Romanoff Dukedom: Eschira Forest (6)

As expected, Erwin wasn't bothered by the fact that Ius was sentient of his real identity. The young man was known for being thorough with his mission, seeking the most concealed of information the instant he received his orders.

However, the fact that he was called a 'bastard son' was not something that the old man appreciated. He was still one of the grand elders of the wolf clan. The younger wolves should give him the respect that was due.

"That's bold of you to say, Ius Romanoff. I am the son of the former ruler of the snake clan. My inheritance is legitimate." Erwin explained as he flailed his hands about.

The old man was trying to keep his composure, gasping as much air as he could. More usually than not, taunts didn't work on him. But the issue of him being called illegitimate hit a sensitive spot.

He had lived his whole life being rejected by the members of the strongest snake clan, the Orschettas. Because of that, he was not given the chance to do what he wanted -- To rule over the snake clan in the shadows all the while retaining his position as one of the grand elders of the most prominent wolf clan.

Erwin loathed all of those who were adamant in giving him the acknowledgment that he ever so desired.

"Has anyone told you that you're like an open book, esteemed Grand Elder? Although you have managed to reign in your emotions, you always have a frustrated look on your countenance. I can't help but think that you're struggling. I'm delighted that I was able to confirm your identity at this moment. Now I know what's the truth of the matter."

Once he was done saying what was in his mind, Ius brushed his hair back using his fingers. He was beginning to feel the annoyance of dealing with someone who was as stubborn as his father.

The mission of finding out who among the snake clan was trying to insinuate chaos within the capital had been going on for so long. The tasks that he had to accomplish in order to acquire clues were downright taxing.

Ius didn't have the patience if it was prolonged for even a day more. That's why he was genuine when he said that he was glad that he had uncovered the identity of the perpetrator.

Erwin, on the flip side, looked at Ius with eyes full of contempt. As opposed to his bloodline that was rootless, Ius was blessed with the glory of his family. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, he coveted the young man's position many times in the past.

It was because of the vigilant watch that the Romanoff Duke had kept on his son that Erwin couldn't make a move on Ius.

Soon enough, the old man's calm came back to him.

Their current circumstance was working in his favor, so he need not lose his composure. The four young men around him should still believe that he was far stronger than them combined.

Erwin hoped that they were thinking that he only had to struggle for a bit to claim victory in a fight against them. Nevertheless, there was another way to tackle the situation. Violence was not always Erwin's main choice.

"Care to listen to me, young master?"

"You dare call me young master at this point? How laughable are you, Erwin?" Ius said in a mocking tone that nearly earned Erwin's ire.

The young man wanted to test the extent of insult that the butler could tolerate. And clearly, he was good at wearing out the old man's poise.

"Pray tell, what do you want, Erwin? I will listen, though there's no guarantee that I will do a good job at it."

Bordering the limit of his patience, Erwin put a smile on his face to appear cordial. He had raised Ius from the moment he was born. It wouldn't be strange if he was sentient of the young man's tendencies.

Unfortunately for him, most of the developments in Ius' character happened once Erwin was out of the picture. After all, Ius Romanoff opted to be independent as he yearned to explore the world by himself.

If anything, the young man in front of Erwin right at that second was not the boy that he had painstakingly taken care of for several years. It was as if he was talking to a stranger that loathed him at their first meeting.

"I want to offer a deal, young master. We can resolve this incident without spilling a drop of blood. I'm certain that the capital will be alerted once we engage in a fight. You wouldn't want the knights to interfere, would you?"

"It's too late for that, Erwin. Look," Ius then pointed at Ivar who was still stuck to the tree trunk. "Blood was already spilled. And, I could care less about the Empire's knights. They could interfere all they want."

The young man went on to take a step forward, beginning his approach to the old man. His steps were confident, believing that Erwin wouldn't dare attack him at any second yet. He could remark on the greed in the old man's eyes.

As a result, he couldn't help but feel anything with regard to Erwin's well-being. If killing him would stop the atrocities of the snake clan within the capital, then he would do so without hesitation.

Ius had revered the old man's capabilities once. He would always confer to Erwin whenever he was in a perilous situation. And like a miracle, Erwin never failed to absolve his worries. Ius had a closer relationship with the butler rather than his own father.

Be that as it may, Ius wasn't the slightest bit hurt about what he had discovered.

"Erwin Pelt, I have no consideration for traitors. The snake clan is one of the mortal enemies of the wolf clan. The antagonism can be traced back to hundreds of years of conflict that had transpired in our history."