At the beginning of February, Russell, who had been away from his territory for over a month, returned to the Wuyou Snake Manor that adored him.
The signpost at the intersection of Charcoal Ash Avenue still read, "Wuyou snakes have been spotted nearby. Venomous. Beware of bites." However, the sign was already nearly toppled over, and clearly no one paid attention to its warning anymore.
Wuyou Snake Manor rarely saw any Wuyou snakes these days.
Since Eric had returned to the manor last night, Charles had already brought all the officials to welcome Russell at the intersection when he arrived this morning.
"Welcome home in triumph, my lord!" Charles stood at the front of the group, removed his hat, and bowed.
The other civil officials bowed as well, while the several knights struck their chests in salute. "Welcome home in triumph, my lord!"
"No need for such ceremony." Russell sat atop Unicorn Polly's back and waved with a faint smile.
Then, surrounded by the crowd, he made his way along the icy Charcoal Ash Avenue to the gates of Cigar Courtyard.
The Ice Age had deepened, and many places had already frozen over.
Butler Morris led more than a dozen servants in cheering Russell's return once again. "Welcome home, Master!"
Russell glanced at Cigar Courtyard. Construction had been completed, and it was uglier than he had imagined.
But he did not care, because he would live here for another year or so at most. Once his own Warm Enclave had been opened up, he would build a real castle and live there from then on.
So it no longer mattered what Cigar Courtyard looked like.
"My lord, should we have a proper celebration today? On the one hand, you have returned in triumph; on the other, you have advanced to