Chapter 203 The lone Lion
Everything can be said back to normal, though there are some people who used to be the center of attention and envy now turned into a topic of disgusting discussion. The main attraction aside from Edgar was his goody old best friend, the Lion's heir, Eros Star Lionheart.
His circle of friends excluding his beloved sister, were involved in scandals and controversy that left them no choice but to end up in jail. Titus made sure of it, though their length of stay with the five-star dungeon can be said limited unlike Edgar's, it was still enough to destroy the reputation they have.
And even if they try to return they have nothing to call their own. They have no status or wealth that can protect them. All that is left is for them to safely finish their studies at the academy and beg for someone to hire them in the future. However, it might become difficult since their tarnished name will never be clean again.
Back to our sunset lion who used to be popular and have many admirers, now with the prince pinning him in his place, no one dares to approach him. Even Athena her sister didn't even visit him once.
The ego of the young was crushed and his most cherished reputation no longer exists. And if it weren't for the fact Athena doesn't want to become the heir Eros wouldn't be able to retain his position. This situation further hurt his ego resulting in him consulting his beloved teacher.
"I really need advice when will you come here?"
Asked the young man he suddenly turns into a man as docile as a doe.
{Be patient my dear I already contacted your fiancee she said she will help too once she is done with her duties}
"I know her duties as a princess are burdening, you shouldn't have asked for her help"
{It's necessary she is after all your wife-to-be}
"Forget about it teacher I will ask Myers to handle this, perhaps he can help me clean my reputation"
{I suggest going for community service and volunteering for demon subjugation, that way people will see you in another light}
"I will think of that"
{You could also spread a rumor that you have no idea what your friends were doing since you are busy with missions}
"I already did that but the prince was the first to extinguish that plan since he disclosed the fact that I am aware of what Edgar was doing. Turning a blind eye to the situation causes me to be in jail for three whole days"
{To think the prince would go such lengths for a commoner girl}
"Not just him but also my siblings! That Apollo and Athena how dare they!"
{Calm down my heir as long as you are the one who will inherit the dukedom they can never touch you}
"That's true but because of this issue, my father already limited my influence not only to the family wealth but also to the manpower. Whatever I could no is already reduced to what it was previously"
{Dont worry I will send some of my disciples to assist you}
"Thank you, teacher"
{You are welcome my prime student}
Then the call ended Eros was a bit satisfied and could finally continue his day. One of his main objectives now is to slowly remove the blemish that ruins his smooth identity.
Opposite to his improved demeanor his teacher Edmund Tower collapsed as soon as the call was cut off. His body was covered with sweat and his mouth had blood on it. With his weakened body the massive mana he has can no longer support him.
"Is this how I am gonna die" he mutters while wiping the blood off his mouth.
He was once a mighty wizard known to the continent yet because of a wrong decision all he could do now was hang a little as his life began to wither.
"I never knew that boy could reduce me to this state" he could only say while crawling towards his chair. At this rate, he will die before the year end.
"No this must stop now....but how?"
He can't touch the boy and even the thought of it can trigger the oath he has with the duke. He can never lay a hand towards the Lionheart children that is the main reason he could only seal Apollo's talent but not kill him. He can't even order someone to do it either because any thought that can threaten the life of Lionheart's children can cost his life.
Cancelling the spell won't work either because ancient spells can't be revoked once cast though it might be different if it's Apollo. Using the system he can revoke the seal and remove it without endangering Edmund's life. However he will never do such a thing, his plan to begin with is to continue tormenting the man until he fully removes the seal.
"It hurts" he mutters while drinking the brewed potion he made to elevate the pain he is experiencing. However, the consequences of making that seal would soon drain him.
He only has three options, first, tell Eros about this and let him decide what he wants to do. However, he doesn't know if his student will choose him since the Lionhearts are very prideful especially when it comes to their blood. The second is just to endure the pain and wait for his death and the third is to find a way to break the oath so that he can kill Apollo.
All choices are quite difficult however he must take a gamble starting first to the easiest part. Asking Eros for help.
"I can do that as long as that child feels indebted to me, I need to help him clean his name too. That way his mind will be clearer once I speak to him"
The mage thought so and started contacting his past and current disciples to assist Eros. In that way, he hopes that his prime disciple will attain what he wants.
While Edmund Tower kept drinking the potion to elevate his suffering the source of his pain currently eats pancakes with his friends.
"Day 7 of being pestered by your professors" Braiden said before stuffing his mouth with waffles.
"I don't like joining clubs"
"Same"
"Don't want it either"
"It's not like it's our fault why there is a massive amount of dropouts"
"They kept telling us the number of club members in each club has decreased so we have to replace them, why don't they ask Prince Titus, after all he is the culprit of this situation"
Simultaneously the children began to sigh making Apollo and Alicia confused.
"Was that the biggest issue you are concerned about?" she asked while giving Apollo his second serving of pancakes.
"Well, haven't the two of you getting tired of hearing our professors about the same issue over and over again?" Niko asked though the two just answered with "No" which did not surprise their classmates.
"Well, how about we make our own club?"
Mckenzie suddenly presented his brazen idea gaining the attention of his friends.
"Why not" Apollo commented while filling his mouth with another batch of pancakes.
"You are going to choke if you keep doing that Apollo"
"Whaff do you mek... off!"
"Here water, seriously"
Immediately the boy uses the water to flush down the chunk of food on his throat, though the thing he did afterwards is to eat again.
"Are you spending too much energy lately, that's the only explanation I could think of seeing how much food you are taking"
"Alicia, aren't you the same? I can sense your power kept being repeatedly used. I wonder what are you doing?"
"I received a command if you are curious ask for his permission and I will tell you"
"Hold on you two are on a mission again?" Matilda asked while passing a glass of juice to each of them.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"Yes"
And just like before the two answered at the same time.
"Is it the emperor's command?" Blair inquired while putting another plate of food on Apollo's lap.
"It's quite similar but a bit different since it is not a direct command" Apollo answers.
"Right I forgot you are part of the four dual families, you guys have the right to make a move without making reports" Mckenzie commended then he looked at Alicia and asked.
"How about you?"
"In my case, it's a direct command"
"Can we help?" Arabela inquired to which the two answers.
"No"
A combined groan was heard it seemed they were disappointed to be left out.
"I guess you all wanted to be part of the action" Apollo realized while receiving another plate of pancakes.
"We do want to be useful that is why we all wanted to grow stronger"
"But you are strong" Alicia stated while tapping Alya's back.
"Everyone has become strong" she added.
The atmosphere began to run smoothly as the children felt the refreshing touch of the wind.
Apollo knew he might miss this kind of chill atmosphere considering how his investigation was going.