?


    "The nature of my gift…" Viscountess ckshield raised a brow and looked at the young lord in front of him. "You''ve already seen me use it beforehand, did you not?"


    "Indeed. And it is well known from your namesake alone that it is a ck Shield, and yet when I… look at it, Viscountess, it seems to be far greater than a shield. It is like a wall, a fortress." Lucius said.


    ''I''ve made no mentions of the word, Bulwark, but if the time that Viscountess ckshield has spent here has actually meant anything, then even someone who is cold and distant will have something to say since I''ve mentioned it straightforwardly.'' Lucius thought.


    Viscountess ckshield paused for a moment and nced around their immediate vicinity. There was no presence of any guards or servants within the area, and most of her own personnel were already doing their preparations in getting the carriage ready for her departure.


    ''I… I''ve always told myself that I am a frank person who does not hesitate to say what is on my mind, but this is a matter pertaining to a family secret. Even something like this is not often shared with others, and even being truthful may do more harm than good.'' Viscountess ckshield thought.


    However, when Viscountess ckshield stared at Young Lord Asher, she couldn''t help but feel more at ease.


    ''Is… is it because I can''t help but remember my own son and wonder how he and Young Lord Asher could have been around the same age if he were still alive.'' Viscountess ckshield thought.


    The truth was that even the most isted of people yearned for emotional connection, even when they''ve denied themselves of it. Some had coped through constant imbibing of alcohol, a propensity for bloodthirstiness and battle while throwing all caution to the wind.


    Viscountess ckshield acknowledged it mildly to herself and thought that was fine. An eptable way of approaching life and living because there was nothing much else for her to do and maintaining things like her estate and everything else seemed burdensome.


    However, now that Viscountess ckshield was invited by Lord Asher Inanis and she stayed with the presence of him and his family, sojourning over the past few weeks, it was suffice to say that her heart opened up a little.


    Emotional connection.


    Intimacy.


    Viscountess ckshield found her tongue loosening up slightly, just in particr, for Lord Asher alone.


    "Ahem. Normally, in situations such as this one, what is well-known by the general popce is what it is on paper, Lord Asher." Viscountess ckshield said. "Most of the nobility''s gift are well-known, and that is because they are used and inherited…"


    Lucius nodded. "Yes, Viscountess."


    "Hah. You are already aware of those things and yet I find myself repeating them as if I''m being Viscount Felldan." Viscountess ckshield rubbed her face annoyedly and looked at Lord Asher. "Suffice to say, your judgment is correct, Lord Asher. My gift is something beyond that of the Rare Gift ckshield, but it is actually an Epic Gift now known as ck Bulwark."<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    Lucius feigned a look of surprise and yet it wasn''t so hard when there was something that he was truly curious about.


    "And… how did that happen, Viscountess? I have never heard of anything like this before, it must be unprecedented." Lucius remarked, his voice tinged with marvel.


    "I do not think that this is unprecedented, but mostly something that nobility wishes to hide. I was born with this Gift already with me and my parents simply wished for it to be kept a secret." Viscountess ckshield exined. "And it is for that very reason why I''ve hidden it until now."


    "Oh, it happened during your birth." Lucius said, as he kept his expression curious.


    ''It seems like there is not much to expect in terms of other people having the same knowledge as I do when ites to upgrading Gifts, which is a relief and yet a bit disappointing at the same time. Of course, the information that I''ve gained is quite substantial. It means that people''s Gift upgrades over time, although the specifics as to how it urs does not have any specific reason why.''


    "Yes." Viscountess ckshield said with a smile. "I do not think that it will sound so good if the ckshield Family will have their name changed to ckbulwark."


    "I… yes, that appears to be the case." Lucius nodded slowly.


    "Haha, you are young, Lord Asher. Please lighten up a bit more and do not be like me." Viscountess ckshield''s gaze softened lightly as she nced at him. "And… and if I were to give some words to you, unsolicited advice. Would that be alright?"


    "There is much to learn from most people, Viscountess ckshield. I''d be willing to hear from your insight." Lucius said, mildly surprised at the decision of the Viscountess to speak.


    ''I''ve expected her to open up, but not to this extent. I suppose she is quite vulnerable at this moment and the alcohol has also made her tongue quite loose.'' Lucius thought.


    "I… don''t be like, Viscount Felldan." Viscountess ckshield said. She sighed and massaged her forehead. "I know I''m not supposed to say it in the directpany of the Inanis Family, especially when he is the greatest supporter of your family, but I still do not like him. Not necessarily your father, Count Inanis, but Viscount Felldan."


    "… and what has brought this on, Viscountess ckshield?" Lucius asked.


    "I am not quite sure. Perhaps it''s just our methods being different. I do not quite like how he acts like a slithering snake among most individuals. A snake that can change colors wherever he is needed to match those of hispany."


    "But do you not think that it is appropriate…?" Lucius tried to say, before he noticed the expression on Viscountess ckshield''s face.


    "I know. I am aware that he is far more well-liked than me and even Baron Hugh knows how to treat people well. Perhaps this is simply borne out of my own way. But yes, do not pay too much mind to this older woman''s rambling. I am sure that you can draw your own conclusions well enough."