Game started - Part 2

The golden hues of the setting sun painted the sky in a beautiful gradient of orange and purple as Boris stood outside the main entrance of the mansion, watching the distant horizon. His keen eyes scanned the path leading to the estate, knowing their expected guests would arrive any moment.

"It's almost evening. They must be nearby," Boris muttered, his deep voice carrying a tone of anticipation.

Footsteps approached, and a familiar voice broke the silence. "Oh, there you are, Grandfather. Are you waiting for the guests?" Ashan asked as he came to stand beside him.

Boris glanced at his grandson and nodded. "Yes, I am."

Ashan smirked slightly. "Are you excited?"

Boris chuckled, folding his arms. "A bit, I suppose. I have never met this family before, and I am quite curious to see what kind of people they truly are."

Ashan nodded thoughtfully. "Mother told me about them. It seems they are not good people."

Boris sighed. "What makes people bad are their actions. Greed, power, and ambition drive men to cross lines that should never be crossed. The things this family has done, even by normal standards, have long surpassed that limit. That said, I don't believe every member of their family is the same."

"That is true," Ashan agreed. "Each person is different from the other."

Boris suddenly turned to Ashan, his eyes searching. "By the way, son, where is Elowyn?"

Ashan sighed. "I explained the situation to her and asked her to stay in her room until the guests leave. I also instructed the maids to look after her."

"Why?" Boris inquired with curiosity.

Ashan's gaze darkened slightly. "Even though she lives with us, she is not our family. She holds a great secret and has lost the path back to her own people. She should not be noticed by those outside our household. We must protect her identity at all costs."

Boris's expression softened with pride. "You are absolutely right. That is what we must do. More importantly, we still do not know exactly what kind of people they are."

Just then, the distant sound of a carriage rumbling over the stone-paved path echoed through the air. Boris's fist tightened slightly.

"They are here," he murmured.

Maria and Leone arrived, joining them at the entrance, accompanied by several servants standing attentively nearby. The carriage pulled up to the main gate and came to a slow halt.

Ashan activated his eye ability and observed the people inside.

Three men and three women. One man and two women are middle-aged. The other two men are younger. The remaining female is a teenager. Of them, only the two middle-aged women have not awakened their aura cores. The strongest one is the middle-aged man—a High Sword Master. The older of the two young men is close to reaching that level. The younger one is two levels lower, and the girl is between a beginner and a lower-level warrior. Not an average family.

The carriage door creaked open. First to step out was a muscular man dressed in deep red. His broad shoulders and scar-covered right hand told stories of countless battles. A massive scar stretched across the side of his neck, adding to his imposing presence. His sharp eyes were the very embodiment of a mercenary's.

Next, two women descended from the carriage. The first, dressed in dark red, had blonde hair and carried a decorative fan. Her eyes held an arrogant gleam, exuding an air of superiority. The second woman, clad in green, was different. While her beauty was undeniable, her sharp, calm eyes revealed a depth that hinted at something beyond mere appearances.

Ashan sighed lightly.

Their expressions are warm, but if you observe closely, you can see the cold calculation beneath. Even without using my abilities, I can tell what kind of people they are.

Following them, three younger individuals stepped out. First was a tall, well-built young man in his twenties. He carried himself with confidence but lacked the refined air of nobility. The second was younger, with a sharp gaze but slightly softer demeanor. Lastly, a girl emerged, her brown eyes scanning the surroundings with curiosity. Her long, curly black hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing her elegant pink and blue dress.

Leone stepped forward, extending a welcoming hand to the muscular man.

"Welcome to our home. It is an honor to meet you, Head of the Loyanal family."

Hugo Loyanal grinned widely and shook Leone's hand.

"The honor is mine, 3rd Lord. I have been looking forward to this meeting for quite some time."

Boris, Maria, and Ashan also approached. Hugo's sharp gaze swept over them before turning to his family.

"Let me introduce my family," he announced.

His family stepped forward in turn. First, the woman with the fan spoke first.

"I am Lina, his first wife." She lowered her head slightly.

The woman in green followed suit. "And I am Julia, his second wife."

Hugo then gestured to the two young men. "This is my eldest son, Nolan," he introduced, pointing to the taller one. Then, turning to the younger one, he continued, "And this is my younger son, Lucas."

Both nodded in greeting.

Finally, Hugo gestured toward the young girl. "And this is my only daughter, Lunara."

Lunara lowered her head politely. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Leone smiled. "Likewise. Let me introduce my family."

First, Maria stepped forward, and Leone took her hand.

"This is my wife, Maria."

Maria greeted them with a warm smile.

Next, Leone gestured toward Boris.

"This is my father, the previous lord."

Hugo's eyes widened in surprise. "The previous lord? But I heard he was in Shenzurai. When did he return?"

"A few days ago," Leone responded. "No wonder you had not heard."

Hugo hurriedly bowed, and his family followed suit.

"It is a great honor to meet you, previous lord. I have heard much about you during my time in Dragoria."

Boris nodded. "Likewise. I have also heard about you from my son."

Hugo's gaze landed on Ashan. "And this young one?"

"He is my son, Ashan," Leone introduced.

Ashan stepped forward and greeted them calmly. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Julia observed him keenly.

What an interesting child. How does one so young possess such composure?

Lunara also looked at him as if to judge him. Her eyes flickered with curiosity, lingering on Ashan a little longer than she intended.

"Now, let's go inside. We can't let our guests stay outside." Leone gestured toward the entrance of the mansion, his tone polite yet firm.

Hugo nodded with a broad smile. "Of course. But before that, please accept the gifts we've brought for you."

At his signal, the men accompanying the carriage moved swiftly, unloading wooden crates and finely wrapped parcels. The servants of the house quickly stepped forward to receive them.

"Oh… it seems you have gone to great lengths," Leone said, his voice carrying a hint of pleasant surprise. "We only expected your presence."

"How could I visit the Third Lord of this kingdom with empty hands?" Hugo chuckled, his tone light but with an underlying sharpness. "That would be quite improper."

Leone nodded in acknowledgment, though his eyes held a flicker of suspicion. "Then let's head inside."

As the others moved into the mansion, Ashan lingered, his gaze shifting to the horses that had pulled the grand carriage. They were magnificent creatures—well-bred, muscular, and clearly of superior lineage. Their coats gleamed under the fading sunlight, yet their eyes betrayed exhaustion from the long journey.

When they first noticed Ashan approaching, the horses stirred, shifting uncomfortably. But in an instant, their unease melted away, replaced by a strange, inexplicable calm. Ashan reached out, running his fingers gently along one of their manes.

(You've traveled a long way. You must be tired.)

The horses' ears twitched, and they let out soft, appreciative neighs. Though they couldn't comprehend his words entirely, they understood his intention, his energy—something familiar yet unknown to them. One of them nudged Ashan's palm with its muzzle, a rare display of trust.

Unbeknownst to Ashan, someone had been watching.

Lunara, still standing near the entrance, had frozen in place. Her usually composed expression faltered as she observed the scene before her.

How…? she thought, eyes widening slightly. These horses aren't even that friendly with my father. How did he do that?

The way they responded to Ashan was obviously unnatural. Horses of this caliber, especially those trained for nobility, did not warm up to strangers so quickly. Yet, here they were—acting as if they had known Ashan for years.

Her gaze lingered on him a little longer, filled with a newfound curiosity, before she turned away and followed her family inside.

Ashan gave the horses one last affectionate pat before stepping back. "Rest well," he whispered before heading into the mansion.

To be continued…