Lone Wolf's intense reaction took Kael completely by surprise.
It seemed Lone Wolf also harbored deep-seated grievances against the Renault Family. Recalling Lone Wolf's past suffering in the Mide Kingdom, Kael began to understand.
"Why is my lord suddenly concerned about the Renault Family?" Lone Wolf lowered his voice, struggling to suppress the hatred simmering within him. Yet his clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil.
"You seem quite familiar with them?" Kael signaled for the others to wait, then pulled Lone Wolf aside to a secluded spot.
"Familiar? That's an understatement..." A flash of venom crossed Lone Wolf's eyes. **"I share a blood feud with the Renaults. My family was once a prominent noble house in the Mide Kingdom, archrivals of theirs. The massacre of my kin... the Renaults played no small part in it!"**
Kael's mind reeled at this revelation. So this was the hidden history.
Lone Wolf had grown up in the Mide Kingdom, his family renowned and influential—until they were framed and exterminated overnight. He alone escaped.
According to Lone Wolf, the Renault Family's hands were stained with his clan's blood. The two families had been mortal enemies for generations.
Kael narrowed his eyes. So that's how it is.
"Why does my lord ask about them now?" Lone Wolf looked up.
"I killed Lucian, the Renault heir, in the Mide Kingdom. We're now sworn enemies."Kael disclosed the truth without hesitation. With the master-servant contract in place, secrecy was guaranteed.
"You killed Lucian?!" Lone Wolf's gaze burned with fervor.
When Kael nodded confirmation, Lone Wolf's entire body trembled. Tears welled in his eyes—years of bottled-up rage and grief momentarily overflowed at the news of his nemesis's demise.
But he swiftly regained composure. **"The Renaults will retaliate without mercy. Yet my lord is no fool—you must have concealed your identity. Still, their intelligence network spans continents. It's only a matter of time before they track you down."**
Kael nodded grimly. The threat was imminent. He had to grow stronger—fast.
"Lone Wolf, just how powerful is the Renault Family?" Kael asked. Since Lone Wolf shared a blood feud with them, he undoubtedly knew the Renaults inside out. Kael had originally planned to gather intelligence on the family, but with Lone Wolf here, that step became unnecessary.
"The Renault Family is a formidable force even within the Mide Kingdom—one of its most prominent noble houses. To my knowledge, they boast two Level 10 powerhouses," Lone Wolf stated.
Two Level 10 powerhouses!
Kael's eyes narrowed. Legendary Mages beyond Level 12 were rarely seen, shrouded in mystery. In comparison, Level 10 and 11 experts were relatively more common, with a single Level 10 mage commanding immense prestige in any kingdom.
Two Level 10 masters—both mages, no less—meant the Renaults were indeed a force to be reckoned with in the Mide Kingdom.
Kael frowned. Zev was likely one of those two, and his strength probably exceeded mid-Level 10.
Sure enough, Lone Wolf continued, **"The Renault Family has two Level 10 mages. One is Zev, an elder of their lineage and a formidable figure. The other is the current family head—Orc Renault. He's rumored to be at the peak of Level 10, just a step away from breaking through to Level 11."**
This information deepened Kael's scowl. A peak-Level 10 mage... The Renault Family's might was staggering.
Two Level 10 mages!
Given the Laffey Territory's current state, even one Level 10 mage could obliterate it without Ethan's intervention. Their defenses were pitifully weak.
Strength—what mattered most was strength!
With sufficient power, Kael could wipe out the Renault Family outright. On this continent, might alone dictated authority.
Kael exhaled sharply. The Renaults wouldn't come knocking immediately—he still had time.
"Lone Wolf, I understand now. I need your assistance," Kael said calmly.
"Whatever my lord commands, I will carry out even at the cost of my life!" Lone Wolf bowed deeply, then added, **"The Renault Family doesn't just have powerful high-level mages—they also command legions. If we're to oppose them, we must train our own formidable army to ensure our survival."**
Kael nodded. In conflicts between two factions, victory wasn't solely determined by top-tier combatants. Manpower, resources, and wealth all played crucial roles.
"Starting today, recruit and expand our forces. I need you to forge a powerful army. Don't worry about gold—I'll provide it!" Kael declared. This was an urgent priority.
Having returned from the Water Dragon Secret Realm, Kael now possessed vast wealth—enough to spare millions of gold coins without hesitation.
"Understood!" Lone Wolf's voice trembled with excitement. At last, he had a chance to confront the Renault Family.
Kael patted Lone Wolf's shoulder, then led him into the City Lord's Manor.
Inside, Ethan, Amelia, and the others were already gathered. Kael scanned the room but saw no sign of Grace. Puzzled, he asked, **"Where's Junior Sister?"**
"She'll be here shortly," Amelia replied with a soft smile.
At that moment, the kitten suddenly leaped onto Kael's shoulder, blinking its large eyes pitifully as it gazed at him with a slightly ingratiating look.
"Relax, I haven't forgotten about your nest!" Kael sighed helplessly, then immediately instructed Jett to craft the golden nest for the kitten. Satisfied, the little creature curled up on Kael's shoulder, its eyes narrowing contentedly.
The others marveled at the peculiar feline, never having seen such an extraordinary kitten before.
Just then, a familiar voice echoed from the doorway. Kael turned to see none other than—
Grace!
Indeed, Grace had arrived.
Though half a year had passed, her appearance remained unchanged—yet her aura had transformed entirely.
Her delicate, doll-like face still betrayed her youth (no older than twenty), with obsidian-black eyes gleaming like polished gems. Her figure resembled a rosebud on the verge of blooming. Clad in black robes, she exuded not playfulness but solemnity.
Kael noticed that Grace's attire was the official garb of a Chief Administrator—proof that she had truly become the governing force of his territory.
"Senior Brother." Grace truly carried herself with authority now, though a flicker of delight flashed in her eyes as she looked at Kael. The slightly mischievous demeanor she once had at the academy was almost entirely gone—evidently, she had matured greatly during this time.
Moreover, Grace's cultivation had advanced to Level 6 Mage, marking solid progress. While her status as the Guyi Empire's young princess had partly influenced Ethan's decision to take her as a disciple, her innate talent was undeniable.
Grace remained quite affectionate toward Kael. Back at Flamecrest Academy, the two had shared a close bond, with Kael always looking out for his junior sister.
"Senior Brother, you're back?" Grace's eyes brightened as she stepped forward, her playful grin resurfacing in his presence—reverting to her spirited, whimsical self.
"Indeed." Kael patted her forehead with a chuckle.
"You seem to be... a Level 8 Mage now?" Grace couldn't quite discern his strength and voiced her uncertainty.
Kael smiled faintly. **"Level 9."**
"Level 9?!" Her eyes widened. She couldn't help but recall how Ethan had praised her as a genius after her rapid breakthrough to Level 6. Yet here was Kael—leaping from Level 7 to Level 9 in just half a year!
Kael nodded, though he didn't dwell on the matter. To him, this was still far from enough.
"Grace, I owe you my thanks for governing the Laffey Territory so well in my absence."
"Of course! Though my salary doesn't come cheap," Grace teased, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons.
Amid the lighthearted banter, a thought suddenly struck Kael. If this next endeavor succeeded, it might just catapult the Laffey Territory's strength to unprecedented heights...