Having barely experienced this world, Bran knew enough to know that impunity did not reign in the empire. Few forces would dare so blatantly retain a citizen, and because of the audacity of their captors, he had the worst feeling as to their origin. How was he supposed to get out of this?
His mind was somewhat stable, but still far from normal. He felt like he was suddenly carrying something heavy on his back.
Meanwhile, this middle-aged man with power and ambitions was listening under his breath to a subordinate, while another was preparing to apply some method of torture.
– Enough…
– Boss?
Before he even started, Gerard interrupted his subordinate with a gesture.
– It is not necessary. If the boy insists on his ignorance … maybe we should find another way.
– ……?
Bran frowned strongly at this sudden change. That was not the type of person who would give in without a reason.
– Fortunately, other witnesses have emerged who could be less stubborn …
– Witnesses? …
His tone had gone from burning irritation to winter cold in seconds, as his hands pressed on the chair.
– So is. – He agreed indifferently – A certain girl has been very kind to come with us.
~ Crack
– If you touch her only one hair … !!
– Hey! Hey! … – holding back his outburst with an innocent expression – The only person affected denies any knowledge. You can’t blame me for broadening my horizons …
Although Gerard kept his cunning expression, he internally frowned. His powerful instincts were alerted for an instant, as if he was suddenly not in front of a child, but in front of a dangerous beast.
– I already said … !!
~ Knock Knock
The sharp knock on the door interrupted the scene. Gerard raised an eyebrow in obvious surprise.
– Yes? …
~ Clank
The door opened slowly and the first thing he saw was the refined face of a young man with silver hair. Despite his outstanding appearance, he was an ordinary “mortal” and was unable to recognize which house or power he belonged to.
A few meters behind the two subordinates came running.
– You! Stop!
– Who the hell …?
– Boss … – the closest one explained with agitation – I only got distracted for a moment and …
– Silence!
Gerard cut his excuses with an irritated gesture, while analyzing the unexpected visitor. Then an adorable face peeked out from behind him.
– Brother! Here you are…
– Quin!!
The little girl ran towards him, but Lehm stopped her gently.
Bran’s body was also pinned to the chair. Despite being close to his second foundation, one finger from Gerard was enough to feel as if a huge rock pressed against his shoulder.
– The “generous” teacher, I suppose. I don’t know if you are bold, or stupidly brave …
Ignoring it, Lehm kept his eyes on Bran with great interest, until finally the corners of his lips rose in a strange smile.
– Heh … see to believe. “Little Bran”, you are quite a revelation …
Both his gesture and his tone gave Bran the intense sensation of being mocked by this stranger, and he felt the inexplicable urge to hit his delicate face.
– Who the hell are you?
Even before Gerard could show his irritation at being ignored, it was Bran himself who asked the question.
– My name is Lehm … but you can call me “dear teacher” …
– a demon I will call you teacher!
– Brother … wait. Teacher is …
– Enough of nonsense!
– Wa wa …
The little girl hid behind Lehm again, but barely poked her head out gesturing and moving her lips to her brother. “He is rich,” it could be read.
– Mister Lehm. I have been informed that you are very interested in negotiating freedom, but I doubt that you can offer anything that satisfies me. This young man is hiding important information, shamelessly lying to me …
– Bad man … Brother is not a liar! – Quin snorted, while Lehm extended his hand to calm her.
– I don’t know about lies … but he certainly has a lot to hide … – he agreed calmly.
– You recognize it? And do you still expect me to accept a proposal?
– ……?
Bran’s mind was in chaos. Had he really come to help or sink him? And, more importantly. Did his sister just call him teacher? It could not have been more than an hour since they separated. What the hell was going on?
– However, I doubt that he knows anything about what you are looking for. Since he has an important backing, if you continue to retain it, the situation will not be pleasant …
– Support, you say? This small-town boy? Jah… – both Gerard and his subordinates laughed mockingly in unison, without even taking the warning as a threat – Do you even have any idea where you are?
– Of course. – He agreed confidently – It is a mansion. Although I can’t say it’s my style. Have you thought about remodeling?
– More b*******! I don’t know what silver crib you’ve fallen from, but you don’t seem to understand the situation you’re in. Does the name Legion mean nothing to you?
– Mmm … – He rubbed his chin a moment, with an innocent expression – Sorry, I don’t know much around here …
– It is one of the greatest forces of the empire! … – he exclaimed incredulously.
– Well … congratulations.
– You still don’t understand?! No wealthy origin can protect you. You are less than an ant. Since you speak as if knew, you would do better to say that you know about the forest and its treasures …
– Treasures? – He shake his head – As you conceive them, they do not exist in the forest …
– Huh? Teacher… Are there no more treasures?
– ………
At the girl’s unwelcome interruption, Lehm looked at her with an awkward grimace, as Gerard’s expression changed rapidly.
“More” treasures?
Now that he thought about it, both guests had been found deep inside the forest, and the pulses had recently stopped. A sly smile formed on his face.
– Tell me girl. Have you seen any treasure in the forest?
– Um … well … just one.
– One? And do you know where it is? You can go with your brother if you tell me … – suggestively.
– Huh? Do you want my treasure? – instinctively taking her chest – Teacher … Weren’t you going to offer him a lot of money? … – with a disappointed expression.
That simple gesture was enough for Gerard to notice and immediately signal to his subordinates.
– Check it out
– Stop!
Bran clenched his fist completely enraged by the situation, but his voice fell on deaf ears and both responded by approaching Quin, who took refuge behind Lehm.
– Teacher, the bad guys are coming … Is it time to use the word gun? …
– Kuhum … gentlemen, violence is not the way … – raising his hands in a sign of calm.
– Get rid of you asshole! …
Without any qualms, his shoulder was firmly grasped and pushed violently, while Gerard waited anxiously, seeing that what he wanted so much seemed to be getting closer to his hands.
However, seconds later the situation had stalled strangely.
– This…
His subordinate’s sturdy hand was still pressed on Lehm’s shoulder, and even his effort was such that one could see the veins in his arm marking, but the body he wanted to push had not moved just a millimeter.
– What do you do?
His partner instinctively reached out and tried to help him, only to end up in the same situation.
– Calm down, gentlemen. – Lehm smiled with an innocent expression, looking at the hands on his clothes – You should not continue. In my experience … life is better with both arms …
– ………!
Both cultivators felt a sinister chill upon hearing it and unconsciously jumped back several meters. That person with an innocent face and a serene smile had just hinted that they would lose their arms. And he was definitely not kidding!
