The lord's carriage rolled across the undulating roads of the city-state.
In the distance, the chiming of a church spire's bells pierced the quiet of the afternoon. The clock hands on the towering bell tower crept steadily along, tolling at intervals to remind the citizens of time's ceaseless flow.
Looking far into the distance, the mountain ranges beyond the city-state reached straight into the sky. The massive peaks, like giant ice sculptures, were bathed in a pale gold by the afternoon sun, standing as silent guardians watching over this land.
After less than half an hour of travel, they were almost at the lord's manor.
The butler had informed them that, as friends of young master Xiaya, the manor would provide guest rooms for them as well, sparing them the trouble of finding an inn in Chinston City.
A little black cat had now joined them in the carriage, playing hide-and-seek around Lanqi's shoulders and behind his back.
Even as Boss Cat scurried about ceaselessly, Lanqi gazed out at the passing scenery, lost in thought.
The start of this journey to the north had been remarkably smooth.
Their primary goal was to head to the Northern Border Province to investigate what was going on with the Demon King's Army's special slaughter units.
Only by uncovering some major secrets would it be possible to stop the countdown hanging over Miss Cloris's head.
This was both a commission from Cloris and a pact: as long as they kept her safe, her ducal house would become a long-term ally for Lanqi, which was crucial for his climb higher into the upper echelons of the empire.
Although becoming the Acting Headmaster of the Protos Royal Magic Academy was already quite an achievement, it was still far from enough to shock Hyperion.
The position of headmaster itself did not really help her own journey through the empire, nor did it make her travels any more enjoyable or comfortable.
He still needed to work harder, ensuring he stood in the most prominent place possible to await her return.
Right now, a lead had presented itself: another investigative team from the Imperial Capital had set out for the north ahead of them, and neither he nor Cloris knew what that team was tasked with probing.
At present, only a few lords in the Snowfield Province possessed that intelligence. Given how critical the matter was, they would likely never disclose it to anyone outside their closest circles.
Although Lanqi had several lords to choose from—each one someone he could find a way to coax information out of—Viscount Laiwen Chinston happened to be the closest.
While Lanqi remained wrapped in thought, the carriage slowly navigated the center of the city-state, winding through a labyrinth of stone-paved alleys until it finally arrived at the outer grounds of the lord's manor.
A pair of colossal iron gates was mounted on both sides with bronze relief patterns of eagle heads. The high walls were covered in hardy ivy that braved the wind and snow, displaying tenacious life even in the dead of winter.
The carriage came to a halt. By the time the three stepped down, the butler was already waiting at the entrance.
He nodded to them, bowing slightly, and gestured for them to enter.
Passing through the gardens, their eyes were met by a magnificent mansion. Its dark gray stone walls stood in stark contrast to the white snow. Several large floor-to-ceiling windows were framed in heavy carved wood, through which the rich, dark brown decor inside could be faintly seen.
The butler first opened a pair of intricately carved double doors, revealing a spacious grand hall. The floor was laid with fine mosaic tiles, the walls hung with several oil landscapes and portraits, and a massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting refracted light across a woven rug of classical design.
Guided by the butler, the three walked over to a sofa and sat down to await the lord's arrival.
All around, deep red drapes nearly brushed the floor. Golden candelabras were spaced at regular intervals, their flickering flames casting a faint, warm glow. In the center, a large hearth burned vigorously, filling the entire hall with light and heat that made it exceptionally comfortable.
"Please wait a moment, esteemed guests. The lord and the young lady will be here shortly."
The butler signaled the attendants to serve them, bowed once more, and took his leave.
Silence settled over the hall for a time.
The spacious sofa where the three sat was trimmed in gold, its cushions embroidered with the coat of arms of the Chinston ruling family: a golden shield set with emeralds and rubies, beneath which lay the family motto. Several dark wood tea tables held exquisite porcelain and silverware.
After sitting down, Lanqi and Xiaya remained still, while Side had already begun casually sipping tea.
"Speaking of which, just what kind of distinguished guests are they? You're Viscount Laiwen Chinston's future son-in-law, and an earl's son no matter how you look at it,"
she remarked.
"It isn't certain whether Miss Lilith will agree to this engagement yet,"
Xiaya replied hurriedly.
It was said that Viscount Laiwen Chinston remained deeply devoted to his late wife, refusing to remarry for many years, and Lilith was his only child. To Viscount Laiwen Chinston, Xiaya was naturally a prospective son-in-law he looked upon favorably, but if Lilith disliked him, the viscount would not force the matter.
"The red thread cuts across secrets hidden deep within reincarnation. As long as I am here, those fated to be together will never miss each other,"
Lanqi said gently, stroking Boss Cat's back.
Boss Cat instantly shuddered.
Hearing that line from anyone else would have been deeply touching.
Coming from Lanqi, it dared not even move.
A few minutes later.
Faint footsteps drifted down from above the reception hall. Accompanied by conversing voices, several figures descended along the open spiral staircase.
There were five figures in all: three older men walking in front, followed silently by a young man and a young woman behind them.
"I truly apologize, Blake, but I have other guests to receive today."
The master of the house leading the way, Viscount Laiwen Chinston, wore a troubled expression, seemingly eager to see off the middle-aged noble beside him as quickly as possible.
Today's visitor was actually the lord of their neighboring city-state of Bourne City, Viscount Blake Bourne.
"The last scion of the Candis family? What perfect timing—why not let me meet him as well?"
Viscount Blake Bourne, the middle-aged noble beside Viscount Laiwen Chinston, rubbed the ring on his pinky finger and smiled faintly.
Beside the two of them walked a man in a dark suit with his hands clasped behind his back. He appeared to be around thirty years old, and though he remained silent, he radiated an imposing, noble aura.
As for the young lady who gradually came into view behind Viscount Laiwen Chinston, she wore a pale formal gown and walked down slowly like an ice-sculpted beauty, instantly capturing the gaze of Xiaya sitting quietly on the ground floor.
Treasured memories of a grand palace hall, the dance floor shining beneath her feet—that long, reddish-orange hair and those azure eyes were just as Xiaya had described to Lanqi and Side.
Yet Miss Lilith merely glanced at Xiaya for a fleeting second before looking away, as though she did not recognize him at all, or had long forgotten their brief encounter in Imperial Capital Herrom during their childhood.
"..."
Viscount Laiwen Chinston clearly noticed Xiaya and caught his daughter Lilith's indifferent reaction. He could only cast a brief apologetic look toward Xiaya before resuming his conversation with the men beside him.
"Under Professor Meiqi's guidance, my boy has made rapid progress. If Miss Lilith were also invited to Bourne City to receive Professor Meiqi's instruction alongside him, it would provide a decisive advantage for future competition at the Protos Royal Magic Academy,"
Viscount Blake Bourne said with a smile, continuing to rub his ring.
"Well..."
Viscount Laiwen Chinston showed a conflicted look.
He truly did not wish to become overly entangled with Viscount Blake Bourne in this regard.
The other party had hinted multiple times at having Miss Lilith marry into their house, but Viscount Laiwen Chinston had always brushed it off.
Yet clearly, the man had come well-prepared this time, and Viscount Laiwen was reluctant to offend the dark-suited man addressed as Professor Meiqi.
"The Protos Royal Academy enforces a brutal bottom-tier elimination system, while outstanding students can stand above the rules. Still, I'm sure you know that even students of the ten seats must show utmost deference to the academy's most senior professors. Professor Meiqi, who happens to be inspecting our Snowfield Province, is a paramount figure at the very top of the academy. Could it be that you don't trust him?"
Seeing Viscount Laiwen Chinston's hesitation, Viscount Blake Bourne added with another smile.
From a distance, the details of their conversation drifted over.
Sitting on the sofa, both Side and Lanqi froze.
Side glanced at Lanqi with a look of faint disdain.
*If he's the leadership, then who are you?*
Chapter 312