Zamel looks toward the window, thinking about the event that happened yesterday.
He now sat inside an unassuming, simple-looking vehicle. But despite its modest appearance, it was far from ordinary. The sleek, black sedan, with its dark-tinted windows, bore a striking resemblance to the cars of the old world, yet it was leagues ahead in technology.
Unlike traditional four-wheeled vehicles, this one hovered just above the ground, allowing it to traverse any terrestrial terrain—so long as it had enough fuel. But fuel, too, was a relic of the past. Instead of fossil fuels or outdated renewable energy, this vehicle was powered by mana batteries—self-recharging through enchanted inscriptions that absorbed ambient mana from the world itself.
Yet its greatest feature lay not in its efficiency, but in its defenses. Despite its inconspicuous design, it was crafted with powerful enchantments, reinforced to withstand attacks from Rank B threats of any species—ensuring that whoever rode within it remained untouchable by all but the most formidable adversaries.
While thinking of his mother, he couldn't help but sigh, disappointed that he hadn't been able to spend more time with her yesterday. He had hoped to see her again first thing in the morning, but the Patriarch had made it clear—he was leaving today.
Instead of waking up on his own, he was unceremoniously roused by a knock on his door. When he allowed them to enter, dozens of servants rushed in, swiftly carrying out their duties without hesitation.
He was pulled from the soft embrace of his bed and ushered straight into the bathroom, where the servants proceeded to wash him—despite his protests. Once he was cleaned and dressed, they had already packed all of his belongings, including the weapons, armor, and spending money that the Patriarch had prepared for him in advance. Without delay, they guided him toward one of the family's vehicles.
He had expected his grandfather to send him off in one of their limousines, but instead, he was directed toward the unassuming car he now sat in. It seemed the Patriarch wanted his departure to remain a secret. There were no escorts, no grand procession—just a simple-looking vehicle.
However, he was far from unprotected. Accompanying him was a highly trained butler, skilled in combat, who now sat behind the wheel. Beside him was a powerful mage, while two cloaked men that looked like assassins due to their attire sat beside him. All their presence was a promise of protection.
Zamel didn't dwell much on his unassuming but silent departure. If this was the price of leaving the estate, then so be it. It was a small price to pay for his freedom.
Although he still wished for just one more hour with his mother, that wish remained unfulfilled.
Zamel sighed once again, regret slipping from his lips.
"Are you all right, Young Lord?" the butler driving the car asked, likely noticing Zamel's somber mood.
"I'm alright. There's no need to worry about me," Zamel replied, then quickly shifted the topic. "Speaking of which, are we close to our destination?"
"Yes, Young Lord. We're approaching the estate where you'll be staying for quite some time. In fact, we've just arrived at the entrance of the walls surrounding it," the butler stated matter-of-factly.
He smiled at the news. They had been traveling for eight hours since he left his family's estate at five in the morning. The fact that they had reached their destination just past lunchtime was a blessing, considering the vast distances between regions in their nation.
His heart swelled with anticipation. He looked forward to meeting the family that would take him in, especially the Patriarch—the man who would train and care for him until he reached adulthood.
A relatively short time passed before their vehicle came to a stop in front of the estate. The moment he stepped out, all traces of his earlier somber mood vanished, replaced by bubbling excitement at the thought of meeting new people.
However, the sight before him caught him off guard.
Instead of the beautiful, ornate designs typical of noble estates, what stood before him looked more like a battle-hardened fortress, built to withstand sieges rather than to impress visiting aristocrats. It was a stark contrast to his own family's lavish home.
The massive gray stronghold loomed before him, its medieval design crafted from different types of reinforced hardstone. Unlike traditional noble estates, which often incorporated fine woodwork and decorative embellishments, this place was built with function in mind—pure stone, hardened further with mana, making it an unyielding bastion against any potential threats.
But what truly caught his attention was a lone, black man standing at the entrance.
The man was tall—really tall. He had a lean build and was dressed in a simple butler's attire, giving him a minimalistic appearance. He had a bald head, a sharp jawline, defined features, and dark eyes that radiated both lethality and professionalism.
However, what was most noticeable about him was his presence. He emanated a powerful aura that spoke of immense strength. Just from that alone, Zamel knew that neither he nor his guards would be a match for him.
It seemed his protectors felt the same, as they immediately went on high alert, preparing themselves to defend Zamel.
The black butler, unbothered by their reaction, walked toward them. His movements were fluid, exuding both gentlemanliness and an effortless confidence that made it clear he had nothing to fear.
Zamel's protectors, noticing his approach, swiftly surrounded him in a practiced formation. The two cloaked men took the front, brandishing their weapons, while the butler and the mage flanked him on either side. Zamel also noticed that his butler was reaching for something, while the mage began chanting in a low voice, one hand forming intricate signs behind his back while the other gripped his staff tightly.
Once the black butler stood before them, he bowed slightly before speaking in a calm, professional tone.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Lord Zamel Havengarde. I hope the trip wasn't too difficult for you."
It took a second before Zamel reacted to the words as he quickly rambled his mind to answer.
"U-uh… Yes! It's also a pleasure to meet you sir…?" He halted his words as he realized he didn't know the name of the black butler in front of them.
"I apologize for the late introduction. I am Bennett Onyxus. I serve as the personal butler of the current patriarch of House Bisdoma. You may refer to me as Bennett—no honorifics needed," he said after noticing Zamel struggling to identify him.
"Uh, then… uhh, Sir Bennett… I mean, Bennett. I hope we weren't too late in arriving. If we were, then I apologize for our tardiness," Zamel stammered.
"It's alright, Young Lord Zamel. Please, allow me to escort you and your group to the Patriarch. He has been awaiting your arrival since your grandfather informed him you would be coming today. There is no need to worry about your luggage; the other servants will take care of it. Come, let us go to the dining room," Bennett said, stepping to the side and gesturing toward the main entrance of the estate.
"Let us go, then." Zamel walked forward without hesitation upon hearing that the Patriarch was already waiting for them. Although he found it odd that they would meet in the dining room instead of the Patriarch's personal office, he did not dwell on it, instead focusing on quickening his pace—lest he risk incurring the ire of the man who would be responsible for him.
The guards followed closely, surrounding Zamel as if they still did not trust the black butler who had welcomed them.
They walked through the hallway as the butler guided them toward their destination.
Zamel was filled with anticipation, letting his imagination run wild as he thought about the man he would meet today. Meanwhile, the guards took note of their surroundings, memorizing every turn and scanning every nook and cranny for potential ambush points.
Zamel did not dwell on the possibility of being harmed by those who were supposed to take care of him. After all, his grandfather trusted the Archduke, and as such, he would trust them as well.
A short while passed before they entered a room with a long table laden with countless dishes and drinks. Yet, only one person sat at the table, eating with no regard for etiquette or grace.
He devoured countless dishes like a hungry beast, gulping down large mugs of beer like a parched man drinking from an oasis for the first time.
Stacks of empty plates piled up at the side of the table, growing higher and higher due to the man's relentless appetite.
Watching the scene unfold before them, Zamel and his group couldn't help but be stupefied. How could a noble act like this? Wasn't it mandatory for those of noble birth to possess at least the basics of table etiquette? They were now suspicious that the man before them was an impostor impersonating the Archduke they were supposed to meet today.
The black butler, who stood alongside them, observed the scene with an increasingly cold expression in his eyes.
Bennett proceeded to walk toward the burly man as Zamel and his group waited. He got closer and closer, yet the man, who was devouring his food like a glutton, seemed completely unaware of Bennett's presence. Even as the butler stood right beside him, the man continued eating as if there were no tomorrow.
Then, without hesitation, Bennett raised his hand and proceeded to smack the ever-living shit out of the man in front of him.
The man, who had been eating, suddenly found his face buried in the plate where his food had been. He instantly reacted, screaming out in pain.
"Ack… What the— Who the hell was that?!" he yelled, rubbing the back of his head, which throbbed in pain.
Bennett then spoke, his voice dripping with dissatisfaction.
"Lord Vilfred, the guests have arrived. Please act according to your lineage. The way you conduct yourself is a disgrace to all nobles, including your family."
"Ohhh, it was you, Benny. Why the hell did you need to smack my head just because some guests are here?" the burly man grumbled as he spoke.
"Wait… guest? What guest?" he muttered, suddenly realizing the situation as he looked around, searching for someone.
His eyes locked onto the unfamiliar group standing near the door, but they lingered on the boy surrounded by four people.
He then smiled widely before bounding toward the group, quickly closing the distance and appearing right in front of Zamel.
The guards didn't even notice that the burly man had moved until he was already standing before the very person they were supposed to protect. Yet, before they could react, they felt an insurmountable pressure holding them in place—like some sort of predator had already locked its eyes on them.
"Well, well, well… you're the grandson of that old bastard? Good, good, good. That fucker owes me money from a bet—looks like you're the payment." The burly man smirked.
"Uh…." Zamel didn't know how to react to the burly man's words as nervousness filled his mind. He glanced toward the people who were supposed to protect him, only to see that they weren't moving.
But for some reason, it looked like they were shaking from something.
Zamel then shifted his focus toward the burly man in front of him. It looked like he would not be able to rely on his guards, so he looked at the man without hesitation.
"Uh… Hello, Lord Vilfred. I'm not sure which person you're referring to, but I guess you may be talking about my grandfather, Xandrius Von Havengarde. If I'm correct, then yes, you're right—I am his grandson."
"In regard to his debt to you, I may not know about it, but if there's a way I can assist you with it, then I would be more than happy to help."
After finishing his word, he saw the smirk plastered on the burly man's face widen even more. Then, without hesitation, the man reached out to him, and everything became a blur. The next thing he knew, he was suddenly seated in front of the table filled with countless dishes.
"Great! HAHAHAHAHA! You'll help him pay his debts? Then that's more than enough for me! HAHAHAHA." He laughed as he eyed Zamel like a hungry beast.
"Don't worry about his debt, kid. You'll only have to work for me for about three years. After that, we can consider what he owes me fully paid. Also, I will surely take care of you. Your training will start tomorrow, so eat up and go to your room. Benny over there already cleaned it for you, so rest up. You'll have a long day tomorrow, so get some sleep early, alright?" he said, his smirk becoming even more savage.
Zamel couldn't help but gulp loudly when he heard the words of the burly man seated in his previous seat. He could only hope that his time here would be easier and better than before.