Chapter 408: A Dinner Invitation Out of Nowhere

[Lord Evrard’s POV]

Evrard fell silent at Fajarn’s question.

’Indeed... how did they manage that?’

The Black Knight’s strength far surpassed that of an ordinary Magus.

By his estimation, it would take at least five to seven First-Class Magus to confront such a monster, and even then, victory was far from certain.

Of course, those three hadn’t actually defeated the Black Knight. They had merely held out against it until its abrupt withdrawal.

Even so, surviving such an encounter was already an impressive feat.

’Now that I think about it...’

There was the golden-eyed swordsman, whose prowess had been evident from the moment he arrived alongside his companion.

Although Evrard knew little of his background, his bearing alone suggested he was no ordinary swordsman.

As for Calyra, being her father, he was naturally familiar with his daughter’s capabilities and how much she had improved over the years.

Her performance had certainly surprised him, though not entirely beyond his expectations. After all, he had always known she possessed exceptional talent.

However, one person remained an enigma to him.

Evrard narrowed his eyes as Ruvian’s face came to mind.

Apart from his acquaintance with Calyra, he knew next to nothing about him. In fact, most of what he knew had come from his daughter herself.

’Hmm, wait... didn’t Calyra mention something about him before?’

Recalling an earlier conversation with his daughter, Evrard suddenly remembered a detail he had overlooked.

If his memory served him correctly, Calyra had once mentioned that Ruvian Castelor had ranked above her on Vazrun Island.

’Hmmm...’

Noticing Evrard’s pensive expression, Fajarn couldn’t help but smile. He hadn’t intended his question to provoke such deep thought.

He had merely asked out of curiosity.

"Ahem... well, I suppose that’s just how youngsters are these days," Fajarn remarked with a light chuckle.

"They always seem to find new ways to surprise us old fellows, don’t they? And somehow, they just keep getting better."

"Hm?"

Shaking his head slightly, Fajarn continued with an amused smile.

"Perhaps we’ve been underestimating the younger generation a little too much. Wouldn’t you agree, my lord?"

"..."

Hearing this, Evrard raised his eyebrows, his attention finally returning to their conversation.

He hadn’t expected such a remark from Fajarn, but upon reflection, he found himself agreeing.

"I suppose... you’re right," Evrard replied with a thoughtful smile.

*****

[Ruvian’s POV]

The next morning, Frostgrave Fortress was already bustling with activity.

Soldiers who had escaped the battle without serious injuries were busy clearing the battlefield, recovering their fallen comrades, and repairing the damaged fortress walls.

Meanwhile, Ruvian and the reinforcements had been instructed to rest after the previous night’s ordeal.

The fortress staff also ensured they were well accommodated, delivering meals to their rooms and attending to their needs.

As for Ruvian, he was still fast asleep in his assigned chamber, oblivious to the commotion outside.

It wasn’t until nearly noon that he finally woke up.

"Haahhh..."

Letting out a long yawn, Ruvian slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes.

’What time is it now?’

Glancing toward the window, he noticed the sun was already high in the sky. Then, as his gaze shifted toward the upper bunk, he realized something was missing.

Or rather, someone.

"Huh?"

Zian was nowhere to be seen, and even his belongings were gone.

Judging by the vacant bunk, the protagonist had apparently gotten up and left much earlier. Perhaps he had simply grown tired of staying in the room and decided to head elsewhere.

’Hmm... I wonder where he went?’

Shrugging, Ruvian decided not to dwell on it and got out of bed.

After taking a shower and changing into fresh clothes provided by the fortress staff, he returned to find a meal waiting on the table.

Someone had delivered it during his absence.

’They’re really treating us nicely...’

With his stomach already growling, Ruvian wasted no time digging into the food. Once he had finished eating, he leaned back in his chair and let out a satisfied sigh.

It was only then that something on the small writing desk beside his bed caught his attention; resting neatly atop the desk were three sealed letters.

Curious, Ruvian picked up the first letter and broke its seal. He skimmed through its contents, raising an eyebrow upon recognizing the sender — it was from Seraphine.

According to the letter, she and the rest of the Golden Fortune Corps would depart Frostgrave Fortress that afternoon, as several members had expeditions scheduled in the coming days.

’Hmm... some of them already have other expeditions lined up?’

Ruvian blinked, somewhat taken aback by the news.

He hadn’t expected the Golden Fortune Corps members to have other commitments so soon after such a grueling battle.

’Man, these people sure are busy...’

It was rather unfortunate that he hadn’t even had the opportunity to meet them all in person.

Shaking his head, he resumed reading until he reached the end.

Seraphine also mentioned that Lord Evrard had expressed his intention to discuss compensation for their assistance.

However, Silvena had already anticipated this, so she advised Seraphine that it would be best for Ruvian to handle the matter personally.

Seraphine had also conveyed this arrangement to Lord Evrard.

’Compensation, huh?’

Leaning back in his chair, Ruvian tapped the letter against his palm, contemplating the matter.

A faint grin crept across his face.

’Well... now this is interesting.’

As for the second letter, it was from Lovia, and its contents finally explained Zian’s sudden disappearance.

Apparently, she had taken him out early that morning to explore Valcavein City. There was also a particular restaurant she had been eager to visit, so she decided to bring him along.

Lovia also mentioned that she had borrowed a communication device from Seraphine. If Ruvian needed anything or intended to return to the guild, he could simply contact her through it.

Setting the letter aside, Ruvian reached for the last one.

Unlike the previous two, this letter bore an official seal, with the Arcanis family crest imprinted upon the wax.

Carefully, he broke the seal and unfolded the parchment.

As for its contents...

======

To Ruvian Castelor,

On behalf of Lord Evrard Arcanis, we extend our sincere gratitude for your invaluable assistance in defending the fortress.

In recognition of your contributions, His Lordship cordially invites you to a private dinner at the Arcanis Estate tomorrow evening. His Lordship wishes to express his gratitude personally and discuss certain matters concerning your assistance.

We would be honored by your attendance.

By order of Lord Evrard Arcanis,

Office of the Lord of Frostgrave Fortress.

======

*****

The next day, as evening approached, a horse-drawn carriage made its way through the bustling streets of Valcavein City. Inside, Ruvian sat comfortably by the window, observing the passing scenery.

He wore a neat dark blue coat purchased from Velmont & Thread the previous day, paired with a white shirt and matching trousers. His hair was neatly combed, giving him a rather distinguished appearance for once.

Though, judging by how frequently he tugged at his collar, he clearly wasn’t accustomed to such attire — or perhaps... he was nervous.

’I should’ve had some water before leaving.’

Ruvian leaned back against his seat and crossed his legs, returning his attention to the passing buildings.

Yesterday, he had replied to Lord Evrard’s letter, formally accepting his invitation to dinner. And as promised, a carriage had arrived at Frostgrave Fortress shortly before evening to collect him.

’How considerate of him.’

Ruvian appreciated the gesture, though one particular question had been troubling him ever since he received the invitation.

Why did it have to be dinner at his estate?

If Lord Evrard merely wished to discuss compensation, wouldn’t a simple meeting have sufficed?

Of course, perhaps the lord simply wanted to express his gratitude in a more personal manner. Still, Ruvian couldn’t shake the suspicion that the old man had something else in mind.

Whatever Lord Evrard intended to discuss, he could simply hear him out over dinner. Besides, it wasn’t as though the man had any reason to be hostile toward him.

After another few minutes, the carriage gradually slowed as it approached a large iron gate at the end of the road.

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[Chapter 408: A Dinner Invitation Out of Nowhere]