"Uh, young Master Selvo, are you sure it's a good idea for me to meet them alone?" Blatt asked hesitantly as they walked.
"Don't worry," Selvo reassured him, waving his hand dismissively. "We're just going there to recommend you to them." He patted Blatt's shoulders and smiled. "Given your skills, I don't think you have anything to be worried about, do you?" Selvo felt quite confident. His father had instructed him to take Blatt to meet the guests from the capital, specifically the members of the Sorneo House.
One reason for this arrangement was that Sino believed it would diminish his own status if he went there himself, while another was to expose his son to influential individuals. After all, Selvo had decided to accompany their group to the capital. After careful consideration, Sino deemed it beneficial for his son to build connections with various prominent families. Additionally, Selvo hadn't been particularly productive in their family trade; if anything, he had been more of a nuisance.
However, Sino warned Selvo profusely before granting him permission to go to the capital. Knowing his son's temper, it was expected that he might cause trouble. Selvo had to promise and assure his father numerous times that he would behave impeccably before receiving the green light.
"Well..." Blatt appeared to hesitate, falling slightly behind.
"Oh, come on, Blatt. You... Huh? Why have you put your mask back on?" Selvo turned around to urge Blatt to pick up the pace but was taken aback to see him wearing his wooden mask once again.
"Young master, let me keep it on," Blatt requested. "This will make me feel less nervous, but it would be a huge blunder if I somehow incited the anger of those bigshots with my ugly expressions." His tone carried a heavy weight of fear.
"... Alright," Selvo reluctantly agreed, realizing Blatt's concern.
They soon passed through the hallway and arrived at a villa surrounded by a meticulously maintained, verdant garden. A stone-paved path led them to the villa's entrance, and the flowers on either side emitted a delicate fragrance that refreshed their spirits.
Guided by Selvo, Blatt approached the door.
"I want to meet Young Master Vance," Selvo informed one of the two guards stationed outside.
Both guards were dressed in dark green attire made of a leather-like material, with a thick vest resembling bullet-proof armor atop their garments. Their fierce countenances and formidable presence exuded an air of intimidation.
"Huh?" One of the guards glanced at Selvo before a smirk formed on his face. "Oh, if it isn't Young Master Selvo." He feigned surprise, as if he had just noticed Selvo and Blatt. His greeting carried a mocking undertone, especially when he emphasized the words "young master." It was clear that even the guards held little regard for the young master of a family hailing from a backward place like Nulis City.
Selvo's lips twitched, but he managed to restrain his words and asked calmly, "May I meet him?" Pointing at Blatt, he explained, "I have brought the individual I mentioned to Young Master Vance this morning."
"Sure, why not?" The guard smiled, glancing at Blatt before exchanging a look with his partner. The guard's greeting was laced with condescension. Soon, the partner entered the villa and returned shortly after, stating, "Master Vance has requested him to come inside," and directed his gaze toward Selvo. "Alone."
"Okay." Selvo nodded, gesturing for Blatt to proceed. Although he appeared calm, a faint trace of indignation flickered in his eyes. After all, it wasn't pleasant to be disdained in one's own territory. The audacious young master from the capital hadn't even invited him inside to take a seat. It was truly too much!
Yet, it was commendable that Selvo managed to maintain his composure, thanks to his father's frequent reminders to behave in front of their guests. If it were someone else, Selvo wouldn't have hesitated to reveal his true self.
Blatt nodded to Selvo and took a deep breath before following the guard inside.
They traversed the foyer and ascended the staircase leading to the next floor.
Blatt couldn't help but marvel silently as he noticed that this place was even more lavish than Sino's own residence, the family head's. Clearly, great efforts had been made to impress the guests from the Sorneo family.
Lost in his thoughts, Blatt found himself led by the guard into a grand hall. The space emanated a distinct ambiance that set it apart from the rest of the Handler family's abode. A subtle fragrance lingered in the air, reminiscent of high-quality wine.
"He's here, Master Vance," the guard announced, coming to a halt at the entrance to the hall. The scene inside was concealed by a wide curtain, allowing only snippets of conversation and laughter to seep through.
"Let him in," a young voice called out, causing the other voices to momentarily pause.
Following the guard's gesture, Blatt entered the hall and found himself standing before a small group of individuals—five in total.
The most striking figure among them was a young man seated in the center of the hall. He possessed medium brown hair and an angular face, bearing a resemblance to the Handlers, which surprised Blatt to some extent.
Dressed in white pants and a shirt, the young man adorned himself with a mint-green long robe draped over his shoulders. He reclined against the plush cushion of his chair, his legs casually resting on the table before him. His hands swirled a glass containing a deep red liquid.
Two servants, seemingly of similar age to the young man, attended to him, presenting a variety of delicacies and drinks placed on the central table. Standing behind the young man was a middle-aged individual who bore the appearance of a butler. Despite his smiling, round face hinting at a harmless demeanor, occasional flashes of shrewdness in his eyes suggested otherwise.
Apart from these four individuals, another man seated at the rear of the room drew Blatt's attention.
This stout man, seemingly in his thirties, wore attire akin to the guards outside. However, the similarities ceased at their shared style, as his gear surpassed theirs in both material and craftsmanship.
Leaning against the window, the man held a glass filled with the same drink as the young man. His focus appeared solely on his beverage, as if the events unfolding in his surroundings held no significance to him. Yet Blatt sensed that the slightest movement within the hall was under his watchful observation.
Anom would have liked to employ his heightened perception to discern the reason behind this feeling. Unfortunately, he was currently disguised and couldn't afford to take any risks.
At this moment, the young man finally directed his attention to the newcomer who had entered the room.
"The herb-gatherer guy, right?" The young man, presumably the aforementioned young master Vance, inquired.
Blatt hurriedly nodded his head and greeted Vance politely, saying, "It's a pleasure to meet you, young master Vance."
Vance reciprocated the nod before lifting his chin slightly and inquiring, "What's with the mask?" A smirk played on his lips as he took a sip from his glass. "Is there something on your face you wish to conceal?"
"Please forgive me, young master," Blatt responded, momentarily taken aback. He swiftly removed his mask and apologized. "I am accustomed to wearing it at all times." Holding the wooden mask in his hands, Blatt explained earnestly, "The forest harbors formidable beasts with keen senses. A single wrong expression can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, this mask is a necessary tool for someone as feeble as myself."
Vance nodded in understanding, a smirk still present on his face. "I see. It seems you are deeply committed to your work." Pausing for a moment, he inquired, "I have heard that you possess excellent navigation and tracking skills within the forest. Impressive."
"It's not as remarkable as it sounds," Blatt modestly replied, shaking his head. "Please do not set your expectations too high, as I am unaware of the specific task you require assistance with. However, I will exert my utmost effort to aid you, hoping it will meet your standards."
"Hahaha! Excellent!" Vance chuckled, his nod reflecting satisfaction.
"If you truly prove to be valuable for our business, I can assure you that your rewards will not be lacking!"
Expressing his gratitude, Blatt turned his attention back to Vance. The young master then shifted his gaze to the butler-like figure, stating, "Acelo, accompany him to assess his skills in the forest. Provide me with a comprehensive report upon your return, understood?"
Acelo nodded, his round and plump face breaking into a smile.
"Fear not, Master Vance. Leave everything to me!"
With the matter seemingly settled, Acelo approached Blatt, but just as he reached him,
"Wait."
A deep voice resonated, capturing everyone's attention and directing their gaze towards the rear of the room.
"I will join them as well," declared the formidable-looking guard, Davion, to Vance.
"Mr. Davion, do you also wish to go?" Vance rose abruptly from his seat, his tone surprisingly polite.
"I couldn't possibly trouble you with such a trivial task," Vance continued, attempting to dissuade him. He considered sending his butler, Acelo, who had reached the pinnacle of the materialization realm, to be sufficient.
"Trivial task?" Davion gave Vance a sidelong glance, a hint of disdain in his eyes. "It may seem inconsequential, but what if it turns out to be more than a false alarm?"
He moved slowly towards the group, emanating a palpable pressure that caused the two servants to break out in a cold sweat. Blatt could sense even Acelo, the butler, growing tense, the perpetual smile wiped off his face.
Coming to a halt in front of Blatt, Davion spoke, his voice carrying a weighty tone, "I, too, wish for his success. After all, it would be a great accomplishment if we brought him along." His stern countenance suddenly transformed into a smile. "Setting aside my own intentions, young master Vance, imagine the tremendous benefits that await you. You might even attain enough merit to stand shoulder to shoulder with the shining stars of our Sorneo House."
Vance's pupils contracted in disbelief, and his breathing became slightly labored as he was taken aback.
Could he truly earn enough merit to be on par with the most exceptional scions of the Sorneo House? Merely by accompanying this herb gatherer?
It seemed like a joke!
Initially, that was Vance's reaction, but he quickly realized that there were many aspects of this mission he remained oblivious to. Despite his status as a family member, his knowledge paled in comparison to that of a guard.
Though bitter, he understood that he couldn't be presumptuous solely based on his identity as a young master. The only reason he had been chosen to lead this group was because he was Sino Handler's nephew.
That's right! His presence here was solely due to his blood ties with the Handler family!
Another significant reason was that nobody else wanted to venture to such a low-tier city. He had been given this opportunity because nobody else was willing to undertake the thankless task.
Vance found himself increasingly irritated by this realization. Everyone else was occupied with fruitful missions and tasks that could enhance their merit and contributions, while he was burdened with an undesirable job that nobody else wanted.
But now, Davion claimed that tremendous merits awaited him by bringing Blatt along. Vance couldn't help but feel conflicted.
However, he swiftly snapped out of his thoughts and addressed Davion hastily, "Then allow me to accompany you." Excitement welled up within him. It was an exceptional chance! Such an incredible opportunity had unexpectedly presented itself. How could he not be elated?
Davion, on the other hand, shook his head. "No. Having you join us would require me to divide my attention. It would be better for you to stay here."
Vance reluctantly composed himself after hearing Davion's words. Though he yearned to go, he lacked the authority to command someone as formidable as Davion.
He could only nod in agreement. "Very well. You go ahead then."
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