CHAPTER 40: DESCENDANTS OF A NOBLE LINEAGE

Golda, Octavia’s mother, stood in the main hall, staring at Arthur—who sat before her—with nervous eyes and a tense posture. Her daughter had spoken highly of him, often calling him kind and gentle, but she hadn’t believed a word of it. Especially after hearing that he had executed the Baronet and his son, and imprisoned many without clear reason, she grew increasingly fearful that he might do something terrible to her daughter. That’s why she always warned her, calling him a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Not to mention, his wild hairstyle unsettled her somewhat.

Out of fear, she slowly extended a hand and placed it on the shoulder of her youngest son, Cole. She didn’t know why they had been summoned, but she was sure it wouldn’t be for a pleasant matter, especially given that Arthur had remained silent for quite a while since they entered.

In contrast, Cole, the twelve-year-old boy, was staring at Arthur with wide-eyed wonder. From time to time, he glanced around the hall, amazed by how clean and beautiful it was. He even thought that their entire home could fit inside this grand chamber.

Like his older sister and mother, Cole had gentle features, brown hair and soft blue eyes.

Meanwhile, Octavia stood beside the silent Arthur, slightly puzzled by his behavior. When her mother and brother entered a few minutes ago, he made a strange expression and said very little afterward.

Tension began to thicken in the air, until Arthur finally spoke, "Golda, you know your daughter has become a mage now."

Golda responded quickly, "Yes, my lord. Thank you for your generosity. I will ensure that my daughter serves you with complete loyalty."

Arthur noted her tense posture and anxious tone, then sighed silently.

’Why does everyone assume I’m going to do something terrible whenever I summon them? Haven’t they seen how well I treat my followers?’

People fearing him wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it served as a deterrent, making them think a thousand times before saying or doing anything foolish.

Still, as someone who had lived in a civilized world, Arthur often wished he could simply have a normal conversation. He was tired of measured words and theatrical deference.

He shook his head faintly, mocking himself. But when Golda saw this, she assumed her answer had displeased him. She wanted to say something more pleasing, but couldn’t think of anything appropriate.

"In fact," he said, "you also possess the potential to become a mage. So does your son."

[Magical Affinity: Medium]

[Magical Affinity: Medium]

When Golda and her son entered the hall, Arthur had appraised them immediately out of curiosity. Upon discovering their magical potential, he was stunned into silence.

It wasn’t unusual for a single member of an ordinary family to have some magical affinity. But for all members of the family to possess medium magical affinity? That could only mean one thing: they had a powerful mage ancestor.

’That’s the only possible explanation... and it must have come from their mother’s side.’

Once Boundless or mages reached Rank B, their life force increased dramatically. Their lifespans exceeded 200 years on average, and their strength grew significantly. More importantly, their children and grandchildren would inherit strong genetics—either physical potential or magical affinity.

Thus, descendants of strong and ancient families often had at least moderate potential. But time was merciless, and even the mightiest families could fall and vanish. All that remained were scattered individuals unaware of their origin, like Octavia’s family.

Golda expected a rebuke, but when she learned that she and her son could become mages, she froze in place, unable to respond.

Arthur knew the news was shocking, so he said nothing further. Meanwhile, Octavia smiled brightly, unable to contain her joy. She trusted Arthur completely, and knowing that her whole family could become mages like her made her heart race. At that moment, she renewed her vow to serve Arthur with unwavering loyalty until death. If he could train her family and make them stronger, they would no longer be just a worthless poor household.

Unlike Golda, who was still deep in thought, Cole suddenly shouted with excitement, "Is that true, my lord? Can I really become a mage?"

Startled by his outburst, Golda quickly stomped on his foot as a signal to quiet down.

Arthur smiled with amusement and answered, "Yes, you can become a mage. But in return, you’ll serve me and become my follower."

Golda immediately responded, "We are already your loyal servants, my lord."

’Same answer as Octavia... Anyway. System, tell me their elemental affinity.’

[Understood, Master.]

[Magical Affinity: Water Element (Ice Specialization)]

[Magical Affinity: Water Element]

Arthur was once again surprised by their affinities—especially Golda’s, which specialized in Ice. A random thought popped into his head, but it made him a bit excited. Ice meant cold drinks... and refreshing ice cream, just in time for the upcoming hot summer.

"All right. Octavia, teach your family members how to sense mana. Keep in mind that your mother is an older woman and your brother is still a child, so unlike you, they may not succeed on their first attempt. It could take several days."

Humans could begin learning magic at the age of ten, though the best age to start was fourteen. After the age of twenty-five, a person’s capacity to learn magic decreased significantly, meaning older individuals needed more time to grasp the basics.

"Yes, my lord. I’ll do my utmost," Octavia answered with deep respect.

Golda quickly bowed. "Thank you for your generosity, my lord. This old woman will never forget your grace."

Without giving the matter further attention, Arthur said, "In any case, that’s not the reason I summoned you."

"Please, my lord, what are your orders?" Golda replied politely. Her fear had already subsided, and now a hint of excitement pushed her to respond eagerly.

’Her fear disappeared that fast?’ Arthur scoffed inwardly, then said with firm tone,

"I plan to build a workshop for producing scented soap. I don’t know the people of this town well, so I want you to gather a few trustworthy women to work in it. Octavia will teach you how to make the soap, and you’ll be responsible for supervising and directing the workers."

Golda and Octavia were both taken aback. They were stunned by the request. The word "workshop" wasn’t unfamiliar, but they didn’t understand why Arthur wanted to produce large quantities of soap. Sure, soap was a great product that everyone desired, but it was made from expensive ingredients, and few could afford it. In their eyes, it seemed like a losing business.

"Yes, my lord," Octavia replied. She knew her master was a wise man who never acted without reason, so she understood there must be a deeper purpose behind his decision.

"Yes, my lord," Golda echoed.

Arthur nodded, then gave them a slightly stern look.

"For your information, the soap formula is highly confidential. If it leaks, I’ll punish everyone working in the workshop without exception. Don’t mess this up.

There are a few vacant houses near the river—pick the best one. I’ll send craftsmen to renovate it and supply it with the necessary equipment. Also, Octavia, release the imprisoned women and their children and have them work for free until they’ve paid off the cost of their freedom."

"You may leave now."

"Yes, my lord," Octavia and her family responded before leaving the hall swiftly. As they walked, they discussed everything that had just happened with excitement. Golda shared her earlier fears, but now her eyes looked forward with new hope—for ever since Arthur had come to this place, a brighter future had begun to dawn on them.