Kailen followed the determined Lana upstairs together with Ali, the floors increased in luxury and by the top everything was extravagant. A beautiful golden chandelier hung from the ceiling covering the room with a golden glow, with white elegant walls covered in beautiful artworks that depicted dragons and other mythical beasts soaring through the clouds. Kailen had never witnessed such art before, he couldn't help but admire the work for a few seconds before assessing the groups before him.
At one table sat a middle-aged slim man with slick back brown hair, he sat together with a group of slightly younger men. The man gave off a respectable scholarly vibe, as he sat silently listening to the conversations around him. Kailen noted that he must be the viscount due to the body language of the other men, all slightly facing him.
Another table sat a blonde-haired middle-aged man with an average build, he looked bored as similarly a group of younger men talked incessantly. Kailen once again assumed he was the Viscount, via the same criteria.
"Hello, everyone could I have your attention please?"
Lana said in a loud obnoxious voice, which silenced the room and attracted all gazes to their little group. The two viscounts raised their gazes, a curious look passed over their faces. Not many in this city would interrupt their conversations without fear of punishment.
"Who the hell are you?"
A rude voice sounded from the final table, where a fat man with no hair was sitting together with two other average-looking men. From their demeanor, Kailen assumed they were of no importance.
"Shut up, will you please?"
Lana said while giving them a side-eye behind her veil. The fat man's face distorted into a grimace as the disrespect registered in his mind. Kailen watched as a drop of sweat formed on his ugly head, Kailen instantly disliked the man.
"What did you sa-"
"Shut up and sit down you big bald fuck."
Kailen interrupted him with a loud aggressive voice, the useless looking man reminded him of his time serving in House Avera. Kailen glared at the man with a cold piercing look which caused the bald man to tremble and follow his advice.
Kailen's outburst surprised the girls, Lana gave him a look while Ali burst out laughing at the man's reaction. Kailen was pleased with how the power dynamics had changed since that time, strength and power were truly the keys to living in this world.
"Anyway, it's a pleasure to meet you, Viscounts. My friends and I would like a table, to be made available if possible.
Lana said while looking between the two Viscounts, she didn't give another glance at the fat, bald man. Lana was obviously implying the viscounts kick him out and allow them to sit at his table, the two viscounts gave each other a look.
"That's fine, our friend here was just finishing his meal anyway."
The blonde man said while waving his hand towards the fat bald man, they had clearly judged Lana to be someone with status due to her bearing. The fat man cowered under the gazes of the two and hurriedly scrammed through the door together with his friends. Waiters came rushing into the room to clear the table, as the thin Viscount spoke.
"We apologize for his behavior, as the son of Viscount Wilkins he has grown arrogant despite his lack of ability."
His voice was calm, the men well versed in politics knew how to judge a person. Kailen assumed their next move would be to try and gain information about her.
"Hm, that's fine. We shall enjoy our meal now, it was a pleasure talking."
Lana said while moving to sit at the now clean table, Kailen and Ali joined her. The viscounts wanted to talk more to Lana, but she gave them no chance and continued to enjoy the meal with Kailen and Ali.
"Do you think that disgusting man will cause us any problems?"
Ali asked while sucking on her fork, her appearance was cute and caused Kailen to smile. Thinking of the man from earlier soured his mood as unpleasant memories surfaced, though he made sure neither of the girls noticed.
"It doesn't really matter in fact, I hope he does. It will serve as further training for Kailen."
Lana said with a mischevious smile while looking at him.
"That's true I'm looking forward to testing my strength."
Kailen was excited by the prospect of furthering his skills in battle and agreed with her. His strength was growing and he wanted to know how far he had come since fighting in the slave arena, he couldn't judge against petty criminals.
"Besides, from how they treated him he has little importance. He should be unable to gather any really strong cultivators."
Lana said with a nonchalant look on her face at the prospect of his retaliation.
"So for how long are we staying in Cante?"
Kailen asked he was eager to explore more of the world with his newfound freedom. His lifetime of servitude has shackled his curiosity for adventure, though now he couldn't wait to broaden his horizons.
"Not too long, probably a few days before we head back towards my relatives home in the country of Nictra."
Lana replied before continuing with her meal.
"I can't wait to see Auntie Dyanne again!"
Ali pronounced loudly in an excited manner. Unbeknown to them the faces of the viscounts changed after hearing the name, Dyanne, their eyebrows twitched in fear.
Kailen was looking forward to seeing the country of Nictra, he knew it bordered the country of Cassar in which housed the city of Cante. The city of Cante was about two hundred miles from the border to Nictra, so the journey might take some time. The prospect of travel made Kailen's feet itch, new sounds, sights, and cultures all intrigued him.
Their meal continued in peace, with the sounds of laughter drifting through the room. Kailen enjoyed the peaceful meal, a far cry from his previous life as a slave. The prospect of tomorrow no longer so bleak in his mind.