"Visiting the Goldwine Mansion"

Ivory facepalmed, "There you go again! Fine, I'll use the coat, but borrow some clothes from Mister Edmond for yourself."

...

Soon after, they started to head for Greensteid Town, which was an hour and a half by foot. They still needed to pass three areas before they could arrive home.

They took breaks every fifteen minutes to rest. Ivory wiped the sweat on her forehead while looking straight to the path ahead of them. She knew it would be a long walk, but with Sigmund with her, she felt like she could withstand it.

"Should I use mana and hop over to the tree canopies?" Sigmund suggested after passing by Marina Town.

"And replenish it again once we arrive?" she cocked her brow and chuckled.

He looked at Ivory and seeing his Master's tired eyes from last night's replenishment, he then looked away and led the way into the forest, "Nevermind. Let's just walk. If you get tired, I'll carry you."

They successfully passed by the forest, taking breaks every fifteen minutes to rest and upon reaching Megalia City, loud sounds of clashing metals could already be heard as it is a place where city guards and warriors are being trained. Ivory glanced at the roads and buildings made of red bricks, and as they walked closer to the city arc, the Master and the Vampire Servant saw Lucius who was talking to the guards.

Megalia City's located in the Land of Olivea as well, and as their land's Military City, it is also known as the home for several blacksmiths including Arcea's father. This land is also renowned for producing most weapons, like swords and spears.

"Oh? What are you two doing here at a weekend?" the General's son asked.

"We walked all the way from Betania," Ivory answered. "Stuff happened..."

"She dumped Jasiel, and I scared the hell out of him," Sigmund proudly said. "You should have seen the look on his face."

"He's a scum, Lucius," she said, avoiding Lucius' gaze. "I trusted him, but he…" she held onto the coat tightly.

Lucius observed Ivory's actions as she kept her hands on her chest, and seeing Sigmund's coat wrapped around her, he instantly thought of inviting them for lunch since she needed some change of clothes and something more comfortable to wear. "You must be tired and hungry. How about lunch at my place?"

After the two agreed, he led them to his home - the General's mansion, which was located at the central part of Megalia City. It was considered as the biggest residence in the whole city where a huge obsidian sculpture of a human raising a sword was placed on the front gate, while stables and horse carriages could be found at the side gate. Also considered as a city hall, the brick mansion was guarded by some city guards.

They were first led to a dressing room, and Ivory was given a moss green long-sleeved blouse and topped it with a black sleeveless dress to wear. She then returned the coat to Sigmund.

"My clan has been heading the combat operations in the Land of Olivea for generations," Lucius explained as they walked in the corridor, with paintings of his ancestors hanging. "Only me and my father live here, though. My mother refuses to live here, so I frequently visit her in a small house in the southernmost part of the city. That's why if you notice, I am always either late or absent. I take care of her whenever she requests."

"You're such a good son, Lucius. Your parents are fortunate to have you. I am also fortunate to be your friend!" Ivory smiled at him.

"Yeah, what kind of friend lets you borrow a horse-drawn carriage and gets you a coachman, all for free?" Sigmund said as he glanced at Lucius suspiciously.

"A rich friend. Why do you even ask an obvious question?" Lucius snickered. "Don't look at me like that, Servant. I am just helping a person in need."

At the end of the corridor, a maid ushered the three inside the brown-themed dining room with a tall ceiling, and the three-tier candle chandelier hanging right above the round dining table. A fireplace and wine glass display cabinets were also mounted on the walls.

Sigmund sat beside Ivory, while Lucius sat in front of them. Soon after, the maids served honey mustard grilled pork and baked potato platters, as well as mushroom soup. Ivory drooled at the sight of these dishes, and she was distracted by Sigmund who covered her mouth with his palm.

"Where are your table manners, woman?" Sigmund laughed a little. "Geez, why do I have a Master who acts like a pig?"

"Who's a pig!?" Ivory hit his shoulder and glared at him. "It's because I don't often see these kinds of food, so…"

"Ivory, you're welcome to come back here anytime. My home is always open for you," Lucius smiled wide at his dear friend.

"You're the best, Lucius!" and she started slicing the pork on her plate.

"Hey, rich boy. Don't spoil her too much."

"It's alright, Sigmund. I am always happy to see my friends happy."

Heavy steps were heard, and it was Lucius' father, who just came from a meeting.

"I see you've got visitors," General Darius Goldwine uttered.

"Father, this is my friend, Ivory. And her… Spirit Servant."

Sigmund observed the honey brown-haired officer who was wearing his dark blue uniform and dark blue peaked cap. A logo of Olivea could be seen at the center of the cap, which has pine leaves behind a pine cone symbolizing the abundant pine trees in the area. Ivory, on the other hand, quickly placed down the fork and knife and stood up from her seat, "Sir! I am Ivory Sprucemint! Nice to meet you!" she saluted him.

The General returned the salute, "Sprucemint? Are you somehow related to Gordon and Anne Sprucemint?"

Despite getting intimidated with his striking turquoise-colored eyes, she quickly responded, "Yes, sir! They're my parents."

"That figures. My wife loves blueberries and acorns, so we often order from your parents."

"Father, can we give assistance to their family to rebuild their house in Greensteid Town? Their old house was toppled in a fire accident. Now, they only live in a bushcraft shelter without a bathroom and a kitchen."

"I have heard of what happened, but I didn't know it was your family's," the General then nodded at Lucius. "Arrange for them to have a new house. I have an extra pouch of silver coins in the treasury for the housing budget, it should be enough for it, and it should be better than their old one."

"Thank you, father."

"Sir! Thank you so much!" Ivory exclaimed in excitement. "I won't forget your kindness!"

The General just smiled at her, then glanced at Ivory's Servant. Sigmund nodded his head in courtesy.

"Lucius, tell the maid to bring me some of those meals. I forgot I need to read some report scrolls."

"Yes, father."

As soon as the General left, Ivory sat down and faced her friend with a big smile on her face, "Your father is so kind."

Lucius smiled back at her, "Yes. Let's eat. The food is going to be cold."

As they ate, Sigmund just watched his Master savoring every flavor of the meat. He was amused to see the plenty of sauces on the side of her lips and on her cheeks.