My Glitched World Throne System Came Ten Years Too Early!
Chapter 28: Young Noble Gathering

Chapter 28: 28: Young Noble Gathering

Roderic and Edmund continued through the corridor, heading straight for the study.

As they walked, Edmund swallowed hard, fearfully glancing behind him.

’’Young master,’’ he said weakly. ’’You really made the baroness angry this time...’’

Roderic turned to his attendant with a smile.

’’Don’t worry about it,’’ he said, waving him off. ’’She won’t be able to do much.’’

Not after he’d made her understand he knew about the assassin.

At the same time, she’d also unknowingly done him a favor.

That little threat in front of so many witnesses would spread through the estate before sunset.

If anything happened to him from now on... Margaret would immediately become the first person everyone suspected.

’At least, that’s the hope,’ Roderic thought.

Naturally, he wasn’t naive enough to believe that alone would stop her. Someone willing to hire an assassin once would likely do it again.

The difference was that she’d have to think far more carefully before making her next move.

’’Young master...’’ Edmund said, his voice trailing off, clearly troubled.

Just then, the familiar double doors of Arthur’s study finally came into view.

At that exact moment, they slowly swung open.

Captain Harris stepped outside, immediately noticing the two of them.

For a brief moment, the guard captain halted and bowed respectfully.

’’Young Master,’’ he greeted.

Roderic smiled politely.

’’Captain,’’ he replied, nodding once.

Without saying another word, Captain Harris continued down the corridor.

Roderic watched his departing figure until he disappeared around the corner.

’Perfect,’ he thought, smiling satisfactorily. ’Just as expected. He’s already reported everything to Father.’

With that confirmation, he walked toward the large oak doors.

Edmund pushed them open without hesitation.

’’The Third Young Master has arrived,’’ he said, lowering his head.

Baron Arthur Whitemane looked up from the several documents spread across his desk, his expression easing slightly.

’’Come in,’’ he said.

Roderic stepped inside while Edmund quietly closed the doors behind him.

For a moment, Arthur just stared at his son, calmly studying him. Then he gestured to the chair in front of him.

’’Sit.’’

Roderic nodded once and obeyed without hesitation.

It hadn’t even been a second before Arthur smiled and spoke up.

’’So,’’ he began. ’’How was the forest?’’

Roderic returned the smile.

Though he wasn’t entirely sure what to think of his father, at least right now, he needed him on his side more than anything.

’’It was good,’’ he replied calmly.

’’Oh?’’ Arthur said, raising an eyebrow. ’’Explain.’’

’’I learned a lot,’’ Roderic answered with a smile. ’’I even fought a magical wolf beast deep inside the forest.’’

As he fell silent, Arthur began staring at him intently, clearly wishing for him to continue.

Letting out a soft sigh, Roderic nodded and began recounting the entire story.

Only after two entire minutes had passed did he finish.

’’Impressive, impressive,’’ Arthur said, his smile widening even further. ’’This is exactly what I’ve been wishing for for years!’’

Arthur leaned back in his chair, satisfaction clearly visible on his face.

’’It’s really good to finally see you stepping out of your shell, my son.’’

Roderic stared at the man in front of him for a moment.

An unfamiliar feeling deep inside his heart, almost one that wasn’t his own, rose up.

’’Thank you,’’ he finally said, smiling genuinely.

A short silence fell between the two.

Arthur gave a small nod before finally changing the topic.

’’Captain Harris also spoke highly of you,’’ he said. ’’He also told me you stirred up some trouble the moment you returned.’’

Roderic chuckled lightly.

’’I figured he’d have mentioned that to you.’’

Arthur couldn’t help but stare at Roderic for a moment.

’’I have to admit,’’ he said, ’’you truly gave out a unique punishment.’’

’’And it’s not just the people inside our barony who’ll hear about this.’’

Arthur leaned forward slightly.

’’I wouldn’t be surprised if the neighboring nobles hear about it before the end of the month,’’ he said. ’’Both your punishment and your one-seal knight status will be known to all.’’

Nodding slowly, Roderic couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.

That was exactly what he’d hoped for.

The stronger his reputation became, the easier many of his future plans would become.

’’I’m glad to hear that,’’ he said, lowering his head. ’’I won’t have to shame this house any longer.’’

Arthur’s smile widened.

’’Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.’’

He tapped a finger against the desk for a moment.

Finally, he pulled out a golden envelope and slid it toward Roderic.

"This is an invitation to this quarter’s Young Noble Gathering," he said slowly. ’’I want you to attend it.’’

Roderic’s smile instantly faded.

A deep frown settled across his face as his eyes locked onto the golden envelope.

’The what now?’ he thought.

Memories immediately began resurfacing in his mind.

The Young Noble Gathering... it was an event that invited the children of noble families.

It stated its purpose as being enjoyment for the youths, but in essence, it was just a place to make connections.

’Naturally, the "fun" part is also there,’ he thought. ’The previous Roderic had gone there once and spotted all kinds of substances being used by the others.’

If there was anything Roderic felt disgusted by, it was gatherings like this.

Not to mention, he simply didn’t have time for this kind of bullshit!

Without another thought, he slid the envelope back across the table.

’’I’m not going,’’ he stated, locking eyes with Arthur.

Arthur stared strangely at him for a moment.

’’Why not?’’ he asked curiously.

’’It’s utterly pointless,’’ Roderic immediately replied. ’’They’ll likely ignore me anyway after the annulment of my engagement with the Ironharts.’’

’’Besides,’’ he continued. ’’I need to train myself even further and prepare for the futu—’’

Roderic suddenly stopped talking.

Raising an eyebrow, Arthur tilted his head faintly.

’’What is it?’’

Roderic fell silent for a few seconds before a small smile appeared on his face.

’’I’ve changed my mind.’’

Arthur looked at him curiously, his head still tilted faintly.

’’I’ll attend the gathering,’’ Roderic said. ’’But on two conditions.’’

Arthur’s brows rose right away.

’’You’re negotiating with me?’’ he asked, clearly amused by the situation.

’’Yes,’’ Roderic answered without hesitation.

’’Very well,’’ Arthur said, raising his hand. ’’Let’s hear it.’’