This was the first time Lucien saw Dorian ruin his light persona. Just from Malcolm’s little threat, his anger boiled enough that it began to show on the surface.
"Malcolm, you know how much I need this token. Do you want to become my enemy just for that?"
Dorian narrowed his eyes.
"The Circle of Nobility is useless without access to the Domain Dungeon, anyway. Why do you want to enter? It brings no benefit to your Goldveil family."
"Heh... don’t make me laugh. Prince Dorian seems to have forgotten that I am a Merchant. I know exactly what I want."
Malcolm didn’t care whether the prince was angry or not. It seemed he was sure that he would get what he wanted.
Sure enough, although Dorian showed outbursts and even told him never, his expression slowly began to ease.
"You are right that I do have an invitation to the Circle of Nobility. However, that thing is too precious. Change your condition."
Dorian seemed extremely conflicted. He wanted the token from Malcolm’s hand, but he also didn’t want to lose the invitation.
That was a strategic tool.
After all, the Circle of Nobility was the only thing in this world that allowed someone to enter the true nobility.
A nobility that was recognized in this world of Soren, and most importantly, was recognized in the World of Origin.
Like Malcolm said, the title of Viscount given to the Goldveil family before for money was just a joke.
There was a reason why everyone didn’t take them seriously at all.
This world was quite unique and so hidden that a normal guy like Lucien wouldn’t even know much until he died.
That was the same for Malcolm, too, until he managed to enter the Domain Dungeon.
Dorian suddenly proposed, causing both Malcolm and Lucien to raise their eyebrows.
"I will allow your grandson to enter the Phoenix Nest, and you give me the token."
"Although your grandson has awakened as an Earth Mage, his talent is just that. I know your Goldveil family has ways to make him stronger, but I bet nothing will come close to my Phoenix Nest."
Dorian showed absolute pride in his eyes.
"So, what do you think? A wonderful future for your grandson in exchange for a mere token you’re likely to lose either way? I think it’s a good deal."
No matter what, Dorian wasn’t in favor of losing the only invitation he had. For the issue that was about to come, he had to be prepared.
’Phoenix Nest? Isn’t that the popular dungeon of rebirth?’
As soon as Lucien heard the name, his heart skipped a beat.
Because he was talentless before, his previous self searched for every way to become stronger.
So, he knew of the Phoenix Nest—a Rare-ranked dungeon of the Royal Family.
Rumor had it that once someone entered this place, no matter who they were or what their talent was, they would surely emerge as a talented one.
He even remembered asking his mother to find a way for him to enter.
Unfortunately, the Edoria royal family didn’t allow just anyone to enter. Even within their own, only the most promising with a strong connection were allowed access.
Sure enough, as soon as Malcolm heard Dorian, his desire to get the invitation to the Circle of Nobility began to falter.
After all, his grandson’s low talent had been a headache for him for a long time, too. Like Dorian said, although Lucien awakened a class, it was just that.
If he wanted to go further, such things weren’t enough.
Malcolm also had high expectations for his grandson, as he was the only one who could bear his mantle now.
Hence, Dorian’s offer did manage to make him uncertain.
"Sigh... What do you think, Lucien? Do you want to enter the Phoenix Nest? This is an incredible opportunity for you."
Since he couldn’t decide, Malcolm chose to leave the decision to Lucien.
If his grandson said yes, he would complete the deal.
Although the loss of entry to the Circle of Nobility was painful, it was what it was.
He couldn’t have everything in life.
Lucien, who had been silently waiting to see what his grandfather would choose, was surprised to see him asking instead.
Even Prince Dorian looked at him, although he seemed a little pleased. After all, he thought Lucien would say yes.
Phoenix Nest was a miraculous dungeon that could help one emerge from the ashes. It was a second chance at life.
Only a fool would reject.
"Uhmm... Grandpa, I have no interest in this Phoenix Nest or whatever."
Unfortunately for Dorian, he had met such a fool today.
"Are you stupid? Do you know what the Phoenix Nest is? How much can you gain from it?"
Dorian was truly surprised and immediately tried to bring Lucien back to his senses.
He thought Lucien was simply oblivious to the world.
Even Malcolm thought the same, as he didn’t stop Dorian from educating his grandson.
"Cough. Prince Dorian, I do know what it represents and what kind of incredible luck it is."
Lucien turned red, being called stupid right to his face. And in fact, anyone outside who heard him would probably say the same.
After all, such an incredible opportunity—others wouldn’t find it even searching with a candle.
Yet here he was, denying it outright.
"But... I also know what kind of torture you have to endure to go through rebirth. To be honest, I don’t think I want to experience that. I’m already an Earth Mage, and I think this much is enough."
Lucien didn’t want to accept the offer because he knew it was useless.
He already had a gold finger and a unique-ranked class with him.
Why would he go to some unknown place to get burned alive?
Yeah, now that he remembered, the process of rebirth in that dungeon involved getting burned to ashes and then revived anew.
Talk about opportunity...
So, he immediately showed an embarrassed smile and a slightly fearful look, so they wouldn’t get suspicious.
After all, not everyone had the guts to go through something so gruesome, even if it was an incredible opportunity.
Sure enough, Dorian and Malcolm sighed at the same time once Lucien offered his excuse.
Without a doubt, both of them seemed to believe his ruse.
Malcolm even sighed in exasperation, as if complaining about why he had such a grandson.
’Why do you say "Alas," you old man? I’m helping you get the thing you want.’
Lucien, of course, noticed his grandfather’s disappointment. But that only made him gnash his teeth in frustration.
Wasn’t he thinking about him?
If he didn’t want Malcolm to get that Circle of Nobility or whatever, would he still refuse?
’Do you think I can’t bear a little pain?’
Lucien wanted to prove himself, but finally decided to wait a little longer.
’Let them misunderstand. It’s for my own good, and I can stay hidden better.’
He thought, feeling that when in need, a wise person should know when to sacrifice a little.
He would let them know who he truly was once he was ready.
"Prince Dorian, since my grandson doesn’t want to enter that place, let’s discuss the things I want."
Malcolm didn’t press Lucien further and once again brought up his request.
But seeing that the Prince was still conflicted, Malcolm sighed and dropped a piece of news.
"It’s beginning to transform into the Epic Rank."
His words were so abrupt that Dorian looked at him in confusion.
"The Shadow Kingdom—it’s beginning to advance to the Epic Rank."