Chapter 76: The Giant Portrait, Magnetic Field, and Another Family Member

After breakfast, Anran felt it was time to leave, but Lestat's warm hospitality made it difficult for her to bring it up. 

Instead, the three of them moved to the parlor. 

As soon as Anran stepped inside, her eyes were drawn to a massive portrait hanging in the center of the room. It was the only painting in the parlor, so large it took up half the wall. The portrait depicted two figures: one seated in a chair and the other standing behind them. 

The man standing was strikingly handsome, exuding masculine charm. He wore an ornate black Western-style suit adorned with intricate golden embroidery. His shoulder-length, wavy golden hair framed a high forehead and pale complexion. His piercing eyes, a deep shade of purple, nearly identical to Richard's, projected an air of commanding authority. His expression was cold, lips pressed into a thin line, and a prominent aquiline nose added to his imposing presence. One hand rested on the shoulder of the woman seated in the chair. 

The woman wore a simple, elegant white floor-length gown. Her glossy black hair cascaded down to her waist, and her delicate features were softened by a radiant smile. Though her complexion was also pale, her half-lidded eyes and warm expression exuded an infectious joy, as if she radiated happiness. 

The stark contrast between the man's icy demeanor and the woman's gentle beauty should have clashed, yet her smile created a strange harmony in the painting. 

Noticing Anran's fascination, Lestat explained, "These are our ancestors: the 21st Duke of the Morris family and his wife." 

"The duchess was from the East?" Anran asked, surprised. 

Lestat nodded. "Yes, the wife of the 21st Duke was not only from the East but also from Z. This castle was built by the duke and has stood for eight hundred years." 

Anran was inwardly astonished. Eight hundred years ago, Z was still a feudal kingdom. She hadn't realized the Morris family had been rooted here for so long. 

Once they were seated on the parlor's sofas, Sheffield quietly served them black tea, standing respectfully to the side. 

Richard, who had been cold and distant since the dining room, finally seemed to relax a little in the parlor. 

Though the castle was magnificent, Anran found it odd that there were no modern amenities. Not even a single telephone was in sight. She had initially assumed the town's lack of development was the reason, but the Morris family was so wealthy—why wouldn't they have a telephone? 

"Lestat," Anran ventured, "I was wondering why there aren't any telephones in town." 

Before Lestat could respond, Richard raised an eyebrow and said, "Haven't you noticed that telephones don't work in Rosewood Town?" 

"I know, but why is that?" Anran asked, puzzled. She'd realized this on her first day in town, but no one had ever given her a clear answer. 

Richard shrugged. "Because of magnetic interference. In Rosewood, all communication devices are rendered useless." 

Anran's eyes widened in understanding. Richard's expression clearly mocked her ignorance, and his personality remained as grating as ever. 

"Anran, do you have any other questions?" Lestat asked gently, rescuing her from the awkward moment. 

Anran thought for a moment and then asked, "So… is it just the three of you living in this castle?" 

It seemed so vast and empty for only three people. 

Before Lestat could answer, Richard interjected with a mysterious smile. "Of course not. We have one more family member." 

He looked at Sheffield and said, "Sheffield, bring Adam here."