Chapter 420: Count Cedric Mortimer

The Ascetic Vagrant had gray skin, and most of his body, including his limbs, was wrapped in dirty bandages.

For some reason, Cedric had thought that something looking this wretched would smell awful too, but fortunately, he did not.

When the stone had fully dissolved, the three-meter-tall creature opened his gray eyes.

He was quiet, bearing a blank, impassive expression on his face.

Slowly, he took a look around the temple in curiosity before returning his gaze to the man in front of him.

Then, he hunched down to bring himself to eye level with Cedric. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he reached out a hand and gently traced a single finger along Cedric’s face.

As he did, his expression kept shifting, moving from reverence to adoration, and finally to deep relief.

After a few seconds of silent awe, he pulled back and politely lowered his head, turning his face away to hide it even further beneath his hood.

Only then did he finally speak in a heavy voice.

"Master..."

’God. If all my summons were this reverent, my life would be so much easier,’ Cedric thought, reaching out to grasp the edge of the creature’s hood.

The creature flinched, leaning back slightly out of instinct, but he ultimately held still and allowed Cedric to pull the cloth away, revealing his full face and features.

He had long, unkempt gray hair that cascaded all the way down to his waist.

Cedric gently cupped the creature’s face, guiding his gaze back up to meet his own. Smiling softly, he said, "You have a gentle heart, Jamal."

The creature’s lips parted in surprise.

After a moment of stunned silence, he bowed his head once more. "T-thank you, Master."

Name: [Jamal]

Species: [Ascetic Vagrant]

Nature: [Kushala]

Grade: [3]

Insight: [A being that desires nothing, and is detached from everything. It feels no pain, hunger, or other worldly sensations. It is not interested in anything and prefers to be left alone.]

Attributes: [Vairagya]

Powers: [Mask of Indifference], [Severance], [Detachment]

***

It was now night in Cedric’s sanctuary.

The large moon hung high in the sky, illuminating the entire small world.

At this moment, Cedric walked into his room and closed the door. His eyes caught sight of Aika, who was sitting out on the balcony, hugging her knees to her chest and staring blankly at the moon as she smoked from a long pipe.

He turned toward the bed, picked up a large blanket, and walked out to join her. Sitting down right behind her, he draped the thick cloth around both of their shoulders, pulling her back against his chest.

Aika smiled softly and leaned back against him. For a time, neither of them spoke, simply resting together in the quiet night air.

After a while, Cedric murmured softly, "It must be really hard on you, having to recall your past. And I’m sure it’s even harder when those memories keep surfacing on their own, over and over again." His voice softened further. "Are you alright?"

Aika reached up to rest her hand over his where it wrapped around her shoulders, gently brushing her thumb across his forearm.

"Most of the time, my love," she replied.

Cedric exhaled slowly.

After a short pause, he spoke again. "I spoke out of turn the other day. I realized I have no right telling you how to feel, so saying I would quell your rage was wrong of me. Forgive me."

Aika remained silent for a moment. Then, she let out a quiet breath and turned her head slightly. "It’s okay. And... I’m sorry too. I’ll try to manage my emotions better from now on, and not throw myself blindly into danger out of anger."

Cedric smiled.

It was a relief to have the matter settled. The last thing he needed was for Aika to become a loose cannon, throwing herself into fatal situations out of blind rage.

Unlike him, who possessed a natural sense of self-preservation, Aika didn’t seem to care much about anything, including what might happen to her. With her memories returning, she likely felt that her life was supposed to have ended long ago in Xinthrea alongside her family.

But Cedric was her new family now, and he hoped she would fully accept this new life with him.

Slowly, he lifted his head to stare at the moon. Not long after, Aika murmured softly, "Tell me something romantic."

Cedric smirked.

He put on his best French accent, then began. "You know, I used to think the moon was beautiful... until I saw the way your eyes stole its light."

Aika’s cheeks reddened as she turned her head toward him. A second later, both of them broke out laughing in embarrassment at the cheesy line.

"My Cornish hen," she teased, snickering softly. "You’re actually not terrible at poetry."

Cedric chuckled.

***

A week later...

The Imperial Castle.

——

Normally, during an event of this scale, the castle would have been packed with nobles of all ranks and standings.

However, since Cedric had requested a private ceremony, only a select group was gathered in the Throne Room.

A few members of the royal family were present, including the crown heir, as well as Princess Aurora, who had come solely to wish Cedric well.

Of course, the grand council, which consisted of several key high-ranking nobles, was also in attendance, alongside the Grand Duke of the North and essential state officials like the Grand Herald, the Lord High Chancellor, and a few high-ranking imperial scribes.

The three viscounts of the north, whose territories fell directly within Djuvik’s borders, were also present along with their primary aides.

As for Cedric’s administrative team, his newly appointed steward — the High Bailiff, who would be managing the estate and local affairs in his absence — stood nearby, accompanied by a small contingent of sworn knights now bound to his house.

Finally, representing Cedric’s inner family, the only people standing at his side were Aika and Leon.

Currently, Cedric was dressed in a charcoal-colored tunic crafted from heavy wool and edged with fine silver thread. Over his shoulders rested a cloak of dark crimson, pinned at the collar by a simple metal clasp bearing the newly forged emblem of his own line.

He stood near the foot of the raised dais with his hands folded lightly before him. Shortly after the ceremony began, the Lord High Chancellor stepped forward, unrolling a parchment scroll bearing the imperial wax seal.

Then, his voice echoed off the high stone pillars of the quiet hall.

"By royal decree, for valor rendered and duty pledged, the crown hereby grants the creation of a new noble house, bestowing upon Cedric and his lineage the title, estate, and authority of Count of Djuvik. As the founding lord of this house and ruler of the domain, he shall hold sway over its lands, command its defenses, and safeguard its people."

The Grand Herald signaled for Cedric to advance. Cedric walked up the steps of the dais, stopping just a few paces before the King, and dropped smoothly to one knee.

He could see that even now, his Imperial Majesty still had black veins marring most of his face, though everyone present seemed to view it as normal.

The King drew a ceremonial steel blade, resting its flat edge first on Cedric’s right shoulder, then his left.

"Do you swear, on your name and the line you begin today, to defend the domain of Djuvik, to hold its borders against all threats, and to remain true to your oath of stewardship?" the King asked, and with every word, pale mist flowed from his mouth.

"I swear," Cedric replied.

"Then rise, Count Cedric, founder of your house and lord of Djuvik," the King said, motioning for him to stand.

At that moment, the High Chamberlain presented a small wooden case holding the newly minted silver signet ring of Djuvik. The band featured the emblem of a stylized mountain peak crowned by two crossed steel blades, all encircled by a border of carved frost motifs.

Cedric took it, slipping it onto his finger. Then he turned back toward the gathered group. The three northern viscounts inclined their heads in acknowledgment, while Princess Aurora offered him a subtle, approving smile from beside the crown heir.

Standing near the back, Aika and Leon exchanged a look with him, causing him to smile in satisfaction.