Sixth House

Mo Seris glanced out of the cabin window. Through the blur of passing scenery, he saw that the style of building had changed. The small, packed-in houses had given way to grand villas with open, spacious fields that gave an relaxed air of wealth and sophistication. 

They were getting close to the Mo Estate.

Looking to the side, he saw that the infant was awake again. It seemed a little less active than it before, but this did not reduce his confidence.

He had already convinced himself that it was a 'special baby.' It would be difficult to shake his conviction. 

After a short time, the carriage came before a large gate with a double-headed wolf embossed prominently into the dark metal, one head on either door. The gate was significantly larger than those that guarded the Song Manor, towering high above the surrounding buildings.

The gate was constructed from special materials, each chosen for its unique properties and strength. Intricate arrays were engraved directly into its surface, designed specifically to harmonize with the lattice of arrays that enveloped the Mo Estate. This amplified the gate's protective capabilities, allowing it to borrow strength from the entire Estate.

Even without the aid of these protective arrays, the physical gate itself could already withstand the assault of a Martial Master. When the defensive arrays were active, even Martial Grandmasters would struggle to penetrate its defenses.

With a subtle movement from the retainer at the reins, the carriage came to a gentle stop.

A guard atop the gate peered over the edge.

Seeing a carriage that was pulled by Demonbeast horses, he did not bat an eye. There were similar carriages passing in either direction throughout the day.

In the Mo Estate, such a sight was unremarkable.

"State the name and purpose," he called down.

"Assistant Steward Seris of the Sixth House is returning from a routine visit to the Song Manor."

The guard reacted slightly. The Demonbeast horses were one matter, but the affairs of the Sixth House were infamous in the Estate.

He felt no need to pry. Members of the Sixth House had a right to keep their affairs private. The standing orders from the top clearly stated that their true business was not to be disturbed.

Still, there were certain steps he needed to take.

"Assistant Steward, please step out," he called out.

The retainer at the reins slapped the side of the carriage to deliver the message. 

The other retainer leapt from the box, landing with a graceful dismount. He opened the door of the cabin, and stepped to the side with perfunctory formality.

Mo Seris stepped out of the carriage. Naro, in his cradle, was left inside.

Mo Seris did not have a hint of protest at the manner with which he was being treated. It drew a stark contrast with the utter lack of respect he had for the Song Family. With one family, he was upset if he was even stopped at the gate. With the other, he felt that it was the natural course of action.

The guard quickly recognized him. He did not know all of the members of the Mo Family - the time it would take to memorize the names and faces of so many people was truly ludicrous. However, all guards were required to memorize the faces of those who were of a certain stature. Mo Seris, as an assistant steward, barely met the standard.

"You can go through," he called down.

Mo Seris nodded and reentered the cabin. The retainer closed the door and returned to the box.

The moment the retainer sat down, he looked up with anticipation. He waited expectantly for the arrays to be deactivated.

There were certain sights that one never tired of, no matter how many times they were seen.