, my lord... you..." Pike, however, had no interest whatsoever in examining the legendary helmet adorned with five-colored bird feathers. He stood before Leilin, his face etched with worry.
"I know what you want to say. I was ordered to arrest Robin, and now I'm entangled with him — it's bound to invite suspicion and criticism from many..."
Leilin lounged in an armchair inlaid with a massive ruby, waving his hand to cut off whatever Pike was about to say.
"But what can I do? Robin is still my senior, after all, and until this matter has been thoroughly investigated, we can't rush to any conclusions!"
"Besides, he's already agreed to return with us tomorrow. There's no need to demand anything further..."
Hearing Leilin's words, the bitter smile on Pike's face did not fade.
This was, of course, the most reasonable course of action, but the current Robin, even to Pike's eyes, showed signs of madness — hardly someone who could be judged by ordinary logic.
There was also no guarantee that Robin wasn't lulling them into complacency before springing a trap to wipe them all out at once.
Within the territories of the various bloodline nobles, they were unquestionable sovereigns. Even orders from headquarters sometimes met with open or covert resistance.
"Thud!" "Thud!" "Thud!"
Just as Pike was about to say more, a steady, rhythmic knocking sounded at the door.
From the other side came a young girl's voice. "Your Excellency the Marquis! The banquet has begun!"
"Come in!" Leilin nodded.
The door swung open to reveal a girl in maid's attire, her face still carrying a touch of youthful roundness, standing before Leilin and Pike.
It seemed to be her first time encountering guests of such high rank, and a nervous blush colored the maid's cheeks.
"Youth is truly wonderful..." Leilin unceremoniously stepped forward and pinched her cheek, spreading the blush all the way down to her neck.
From the girl, he sensed a pure Komoyin bloodline aura. She appeared to be related to Robin — and not distantly at that.
From a bloodline perspective, the girl had promising potential — she might even be a direct descendant of the Barber Family.
But to attend to Leilin, she had naturally been made to don a maid's outfit.