Chapter 462 - 213: Distinguished Guest

Another car was parked at the entrance, also with a wood-grain finish, but this one was a stretch sedan. It was clearly meant for welcoming honored guests. They seemed to have just arrived, as the car hadn’t even been driven away from the entrance yet.

"Come on, I’ll take you to the Guest Castle first."

Howard said.

Grev Castle wasn’t particularly large, about the same size as the castle of the Kovloki Family. The difference was that it was part of a manor estate, with its own farms and factories. Behind the castle lay a forest, and the wood from its trees—Witch Wood—was the Grev Family’s main source of income.

You could also hunt in the forest.

"If you’re interested, feel free to explore the Witch Wood Forest. Whatever you find is yours to keep," Howard said. "That includes any lumber you cut."

Sean was slightly surprised. "That generous?"

Howard laughed heartily. "The Grev Family has always been like this."

Long before they made their fortune, the Grev Family didn’t grow Witch Wood but fruit trees. They were modest fruit farmers. Whenever guests came to visit their orchard back then, they would tell them not to stand on ceremony—pick as much as they wanted to eat, and take home whatever they couldn’t finish.

But in reality, who would actually do that?

Even if someone really wanted to freeload, how much could one person possibly take?

The orchard hardly suffered any losses. On the contrary, this warm and generous hospitality easily left a good impression. As time went on, the Grev Family made more and more friends, which brought more and more opportunities. They seized one of those opportunities, and thus the Grev Family of today was born.

If you asked the local residents to describe the Grev Family, most would call them "warm and hospitable."

The Grev Family was different from other noble houses. They were very approachable. While other nobles treated their castles like military fortresses, forbidding entry to outsiders, Grev Castle periodically opened its gates to the public for tours, educational visits, or parties. They had almost none of the airs of the aristocracy.

"Well then, I won’t hold back," Sean joked. "I’ve got time on my hands, and I’ve been itching for some action."

"Go for it. Chop to your heart’s content," Howard said generously. "If you think cutting down trees by yourself is too slow, I can even arrange for some men to help you. We’ll still count it all as yours."

That made Sean laugh. "Better not. If you do that, anyone who doesn’t know better will think I’m here to place a bulk order with your family."

"HAHAHAHA!"

The two men walked toward the Guest Castle, chatting and laughing, while Elise followed obediently at Sean’s side.

When Sean spoke with others, she never interrupted.

Only he was allowed to do any interrupting where her mouth was concerned.

They arrived at a suite on the third floor of the Guest Castle.

"You can rest here for now," Howard said. "If you get bored, feel free to wander around as we discussed. Our family has no forbidden areas to speak of."

His words carried another meaning.

The Grev Family didn’t engage in shady business.

"Alright." Sean could tell Howard had business to attend to. "You go on and get busy. Don’t let us hold you up from your real work."

And Howard did, in fact, have business to attend to.

The stretch sedan parked at the entrance meant the honored guest had arrived. As the eldest son of the Grev Family, he had to make an appearance and greet them.

Leaving the Guest Castle, Howard went straight to the reception hall in the main keep.

The old butler, Azir, led the way, reminding him in a low voice, "Young Master, this guest is of extremely high status. You must not speak to her in a friendly tone."

In Azir’s view, Howard’s ability to strike up a conversation with anyone was both a blessing and a curse. If he encountered someone far above his station, acting too familiar could easily cause offense.

Especially with a woman.

"Are they really that distinguished?" Howard asked.

It wasn’t that he looked down on this "honored guest." But while the Grev Family was down-to-earth in many ways, they were still a Viscount Family. For the old butler to specifically warn him to mind his manners, just how powerful must this guest’s background be?

"So who is it?" Howard was getting curious.

Azir’s tone became grave. "The Clan Leader of the Blazing Angel Family, Daeli."

...