"Warm" Family Banquet

The estate began bustling with preparations for Miss Nancy's "ambition," while Eagle Territory continued to operate in an orderly fashion.

Only two days passed before the new villagers were put to work, rebuilding roads and constructing warehouses.

Although the original residents of Eagle Town formed the main workforce, these newcomers also played a significant role, displaying astonishing vitality.

The men were responsible for assisting, providing technical expertise or experience, while the women handled cooking and mending clothes; even the children were sent out to gather wild fruits and vegetables.

While they weren't earning much money, it at least guaranteed three meals a day.

On the same day, Fili brought the five leatherworkers Raven needed, and the production of beast hide armor was officially put on the agenda.

According to these craftsmen, after half a month of tanning, they could mass-produce 3-5 sets per day.

Along with the craftsmen, they also delivered this month's First-tier Magic Cores, totaling 28.

Consequently, Raven's afternoon horseback riding training was replaced by research on Magic Cores in the dungeon.

During this process, Raven repeatedly experimented and confirmed that the strange purplish-black aura within the Magic Core, which was referred to as "Corrupt Soul Essence" in "Path of the Mage," could be isolated by his mental power with the help of the Eye of Truth.

Although initially about 70% of the Corrupt Soul Essence could not be completely filtered, this figure dropped to 45% after two days of practice and the sacrifice of 14 domestic pigs.

It was only a matter of time before the energy within the Magic Cores could be safely used on living beings.

The "Corrupt Soul Essence" was not wasted either. Following the method provided in "Path of the Mage," Raven stored it in a small vial made of natural crystal.

Typically, mages would use it as an enchantment material for curse magic.

However, Raven valued its other function even more...

Time passed to the fourth day after receiving the new villagers, which was October 2nd.

Raven and Denise sat in the dining room, awaiting the start of dinner.

Today, Denise wore a rather casual light blue gauze dress, her makeup delicate and elegant, with a smile gracing her lips.

Since taking control of Eagle Territory's finances, the number of tasks she had to handle had increased, but her spirits improved daily; she was truly a natural workaholic.

Even before dinner, she couldn't help but discuss details with Raven: "The invitations are almost ready. I plan to include some samples with the letters. What do you think?"

"Good idea," Raven replied, his gaze falling upon her fair collarbone. "Angel's Embrace and Angel's Tear are fine, but Angel's Kiss..."

Denise adjusted her dress to cover her neckline. "What's wrong? The production can't keep up?"

"That's part of it," Raven nodded. "On the other hand, we don't have suitable packaging either."

"Angel's Kiss is a truly high-end luxury product. We can't give the same amount as the finished product in the samples. However, with the current glassmaking technology, I can't make the small vials I want."

Upon hearing this, a strange smile appeared on Denise's face.

Raven asked in surprise, "What are you smiling about?"

The smile on Denise's face grew even more pronounced. "I'm smiling at you, my Lord Baron! You're so clever most of the time, yet you get confused about these minor details."

"What do you mean?" Raven still hadn't caught on.

"Why bother putting effort into the sample packaging? Why not just use the original bottle for Angel's Kiss and put one drop inside?" Denise explained.

"Of course that..." Raven's expression cleared after speaking only three words, followed by a self-deprecating laugh.

Yes, why not?

Cosmetic samples must be in small bottles; it was a rigid impression left by his memories from his previous life.

But on the Middle Continent, perfume was his exclusive invention. It was up to him to decide what to put the samples in!

With that thought, Raven said, "Then the complimentary gifts with the letters will be a bottle of the newly packaged Angel's Tear, and 1 drop of Angel's Kiss."

"A whole bottle? Do we need to go that far?" Denise was somewhat confused. "And what about Angel's Embrace?"

Raven smiled proudly and said persuasively, "Everyone knows Angel's Tear is very expensive, and the sample sent with it only contains one drop. What does that imply?"

"Oh..." Denise slowly nodded. "This is to highlight the preciousness of Angel's Kiss!"

As she spoke, her eyes grew brighter. "Furthermore, mentioning Angel's Embrace on the invitation without providing a sample will spark curiosity and anticipation in potential customers."

"Exactly!" Raven nodded emphatically, then lowered his voice and subtly moved his hand towards Denise's. "Otherwise, why don't you free up some time tonight, and we can finalize the invitation design together?"

Denise was lost in her own thoughts and completely unaware of Raven's intentions. Just as he was about to succeed, a maid hurried in:

"Lord Baron, Madam Denise."

"Young Master Weston has returned."

Denise immediately snapped back to reality and asked with surprise, "Really?"

Raven, feeling a bit dejected, rubbed his nose.

He hadn't expected this cheap younger brother to return, let alone dare to return.

And at this particular time!

Judging by Denise's reaction, this wasn't her doing. So, what was the reason for it?

"Mm..." Raven pondered for a moment. "Since he's back, let's call him over for a meal."

Soon, with the sound of slightly heavy footsteps, Weston appeared in the dining room.

Raven carefully observed his "brother."

Weston wasn't short to begin with, and after three months, his height had already surpassed 1.75 meters. His previously round physique had slimmed down by two sizes. Although still stout, he looked much more energetic overall.

His round face hadn't changed much, but his expression was much more proper now, no longer so flippant.

What Raven cared about most was his right hand. The arm the bandits had severed was now replaced by a prosthetic limb, hanging casually at his waist.

If one didn't know the truth, it would seem like his own arm at first glance.

But upon closer inspection, one would notice that the arm didn't move at all, and its skin was stiff and lacked texture, like that of a dead person.

Even though it wasn't a magic item, achieving this level of realism would likely cost no less than 300 gold coins.

It seemed that even after the last incident, Denise still took good care of her son.

Weston smiled, bowed as he entered, and said, "Mother!"

Then, he turned his gaze to Raven, a flicker of fear and resistance flashing in his eyes, but he still managed to maintain his tone, swallowed, and bowed, " ... Lord Baron."

"Ahem," Raven nodded in return, pointing to the empty seat to his right. "Sit down."

Weston sat down beside Raven a bit awkwardly. Just as he was about to speak, Raven's lips curved into a sly smile, which quickly turned serious as he said in a low voice:

"Since we have a rare opportunity to eat together, shall we have a moment of prayer before the meal?"

As he said that, he raised both of his hands.

This was a tradition that had been in place since the founding of the empire.

Family members would gather, hold hands, and pray before eating, jointly expressing their devotion to the Lord of Light, and symbolizing that the family's bond was as one, unbreakable.

And the person initiating the prayer could only, and must be, the "head of the family."

Weston was immediately flustered.

He knew the meaning of this action and had participated in such rituals before.

But at that time, the one leading it was Donald!

Now, the place was still the same, and the people were mostly the same.

It was just that the leader had changed from Donald to Raven.

What... what was this supposed to mean?!

He really didn't want to suffer this indignity and looked to his mother for help, but at this moment, Denise had already placed her hand in Raven's palm.

It wasn't that Denise didn't know the details, but Raven was now the head of the Griffith family.

She truly had no reason to refuse.

Weston had no choice but to grit his teeth and offer his hand.

"Then, let us close our eyes and begin our prayer," Raven said, closing his eyes first.

A deep, sonorous prayer echoed through the dining room.

"Our Father in Heaven, great God of Light."

"May your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

"You give us our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses."

"For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever."

Under Weston's stifled frustration, the recitation finally ended. Just as he was about to speak, a clear, bell-like voice suddenly rang out, "How enviable."

Turning his head, he saw a beautiful girl with golden hair and blue eyes standing at the doorway. Even in the standard priestess robes of the church, she still looked striking and refreshing.

Weston's mood improved considerably.

But the next sentence sent his spirits plummeting.

"What a harmonious, loving, and amicable family!"

Weston's vision turned black.

Family?! Who was family with Raven?!

He had initially felt something was slightly off, but now, with Laxus's words, it was definitively settled.

The three of them—his mother, himself, and Raven—were a family?

Then Raven would become, would become...

"You've come at just the right time," Raven said, in a much better mood. "Would you like to stay and eat with us?"

"No, thank you." Laxus seemed tempted, but still shook her head and refused. "I just came to say that we're running a bit low on herbs at the construction site, and I hope Eagle Fortress can provide some."

"No problem, I'll have someone notify Fili to make the purchase tonight," Raven replied with a nod.

Laxus bid farewell and left. Raven escorted her for a short distance.

Upon his return, dinner officially began.

Perhaps it had been too long since they last met, but Denise and Weston chatted incessantly, mostly about trivial daily matters, excluding Raven from the conversation, which made him quite bored.

Seeing Denise's lips move, Raven chuckled and had an idea.

"... Angel's Tears are rare commodities. Some of my classmates are the eldest sons of viscounts, some hold baronial titles, and there are even knights with enfeoffed lands. They fawn over me all day just for a bottle of Angel's Tears..."

Weston was boasting enthusiastically when he suddenly saw Denise's expression freeze. A blush then crept up her cheeks. He couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong, Mom? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No..." Denise bit her lip, trying to keep her tone calm. "I might have had a bit too much to drink. I'm a little... tipsy."

Beneath the table, Raven had quietly taken off a shoe and was climbing up Denise's ankle.

Denise's skirt only just covered her knees, and her calves were wrapped in tight, sheer nude stockings.

Through this thin barrier, Raven could clearly feel the smooth texture and the surprising elasticity of her skin beneath.

While Denise was quite experienced, it was in business and social interactions. She had never encountered this kind of play before.

A ticklish sensation spread from her instep upwards, a peculiar thrill surging through her, making her heart pound.

With a maid and Weston nearby, what would happen if someone discovered this?

She wanted to kick Raven's foot away but was afraid of drawing too much attention with a large movement. She could only cast Raven a slightly resentful glance and reach under the table cloth, pinching his thigh hard at the root.

But Raven seemed completely unfazed. He even picked up the conversation, "It seems you've been having a great time at the academy recently. Are you back specifically to visit your mother?"

Weston followed Raven's lead, "Yes, after not seeing her for so long, I missed her a lot. Of course, I missed you too!"

"That's good," Raven said with concern. "However, you are still young, and your studies cannot be neglected. To become a qualified noble, you need sufficient knowledge."

"How about this, you stay for two days. The morning after tomorrow, I'll send someone to escort you back to Monen City. What do you say?"

Hearing this, Weston's face turned from pale to red. He clearly didn't want to leave. "This... Ah, besides visiting my mother, I also want to... I also want to... Ah, yes, I want to bring back more Angel's Tears!"

Raven immediately nodded, "Certainly. The workshop's production has been good lately. I'll bring five cases back for you. They'll fit perfectly in your carriage."

"Ah! And, yes, there's also..." Weston was quite anxious. He cast a pleading look at his mother, only to find her staring intently at her plate with a stern expression. Her eyelids were trembling slightly, and he didn't know what she was thinking.

Denise was now both embarrassed and anxious. She had pinched Raven six times, but he hadn't reacted at all, as if that leg wasn't his.

"What else?" Raven's tone was calm and gentle, drawing Weston's gaze. "Don't worry. As a proper elder brother, whatever you want, I will prepare it for you. It will not delay your studies."

"This..." Weston opened his mouth several times but couldn't utter a single word. His face was wrinkled like a bitter gourd, and he could only lower his head and poke at his food with his fork, cursing Raven silently in his heart.

You damn fellow, it's one thing to take advantage of me, but to openly force me to leave like this is outrageous!

What made Weston even more upset was that even Denise didn't seem to be on his side anymore.

Did something happen between them in the three months I was gone?

Thinking back to what Laxus had said earlier, and seeing Denise's current behavior, Weston's mind grew increasingly chaotic.

It felt as if, at any moment, Denise would take Raven's hand and say, "Come, let me introduce you to Uncle Raven."

I don't want that to happen!

No, Mom wouldn't fall for someone like Raven. She must be unhappy with me because I betrayed her last time. It must be that!

"Actually... Actually, I wasn't telling the truth..." After thinking through every possible way to stay and finding none, Weston could only tell the truth. "I actually came back this time to... avoid trouble."

"Ah!" Denise let out a short, high-pitched cry, then glared at Raven resentfully. She asked in a slightly altered voice, "What happened?"

Weston lowered his head, not noticing Denise's reaction. "Twenty days ago, a murder occurred in the embassy district."

"A third-tier transcendent was drinking at the 'Montero Hotel' when suddenly, all his flesh and blood vanished, leaving only a skeleton. He drew his sword and started hacking people, killing dozens!"

His body trembled. "I was there at the time. I was terrified. Fortunately, the city patrol arrived and eliminated that skeleton."

"But since then, the three people who survived with me have all met with misfortune. On the first day, one jumped to his death; on the second day, another impaled himself with a wooden stick; on the third day, the last one went mad!"

"I... I really didn't dare to stay in Monen City any longer, so, so..."

He looked pleadingly at Denise. "Mom, please let me stay. I promise I'll be good!"

Denise's mind was in turmoil, and not just because of Raven's "little movements."

From a mother's perspective, she naturally wanted Weston to stay.

However, she had just gained control of Eagle Fortress's finances.

Without Weston's claims being verified, if she spoke rashly, it would only make people suspect that she wanted to use this opportunity to have Weston continue vying for the Griffith family's title.

And this was not something that could be openly discussed.

Denise quickly thought about how to get Raven to agree.

Meanwhile, Weston couldn't hold on any longer.

He finally understood that if he wanted to stay, he first had to get Raven's consent.

Fine, I'll endure it!

As long as I get through today, I'll eventually get back at Raven for what he's done.

With this thought, he suddenly stood up, took a deep breath, and declared loudly, "I was wrong!!!"

At the same time, Raven also spoke, "Then, for now..."

Their voices stopped simultaneously. Raven paused for a moment, then looked at Weston with amusement. "You go first."

Weston almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

Raven's words clearly meant he could stay, but why had he been so impatient!

But at this point, he had no choice but to speak. Gritting his teeth, he whispered like a mumbler, "I was wrong... I shouldn't have opposed you, shouldn't have interfered with your training, and shouldn't have hurt Simon..."

"I can't hear you," Raven said.

Swallowing his grief and anger, Weston straightened his chest and shouted, "I was wrong! Baron Raven! I shouldn't have interfered with your training! I shouldn't have hurt Simon!"

His voice was incredibly loud!

"Hmm, that's more like it," Raven said, slowly putting a piece of beef shoulder into his mouth. "Since that's the case, you can stay for now."

Weston slumped back into his chair with a thud.

Denise also let out a sigh of relief, looking at Raven with a hint of gratitude.

Of course, if Raven's foot had stayed put, she might have been even more grateful.

After dinner, Raven ordered a servant to reserve a room on the second floor for Weston. The latter hurriedly bowed and fled as if escaping.

Looking at Denise, who was still sitting in her chair, Raven smiled and asked, "This beautiful lady, would you like me to escort you back to your room?"

"No need," Denise replied, giving him a displeased glance. "Angie, let's go back."

Supported by Angie, Denise slowly walked out of the dining room, moving her slightly stiff legs that had tensed up from being too nervous.

Raven watched with a smile until Denise's back disappeared. Only then did he let the smile fade from his face and vigorously rub his thighs.

He was human too, and being squeezed hurt. He had just been enduring it.

"Good heavens, she squeezed me seven times! So vicious, my thighs are probably bruised." As the pain gradually subsided, Raven's gaze cleared, and he began to ponder Weston's words.

Although he had omitted some details, Raven could still piece together the general outline of the situation.

The embassy district was located northwest of Monen City, in the upper district, and was its most prosperous part. Those who could afford to spend time there were either wealthy or noble.

The line between nobles and commoners was clear. Those who could sit with Weston and witness the murder must have been of noble birth.

Yet, even so, they had encountered "accidents" one after another.

The lives of nobles were not as cheap as those of commoners. Normally, the death of even one noble would attract significant attention. Three consecutive deaths or madness would become explosive news.

But nearly 20 days had passed, and Raven hadn't heard even a single whisper about it.

It was undoubtedly being deliberately suppressed.

There were two possibilities.

One, the Monen City authorities wanted to silence witnesses. Two, the Hand of Death Cult was causing trouble behind the scenes.

Raven leaned towards the former, as he hadn't seen any traces of magical power or curses on Weston.

However, the Slate family allowing Weston to return to Eagle Fortress indicated that their control over Monen City was rapidly declining.

The murder itself was further proof of this.

The fact that such a serious incident occurred even in the embassy district was enough to confirm how much the public order in Monen City had deteriorated.

Judging by this, the unrest in Nord Province in the coming days would undoubtedly be significant!

The more this was the case, the sooner the press conference needed to be held—to make a killing before the major chaos erupted and the market contracted!

The next day, Raven continued with his schedule as usual, and Weston was also very obedient.

At least, that's how it appeared on the surface.

That afternoon, Raven and Denise discussed and finalized the format of the invitations together.

In the evening, Raven had a quick dinner and then headed to the church in Eagle Town alone, carrying two thick books.

He rhythmically knocked on the side door, and soon, a voice called out, "Who's there?"

"It's me, Raven."

"Wait a moment!"

Footsteps receded, and after a few minutes, they approached again.

The door opened, and Laxus's face appeared in the gap. "What is it so late at night?"

"Of course, I'm here to ask about Elvish," Raven said, blinking and holding up the Holy Word Record.

Laxus's scrutinizing gaze lingered on the Holy Word Record for a moment before falling on Raven's face.

"Come in."