As night fell, Velin concluded this brief inspection.
At the gates of Moonwater Manor, Velin stopped, raised a hand, and patted Tikas on the shoulder. He encouraged him, saying, "Under your management, I have seen this manor brimming with vitality."
"More importantly, I learned from the other manor guards and farmers that you are fair and self-disciplined. That is very rare."
"Keep working hard. In a few years, I'll promote you."
Upon hearing this, Tikas could not help straightening his back, excitement gleaming in his eyes.
"My lord, please rest assured. I will manage your Moonwater Manor well and will never allow those insincere followers of the Goddess of Life to embezzle your property."
Escorted by Tikas, Velin boarded the carriage.
After the others entered the carriage, the guard convoy slowly departed Moonwater Manor and headed for Moon Shadow County's county seat.
Inside the carriage, the Magic Lamp still shone brightly.
Xuemiyya sat by the window on the left, intently plucking the crystal-clear Glowing Grapes from their stem one by one and neatly arranging them on a silver platter.
Velin lounged lazily on the cushioned seat to the right, occasionally reaching out to pinch a grape and toss it into his mouth.
Xuemiyya caught sight of his little movements from the corner of her eye. She merely rolled her eyes at him without saying anything, letting him steal grapes, though her hands moved a little faster.
Seeing the two of them, everyone else silently looked away.
They had seen this too many times. They felt that tonight, they would be eating far less delicious food.
Half an hour later, the convoy slowly entered Moon Shadow County City.
When Velin stepped into the City Lord's Mansion, he immediately saw his elder brother seated high in the main seat.
The broad oak