The Rise Of Third Rate Villain-Chapter 20 - : Welcome Back, Young Master

Following a moment of uncomfortable silence between Valerian and Mabel, the carriage came to a final standstill. The rocking of the wheels died away and the door groaned open, as Darius stood calmly, bending slightly. "Young Master, we have arrived at the mansion."

Valerian took the initial step first, and for a moment looked at the everyday view of the imposing Thorne mansion. Mabel hesitated for a moment before following, still a bit dazed from the earlier events. Waiting at the entrance stood Serena, the head maid, flanked by several other maids who had lined up neatly to greet their master.

Serena lowered her head in a respectful bow. "Welcome back, Young Master."

The maids trailed behind her, their perfectly coordinated movements demonstrating the obedience they have been trained to follow. Then, Serena's sharp gaze shifted to Mabel, taking in her unkempt state and ragged attire. With a faint frown, she turned back to Valerian. "Young Master, is this the slave you purchased?"

Valerian let out a low hum, glancing at Mabel, who still looked a bit disoriented. "Yes. Give her a hair cut and dress her appropriately (i.e., in clothes). From now on, she will work directly under me."

The maids bowed again, once more taking their master's command in sync. "As you wish, Young Master."

Mabel could barely get a word out before company surrounded her. The maids grabbed hold of her arms and began to draw her into the house. Her head spun in alarm and her big puppy-dog eyes beg rescue. Valerian, observing the spectacle, could not help but let out a playful chuckle and then turned his back and walked towards the house.

'She's on her own for this one.'

Walking through the impressive lobby, a figure appeared in front of Valerian. Leon, always by his side, walked in from the opposite direction, the keenness of his gaze fixed on Valerian before he spoke in a barely perceptible bow.

"Young Master, you have returned."

Valerian nodded. "Yeah, I just got back."

Leon crossed his arms, his usual calm demeanor unwavering. "Did you manage to find a suitable slave? If she does not satisfy your conditions, I can try to find an alternative one."

Valerian held up a hand to stop him mid-sentence. "That won't be necessary. I already found the perfect one. To be precise, I have a request regarding her."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Your words are my command, Young Master."

A smirk played on Valerian's lips. "I want you to have a duel with her."

Silence reigned in the hallway while Leon contemplated the unanticipated request. "A duel?"

Valerian simply nodded. "I want to see her skills firsthand, and you're the only one I trust to assess them properly. I also know you report everything to my father, so this will serve as proof of whether she's worth keeping."

Leon remained quiet for a moment before exhaling softly. "As you wish, Young Master."

As Valerian expected, Leon wouldn't refuse. Good, things are moving just as planned.

"When should the duel take place?" Leon asked.

"Tomorrow. At the training grounds."

Leon gave a firm nod. "I will make the necessary preparations."

Satisfied, Valerian continued toward his quarters. But just before he could get to his room, he paused and turned to Darius, who had been following without a word.

"Oh, Darius. Take this."

He threw a little satchel to the knight, who caught it instinctively. When Darius took the impact, his eyeballs grew in surprise. "Young Master... this is... gold coins?"

Valerian nodded nonchalantly. "A hundred of them."

Darius was stunned. "Why would you give me such a large sum, Young Master?"

Valerian smirked. "Because I know you've been supporting an orphanage in town."

Darius visibly tensed. "H-How did you..."

Valerian shot him a sharp look. "Do you think I have no idea what my own people are up to in their free time, for instance? Do you take me for some clueless brat?"

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Darius' throat tightened. He opened his mouth but hesitated. It was overwhelming that Valerian's consciousness, his insight even into the most minute of it all, became a reality. But, before he could speak another syllable, Valerian's smile grew.

"If you don't want the money, give it back."

Darius instantly went down on one knee, clutching the pouch as if it were the value of the world. "I apologize for my doubt, Young Master! Please, do not take this back! With this money they will be able to live for the next five years. I am eternally grateful!"

Valerian chuckled. "Good. You should be grateful. Take care of those children. If you ever need more, just ask Serena, she'll provide you the funds."

Darius sobbed, as he gripped the pouch even tighter. "Of course, Young Master Valerian! I swear upon my life, I will always be in debt to the Thorne family! I will protect you, even at the cost of my own life!".

Valerian just chuckled and walked back to his room. Moving behind Darius, Darius still knelt, head bowed in thanks. But as Valerian disappeared behind the door to his chambers, a dark grin stretched across his lips.

"Hahaha. And just like that, another faithful fighting piece is now in place"

The slight boy huddled back in front of the chair, crossed his fingers in front of him. This worked out even better than I expected. The orphanage rumor I heard from the maids turned out to be true. Now, I've successfully bound one of the best knights in the mansion to my will. Hah! It's almost too easy.

Valerian let out a low chuckle before breaking into full-blown villainous laughter.

"Hahahaha! With this, I've gained two more loyal playthings! Now, I just need to focus on increasing my own strength!".