Doggone Academy

Chapter 146 Taming the Madman (6)

Chapter 146 Taming the Madman (6)

Wow split right in half.

Knights, having come to investigate, kicked at the beasts carcass strewn inside the cave.

How is this even possible?

The beasts hide is usually so tough that a sword might as well be stuck in stone, yet the beast slain by Damian was cleanly cut as if by a guillotine.

A female knight beside them remarked,

How would we know? Even Liston, who was there, doesnt understand how it happened.

What do you mean? Why wouldnt Liston know if he saw it happen?

He said there was a flash of light, and then it was over. He was blinded by the light and saw nothing.

Could it be sword energy?

What else could it be?

At his age?

Or perhaps magic.

Sword energy doesnt make sense. Magic seems more plausible.

How could magic cut it like this? Did he summon a saw blade or something?

Does such magic even exist?

Probably not.

But if he can handle sword energy like this at such a young age.

The potential he would reach upon full maturity was unimaginable. If he were to fully utilize his talent within the Duchy, its impact could extend not only within but also beyond its borders.

The most esteemed Knight Orders and Academies would take notice of Damian, and most importantly,

The Floral Tournament is going to be turned upside down soon.

***

The camp was packed up, and it was time to depart again. I was no longer sharing paths with the maids. Instead, I could steal glimpses of the Ladys daily routine.

Before leaving, Vivi addressed the village chief,

The beast will trouble you no longer.

Tears welled up in the chiefs eyes,

Thank you, truly, for looking after us, the humble folks.

My two guards will accompany you to Rigved, assisting with your relocation.

We will never forget this kindness.

The chief motioned to a villager, who then presented a long wooden cup to the Lady.

It was filled with a thick, purple liquid of unknown composition.

The villagers arms trembled, perhaps nervous.

Vivi inquired,

What is this?

Its a concoction made from the last of our crops and herbs, mixed with a traditional essence passed down through generations. Its supposed to maintain a clear spirit and body.

The old wooden cup was strangely familiar to me, reminiscent of my childhood.

Despite being made from the scraps they had, the contents were somewhat repellent. The unknown ingredients and floating debris didnt seem sanitary.

Living secluded from the world, they seemed unaware that it was improper to offer food or drink to a superior without caution.

Could there be some toxin or strange substance mixed in? How could one be sure?

Gerald stepped forward,

The Lady does not consume just any herb. Is this a marketplace to you? Remove it.

No, its fine.

Vivi walked forward and took the cup.

Milady, maybe we should call a maid to inspect

Before Gerald could finish, Vivi downed the unpleasant liquid.

The watching guards and maids were shocked.

Even I wouldnt have considered drinking such a concoction, yet Vivi did it without hesitation.

Vivi briefly closed her eyes. It was an unwelcome time.

Come in.

Damian entered with a bucket of water and set it down in front of the chair where Vivi sat.

As requested, Ive added three drops of holy water and diluted it.

Please, present your feet.

His casual demeanor in serving incited my anger.

Why did he suddenly want to wash feet? Did Silveryn know her disciple had such twisted desires?

The lack of hesitation or caution around the Duchys successor was infuriating.

Vivi lifted the book she was reading to cover her face.

Damian quietly began washing Vivis feet, thoroughly cleaning every nook.

Then he cautiously asked,

May I inquire why the holy water is used?

Holy water makes one feel special. Theres no other reason.

You are blessed, my Lady. But the blessed do not need holy water. Only those cursed require it.

Im not interested in baseless preaching.

Ill wipe your feet dry now. Please, lift them.

Damian prepared a towel and waited.

Vivi, feigning distraction by her reading, purposefully pressed her wet foot against Damians face.

Damians eyebrows twitched in displeasure, a rare show of emotion from the usually stoic man.

After inflicting this small humiliation, I felt slightly appeased. She asked nonchalantly,

Oh, I have a question for you.

I shall answer as best as I can within my permitted knowledge.

How did you kill the beast?

As he dried her feet, Damian explained,

I simply did it because my life was in danger.

Damian finished drying and started massaging her feet with scented oil.

Cunning as he was, he seemed to take his revenge by applying an excessive amount of slippery oil, particularly to the soles of her feet.

Is that the whole truth?

That is all.

What does it feel like to have such a gift? To receive such a blessing?

Damian stood up after completing the foot washing ritual and said something unexpected,

I despise the gods.

Silence fell.

His statement caused a subtle ripple inside Vivi.

His voice seemed to ring an alarm in her mind.

How often had she heard someone express hatred towards the gods? The Gainax family and the Duchy revered the goddess Acates, with the Holy City being part of their nation. She had never heard anyone dare to speak such blasphemy before her.

Even Vivi herself wouldnt dare.

Yet, he spoke without hesitation.

It was just a passing comment, but for a fleeting moment, it seemed to reveal his true feelings.

Ill see you in the morning.

After washing her feet, Damian picked up the bucket and left the tent.

Vivi stared blankly at the spot where Damian had been.

She wondered about the reasons behind his godly hatred. What could make someone so gifted despise the gods?

She felt an inexplicable kinship with him. Though she didnt want to admit it,

Vivi also hated the gods.

People might love the gods without reason, but hatred always has its stories.