Cleaver Of Sin

Chapter 615: New Order

Asher continued to walk with calm, measured steps, Lyra following close behind, with Virelass accompanying them as she hummed softly and melodiously. As they walked within the long hallway, various maids and butlers were stunned to see Asher, but their shock did not last more than a second before they bowed to him in greeting, yet Asher simply walked past them without batting an eye, his expression remaining indifferent and composed.

"So, how have you been, Lyra?" Asher asked with a calm tone as he walked, arriving at the staircase that led to the ground floor.

"I’ve been well, Young Master. According to your orders, I’ve been training a lot, and I’ve gotten to the Radiant Firmstar Life Rank, just a step away from crossing into the next Life Rank, the Dust Wavestar" Lyra replied as she smiled, clearly pleased with her own progress and the fruits of her persistent effort.

"Congratulations in advance then, Lyra," Asher stated with a smile as he walked down the flight of stairs, his steps steady and silent as usual.

"Thank you, Young Master," Lyra replied with a smile as she stepped out of the building, following right behind Asher, always remaining two steps behind, not too close and also not too faraway

Greenery spread outwards in every direction, butterflies landing gently on vibrant plants and blooming flowers, birds chirping melodiously in the distance, and various fountains of water flowing elegantly with a soothing rhythm. Asher simply chose a random direction and walked as he spoke with Lyra, while he continued to ignore the maids and butlers who were paying their respects by bowing, their presence barely registering in his mind.

"But you know you can’t train twenty four hours a day, Lyra," Asher stated calmly as he stopped before a flower, then bent down and plucked it with gentle ease and deliberate care, ensuring not to damage its delicate petals.

"What do you mean, Young Master?" Lyra asked, confused by Asher’s words and the sudden shift in topic.

"I mean sometimes you should just take things slow, enjoy the breeze, appreciate the warmth of the sunlight for an hour or two, be amazed at nature, then dive back into training with a refreshed mind," Asher stated with deliberate ease as he stared at the flower in his hand, his tone steady and reflective.

He had always been a firm believer in a balance between work and rest. Just because he had reincarnated did not suddenly mean he would lock himself away in some training room and remain there endlessly until he reached ascension, depriving himself of the simple yet meaningful aspects of existence.

Lyra stayed silent, not knowing how to reply. She had practically seen the sun for years, decades even, yet she had never once sat back to admire it or simply relax; after all, she had always been occupied with her duties and responsibilities. Although since the Tenth Sun left for the Star Academy she indeed had a lot of free time on her hands, but still, the habit of constant diligence had not left her.

"I understand, Young Master," she replied with a nod as she gazed at the flower in Asher’s hand, her expression thoughtful.

Asher nodded, then continued to walk without a specific direction in mind. After a moment of silence, he asked, "When last did you participate in any fight or high stakes battle, Lyra?" his tone as gentle as ever, yet carrying an underlying curiosity.

Lyra stayed silent for a moment as though running a mental calculation, carefully searching through her memories, "It’s been about twenty five years, Young Master," she answered without hesitation once she arrived at her conclusion.

Her words made Asher come to a halt; he could not believe his ears. The fact that Lyra had not participated in any fight for twenty five years was simply surprising to him. It was no different from madness.

In such a high stakes world where noble territories were attacked yearly for no apparent reason, Emovirae caused deaths without hesitation, and some old organisation kidnapped people for experiments and other unknown cruel agendas, someone who had enough power to at least protect themselves or flee had not fought in two and a half decades.

Asher’s mind flickered with his own calculations, his thoughts moving swiftly and precisely. According to what he knew, Lyra was currently forty five years old at the moment, meaning since she turned twenty she had never fought once. And also, within that twenty five years of absence from battle, she had spent eighteen years by his side; the remaining seven years were probably spent in maid training or simply serving the Wargrave family with firm loyalty.

Asher could not help but sigh softly. At the end of the day, Lyra was a maid; she had her duties, and there was simply no way the Wargraves would allow her into battle, as that was not her designated role within the household.

It could also be that perhaps Lyra simply disliked battles and did not enjoy involving herself in them unless absolutely necessary, like when she had to protect him during his journey to the capital during the Royal Twin Birthday Party.

Turning towards her, Asher met her black eyes with his purple ones as he asked, "Do you hate battles, Lyra?" his tone unchanged as he spoke with the same calm composure, his gaze steady and observant.

Lyra shook her head as she spoke, "I don’t, Young Master," she answered, but after a brief moment, she continued speaking, "but I do not actively seek it out or look forward to it either. If there is a battle, I simply fight to the end; if there isn’t any battle, then that too does not change anything," she replied calmly, her voice even and respectful.

Asher stayed silent for a moment, perfectly understanding her stance on battles. Not everyone was a Wargrave who loved to dive headfirst into battles; some people loved it, some stayed away from it, and some were simply on the fence, they neither particularly liked nor hated it. Finch was within this category, embodying that neutral disposition, if there was a battle, he would fight and end his enemies; if there was none, he would simply sit back and enjoy the peace without hesitation.

Asher sighed, then asked again, "Lyra, I can tell that you haven’t fought for the past two and a half decades due to your duties, but I’m sure you know the benefits that come with battles and fights," his tone carrying a subtle firmness now.

"I do, Young Master," Lyra replied; there was no way someone on her level did not understand the benefits of fighting constantly, as the progress it granted was often faster and more profound than any form of controlled training.

Asher nodded, then replied, "Then I will be giving you a new order: from now on and until I leave the Star Academy, you will be required to take various missions, all of them involving battles, at least twice per month. You are only allowed to defy these orders due to matters beyond you, like an order from my elder sibling, or father, or an injury," Asher stated, his tone calm, yet slightly authoritative, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Lyra, hearing Asher’s words, dared not hesitate to reply. Although stunned by the sudden order and its implications, she still swiftly accepted it without question, "As the Young Master orders," she stated with a respectful bow.