Russell Fluorite Mushroom had four siblings in total.
His eldest brother, Roland, was six years older than Russell. After his coming-of-age ceremony, he had served in the Dragon Blood Knights, accompanying the grand duke before he ascended the throne and took power. They trained together and hunted ghosts together, building a strong personal friendship between ruler and subject for the future.
His elder sister, Rowena, was three years older than Russell. Last year, she had married Cooper Tianzicai, the eldest son of the Black Court Baron.
Then there was his younger sister, Laura, who was five years younger than Russell.
Hmm, big brother was... a qualified noble heir. Russell gave this assessment of his bargain-bin elder brother.
As for his elder sister Rowena, he did not wish to comment. "Getting married was the best outcome."
Compared to the quiet Laura, Rowena had been the most unstable factor in all of Fluorite Castle. She whipped servants, defied her parents, bullied her younger brother and sister, and refused to accept that her elder brother had cultivated Battle Aura just a few days after her. She could be called one of Fluorite Castle's greatest scourges.
Fortunately, that scourge had already married into Black Court Mountain and become a menace over there.
Russell did not drift off for long. Accompanied by several chimes of the bell, all of Fluorite Castle swiftly sprang into action. Old Butler Carter excitedly shouted orders for all the servants to line up outside the main gate to welcome the guests. Only after calming himself did he enter the hall.
"My lord, honored knights, Young Master Roland, Lord Cooper, and Miss Rowena have arrived."
"They finally made it." Baron Roman rose, appearing utterly composed, though the chair behind him swayed a little more than usual.
The group followed behind Baron Roman and quickly walked out through the castle gates.
Under Old Butler Carter's direction, the male and female servants had already formed a line on the right side of the gate. Russell, the knights, and Laura waited on the left, while only Baron Roman and the Baroness Meryl, who arrived shortly afterward, stood directly before the gate.
In formal noble society, the welcoming ceremony was quite important.
Not only did nobles have to welcome one another, they also had to display the bearing of their household servants to demonstrate the refinement and education of their family.
Several tall horses escorted a carriage as it slowly approached the gate.
A young knight who somewhat resembled Baron Roman rode at the front, while another young knight with a gentle smile rode beside him.
The two dismounted together. The young knight who resembled Baron Roman then walked straight up to the baron and baroness, bowed, and said, "Father, Mother, sorry for the wait. It has been half a year since I last returned to Fluorite Castle. It feels wonderful."
This ordinary-looking man was Russell's eldest brother, Roland. He was already a Great Knight, though he had yet to contract a Phantom Beast.
"Good. It is good that you are back." Baron Roman nodded calmly.
Madam Meryl gently embraced Roland. "My son, you have suffered so much these past years. Now, at last, your hardships are over."
The embrace did not last long.
The other knight with the gentle smile walked to the carriage and waited for a brightly dressed young noblewoman to step down. He then took her arm, and the two of them approached the baron and baroness together.
"Father, Mother!" The young noblewoman was Rowena.
"Cooper, Rowena, was the journey smooth?" Baron Roman asked with a smile. "Your grandmother even sent someone yesterday to ask about your itinerary."
"Everything went smoothly, especially after we met up with big brother." Lord Cooper replied with a smile.
The father-in-law and son-in-law exchanged a few smiling remarks.
Madam Meryl had already taken Rowena's hand and begun asking after her with concern.
Roland began greeting the knights in turn. He knew every one of them, and his manner was impeccable, fully displaying the fine breeding of a noble.
At last, he came to Russell.
Russell recalled the memories of how the original owner had gotten along with his elder brother, then broke into a grin.
Roland took a step back and carefully looked Russell over before opening his arms and giving him a firm embrace. "My dear brother, you have finally taken this step. Mother wrote to me—do you know how excited I was for you?"
"Yes." Russell also patted Roland's back firmly. "Though I failed to catch up to you and sister, at least I have not disgraced Father."
"What are you saying? As long as you are healthy, Father and Mother are happy." Roland released him and said enthusiastically, "Now that your Battle Aura has successfully blossomed, we brothers will be able to fight side by side in the future and hunt ghosts together on the snowfields!"
"I am looking forward to it as well—"
Before Russell could finish.
Roland had already turned toward Laura and swept her into a laughing embrace. "Ah, my lovely little sister, big brother thinks of you every day!"
Seeing this, Russell swallowed the rest of his words and kept only his smile.
Nearby, Baron Roman watched Roland. Seeing the harmonious bond between brothers and the deep affection between brother and sister, he revealed a gratified smile. But he quickly restrained it and continued maintaining the dignity expected of a baron.
Only after Rowena and Madam Meryl had spoken at length of their feelings during the separation did Rowena follow Lord Cooper to exchange greetings with the knights.
When they reached Russell, he and Cooper exchanged polite greetings.
Rowena's eyes lit up, and even her ordinary features began to shine. "You are an Armored Knight now, Russell. Later, you should spar with your sister. Let me properly guide you in cultivating Battle Aura, so you can avoid taking unnecessary detours!"
Russell smiled and played along. "Sister, are you looking for an excuse to beat me up?"
"What, do you really need your sister to put it so bluntly?" Rowena raised an eyebrow. "Besides, I have plenty of reasons to beat you up. Since you were granted your fief, have you written even one letter to your sister?"
Russell was at a loss for words. "Uh..."
"You are just like big brother. Neither of you has a heart."
"Uh..."
Fortunately, Rowena only complained once before embracing Russell. "When you have time, you must come visit Black Court Mountain. Your sister misses you very much."
"I definitely will. I miss you too, Sister."
"No, you do not. Not a shred of sincerity." Rowena rolled her eyes.
Russell found Rowena's unpredictability a little hard to handle and could only give an awkward smile. At that moment, Cooper suddenly cast him a meaningful look.
Russell immediately understood and answered with a smile.
Once the greetings were over, the group moved into the castle's sitting room. Old Butler Carter practically flew about as he walked, constantly directing servants to serve tea, pour water, and bring out all kinds of pastries. He also had to arrange accommodations for the group of servants Lord Cooper had brought with him.
Though busy, Old Butler Carter always wore a faint smile.
"You are still as healthy as ever, Mr. Carter. That is wonderful." Rowena looked at Butler Carter and said with a smile.
Butler Carter replied, "I have always taken good care of my health. I am hoping to serve you a few more times."
"I hope that every time I return, I will see you waiting for me at the gate."
"I will do my best, Miss."
"Not do your best. Promise me."
"I promise, Miss."
There were many people in the sitting room, and servants moved constantly through it, yet it did not seem noisy. After all, this sitting room was larger than a standard basketball court.
The nobles chatted among themselves. People speaking on one side might not even be heard by those on the other.
Roland moved among the knights. Though he had only just arrived home himself, he swiftly slipped into the role of host.
Madam Meryl had Rowena and Laura beside her, whispering among themselves.
Baron Roman maintained the dignity of a baron, leaving Roland to warm up the gathering while only occasionally joining in with a word or two.
As for Russell, he sat with his brother-in-law, Lord Cooper. Neither had much to say, yet there was a harmonious feeling of huddling together for warmth.
Before you continue