色戒无删除版

The room was silent as nobody from the group spoke. Linius already had his thoughts but he did not dare to speak for now. His parents were still there and if he was right, he didn't want them to hear what he was about to say. Mr. C on the other hand was still relaxed on the side but he could still feel the tension.

While they were still in a silent trance, a knock sounded on the door. Linius stood up to open the door and saw that it was Ezio. He could already tell that the young man wanted to enter and check on his brother so he let him in. The young man gave the duke and the duchess a bow and greeted them politely.

"Thank you for saving him out there," Ulysses gave Ezio a curt nod. If not for him then they didn't know what worse things could have happened if he remained inside the barrier he made.

Ezio shook his head, "No need to thank me. I just did what I needed to do since he is a person important to me."

They looked confused after hearing his words and they looked at Linius because they notice that he knew something about this. The major shook his head and waved his hand. Ulysses understood so he did not ask and just let the young man see his son.

"I saw you with the archmages, do you belong to the Magic Tower?" Ulysses asked. He needed to make sure before he judged the other person.

Although he didn't like those folks of the magic tower, he can always make an exception. And seeing that he means no harm, this young man would definitely be within his good radar. He saw that Ezio frowned at the question and an inkling came to him.

"I don't belong to that place. I hate that place and no matter what happens, I wouldn't let myself be affiliated with them. I'm just putting up with them because of the master." At the word master, Ulysses noticed that his gaze lingered on the sleeping son of his.

The duke was pleased with the young man's answer and not only that, he also gave off the feeling of genuine hate directed at the tower. "That is good to hear then. If I may ask, what is your name, young man?"

Ezio lifted his head to look at the duke, "I'm Ezio Constantine." After saying his name, he did not give them any more attention.

Duke Ulysses was surprised to hear the young man's name. The surprise on his face did not escape the butler's observation. He narrowed his eyes and kept the information for later. He was sure that the master would be interested to know that Duke Ulysses Ginehart recognized Ezio's name.

Ulysses stood up from his seat and gestured for his son to follow him. They left the room and walked along the halls towards the back of the palace. Ulysses stopped on the edge of the path around the small garden where they were.

"What is it father?" Linius asked. He stood beside his father and waited for the older man to speak. He could already see the tendrils of light as the sun started to rise.

It was a beautiful view but during this time, he couldn't appreciate it. There were many things on his mind at that moment and he didn't know how to begin. He was hoping that his father can help him even for just a little bit.

"That young man, what is his relationship with Rigel?" Ulysses did not beat around the bush. He wanted to know.

"According to what the master told me, he is someone within his protection and that Ezio was the nephew of Grand Mage Jagan who died at Moonvale." This reply made the duke even more concerned.

Once in his life, he had encountered the Grand Mage Jagan together with a woman, they helped him once in the battle and saved his life. If not for them, he would have died in the battle field never to return and inherit the dukedom. If that young man used the name Constantine, then he must have a blood relationship with that woman.

"That means they already knew each other from the beginning?" It was not a question directed to the major so he did not answer. It was more like a confirmation on his father's part.

Linius narrowed his eyes, "Do you perhaps know the young man?" He was aware that his father has many secrets and he did not dare to ask him openly because he knew that the duke was sensitive to these kinds of topics.

The duke shook his head, he could only guess but he was not sure. "No but his family name is a bit familiar, since it is not a common name in our kingdom."

Linius hadn't heard of that name before so it did not bother him but now that his father was concerned because of it, he might need to investigate it. Besides, he was not even sure why the master was willing to take Ezio under his protection. It might have a connection with that name.

"Linius, if I were you, I wouldn't meddle too deeply with the affairs of the magic tower. Avoid it as much as you can, it is enough to destroy them without knowing their secrets, than to be haunted by those secrets all your life." Linius was startled at his father's words. He did not notice that the man was already looking at him because he was lost in his own thoughts.

"If I am going to participate in the destruction of the tower, I might as well know their secrets. Besides, I am interested in many things regarding the tower and the identity of Rigel." He actually smiled because he was grateful for his father's concern towards him but he has a mind of his own and he makes his own decisions.

Ulysses stared at his son for a moment before he sighed. "Do as you like then don't come running to me when you encounter a problem. I already warned you."

Linius shrugged his shoulders before he nodded. "Don't worry, I'll be responsible for all of my actions and decisions." He sounded confident as he should be which was why Ulysses did not force him to abide by what he has said.

"If you continue down this path, then I hope that you come our alive from it or else I'll let those branch families fight for the right to become the heir of the dukedom." Ulysses chuckled as he felt at ease even though he knew that the chosen path of his son would not be that easy.

"William is pretty reliable," Linius also laughed but if something really happened to him, he would rather recommend someone he thought would be suitable to be the next duke.

"Ah that child, yes, with a little bit of discipline he should be alright. And he has a talent for magic, so that is a plus as long as he doesn't join the tower." He nodded his head to the name that his son suggested.

"He knew that our family isn't on good terms with the Magic Tower, so he won't join them. He'll only finish studying at the magic academy and after that he'll be returning to the Ginehart and start training under the tutelage of our elders." Linius already assured his father that William will not be subjected to the magic tower. If the magic tower dared to recruit him, then they wouldn't stay silent.

"That's good. I'll be waiting for his return then while you are busy with your own things," he nodded. It was good that there were reliable youngsters in the younger generation. The duke just hopes that they won't follow the path of those greedy people eyeing his position.