The full moon hung high overhead, silver moonlight pouring down like a waterfall and bathing the black fortress ahead—several dozen meters tall and standing upon the earth like a silent giant—in a layer of clear radiance.
Clip-clop, clip-clop.
After several hours of travel, a luxurious carriage arrived here under the escort of several mounted guards—Black Wolf Castle, the heart of Black Wolf Territory.
The guards standing watch on the castle walls at night all revealed shocked expressions upon seeing this.
By the moonlight, they could clearly see that the coachman driving the carriage was actually their great and proud lord—the "Wailing Wolf," Karen Hughes.
For a moment, the guards thought they were seeing an illusion. Only after speaking with their companions did they confirm the truth.
Afterward, they were even more stunned.
Just how noble must the guest in that carriage be for their lord to willingly serve as a coachman?
An earl, a marquis, a duke, or perhaps the supreme royal family of the Sossia Kingdom? Thinking this, the guards did not dare delay. Before Karen could speak, they swiftly opened the city gates.
Accompanied by a heavy creak, the castle gates slowly opened. The drawbridge chains turned slowly as well, and the bridge settled firmly on the far side of the moat.
"Your Highness, we have arrived at my castle."
Karen twisted around and called toward the carriage compartment behind him.
A moment later, a woman's voice came from within. "Viscount Hughes, my master is asleep. As her maid, I do not dare disturb my master's Sweet Dreams. Could you please send several maids to carry my master into a room?"
His Highness could sleep so soundly even in my carriage? Hearing this, Karen felt a trace of pride well up inside him.
After all, it was the finest proof of his driving skills, and he had not broken the promise expected of a knight—there had not been a single bump.
"Miss Anlìyà, there is no need for maids. Let me do it."
"I have extensive experience controlling my strength. Only if I carry His Highness myself can I ensure that His Highness's Sweet Dreams will not be disturbed."
Karen spoke in a low voice.
As a knight of the Morning Star class, he possessed enough strength to bend steel with ease. Yet in daily life, he could steadily lift a teacup or embrace his wife. His control over his strength had long reached perfection.
"Then I will trouble Viscount Hughes."
Only after a moment of silence did a hesitant voice emerge from the carriage.
Karen entered the carriage. A moment later, he carried the sleeping Xian into the castle. After settling His Highness and his attendants and maids, Karen hurried toward his bedroom.
He had to immediately discuss with his wife Danielle how they should receive and entertain this noble prince from the East Continent.
The next day.
The first rays of morning sunlight slipped quietly through the tall arched windows into the castle room, casting slender bands of light across the carpet.
Feeling warmth on his face, Xian slowly opened his eyes.
"This was seriously the best sleep I've had since coming to this world!"
He stretched contentedly, then looked around.
He was currently in an exceptionally spacious room. Carpets of every color covered the floor, their edges curling slightly to reveal the cold stone floor beneath, creating a warm contrast.
Exquisite murals were carved into the walls. A bronze candleholder stood on each side of the bed, and beneath each candleholder was a lifelike Wolf Head with its mouth wide open.
A faint woody fragrance filled the room, mingling with the coolness of the early morning and making everything feel especially fresh.
"This one room is practically as big as ten of my six-person college dorm rooms combined," Xian remarked.
He glanced at the layers upon layers of silky, flowing bedding beneath him and somewhat understood why he had slept so well last night.
Feudalism might have been evil in every way, but it really did corrupt people.
"Someone seemed to have carried me into the room last night. Was it Anlìyà? That must have been hard on her."
As Xian got out of bed and put on the pajamas folded atop the bedside table, he thought to himself.
After changing into his pajamas, he opened the door and walked out.
Someone had already been waiting in the corridor outside.
It was an old man in a black tailcoat. Delicate silver patterns were embroidered on his collar and cuffs, making him appear solemn and elegant.
His silver hair was combed impeccably, and though his face was covered in wrinkles, he carried an air of calm authority.
Behind him stood two maids in black-and-white maid uniforms. Their hair was neatly gathered behind their heads, revealing smooth foreheads and youthful, lovely faces.
"Honored His Highness Mingyu Xia, I am Xiao En, the butler of Black Wolf Castle. By my master's command, I have been waiting here for you. May you have a wonderful morning."
Old Xiao En placed his right hand over his left shoulder and bowed slightly. The two maids behind him folded their hands neatly and bowed in unison.
"Where are my attendants and maids?"
Xian looked down the empty corridor and asked with a slight frown.
In a completely new and unfamiliar environment, his first instinct was to find familiar people.
"Your Highness, they have been arranged in rooms on the floor below. Perhaps they were exhausted from yesterday's journey and are still asleep. Would you like me to summon them for you?"
Old Xiao En spoke calmly, his voice steady and clear.
"No need." Xian shook his head.
It was enough to know they were still here. There was no need to disturb them. He was not some heartless boss who deprived his employees of sleep.
"Your Highness, my master, Viscount Hughes, asked me to inform you that he will hold a family dinner in your honor at sunset tonight. Aside from you, only my master and his most precious family members will attend."
"Furthermore, my master has informed every servant in Black Wolf Castle that they must not disobey any of your orders and must receive you with ten times the respect they show him. Do you have any instructions, Your Highness?"
Old Xiao En asked with utmost respect.
"...Butler, can you take me to the castle library?"
After a moment of silence, Xian stated the greatest reason he had come to stay at the castle.
"It would be my honor, Your Highness." Xiao En answered without the slightest hesitation.
"Your Highness, this is the library of Black Wolf Castle. It was established a century ago by the first Viscount Hughes, then continually expanded by successive Viscounts Hughes. It is one of the Hughes Family's most precious treasures."
Old Xiao En stood before a closed Oak Door and slowly explained.
Xian nodded slightly, a trace of anticipation flashing through his dark eyes.
"Your Highness, I am not qualified to enter this place. Therefore, please push open the doors and enter on your own. I will leave immediately."
After bowing slightly, Old Xiao En quickly departed.
Even the old butler who had worked in the castle for decades was not qualified to enter the library? Xian stared blankly at the butler's departing back.
He realized just how severely this world's ruling classes monopolized knowledge.
"If it weren't for this 1.4 Billion Status Blessing above my head, I'm afraid I could struggle for an entire lifetime in this world and still never earn the right to enter this place."
Xian could not help sighing inwardly.
Then, without further hesitation, he raised his hand, pushed open the Oak Door, and walked inside. The second female character would be appearing soon. Please vote with monthly tickets. Thanks (ω)
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