Ronan stood outside the Pollundini manor.

He paused, inspecting the estate.

Massive. Even larger than the Ashbourne estate at first glance, though Ronan recognized the difference. Pollundini wealth was not necessarily greater – it was displayed differently. Ashbourne wealth was shown in different way. Older, more noble. Pollundini’s wealth was martial.

The gates were enormous, reinforced steel crossed with runic etchings supporting the gates. Broad courtyards spread out before him, paved stone worn smooth by decades of sparring and training. Visible training grounds dominated the right side, weapons racks gleaming in the afternoon light. Armored guards stood at attention every twenty paces, their posture perfect, and their eyes tracking him the moment he approached watching his every move.

Family banners hung from every column. Red and bronze, crossed hammers over a steel shield. Pride, martial tradition, strength – every inch of the estate existed to remind visitors that House Pollundini was a warrior family first.

Which made Brutas’s public loss even more damaging.

He did not just lose a duel. He lost in a way that insulted the family’s martial pride. Outplayed. Humiliated. By a disgraced Ashbourne who supposedly "forgot" his weapon.

Ronan smiled faintly at that thought.

The gates opened before he could knock.

A butler emerged, middle-aged, composed, his uniform tidy and expensive. He greeted Ronan politely, bowing just low enough to show respect without servility.

"Master Ashbourne. Lady Alexa is expecting you."

Ronan nodded.

The butler led him inside.

As they walked, Ronan observed everything. The layout. The guards. The weapon displays that lined the walls – swords, maces, spears, all functional rather than decorative, which spoke well. Family portraits covered the walls, each depicting warriors in armor, weapons drawn, and faces set in stoic determination showing their strength.

Everything about the manor reinforced one message.

This is a family of fighters.

But beneath the butler’s professionalism, Ronan noticed tension. The household knew exactly why he was here. They were not pleased.

The butler opened a set of carved doors and gestured him inside.

It was meeting room.

Alexa Pollundini was waiting.

Ronan identified her immediately.

He had done his research before coming. She was the current matriarch of House Pollundini, Brutas’s mother, and a peak Rank 3 swordsman. Known for being direct, disciplined, and very dangerous.

Not as politically subtle as some nobles, but not foolish. She could read between the lines.

She greeted him warmly, her smile professional.

"Ronan Ashbourne. Welcome. Please, sit."

Ronan noticed her warmth immediately.

She was not starting the meeting with hostility, which meant she intended to control the situation through etiquette and negotiation instead of anger. It made sense. Retaliating with anger after a humiliating loss would scream of arrogance, which is obviously something the Pollundini family didn’t want to portray despite Brutas’ actions.

Which makes his actions even more suspicious. I have a feeling the woman standing in front of me hasn’t instilled her beliefs into her son either. So was he just acting out, or is there really someone ordering him around.

Ronan took his seat.

The butler left quietly, closing the door behind him.

Alexa folded her hands on the table, her smile still polite and friendly.

"First, I must congratulate you on your victory. Brutas made mistakes during the duel. Youthful pride and recklessness, I’m afraid. Not a reflection of family intent, that much I can promise you."

Ronan responded politely.

"He fought well. The outcome was closer than it appeared."

Both sides understood the courtesy was part of the fight.

Alexa eventually brought up the wager.

"House Pollundini honors its agreements. You are owed a skill or technique of appropriate value according to the duel contract."

She emphasized appropriate value.

Her first attempt to limit what he could request.

Ronan smiled faintly.

"I already have a skill in mind."

Alexa’s expression shifted slightly. Surprise, mild but real.

"And what would that be?"

"Mind Bender. I’m sure you have it, and I’ve considered what the Pollundini family values, and I doubt a mind magic skill would be much of a loss."

The atmosphere changed instantly.

Alexa’s polite smile tightened. Not much, but Ronan noticed.

Mind Bender was a Rank 3 perception-bending skill. It allowed the user to distort an opponent’s perception for a few seconds, making them see what the user wanted them to see. Especially powerful against people with weaker mental resistance.

In combat, even a few seconds of false perception could decide the outcome.

Ronan wanted it because it worked perfectly with his current fighting style.And not only that, but it was very powerful against many foes. Not many people strengthened the mind.

Not only that, but Mind Magic wasn’t very popular either.

There was no "Mind Path," so people never really focused on it. People who called themselves "mind mages" weren’t actually mind mages in the sense that someone on the Flame Path was a flame mage. They just practiced mind magic, while not following a specific path.

Thankfully that wasn’t a problem for him.

Because there was a "Mind Path."

It was called the Soul Path.

Alexa narrowed her eyes.

"You are requesting a Rank 3 skill."

Ronan acted calm, slightly coy even.

"The wager involved an Ashbourne family skill. Family techniques have value beyond rank."

Alexa tried to push back.

"The duel was between Rank 2 students. Compensation should remain within Rank 2 standards."

Ronan countered indirectly.

"If Mind Bender is too much for Pollundini, I can simply leave and request something else. I only asked for something I was certain the Ashbourne family could offer in a similar situation."

He paused.

"I’ll take the Rank 2 skill Flame Wheel instead."

This was the trap.

Alexa realized the game immediately.

If she refused Mind Bender and gave him Flame Wheel, Ronan could imply that House Pollundini’s compensation was lesser than what House Ashbourne would have provided. It would damage their reputation after an already humiliating loss.

If she agreed to Mind Bender, the family lost a valuable Rank 3 skill.

Either way, Ronan forced her to choose between losing resources or losing face.

Alexa’s expression turned calm.

Cold.

She chose to preserve dignity.

"House Pollundini will grant you Mind Bender. Brutas made the mistake of offering such a wager in the first place, acting arrogant beyond his abilities."

Ronan thanked her diplomatically.

Alexa made clear the skill transfer would come with restrictions. It would be given through proper channels.

Ronan could not copy, distribute, or claim it was freely gifted.

Compensation under duel contract only.

Ronan agreed easily.

He only needed to learn it himself.

The meeting ended politely.

The butler escorted him out.