The Frey Clan stood in the center of White River City. As the city's rulers, they occupied a considerable amount of land.
Clayde led the way with a group of subordinates, followed by Andrew and Howard. The golden tiger brought up the rear with Janice and Ling'er. The sizable procession headed toward the city center, and pedestrians along the road hurried out of their way, afraid of attracting their attention.
Even a child could tell that these people were not to be trifled with.
Walking at the front, Clayde was still dazed. Even now, he could not believe Andrew actually possessed the strength to subdue a high-ranking magical beast. He himself had been a seventh-rank warrior for nearly ten years, but challenging a high-ranking magical beast would practically be suicide for him. Magical beasts were usually somewhat stronger than warriors of the same rank.
Yet the facts before his eyes left him no choice but to believe it.
Howard certainly lacked that strength; Clayde was sure of that. What about Janice? Clayde did know that she was a fire mage. But subduing a high-ranking magical beast like the golden tiger would require at least an eighth-rank magister. Could she be a magister?
Impossible! Clayde reached his conclusion.
As for Ling'er, that was even more far-fetched.
That left only Andrew.
Clayde thought back to how his heart had involuntarily sunk when Andrew looked at him earlier. Wasn't that precisely the pressure of a powerful expert?
"Talent like that really does make you despair!" Clayde said with a bitter smile.
Before long, the group arrived at the Frey Clan estate. The guards outside immediately opened the gates upon seeing Clayde. He and his subordinates handed over their horses and led Andrew's family inside.
The Fei Lei Clan's estate was extremely luxurious. Precious flowers and plants grew throughout the grounds, and numerous stone sculptures lined both sides of the paths. The sculptures took various forms, including magical beasts and trees. Beneath the shade of the trees, lakes and artificial hills complemented one another, lending the grounds an air of mystery. Most striking of all was a white jade corridor whose end lay beyond sight.
"It's so beautiful here! I really want to play here!" Ling'er cried happily, seeing such a courtyard for the first time.
"You lowly country brat. Want to live in my family's courtyard? Try your next life."
Suddenly, an unpleasant voice came from around a corner of the corridor. Andrew looked up to see a young woman dressed in garish colors emerge. She was about sixteen or seventeen, with obvious freckles on her face. Four women who looked like servants followed behind her.
Her shout frightened Ling'er into hiding in Janice's arms, not daring to speak. Andrew flew into a rage. "Who the hell are you?"
Clayde stopped him and said with a bitter smile, "Lord Andrew, this is Miss Kate, Viscount Frey's daughter. Please forgive her offense!"
Kate was furious as well. "Clayde, why haven't you arrested these lowlifes yet?"
Clayde was caught between them. He knew very well that the young lady was thoroughly spoiled at home, petty-minded, and unwilling to tolerate any offense. But arresting them would require enough strength to do so.
"My lady, please don't make things difficult for me. These people are the viscount's guests," was all he could offer by way of explanation.
Kate stepped aside in disgust. "Why would my father invite these lowlifes? He's really lost his senses. Hmph, for my father's sake, I'll spare you today. Don't let me see you again! And as for that wild brat, if she wants to live in the viscount's estate, I might consider letting her be my servant."
Andrew was beside himself with fury. His face darkened as he took two steps forward, advancing on Kate. He had no intention of putting up with such a vicious young lady any longer. He could forgive neither her overbearing attitude nor the hurt she had caused Ling'er.
"Andrew, let it go."
After Andrew took two steps, Howard caught hold of him.
"This is the viscount's estate, after all. Making a scene won't do anyone any good."
"Exactly," Clayde said, trying to smooth things over. "Miss Kate is still young and doesn't know any better. Why lower yourself to arguing with her? Come along, the viscount is waiting."
For Howard's sake, Andrew could only hold himself back. He turned and said quietly, "Clayde, I hope this is the last time. If anyone insults my family again, my blade won't stand for it!"
"Yes, yes, rest assured. Come along," Clayde replied hastily, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. The killing intent Andrew had released just now had sent chills through his entire body.
Soon, they reached a separate courtyard. It was peaceful and secluded, with flourishing flowers and trees that made Janice very envious.
"My lord, these are the experts visiting White River City!" Clayde said, bowing to a plump middle-aged man at the courtyard entrance. The man was not tall or imposing in build, but his presence was as deep as an abyss. He had clearly held a high position for a long time. This was the head of the Frey Clan, Viscount Frey of the Yulan Empire.
Viscount Frey glanced over the group, his gaze lingering on the golden tiger for several seconds, then approached them with a beaming smile.
"Welcome to White River City, everyone. On behalf of the Frey Clan, I invite you to a banquet. Please, come in!"
Andrew stepped back a few paces, leaving Howard to take the lead. Faced with Viscount Frey, Howard felt somewhat intimidated, and even his voice sounded weak.
"Thank you for your invitation, my lord. Our Lance family is deeply honored."
Viscount Frey smiled in satisfaction. Howard's respectful attitude pleased him greatly.
"Mr. Lance, may I ask which expert subdued this magical beast?" Viscount Frey asked curiously.
At this, Howard felt a little proud as well.
"My son Andrew subdued it. He's only eleven this year, but he's already a high-ranking warrior."
Viscount Frey exclaimed in surprise, "An eleven-year-old high-ranking warrior? Really? Such talent may well be unmatched throughout the Yulan Continent!"
Howard was very proud. "Of course it's true. When I first found out, I was just as startled as you, my lord."
"I truly envy you, having such a gifted son." After offering this compliment, Viscount Frey asked, "May I ask where you're from?"
"We used to live in Maple Forest Town. We're heading to the imperial capital this time and passing through White River City," Howard answered without hesitation.
Maple Forest Town? Isn't that my territory? So they're merely my subjects. As the thought flashed through his mind, Viscount Frey's opinion of Howard dropped considerably.
Once they entered the house, lunch was soon served. During the meal, Viscount Frey raised his cup to Howard several times, but his gaze kept turning toward Andrew. Andrew sat with Ling'er and paid him no attention.
"Howard, moving your entire family from Maple Forest Town to the imperial capital is quite a risk." After a few cups of wine, Viscount Frey's manner of speaking became much more casual.
Howard put down his cup and assumed an attentive posture. "My lord, this is our first trip to the imperial capital. What risks are there, exactly?" Their conversation also caught Janice's attention, and she began listening carefully.
A trace of smugness flashed through Viscount Frey's eyes before he immediately put on a kindly air. "To tell you the truth, I've been to the imperial capital several times. From White River City, the journey takes at least three months. Aside from the time involved, you have to cross many dangerous regions along the way, such as Fengyuan Swamp, the Forest of Weeping, and so on. Not only that, there are countless bandits and robbers on the road. The last time I went to the imperial capital, our clan's guardian knights had lost half their number by the time we returned. Ah, it's truly dangerous. As for your family, I'm afraid..." He sighed as he spoke, looking as though he felt great regret.
Howard fell silent for a moment and said nothing, but Janice grew worried and looked at him.
Viscount Frey continued, "In my opinion, although Andrew is highly talented, it's probably still a little early for him to go to the imperial capital. Why not stay in White River City and go in a few years? As for a home, you needn't worry. Our Frey Clan still has several separate residences in the city. I'll make the decision and give you one!"
Howard pondered for a moment. "My lord, what do you mean by this?"
Viscount Frey grew displeased and put down his cup. Clayde spoke up from beside him. "Howard, the viscount wants your family to join the Frey Clan. Then you'll have all the status and money you could want in White River City. Why risk going to the imperial capital?"
Howard shook his head. "Thank you for thinking so highly of us, my lord, but we still intend to follow our original plan." He was no fool. How could he fail to understand the viscount's intentions? The man clearly coveted Andrew's talent and wanted him to become a clan knight. Stripped of the fine words, clan knights were servants for generation after generation. How could Howard possibly let Andrew become one? Even if Andrew had possessed no talent at all, rather than his exceptional gifts, Howard would never have agreed.
Viscount Frey slammed the table, on the verge of losing his temper. He felt he had already humbled himself enough, yet a commoner from his own territory actually dared to refuse him. How infuriating. Just then, a familiar voice came from the doorway. "Father, so this is where you are."
Viscount Frey forced a smile and replied, "Kate, come in. We happen to have guests."
The newcomer was none other than Kate. At the sight of her, Ling'er hastily turned her face away and leaned against Andrew. Andrew's mood soured as well, and he put down his food.
Kate walked in smiling. As she passed the Lance family, she deliberately took a detour around them, her disgust plain to see.
"Father, who are they?" Kate asked, sitting down beside Viscount Frey.
"They're from Maple Forest Town," Viscount Frey answered irritably.
"Maple Forest Town? Isn't that your territory? I thought so. So they're lowlifes under our Frey Clan's rule. Hmph, for country bumpkins like you to enter our noble viscount's estate, your ancestors must have earned you this blessing!"
Bang!
With a tremendous crash, the table in front of Andrew went flying, scattering the food all over the floor.
"You're saying we're lowlifes, less noble than you?"
After taking Ling'er to Janice's side, Andrew walked toward Viscount Frey and Kate, step by step. Pointing at the food on the floor, he said, "Now I'll show you who's nobler! Lick all the food off the floor right now, or I'll have the golden tiger eat you!"