Chapter 248

Chapter 248: The Lord’s Mansion

Simon?

Army Lady pondered briefly before recalling.

He was the lord of this town.

Though she had anticipated eventual contact with him, she hadn’t expected it to come this swiftly…

"Lead the way then."

The soldier nodded and stepped aside.

Behind him stood an opulent gold-and-white carriage, astonishingly spacious and drawn by two majestic steeds. Flanking it were over a dozen mounted knights clad in familiar armor – members of the Guard Knights contingent.

This elite order, rumored to consist of merely fifty to sixty members, boasted warriors each comparable to Class C combatants.

"Please board."

"Very well."

The three women entered successively.

The carriage interior defied ordinary expectations. Beyond standard seating, it featured a central wooden table laden with delicate biscuit-shaped pastries, assorted fruits, and carafes of drink. Walls displayed monster skulls and framed landscapes among other adornments.

The soldier informed them they might freely partake of the refreshments before taking the driver’s position. As the carriage began its unhurried journey northward, their knightly escort fell into formation.

Remarkable suspension minimized vibrations, leaving only faint tremors perceptible within.

"Quite the impressive carriage."

"Is that…a Rock Bull’s skull? Indeed! Mounted as decoration?"

Lvzi ran her fingers over the sofa-soft upholstery while examining the wall pieces.

"Rock Bulls are merely docile Class C monsters. Hardly worth displaying."

Army Lady dismissed the skull with a glance.

Such specimens filled storage chambers in every ant colony. Foggy Castle’s underground repository particularly overflowed with Class B and higher monster remains, making Class C materials curiously scarce there.

"Commonplace to us," Stealth One observed, reaching toward a wine bottle, "but Rock Bulls dwell deep within Granville Forest. For the human race’s capabilities, these likely count as prestigious trophies."

"This vintage appears superior to tavern swill…"

"Leave the wine be."

Army Lady’s brow furrowed as she watched Stealth One’s fixation.

"Have you forgotten your banquet indiscretions?"

"Excessive drinking brings merciful oblivion."

Though the situation was considered awkward, according to Stealth Two’s account, I apparently behaved strangely towards my mother…

Stealth One momentarily dazed.

"These pastries are actually quite delicious. You should both try some?"

The sound of munching from nearby drew their attention.

"Open wide, Army Lady~ Aah~"

"…Stop this!"

"Come now~ Ah! Or would you prefer me to feed you mouth-to-mou…"

"Get away from me!"

After their playful scuffle, Lvzi ultimately failed in her attempt.

"Still, I think Mother would genuinely enjoy these treats."

"Naturally," Army Lady commented while sampling the delicacies, shooting a sidelong glance at the slightly subdued Lvzi after their earlier scuffle. "Being the lord’s provisions, they’re far superior to common street food."

"Such luxuries are beyond ordinary townsfolk."

"I wish Mother could taste these too."

The trio shared a warm smile of understanding.

…

They soon reached the lord’s manor.

The lord’s manor stood at the town’s heart—an expansive estate rumored to house both the Flying Beast Army and the Guard Knights. Their passage went unchallenged thanks to the accompanying Guard Knight and the lord’s own carriage crest.

Passing through the wrought-iron gates revealed meticulously maintained grounds. Following the central avenue brought them before a castle that, while imposing, appeared modest compared to the legendary Foggy Castle.

"This way, ladies."

The soldier strode forward with the three women in tow.

Within the castle’s entrance hall, a young steward approached them.

"Mr. Philid."

"Your service is noted. Dismissed."

The soldier bowed deeply before withdrawing.

Philid’s gaze swept across Army Lady, Lvzi, and Stealth One with practiced courtesy.

"The renowned adventurers of Moat Blade Squad, I presume?"

"Accurate, though we didn’t choose that dreadful team name," Lvzi interjected with a grimace.

With Stealth One’s habitual silence and Army Lady’s similar disinclination for conversation, their prior agreement left the leadership role clear. As captain, Lvzi naturally assumed responsibility for diplomatic exchanges with the lord.

"Hehe, but rather fitting, don’t you agree? Please, this way…"

Philid said with a smile as he guided the trio forward. Though he hadn’t gotten a clear view of their features atop the city walls earlier, even his worldly experience couldn’t prevent him from being momentarily breathless upon his first proper glimpse of the trio.

But even more astonishing were their levels.

Had they ventured deeper into the forest to hunt monsters after that incident? Their current ranks stood significantly higher than his initial observations. Through his Identification skill allowing him to view their Attribute Panels, Philid noted all three women were Class B. To his surprise, excluding Army Lady, the other two females actually surpassed his own level.

His previous investigations had yielded nothing, and neighboring towns were unlikely to harbor such powerful individuals. Could they be from distant cities… or perhaps the Duchy of Donelas? Though his mind raced with possibilities, his practiced smile remained unshaken.

"Your assistance has been invaluable. When those goblins assaulted our town, our lord faced dire straits. Had you not eliminated those advanced goblins in the rear, he would’ve been forced to request aid from neighboring settlements."

"Request aid? But other towns would…"

"Ah, they’re quite distant from Aowenduo, yet what choice remains? We dwell at the duchy’s periphery, after all." The steward sighed heavily. "With merchant caravans already scarce, these recent monster attacks on towns and villages have driven away even more traders."

"What I mean to ask," came the pressing inquiry, "is how you’d summon help if another large-scale monster attack occurs?"

"Hmm?" The steward halted mid-stride. "Why this sudden interest?"

"Simple curiosity. We intend to settle in Aowenduo Town, after all. A monster invasion would inconvenience us greatly."

"Understandable. Though with warriors like yourselves present, our defenses would surely hold firm."

"We’re adventurers," came the pointed reminder. "We can’t remain tethered to these walls forever."

"…Ah, yes. Of course."

Philid’s gaze lingered on Lvzi, where emerald eyes sparkled with childlike curiosity. Just as Lit had described – an intriguing young thing. Lowering his guard, the steward resumed ascending the staircase.

"Under normal circumstances, messengers carry communications between towns. But during emergencies like monster sieges, we employ the Remote Speaker. Your guild hall should possess such a device, if I’m not mistaken."