They woke up and gathered in Keegan's guest room for breakfast as Russ and the two children were in separate rooms, not far from Keegan.

After taking a bite of his bread and milk, Keegan said, "I need you to take the children to this house that accepts children. A servant can guide you, or if there isn't one available, just ask for yourself." His words dampened the children's appetites as they ate breakfast at the table.

Though harsh, it had to be said. The children were better off as far away from him as possible.

"We can help you! We'll be your servants!" Ollie immediately said, setting aside the bacon he was munching. Livia, without bothering to swallow her food, chimed in, "Yes! I can count! And... and I know how to sew!"

Keagan smiled at their enthusiasm but shook his head nonetheless. "You're kids," he said. "You need someone to take care of you. I don't have time for that, but I'll make sure you're taken care of, at least." His tone left no room for argument.

The children's faces fell. Keagan sighed slightly and turned to Russ, who was similarly enjoying his breakfast but mindful of the kid's mood. "Once you're done," he said, "I want you to gather some information..."

"About what?" Russ asked, sitting attentively, excited to finally be useful for his employer.

"Anything interesting, really," Keagan said. "Trade, prices, rumors, news from different towns and cities—it will all serve as a test and training for you."

"I need you to be able to grasp information, judge people, and most importantly, defend yourself," Keagan added seriously. "For what I plan to do, I need capable people."

Russ nodded seriously again. "Don't worry, sir, I won't disappoint you." Keagan smiled at that. He knew that sometimes people just needed a chance to become more.

Right after finishing their breakfast, a servant knocked and informed Keagan that the high lord wanted to talk to him.

Before leaving, Keagan grabbed five primals from the chest hidden beside the bed. He slipped them into Russ's hand.

"Give these to the orphanage," he instructed. "Make sure they're reputable and trustworthy and doesn't abuse the children. Understand?" His tone turned serious, and Russ nodded solemnly.

The possibility of trouble coming to them was slim. Rumors and news of the recent events would have spread by now. With the people here so submissive to lords, no one would dare mess with them. Granted, Keagan wasn't a lord of these lands, but he was a guest of Lord Reede. And Lord June wouldn't risk any aggressive actions for the moment, at least not for a while.

For extra assurance, Keagan knew a servant from the castle would accompany them, guiding Russ to the orphanage.

Keagan looked at the two children, still sullen. "I'll make sure I visit you, alright? I promise," he said to them. No answer came back. He could hear Livia sniffling, holding back her tears. Keagan left the room before he changed his mind.

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Keagan found himself in a private garden. He stood in the center, where luxurious round tables and chairs were arranged, and important figures were seated.

The colorful flowers and their scent made the area incredibly relaxing.

"I heard about your plans from my granddaughter," the High Lord said. He was seated at a table with books and some tea. Lady Aria sat beside him, while Lord Reede and Lady Wiena were absent. At other tables sat what he assumed were other lords, one of whom he recognized – Lord Lesley, who watched him with a smile. Curiosity flickered in the eyes of those around him, but they remained silent.

What prominently caught Keagan's eyes though were his items placed on a small table in front of him.

"I must say, I'm looking forward to it," the High Lord declared. His words elicited looks and murmurs, from a few of the other lords.

Keagan nodded gratefully and in understanding. The High Lord's statement essentially granted him permission to proceed with his plans. While Lord Reede hadn't voiced any objections, he hadn't explicitly approved either. However, with the High Lord's public support and witness, Keagan felt confident to move forward.

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"Thank you for your grace," Keagan said simply, nodding in acknowledgment.

The High Lord gestured toward Keagan's items with his hand. "Please, take them. They were yours to begin with."

Keagan was momentarily surprised. He had expected to retrieve them, but not so quickly.

"Just that," the High Lord said and added. "We're all quite curious about your land. As you know, visitors from yours are rare here."

As he spoke, several servants arrived. Some carried a board with white paper stretched taut, while another presented him with a brush and inkwell.

"Would you mind as to draw the shape of your land for us, and perhaps the countries within it?"

Keagan simply nodded, having already noticed their curiosity, particularly Lady Aria's whose curiosity was obvious from the moment he was taken to the hall. He picked up the brush and began to draw the shape of the continent of his origin. The previous night, he had examined a complete map of this continent and was relieved to find it wasn't as vast as Eberia. Still, it was undeniably large.

A sigh escaped Keagan's lips as he traced the map. Drawing and painting had been a cherished hobby, but his limited mobility in his dominant arm rendered it useless. The map outline was a little messy as a result.

Murmurs and hushed whispers rippled through the onlookers. Unlike Eyrial, a continent formed by two giant landmasses bridged in the center, Eberia resembled a swirling vortex. Narrow in the south, it broadened progressively towards the north, where the cold covered the land.

"The world is vast indeed," the High Lord remarked with a sigh. Sounds of agreement rippled through the crowd as they awaited Keagan to further detail the map.

"Tell me, from which part of Eberia do you hail? Which kingdom?" This time, a familiar voice rang out. It was Lord Lesley. Keagan met his gaze before pausing for a moment.

Then after a thought, he continued his explanation, he said, "From a kingdom called Lockhart." As he spoke, he drew lines on the map, encircling the territory and location of the kingdom.

He decided to describe the state of Eberia before he had made any changes, as explaining it afterward would be too complicated and bothersome.

During his explanation, questions bubbled up from the audience here and there. Lady Aria, in particular, was the most curious. As Keagan recounted the history, customs, practices, and culture of each kingdom he knew, she posed the most inquiries.

The explanation and discussion stretched on for hours, continuing even as midday approached and the call for lunch loomed.

"Fascinating," The High lady declared. The lords and her grandfather murmured their agreement.

"Your knowledge of your homeland surpasses our imagination," the High Lord acknowledged. "It seems a single morning isn't enough to delve into it all." A servant approached him and murmured something in his ear. He nodded thoughtfully.

"I have a small favor to request, Sir Keagan," the High Lord said. The word "favor" piqued the interest of the surrounding lords, while Keagan himself couldn't help but wonder what it could be.

"Tell us more about your homeland," the High Lord said. "In exchange, you can learn more about ours. You seem a well-learned man, and I'm sure you're eager to learn about this new land as well."

"That would be wonderful," Keagan replied genuinely, placing the brush back in the servant's hand. The white paper on the board now appeared a bit messy with all the details and words he had drawn. "It was my intention from the start."

"Excellent," the High Lord said. "Well then, if you'll excuse us..." He stood up, and everyone else followed suit as they began to leave the area. Keagan's items remained untouched on the small table but before he could reach for them, one lord, however, did not leave.

Lord Lesley approached him, a smile playing on his lips. "I must say," he began, "Your presence has certainly added... something different to this mourning period. Oh I believe we haven't properly introduced," Lord Lesly said, "Lord Lesly Rain, heir of House Rain"

"Keagan Aizen" Keagan nodded and clasped his hands behind his back. "It's mostly because of the circumstances," he replied with a sigh. "If my belongings hadn't been taken, I would not be here."

The mention of his items made Lord Lesley smile twitch. He heaved a sigh. "Indeed," he conceded, "Lord June couldn't have foreseen this, and Lord Yuri... well, let's just say meticulousness isn't his strong suit."

Keagan grasped the implication. Despite receiving their house tokens of friendship, he understood that House June and House Rain's relationship, based on his observations of Lady Sienna and Lord Yuri, was more or less good. And what affected House June, also affects them too.

"But what's done is done," Lord Lesley declared, a smile returning to his face. "You possess remarkable strength, even with only one arm."

Keagan remained silent, pondering Lord Lesley's motives.

"If you ever find yourself in need, come to us," Lord Lesley stated his intentions directly. "Physical strength can only come so far." Keagan was genuinely surprised, particularly considering the amicable relationship between House Rain and House June.

"If you're worried about Lord June, don't be," Lord Lesley reassured him with a dismissive wave. "His recent defeat and lack of meticulousness speak volumes. He's simply growing old and isn't the same formidable man he once was."

'How cruel,' Keagan thought, nodding in acknowledgment. "I'm sure at some point, I'll be able to do something for you, Lord Lesley." There's no doubt that once he establishes his guild and gains renown, he will undoubtedly receive commissions from various lords.

"Ah, I've heard about your plans, I'm looking forward to it," Lord Lesley said, a hint of something hidden lurking behind his smile and eyes. Keagan couldn't quite decipher it, but for now, he wasn't overly concerned. After all, he now possessed the ability to easily spy on anyone within range.

With Lord Lesley's departure, Keagan found himself alone in the private garden. The tranquil atmosphere tempted him to have lunch here, but he wondered if Russ accomplished his task and so he left the place soon.