Mirror Spring Manor, owned by Ailafia, was located on "Holy Spring Ridge" in the outskirts of the imperial capital. It was a famous scenic destination in the Empire and a traditional summer retreat for the royal family and the highest-ranking nobility.
The manor stood on a gentle slope overlooking Mirror Lake within the scenic area, offering broad views and breathtaking scenery.
Unlike most noble estates, which forbade commoners from entering their grounds, Mirror Spring Manor only strictly prohibited intrusion into the main residence. All other areas and buildings were freely open to visiting commoners, such as the large fountain called "Mirror Spring" before the main house, as well as the pure white marble colonnades built around the open-air fountain.
Outside the entrance to Mirror Spring Manor, known as Dawn Gate, stood a public library and an orphanage funded by Ailafia. People came and went there every day without end.
In the back seat of the black sedan, John looked through the window at the laughing crowds outside. A strange glint flashed through his eyes, and ripples gradually stirred in his heart.
In truth, ever since he had returned in triumph from Faoken and entered Ereno to receive his title—
His body and mind had remained tense from beginning to end.
After receiving Ailafia's invitation just now, that tension had climbed to its peak.
Yet before this upcoming meeting, which he did not know was a trap or a blessing, he unexpectedly found a long-lost sense of peace in the harmonious atmosphere Mirror Spring Manor presented.
Of course, he also knew that this was most likely just Ailafia's disguise.
After all, she was the Rose Witch who had led the Empire to a rapid resurgence in a manner no one could have imagined after its destruction.
If he truly regarded her