Adrian and Austin

Adrian was startled upon hearing that and quickly left. He feared that if he lingered any longer, Austin might kill him.

He ran to an intersection, resting his hand on a tree as he panted heavily.

Turning his head, Adrian saw neither Austin nor anyone else following him. He felt a sense of relief, but at the same time, a lingering frustration gnawed at him.

"Damn it!" he cursed under his breath. "Why the hell are that bastard Caleb and Austin so alike?"

"That bastard Noan is just an F-rank lord. Is there any need to fear him that much? If we attack and destroy his territory, wouldn't he be forced to reveal that secret?"

Adrian couldn't understand why Caleb and Austin both refused to kill Noan. Did they truly believe that Noan could hold out to the point of taking his secret to the grave?

He didn't buy it. Noan was just a kid—how could he have that much courage?