Chapter 25: Proof

Nersarn took a sip of alcohol and scanned Ian from head to toe.

His skin was white, his hair blonde, and his eyes green, completely opposite to theirs. His bone structure was also intriguing, making Nersarn look at him with a gaze as if he were a different creature.

"I thought you would be younger, based on the letter you sent."

It was due to the rough handwriting. Despite speaking quite politely, Ian understood what he meant.

"I still have much to learn. I strive not to disgrace the Tianli clan, so please bear with me."

I thought you were a novice. Nersarn raised an eyebrow and glanced at his companions, a smile of amusement on his face.

"I heard your mother was the second wife. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that's right."

Derga had fabricated the existence of Filia, making it seem as if Ian's birth mother had died when he was very young and he had lived in the mansion ever since.

They wouldn't even guess that she was alive, let alone that she had been deprived of her son.

"You must resemble your mother a lot."

"Indeed. It's quite surprising that a face like this came from a viscount..."

"Shh! Be quiet."

"Ah, I'm sorry."

She was the youngest-looking woman in the group. Shu apologized with a sheepish smile, raising her hand. From the way she addressed the viscount, it was clear how they viewed the Brats family.

"That's Su, my maternal cousin, and this is Gansha, from Mujurun."

Moreover, there was no apology. Nersarn casually introduced his companions, changing the subject. If nothing went wrong, or if they managed to survive crossing the border, these people would spend the rest of their lives with Ian.

"I'm sure it's disappointing to leave your hometown earlier than expected."

"Perhaps. But thinking of it as a blessing that strengthens our alliance through marriage, it's an honor. Of course, it's very sad about the illness of Chief Wincen."

Nersarn hesitated to pick up on the end of Ian's sentence. It was due to Ian's straightforward addition. Even at a young age, he was still a noble, and his imperial eloquence was evident.

"By the way, Chief, is this sudden?"

"Given his advanced age, it might not be so sudden, but that's the only explanation."

"I hope you understand. Since you've come this far, if you wish, I can call a doctor for you, Nersarn."

The Tianli clan must have a medical system of their own. But in a tribal community, how much could they do? They probably relied mostly on folk remedies and herbal teas. Even if Brats was on the frontier, their doctors would be far superior.

"Thank you for the offer, but I'll decline. We have our own methods."

It meant they had traditions that had been passed down for centuries. Besides, their bodies were not prone to serious injuries, and they believed death was the will of the gods.

"Then, Nersarn, what about asking for that? The red grass..."

Gansha, the man, interjected but shut his mouth under Nersarn's fierce gaze.

Red grass? What is that? Ian thought, his expression calm, but he couldn't think of anything specific.

"Anyway, I'm grateful for your hospitality despite our sudden visit. Please convey my thanks to the viscount."

"Of course. And actually, I came here to ask a favor."

"A favor?"

If they hadn't come, it would have been quite troublesome. To cross the border with Beric, he had to gain Derga's trust by offering himself as both an informant and a monitor.

But the problem was Beric himself.

He had no idea how to use his head or trick people, making it incredibly difficult to gain Derga's trust. In the worst case, he might have been asked to cross the desert alone and come to the Tianli clan's base.

"I have a friend who wants to go to the desert with us."

"Is it the servant and the red-haired one you mentioned earlier?"

Ian shook his head at Mujurun's words.

"Just the red-haired one. He's an orphan, with no family."

"Everyone loses their parents eventually."

"I meant that he has no attachment to Brats, so he can work for the desert."

Nersarn's face hardened.

The desert was not only harsh in climate but also in lifestyle. It was impossible to just live off the land.

Perhaps this was one reason why Ian wouldn't be welcomed there. A noble who had been pampered all his life would have limited usefulness in such a place.

"Work for us? What can you do? Swim through sand? Resist scorpion venom? Or grow crops without water?"

It was a list that gave a glimpse of the Tianli clan's way of life. From their perspective, just being there without contributing would be a burden.

But Ian wasn't intimidated.

"I'm skilled in combat and have good stamina."

"Skilled in combat? Hahaha!"

Nersarn burst out laughing for the first time. Discussing individual combat skills in front of the Tianli clan was absurd. They were a race that could never be matched without weapons or magic.

"So, Ian, you enjoy making jokes, do you?"

"I'm not joking."

Ian met his gaze calmly, conveying that he was serious. Nersarn's laughter faded, and he scrutinized Ian from head to toe.

'He's quite bold for someone so small.'

He was also polite.

Despite not being a viscount, he had taken care of the reception, and even offered to call a doctor for Wincen, though it was unfortunate. It didn't seem like he was just trying to ingratiate himself to survive; he was simply fulfilling his duties without hostility.

But that was a separate issue.

Ian Brats alone was enough to be a burden.

"Ian Brats. You are a symbol of peace, but what use is that red-haired one to us? If he can't pull his weight, we can't take him."

"That's yet to be seen."

"I don't need to see. A small guy like him being skilled in combat? What a joke..."

"If you find it hard to believe—"

Ian cut himself off, still looking bold and unwilling to back down.

"How can I prove it?"

'Look at this.'

Nersarn pondered for a moment, then looked at Shu. She, who had been chewing on a mouthful of bread, widened her eyes, sensing the trouble.

"Alright. You said you're skilled in combat. If you can defeat Shu, I'll take him."

"Why her? There's Gansha and Mujurun too!"

"The weight classes match, don't they?"

"Ugh, really!"

After traveling for days without rest, a sparring match?

Shu glared, clearly annoyed. But Nersarn and his companions didn't seem to care, as if this was a common occurrence.

"How about it? Is that okay?"

"Thank you for the opportunity."

"Sparring matches with the Tianli clan always involve blood. Be prepared."

"Berik likes blood. He'll enjoy it."

Ian answered and observed Shu.

No matter how small and feminine she looked, she was part of Nersarn's entourage, brought along when he ventured into enemy territory. She was far from an easy opponent.

Gansha and Mujurun were clearly there for protection. Their warrior spirit and courage were palpable; they would surely survive even if thrown into a lion's den.

But given the urgency of this mission, they needed someone who could move quickly if problems arose. Shu's light build gave them confidence.

Berik, who had been rubbing his face against the cushion, muttered.

"Running isn't the same as being fast. If you catch me, it's over."

"You'd be lucky if you could catch me."

"Huh?"

Ian looked out the window, pondering for a moment.

Yes, if you could catch me...

"Berik, listen carefully. I'll teach you how to win."

Ian sat opposite the sofa and shared all possible tactics. The sky gradually darkened, and the torches in the mansion illuminated the red flowers by the window.

* * *

After receiving their meal in the room, Nersarn and his companions stayed there. They couldn't move freely due to the soldiers guarding the mansion.

Of course, physical restrictions weren't a problem for them.

"How do you plan to get out?"

In the backyard, a short distance from the annex, a figure appeared below the lit window on the fourth floor. With the mansion's soldiers guarding the annex, the backyard was silent.

"Huh?"

The moment the window opened, a human shape dropped down. Beric froze in surprise, but Ian looked up as if he had expected it.

And he started timing. One second, two seconds, three seconds...

"Hi!"

Shu, emerging from the bushes, had covered the considerable distance in just over ten seconds. This was almost at the level of a beast.

"Hmm, this is nice. It's been a while since I smelled grass."

"The others?"

"Resting in the room. We have to leave early tomorrow. Being the youngest is tough."

Without an audience, Shu spoke more casually to Ian. This would be Ian's position once they crossed the border. Even the youngest of the group treated him with disrespect.

Beric glanced at Shu, then looked back at the annex.

"You jumped out of that window?"

"Yeah. What's the problem?"

"How do you plan to get back in?"

"I'll do the same when I go back."

His face showed no concern. Beric laughed lightly and shook his head in satisfaction. Yes, you're definitely a Tianli. You have to be this good!

"The time limit is five minutes. If you can knock me down within that time, I'll acknowledge it."

"Five minutes? Isn't that too short?"

"If you can't do it in that time, you won't be able to do it in a day."

"Ha, ridiculous. Are you going to fight?"

When had they become so casual? Ian crossed his arms and took a slight step back.

Actually, the lack of other spectators was a clear sign of their complete disregard. But it definitely gave Ian and Beric an advantage.

"Beric, come here."

Zzzz.

Ian grabbed the back of Beric's head and poured mana into him. His golden eyes, glowing with mana, would be hidden by Beric's head.

Remember what I told you.

Because he could employ tactics.

Shu scratched her ear, as if asking when the match would start.