There was a fairly large territory in the east of Wisteria’s capital city. Ruling it on behalf of the crown was a Count named Saerus Farrimond. He was a warrior, but gifted with a fine mind as well. He was a good leader to his territory, able to create level headed decisions, patient, and often wise.

In the past, he often hunted monsters himself when one came across the nearby villages and towns in his domain. His skill of the sword could allow him in the position of an elite knight. He was a promising man in a high standing he and his family deserved.

But despite it all, he was still a man of ambition. His current position was never enough for him. And with this gnawing desire, came an endearment to temptations.

Count Saerus was inside his office, standing at the window. His room was neat and arranged. An empty armor displayed at the corner, with aesthetically designed swords hanging on the wall.

While looking at the scenery outside, he restlessly tapped his foot on the floor. He had a frustrated frown on his face. It has been days since he last sent the messenger, and he has not returned, nor his intended recipients have responded.

Something definitely happened.

There were many possibilities, and all were bad for him.

Knocks rang out on the door. “Father, it’s time for breakfast.” It was a young female voice.

Saerus grabbed the sword from his desk and promptly went for the door. Greeting him was his daughter in her mid teens. She timidly smiled at him, and she was adorable.

“Father.”

“What’s for breakfast, Aeli?”

“We have fried steaks and eggs.”

He smiled softly at her. “Excellent.”

He patted her head before they headed for the dining room.

“Oh yes, father, I’m planning to have a casual outing with Adin and Mom on our farm. If you would please give your permission.”

“... Hm, you might get sick, early winter is here.”

“Yes, we would also like to take the opportunity to make sure things are well-prepared for winter.”

He deliberated whether he should allow them or just send a representative. Despite their farm being not far, there may still be danger out there. However, there were ways to remedy that concern. Besides, it may be good to let them have some joyful time.

“Very well. Just bring my elite guards with you.”

Aeli beamed. “Thank you, father!” But she recalled something. “Aren’t you coming with us?”

“I regret not. I have things I have to take care of.”

“I see… By the way, will that stranger have to come with us? I mean, he’s clearly here to observe us.”

“I will not let him disturb your peace there.”

“Great!”

They arrived in the dining room, two of his other family members were already here. The son, a year older than Aeli, Adin. And his wife Emilyn. The foods were already placed on the table.

Saerus approached his wife and kissed her on the cheek before sitting down at the head of the table, leaning his sword behind his chair. He nodded at his son. “Are you doing well? How’s sword training?”

“Doing well father, they said I’ve improved a lot since a month ago.”

“That’s good.”

“Pretty soon, I can finally join the knight's order. If that Welford son can get in, so can I.”

Saerus paused for a moment at the thought of his son wanting to join the knights who serve the crown. “... Is that what you truly want to do?”

“Yes. At least, until you need me to start ruling the domain.”

“I see.”

I’m afraid that will be complicated.

He was not even sure if his son could even achieve that, considering what he was involved with. It will be a broken dream. But perhaps he could still be a knight, only under a different umbrella.

“Anyhow,” Saerus picked up a spoon as he continued. “Let’s eat.”

His two children and wife began putting some food on their plate along with him. However, at that same moment, a man entered the room.

“What? Starting without me? I’m hurt, my lord.”

Everyone lowered their utensils as they all stared annoyingly at the man, the stranger. That stranger, without a mind of the nobles, sat down on the vacant chair. Although a bit distant from the rest, but at the same table, nonetheless.

The stranger, that agent of the palace, casually grabbed a plate and placed some food on it.

“I don’t see the point of notifying you,” Saerus said in a displeased tone, glaring at him.

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“Come now, Count. I’m a guest… But I suppose I am intruding in some way.”

“As I always say, you’re not supposed to be here. This is our family moment.”

He had been doing this ever since he first came here. And it was aggravating.

“What? You want me to eat with the servants? Their food isn’t as delicious as yours. I prefer it here.” he smiled.

But that served to only annoy Saerus more. How he wanted to draw his sword and cut the bastard down into several pieces. Considering his purpose, him being here was a great risk, and a great annoyance.

But obviously he couldn’t do such a thing. Otherwise, the crown will persecute him, and all his secrets may become exposed. Communication with his contact also had become too difficult because of him.

“You have no respect to the lord of the house, and to a noble family.”

“Am I? I’ve been trying to be polite, my lord. And as you may recall, I am here to observe you. Thus, it is expected that I should be here, right?”

Saerus mildly growled. “Just don’t talk.”

“Sure, sure!”

And with that, they all began eating. But the good and fondly mood was already out the window the moment the stranger entered the room. The family barely spoke with one another.

When breakfast was over, Saerus was intending on returning to his office. There was plenty of paperworks he had to do, from then afterwards, he would visit his son amidst his training. But as they were about to leave the dining room, a servant suddenly came to convey a message.

“My lord, we received a message from a messenger, a very important guest is set to arrive around noon. It’s Marquis Teristro.”

“What?! Today?”

“Yes, lord.”

“Without a prior announcement?”

He never expected a Marquis was coming to visit, but for what purpose? And it was Teristro, no less. The Queen’s brother? Why would a person of such standing come personally to meet him? Without even making an appointment.

Could it be…?

Saerus turned his head to look at the stranger. The latter merely shrugged with a smile, as if saying he had no idea about this.

Saerus subtly gulped, feeling a little nervous. There was something weird here.

“Did they mention for what reason?”

“No, they have not.”

Saerus furrowed his brow. “... Fine. Arrange for the servants to prepare for the Marquis’s arrival. Prepare for everything necessary!”

The servants scrambled to prepare for the unexpected guest’s arrival. They made sure the guest room was ready, even prepared the bedroom for the guest just to be sure. They also prepared snacks, and made sure every decoration and furniture in the house were in order.

Saerus quickly changed to a much more formal clothes in his own wardrobe. His family members should be doing the same. Amidst the process of fixing himself, his mind spiraled, constantly trying to think why a Marquis was specifically coming for his house?

Him just passing by was the best scenario. But if it were something else, then…

After combing his hair, he checked himself once more to make sure he was completely neat. Of course, a sword hung on his waist. He rarely goes anywhere without a weapon by his side. Once finished, he proceeded down to the main hallways, then to the front door.

His son was the first to be there, and a while later, his wife and daughter arrived. They all dressed well and were presentable.

The nearby servant opened the door, there was the messenger standing at the side.

“Greetings, my lord.”

It was a knight from the palace, wearing full plate armor. Saerus’s son, Adin, looked at the knight with awe, eyes wide and mouth ajar.

“Greetings,” Saerus responded. “When will Lord Teristro be arriving?”

“He should be arriving in a few minutes.”

“May I ask the reason for your sudden visit?”

“That is not my right to answer, Lord Count. Please ask the Marquis himself.”

“I see. Very well.”

They were surprisingly secretive.

They waited for several minutes until the gates at the front opened. A convoy of carriages entered the estate grounds, and knights rode on horses. The central carriage stopped right in front of the mansion doors.

Saerus and his family promptly stepped forward. The carriage door opened, and a man came out. Saerus knew the man, and it was indeed the Marquis Teristro. He wore a formal outfit, and he regarded Saerus with a friendly smile.

“Marquis Teristro, it’s been a while since the last time we saw each other. May our hallowed lord and lady bless the moment of our delightful meeting.”

They briefly met recently.

“Indeed, at the festival. May we receive the resplendent blessing from our illustrious lord and lady.”

They shook hands. The rest of the family proceeded to give their brief greetings. With the Marquis kindly greeting them back.

“I hope my visit will not inconvenience you.”

“Oh, not at all,” Saerus replied. “Although, it is quite surprising. I never expected a visit from a man of your standing. How about we get inside? My servants will guide your entourage.”

“Very well. I will have one knight with me, if that’s alright.”

“Not a problem.”

Marquis Teristro called out one knight to come with him before they all entered the house.

“As for my being here, the palace has a special request for you.”

“I see.” He never imagined it at all. “Would you like to eat? We have prepared food for you.”

“I’ll take snacks. Let us all talk at your table, then.”

On the way to the dining room, the palace agent was standing on the side of the hallway. He bowed as the Marquis walked past him. The Marquis merely nodded.

The stranger did mention that Teristro was his commanding officer. But Saerus opted not to talk about this matter for the time being. Not like he could change the decree of the king. And he didn’t want to resist about this too much, that might bring only unwanted suspicions.

Arriving at the dining table, all of them sat down. Snacks immediately placed at the center of the table in front of the Marquis. He quickly grabbed a cookie and bit down.

“Hm, this is quite delicious.”

“I imagine the travel must have been quite tiring.”

“Yes, it was. But I’m quite used to going around places, so it’s no issue. How are things in your demesne, Count Farrimond?”

“More or less alright. But of course there are always issues.”

“For instance?”

“For instance, there are a few food issues. I’m already working on it, hoping to ask for crops from the nearby territories.”

“I see. A few, huh. If that’s the case, I hope the crown doesn’t get a headache from this.”

“Definitely not. I’ll solve this problem as best as I can.”

“That’s a relief.” He had consumed the whole cookie, and patted his hands together. “Now then, for business.”

He pulled out something from his coat pocket. “The palace wishes to meet with you.” It was a letter. “The crown has something special to discuss with you and your domain.” He slid the letter on the table towards the Count. “Here is your formal invitation.”

Saerus picked up the letter. “Why? Me and my domain?”

“Perhaps considering what you have been doing caught the crown’s interest.”

Saerus opened the letter and read what was written. And indeed, it was a formal invitation to the palace. It mentioned it was indeed about him and the territory he ruled. However, it was only for him, and him alone. His family was not invited at all.

“Only me? Can’t I have a family member join me?” He would like to bring his son to the palace at least.

“If the letter mentions only you, then it’s only you.”

“I see.”

“Interesting isn’t it? Rarely something like this happens.”

“Indeed… That aside, I’m wondering why they sent you to bring this letter?” It was strange a Marquis would deliver this letter himself where a knight could do the job well.

“I am to accompany you to the palace. It’s quite dangerous out there. The crown wants someone they trust to ensure your safe travels.”

“Me? Surely the king knows I am a warrior myself. I live in danger.”

“And I’m sure you do. But safety is important, especially to a Count.”

“... If you say so.”

“We’ll be departing tomorrow.”

“Very well. May I bring my sword to the palace? I don’t leave this behind.”

“That’s alright.” He smiled.