Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 318: Ryan's Company
Zhao Hai stumbled out of Ivan's study. To avoid arousing suspicion, they didn't stay long at Ivan's place, and Ivan didn't come out to see them off. However, the decision for Ryan to accompany them to the Roson Empire was already made.
Although Zhao Hai was unwilling, he had no choice. To be honest, he really didn't want to come into contact with Ryan, but it seemed unavoidable now.
Laura stood beside Zhao Hai, unsure of what to say. To be honest, she was the least willing to travel with Ryan, but there was no other option. Just as Ivan said, it was the best cover for Zhao Hai and the others' identities.
As soon as they exited the study, a servant approached Zhao Hai and bowed, saying, "Sir, this way please. Your carriage is waiting at the door."
Zhao Hai nodded and followed the servant out of the second door. As soon as they stepped outside, Zhao Hai and Laura were taken aback. A carriage was indeed waiting outside the second door, and it was his carriage. However, oddly enough, it had a badge hanging from it.
Zhao Hai was momentarily stunned. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the badge was the one Ivan had given him today, the badge representing his viscount title. He hadn’t expected Ivan to act so quickly.
What he didn't know was that Ivan had prepared these badges long ago for the servants in his manor to use once they officially became viscounts. Now, it was just right to use it for Zhao Hai.
The title Zhao Hai received from the duke was different from a title granted by the king. A title directly issued by the king allows one to design their own badge, whereas a badge issued by a duke must include a smaller version of the duke's family crest in one corner, meaning it must bear the mark of the duke's family.
The identity Ivan gave Zhao Hai was like this. Since Zhao Hai's viscount title was conferred by Ivan, the badge included the Running Bull Emblem of Ivan's family in one corner.
Zhao Hai examined the badge carefully. It was quite well-crafted, featuring a long spear in front of a shield, with a small version of the Running Bull Emblem in the upper-left corner.
After a quick glance at the badge, Zhao Hai turned and got into the carriage, leaving the Duke's Manor. He had already informed Ivan that he would be leaving Casa City the next day, so if Ryan wanted to follow him, she would have to come out early to find them; otherwise, they wouldn't wait for her.
Ivan didn’t oppose this decision. Although he said that letting Ryan accompany them was to provide cover for Zhao Hai, he also had ulterior motives. Despite the short time they spent together today, Ivan did not forget that Zhao Hai had previously stayed in the Versailles Principality as a dark mage for a considerable time. Comparing the old Zhao Hai with the current one, Ivan already knew how outstanding Zhao Hai had become.
Moreover, considering Ivan's relationship with Zhao Hai's father, how could he bear to give up this potential son-in-law? Even though Zhao Hai had canceled the engagement, it was important to remember that it wasn’t under his authority when Zhao Hai did so. Although things couldn’t be changed now, he still hoped Zhao Hai could spend more time with Ryan to see if they could develop feelings for each other. If they truly could, then all problems would be easily resolved.
However, Ivan also understood that Zhao Hai was not interested in Ryan. When Ryan had insisted on canceling the engagement, the Budah family was aware of it. Galen and the others would not have kept this from Zhao Hai. The last time Galen came to cancel the engagement, it was quite obvious. So now, Ivan could only use the gratitude Zhao Hai felt for his help to place Ryan beside him and let their relationship develop as fate allowed. He had done all he could do.
Ivan was well aware that even if he didn’t help Zhao Hai, Zhao Hai had already developed his own strength, and he wasn’t afraid of them anymore, especially when Zhao Hai arrived at the Roson Empire, where the affairs of the Aksu Empire would be unrelated to him. At that point, Zhao Hai wouldn’t need to care about him at all. So, what he needed to do now was to use this opportunity to create more chances for Ryan and Zhao Hai to interact. Otherwise, Ryan would miss the chance to reconcile with Zhao Hai.