Siblings Reunite

Russell had four siblings: Haku, Roland, Rowena, and Laura.

His elder brother, Roland, was six years older than Russell. After his coming-of-age ceremony, he had been serving in the Dragon Blood Knights. He trained and hunted ghosts alongside the Grand Duke, who had not yet ascended the throne, laying a solid foundation for a personal friendship between ruler and subject in the future.

His elder sister, Rowena, was three years older than Russell. Last year, she married Cooper Zi Cao, the eldest son of a Black Court Baron.

Then there was his younger sister, Laura, who was five years younger than Russell.

"Hmm, elder brother is... a qualified noble heir," Russell thought, giving his good-for-nothing elder brother this evaluation in his mind.

As for his elder sister, Rowena, he didn't want to comment: "Becoming a married woman is the best outcome."

Compared to the quiet Laura, Rowena was the most unstable element in Fluorite Castle. She whipped servants, talked back to her parents, bullied her younger brothers and sisters, and wouldn't even submit to her elder brother, who had only just managed to cultivate Battle Qi a few days after her. She was truly a menace to Fluorite Castle.

Fortunately, this menace had already married and gone to Black Court Mountain, becoming a menace there.

Russell's mind didn't wander for too long. With a few bell tolls, the entire Fluorite Castle sprang into action. The old Butler Carter excitedly yelled for all the servants to line up outside the main gate to welcome them. Then, composing himself, he walked into the great hall.

"Master, Noblemen, Young Master Roland, Lord Cooper, and Miss Rowena have arrived."

"Finally," the Baron said, standing up. He appeared very calm, but the rocking of his chair behind him was slightly more pronounced.

Everyone followed Baron Roman out of the castle gate.

Male and female servants, led by old Butler Carter, were already lined up on the right side of the main gate. Russell, along with several noblemen and Laura, waited on the left side of the main gate. Only Baron Roman and the Baroness Meryl, who arrived shortly after, stood directly in front of the main gate.

In formal noble social etiquette, the reception was quite important.

Not only did nobles have to greet each other, but they also had to showcase their own servants' demeanor to reflect the noble's etiquette and education.

Several tall horses flanked a carriage, which slowly approached the main gate.

A young knight, bearing a resemblance to Baron Roman, rode at the front. Another young knight with a gentle smile rode alongside him.

The two dismounted together. The knight who resembled Baron Roman walked directly to the Baron and his wife, bowed, and said, "Father, Mother, thank you for waiting. It's wonderful to return to Fluorite Castle after half a year."

This person had an ordinary appearance. He was Russell's elder brother, Roland, already a Great Knight, though he had not yet contracted a Phantom Beast.

"Good, it's good that you're back," Baron Roman nodded faintly.

Lady Meryl gently hugged Roland. "My son, you've had a hard time these years. Now, your suffering has finally paid off."

The embrace wasn't long.

Because another knight with a gentle smile walked to the carriage, waiting for a richly dressed young noblewoman to alight. He then took her arm and they walked together to the Baron and his wife.

"Father, Mother!" the young noblewoman was Rowena.

"Cooper, Rowena, did you have a smooth journey?" Baron Roman asked with a smile. "Your grandmother sent someone yesterday to inquire about your itinerary."

"Everything went smoothly, especially after meeting with elder brother, it became even smoother," Lord Cooper replied with a smile.

The father-in-law and son-in-law exchanged smiles and chatted for a bit.

Lady Meryl had already taken Rowena's hand, engaging in warm conversation.

Roland greeted the noblemen, whom he knew well, and his demeanor was just right, showcasing excellent noble upbringing.

He continued down the line until he reached Russell.

Russell recalled his memories of interacting with his elder brother in his previous life, then grinned.

Roland took a step back, carefully examining Russell, before opening his arms and embracing him tightly. "My dear brother, you've finally taken this step. Mother wrote to me, do you know how excited I was for you!"

"Yes," Russell patted Roland's back forcefully. "Although I couldn't keep up with you and sister, at least I haven't disgraced Father."

"What are you saying? Father and Mother are happy as long as you are healthy," Roland released him and said enthusiastically. "Now that you've successfully bloomed Battle Qi, we brothers can fight side-by-side in the future and hunt ghosts in the Snowfield together!"

"I'm also very eage—"

Before Russell could finish speaking.

Roland had already turned and walked towards Laura, then hugged her with a laugh. "Ah, my adorable little sister, big brother thinks of you every day!"

Seeing this, Russell swallowed the rest of his words, maintaining his smile.

Meanwhile, Baron Roman watched Roland. Seeing the scene of brotherly affection and sisterly love, he showed a gratified smile, but quickly suppressed it, maintaining the dignity befitting a Baron.

Rowena chatted with Lady Meryl for a while, expressing her feelings of separation, before following Lord Cooper to greet the other noblemen.

When she reached Russell, they greeted each other politely.

Rowena's eyes lit up, her ordinary features beginning to shine. "You're an Armored Knight now, Russell. Let's spar sometime. I'll guide you on how to cultivate Battle Qi so you don't take detours!"

Russell smiled and played along. "Sister, you don't want to find an excuse to beat me up, do you?"

"What, do you want me to say it so bluntly?" Rowena raised an eyebrow. "Besides, I have plenty of reasons to 'discipline' you. Have you written me a single letter since you were enfeoffed?"

Russell was speechless. "Uh..."

"You and elder brother have no heart."

"Uh..."

Fortunately, Rowena only grumbled before hugging Russell. "You must visit me in Black Court Mountain when you have time. I miss you."

"I will, I miss you too."

"No, you don't. You're completely insincere," Rowena rolled her eyes.

Russell found it hard to deal with Rowena's persistence, only managing an awkward laugh. At this moment, Cooper suddenly gave him a look that was more felt than understood.

Russell immediately understood and returned a smile.

After the initial greetings, the group moved into the castle's living room. The old butler, Carter, walked with purpose, constantly directing servants to bring tea and water, serve various desserts, and even arrange for the servants brought by Lord Cooper.

Despite the busyness, Butler Carter always wore a faint smile on his face.

"Your body is still as robust as ever, Mr. Carter, that's wonderful," Rowena said to Butler Carter with a smile.

Butler Carter replied, "I've always taken good care of myself, thinking I could serve you for many more years."

"I hope to see you greeting me at the door every time I return."

"I'll try my best, Miss."

"Not 'try my best,' but 'guarantee'."

"I guarantee it, Miss."

There were many people in the living room, and servants bustled about, but it didn't feel noisy. After all, the area of this living room was larger than a standard basketball court.

The nobles chatted amongst themselves; people talking on one side might not be heard by those on the other.

Roland moved among the lords, and although he had just returned home, he quickly switched into his host role.

Lady Meryl took Rowena aside, and Laura whispered with them.

Baron Roman maintained his baronial dignity, letting Roland warm up the crowd while he only chimed in once or twice.

As for Russell, he sat with his brother-in-law, Lord Cooper. Neither had much to say, but they shared a comfortable sense of camaraderie, like two people huddling together for warmth.