Antihero In the Hero Academy: I Can Connect the Past Heroes
Chapter 194: Vassals of the Duchy (3)

Chapter 194: Vassals of the Duchy (3)

The piece of blood in Iso’s hand was shaped like a star. It was an item that only pure-blooded vampires could create. It showed that they had dedicated their lives to the person to whom they voluntarily gave this item, and it ensured that the person to whom they gave it would become their direct slave.

In short, Iso had offered Atlas something that ensured his own loyalty and that of everyone who would carry his blood in the future by sharing his blood directly.

This was something even Iso’s ancestors had never done for Cassandra.

Such loyalty had developed far too quickly and had reached such a high level.

"I cannot accept this," Atlas said suddenly. Of course, he did not want to accept it; taking that item, that piece of blood, would be like making Iso and his descendants his slaves. Atlas was, of course, opposed to this.

How could he do that? Even though he had not known Iso for long, Atlas trusted Cassandra’s views and thoughts.

"You must, sir," Iso objected.

"I will not," Atlas said.

"I will not move until you accept, my lord," Iso replied.

"Then we’ll be here all day, Iso," Atlas replied.

Unable to bear it any longer, Cordelia took the piece of blood from Iso’s hand with her magic and threw it directly at Atlas, saying, "If he wants to be your slave, let him be. It’s not such a bad thing."

When Atlas heard these words, he had already reflexively caught the star-shaped blood fragment, and it had already vanished.

This indicated that the contract was complete.

"Alright... I will grant you a surname, Iso. The family you will form in the future will be responsible for all matters related to the Shorekeeper Palace. Cleaning, meal preparation, reception, and even ball preparations—you will be responsible for all of these... unless Cassandra decides to handle the last matter herself. Your surname will be Corbeau. Iso Corbeau, rise to your feet," Atlas said.

With that, Iso stood up proudly and looked directly at Cassandra with a smiling expression.

It was as if he were a small child shouting, "LOOK! LOOK! MUMMY, LOOK!" Even Cassandra, who had seen this child for hundreds of years, was moved to smile by how happy and proud he was.

When it was Lynx’s turn, all eyes were on him.

There wasn’t much known about Lynx, except that the empire didn’t want him and didn’t accept him.

According to some, he was the son of a nobleman—that is, a child born out of wedlock, the result of an affair. However, Lynx denied these claims. He had achieved everything on his own. He had clawed his way to his current position with his own hands, and whether the empire accepted him or not, he was proud of himself.

The empire’s acceptance would have made everything easier for him, but that no longer mattered.

In the end, he would be under the command of someone who held seven people capable of destroying the empire in seconds. This was a much higher rank, a much greater title.

"I’ve heard your name, Lynx."

He had indeed heard it.

"I have read about you."

He had indeed read about him.

"I have seen you with my own eyes and understand what you have done."

He had indeed seen it.

"Finally, I’ve heard a lot about you, more than just rumours, dozens of them."

Lynx began to tense up at Atlas’ words. He had already realised that Atlas was not the type to go back on his word, but whether he wanted to or not, he did not want to lose something he had been dreaming of for so long.

"The only thing I ask of you is to be my shadow," Atlas said suddenly. All eyes turned to him from Lynx in an instant.

"No matter what happens, I want you to be someone who can bring me any information I ask for with a snap of my fingers, someone who can make it reach my ears. I want you to train assassins, spies, and many others, and especially to tell Emma—and me when necessary—about anyone in Shorekeeper City who is suffering or might suffer oppression under any circumstances, starting today." Atlas added to his words.

With that, Lynx seemed to understand that the time had come, knelt down on his knees, and began waiting calmly.

"The surname I will give you at the ball is Ombre. Lynx Ombre. Stand up."

With these words, Lynx rose from where he had knelt and stood proudly, waiting in a relaxed position on the other side of Atlas’s table.

This would be the first time that all the Sages—and even the Imperial Family—fully grasped the heads of the three great families of the future.

Perhaps a Duchy, perhaps a Kingdom. Regardless, it would be quite normal for their glory and power to rise to a degree that could reach the heavens and beyond, even to the gods and goddesses within the sacred land.

After all, these three individuals were no different from their lords—they were three abnormal individuals.

-----

As time passed, it was time for the ball. It was evening, the sun had set, and the chairs and poles in the huge garden of Shadowfall Palace were covered with lamps.

Everyone had dressed in their finest clothes and attended the ball.

There was a huge group of nearly three hundred nobles at Shadowfall Palace. Many people were chatting, the nobles were standing together, and most of them were around Emperor Aether and Empress Aelia.

Atlas, however, was in his room with Cassandra. Cassandra had, as usual, chosen Atlas’s clothes and was waiting to make the final touches to his hair.

"Only one year left until you’re old enough to marry," Cassandra said suddenly.

Atlas rolled his eyes and teased, "Thanks again for sharing how terrible of an adult you are."

After finishing all their preparations, the two left their room; it was time for the ball to begin.