Merely a dozen minutes elapsed, and she returned, bearing four vials of the same magical potion as before and a wooden box.

At Lord Chanis's subtle indication, Barber took the items from the maid's arms and strode towards Glen.

With his steps deliberately slowed, countless thoughts raced through Barber's mind:

Should I seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack when he least expects it?

Given my lack of knowledge about his true capabilities, such a move would be overly perilous. The life of Young Master Ravel takes precedence...

He cast a furtive glance at Ravel, who was still on the ground, and then turned his gaze towards Glen. The latter appeared completely unguarded.

Rather than causing Barber to underestimate him, this only heightened the sense of pressure Barber felt.

As expected, Glen obtained the items without incident. Barber simply did not dare to take the risk.

Upon opening the wooden box, Glen discovered a pouch of gold coins and several neatly arranged glass vials filled with liquid. Sensing that this was likely a lower - grade healing potion, Glen accepted it with a sense of satisfaction.

"Is this satisfactory? Please return our son to us," Lord Chanis implored once more, cradling Sophia in his arms.

Glen did not respond but instead cast a second look at Ravel, who remained on the ground.

The youth still trembled visibly, yet the well - hidden hatred and violence in his eyes did not escape Glen's discerning gaze.

Glen had encountered such looks numerous times in his past life, and he knew that this curly - haired youth was a far cry from being a skilled actor.

"No," Glen stated firmly, his lips parting to reject the noble lord's entreaty.

These words sent a wave of genuine terror through Ravel, causing his mind to go nearly blank as overwhelming fear washed over him.

"Why!!!" Lord Chanis roared in agony, on the verge of losing his composure once again."I've given you everything you demanded! Why do you renege on your word?"

"Spare my son!" Sophia shrieked.

"I made no promises to you from the start, noble lord. You would do well to remember that," Glen said, raising his voice slightly."Rest assured, I have no intention of taking your son's life."

"So..." Lord Chanis asked, his voice trembling.

"I shall take him with me and have him perform menial labor for a time. Since you seem incapable of disciplining your son, I shall do it on your behalf."

No one had anticipated such a response from Glen, despite having considered numerous possible outcomes. This unexpected turn of events rendered the scene momentarily silent.

"Absolutely out of the question!" Lord Chanis and Sophia exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with vehemence.

They could scarcely fathom the harrowing experiences that awaited Ravel if he were to be taken away by this"monster."

They had always doted on their son, refraining from even the slightest harsh words or punishments. The thought of him being taken away by someone else was simply unbearable.

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"You would do well to remember that I am in control here. Initially, you intended to take my life. The fact that I have chosen not to retaliate by killing you outright is a show of mercy on my part, considering the depth of your familial bonds," Glen's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping menacingly over everyone present. His tone was laden with a palpable sense of danger.

The private soldiers and a certain assassin lurking in the shadows felt a chill run down their spines, an inexplicable sense of unease washing over them.

"How can I be certain that you won't harm Ravel?" Lord Chanis asked, summoning the courage to voice his concern.

"You have no choice but to trust me," Glen sneered.

Sophia fell silent, burying her face in Lord Chanis's embrace and sobbing quietly. She knew that there was nothing she could do to change the situation.

Lord Chanis, his eyes vacant, appeared dazed and lost in thought.

Glen surveyed the scene once more and declared,"It's settled, then. I'm taking him."

With that, he reached out to seize Ravel.

Startled by the approaching hand, Ravel snapped back to reality. Realizing what was about to happen, he roared,"Get away! Don't touch me!"

In response, he received a resounding slap across the face.

Stung by the pain, Ravel immediately fell silent, allowing Glen to grab him by the collar and toss him in the direction of the manor's exit.

"Come along quietly, Young Master Ravel," Glen said, his voice laced with thinly veiled threat.

Just then, Lord Chanis seemed to be jolted from his stupor by his son's outburst. Remembering something, he called out hastily,

"W - wait a moment!"

Glen and Ravel turned simultaneously.

"Would it be possible to take an additional person with you, someone to attend to Ravel's daily needs?" Lord Chanis inquired.

"Ah?" Glen raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled."Who do you have in mind?"

Lord Chanis did not answer but instead beckoned to someone behind him."Tia, come here," he said.

A young woman with large, expressive eyes and an attractive appearance emerged from the crowd, wiping away tears. Dressed in a black and white maid's uniform, she made her way to Lord Chanis's side. This was the very maid who had fetched the magical potion earlier.

"She is the maid my wife holds in the highest regard and someone we trust implicitly. We hope you will take her with you. Otherwise, we will be unable to set our minds at ease," Lord Chanis said, adopting a very humble stance.

"Please allow me to accompany you. Young Master Ravel requires my care," the maid named Tia curtsied and said.

With just one glance, Glen saw through the uniqueness of the girl before him.

Merely from her body curves and the exposed palms, he could deduce that this was likely a maid with remarkable fighting skills.

Lord Chanis actually hopes this person will take care of this curly - haired youth? He's surely dreaming if he thinks that's possible once he's in my hands... Glen scoffed inwardly but did not refuse.

"Very well, but only this one person."

After walking a short distance, Glen seemed to remember something and turned back to say, "Oh, and don't even think about spreading what happened today. I'm not afraid, but I do detest unnecessary trouble. It would be most unpleasant if things were to get out of hand."

As he spoke, he deliberately cast a glance at Lord Kuro, causing the latter to shudder.

Satisfied that he had intimidated the other party, Glen finally took his leave.

The vast manor fell into silence. Everyone remained quiet, awaiting the master's orders.

"No one is to breathe a word about what happened today!"

It was a long while before Lord Chanis spoke, his tone stern.

...

A curly - haired youth and a young maid followed Glen, their expressions contrasting.

Ravel gritted his teeth, his face contorted with reluctance.

The maid Tia, on the other hand, wore an expression of hesitation, as if she wanted to speak but held back.

"Excuse me..." Tia finally couldn't hold back and spoke, her voice sounding somewhat timid.

"Hm?" Glen slightly turned his head.

Ravel also looked at her in confusion.

"May I ask where you are taking us? Will you harm the young master?" The girl seemed to have mustered up her courage.

"Harm? Of course! There will definitely be harm if he doesn't behave," Glen was taken aback for a moment and then replied with certainty.

Upon hearing this, Ravel's face paled, and his steps faltered.

Tia's body also stiffened. Then, she actually said, somewhat indignantly, "Why are you doing this? Even if Young Master Ravel has offended you, there's no need to bully him like this, is there?"

In response to the girl's protest, Glen merely curled his lip and retorted, "Why should they be allowed to bully me first, and I'm not allowed to retaliate even more severely?"

These words left Tia speechless. After struggling for a long time, she still couldn't find a retort.

However, Glen didn't give her much time to think. He continued to question, "Haven't you been beaten or scolded during your days serving these noble lords? Or haven't you seen other maids being reprimanded?"

Tia, as if finding her footing, immediately said, "No, no! Although the master and mistress have short tempers, they don't lash out at us without good reason!"