Chapter 107: Manor

"The territory is hosting a banquet tomorrow to showcase some new glass products, so many nobles will be attending."

"Will Marquis Karloitz be coming as well?"

"Probably not. He rarely leaves the royal capital... However, some of his followers have expressed concern toward us, though they likely won’t actually come. Why do you ask? Is something the matter?"

Ethan thought for a moment and, seeing no reason to hide it, briefly explained the situation to Rude, as Rude listened, his expression gradually grew solemn.

"I see, so a conflict has arisen between you and Marquis Karloitz... But you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, right?" Although his expression was serious, Rude wasn’t actually too anxious, he knew Ethan’s strength was nothing to scoff at, and paired with Leon’s formidable abilities, he believed the situation was manageable.

"In any case, welcome to the Ashwyn Territory. Please, come inside. The Lord and Young Master Eric will be absolutely thrilled to know you’re here."

"Then I’ll trouble you to lead the way."

Led by Rude, Ethan and his group passed through the city gates. Inside the towering walls lay a bustling scene of prosperity, rows upon rows of shops lined both sides of the streets, selling a dazzling array of goods — exquisite glass products prominent among them.

Threading their way through the lively streets, the group arrived before a massive manor within the city. Right at that moment, a familiar voice reached Ethan’s ears.

"Mr. Ethan?"

It was Eric, he seemed to have been in the middle of working — his hands were stained with black ink, upon spotting Ethan, he ran over excitedly, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"When I heard Rude say you were here, I couldn’t believe my ears, I never expected you’d actually come."

"Long time no see. How have you been lately?"

"Haha, I’ve been doing great, thanks to you, I’ve become a new person and am now studying hard to become a qualified heir."

Just then, footsteps approached from behind Eric, Ethan turned and saw a teenage boy and girl — bearing a striking resemblance to Eric — running toward them.

"Brother, where is the esteemed guest?!"

"Brother, who’s here?!"

"You two brats, the esteemed guest is right here!"

"Eh?!"

"Are you blind? It’s a human, I’ve seen them in books." The girl’s face was full of curiosity, while the boy looked rather disappointed — apparently expecting someone more impressive-looking.

Watching their reactions, Pearl tilted its head. "Who are they, meow?"

"They are my younger brother and sister — Roll and Erin." Eric straightened up and gestured at the twins.

"Hurry up and greet Mr. Ethan, he is our savior, back when Rude, Caesar, and I were trapped in the Great Forest—"

"Hello, I’m Roll!"

"Hello, I’m Erin!"

Looking at the twins, Ethan nodded slightly in acknowledgment, Roll smiled mischievously, his gaze falling upon the sword at Ethan’s waist, and his eyes instantly lit up. "Since you saved my brother, you must be super strong, right? How do you compare to Lord Roland?"

"Roland?" This was the first time Ethan had heard that name.

Pearl chimed in to explain. "He is one of the heroes of the elven race — the elf who has cleared the most dungeons to date, even Lady Witch is full of praise for him, meow~"

"Roland? You don’t know Lord Roland?" Roll stared at Ethan in utter disbelief, as if he’d just heard something entirely incomprehensible.

"Roll, Mr. Ethan has been living in the Great Forest this whole time, it’s completely normal for him not to know Lord Roland," Eric hastily explained.

"Eh? The Great Forest? Are you saying a human lives in the Great Forest?" Roll asked in astonishment.

"Besides me, there shouldn’t be any other humans in the Great Forest," Ethan answered.

"Is that so... Then do you live in the Great Forest all by yourself? That must be so tough..." Roll looked at Ethan with a face full of genuine sympathy.

"I have Pearl with me, and there are many beastman friends around, so it isn’t tough, nor am I lonely." Ethan smiled and stroked Pearl, who was resting on his shoulder.

"So that’s how it is..."

Roll seemed enormously interested in Ethan’s life in the Great Forest and wanted to keep asking questions, deside him, Erin piped up with equal curiosity: "What are humans like? Are they just like the books describe?"

Seeing his younger siblings crowding Ethan and chattering nonstop, an embarrassed look washed over Eric’s face, he quickly stepped in. "Alright, alright, that’s enough questions from you two. Mr. Ethan has traveled a long way and must be very tired, so—"

"But... but..." Roll and Erin wanted to say more but wilted under Eric’s stern glare.

"You two... I’m really sorry, Mr. Ethan. These two just love to make a fuss. I’ll take them away right—"

"No need, let them tag along. The room is big enough anyway, and there’s no harm in chatting a bit more." Ethan said it with a warm smile.

"But..."

"It’s fine, Young Master Eric. Look, Mr. Ethan hasn’t refused," Leon chimed in from the side, amusement clear in his voice, he patted Eric’s shoulder with an earnest expression.

"Back in the day, you used to pester me exactly like this."

"Ugh... I don’t think I was that bad back then..." Eric muttered in a weak rebuttal, his face going red.

"Hahaha, alright, alright. Let’s head to the room first. Mr. Ethan, please follow me." Leon laughed and led the group deeper into the manor.

Roll and Erin flanked Ethan on either side, excitedly introducing him to the various sights within the estate, they crossed a beautifully paved cobblestone courtyard and arrived before a magnificent, exquisitely decorated three-story building.

The twins spoke in unison, voices brimming with pride, "This is where our family entertains esteemed guests — the Evergreen Manor!"

The Evergreen Manor. As the name suggested, the entire building was constructed from green stone. Under the sunlight, it radiated a crystal-clear brilliance — magnificent and luxurious in equal measure.

"Mr. Ethan, please rest well here. If you need anything, you can use this crystal ball to contact us anytime." Eric handed Ethan a communication crystal, his expression respectful.

"Thank you." Ethan accepted it with a nod and a smile.

"You’re too polite. Compared to the immense favor you did for me, this is what I ought to do..." A look of deep gratitude appeared on Eric’s face.

Ethan patted his shoulder reassuringly, and then, led by Roll and Erin, walked into the Evergreen Manor.

The interior decoration was every bit as extravagant as the exterior. A dazzling array of precious furniture and ornaments filled the space — polished wood, carved crystal, elegant drapes — providing a true feast for the eyes.

"Meow~ What a big bed." Pearl leaped from Ethan’s shoulder and rolled around on the soft mattress with abandon.

Seeing this, Ethan couldn’t help but smile, he placed his backpack on the table, then sat on the edge of the bed to relax his somewhat tired body.

"I’m hungry, meow..." Pearl’s voice sounded in his ear.

"What do you want to eat?" Ethan asked with a smile.

"Hmm... I want to eat sweet and delicious roasted honey sweet potatoes!" Pearl licked its lips, staring at him with eager anticipation.