Return to the ivory tower

As Drake returned to the Ivory Tower with a peak knight-level servant, the household was turned upside down by the news. Most people had mistaken his disappearance with death. A lot happened in the past year, as the Porfield Kingdom interfered with the noble affairs.

Drake came to learn that the Count Elderwood and the beginner acolytes who had massacred his army all died mysteriously, but that was not the end of it. After the Second Prince intervened, the patriarch swallowed half of the Elderwood's fief, including resource points like its Flying Fish Pond and the emerald forest. In the process, the newly advanced peak rank elder from the Elderwood Household was killed by the patriarch, who had grown even stronger than in the last territorial fight.

Several Grand Knights who had mysteriously helped the Elderwood Household also died in the process, causing the royal family to stop all interference in the matter.

However, the patriarch did not stop here, and made sure to steal an incredible amount of resource and legacy from the Elderwood Household. To make sure that it would not attack the Moonfall family again, the Patriarch captured all 14 remaining beginner-rank acolyte and put them in a manor strictly surveilled by Elder Karl. If the Elderwood showed any hostility, its heirs would be killed.

Just like that, the Moonfall Household reached heights never encountered before in the Porfield kingdom, thus becoming the second strongest noble family, after the Fireheart Dukedom, another Magus Family. However, unlike the Moonfall Family that was gaining influence, the Fireheart Dukedom was declining rapidly, and could not sustain a war. Thus, the Moonfall Household became the most influential noble family in the kingdom, as well as a good counter-power to the royal family. Many households swore fealty and became vassals of the Moonfall family, increasing its revenue and military strength.

The Patriarch of the Moonfall Family was no weakling, and he had surely avenged him, which warmed his heart a little, although he would have liked to take revenge himself on the demonical Count.

"You have returned", Uncle John said, being the first to come after hearing the news of his return.

Hugging him dearly, he felt a bit sorry: "As much as I would like to tell you what happened in the past three years, I think it would be better if you don't make the patriarch wait for too long"

Drake had hidden his breakthrough to the intermediate rank realm. With only 16% of bloodline purity officially, it would have been a bit suspicious after all. If his uncle knew that he had not only broken to the intermediate rank realm, but also reached the magic power requirements to break through to the advanced rank realm, he would not receive congratulations, but looks of terror. Such growth was too unnatural, as even the patriarch only became an advanced rank acolyte at the age of 25.

Uncle John squinted upon realizing that Drake's servant was none other than a peak rank knight too.

'Just what happened for my nephew to return with such a confident gaze...'

Drake had changed thoroughly after losing his army in battle. He realized that no matter how strong his subordinates were, it was not something he needed to focus on, as he would feel empty after losing it.

Drake met a few cousins on his way, including Catherine Moonfall, who had showed him goodwill in the past. Surprisingly, she hugged him dearly upon seeing that he had returned: "Drake, you must never leave like that. Everyone was worried sick..."

This treatment was too alienating for him. Before, people either ignored him or small talked with him. He had never been subject to so much goodwill and...dare he say familial love. He could feel that there was no dishonesty in her eyes either.

Drake nodded, before opening the door of the patriarch's room.

There, he was greeted by a man who was 2 meters tall, with a red aura around him. The bloodlust he emitted naturally was too much for the average commoner to handle, but family members could. His blood boiled at the sight of this strong being. Drake knew that even with his grand knight strength, not even ten of him would be enough to injure the patriarch, not to mention defeating him.

"You have become a Grand Knight, Drake", the patriarch said in a low voice, nodding at the physical strength that Drake seemed to be able to exert

Drake knew that the patriarch had cast the [Quick Analysis] spell, which allowed him to evaluate the stats of his opponents. It was not a bloodline spell, but a general spell that was very hard to learn as it required tons of knowledge. However, the quick analysis spell only showed what the target showed. Drake did not bother to hide his physical attainments, but his spiritual force only showed 7.9 points instead of the whopping 13.9 points he actually possessed.

"You have made incredible contributions to the family, so I guess you can ask me a favour"

Drake did not hesitate for a second before saying: "Then free my parents"

The patriarch nodded, as if he knew he would ask that.