"We are here," Lara remarked.
Max looked out the window and was greeted with the sight of a manor that one could only say was the definition of opulence.
With a mini castle at the center of the manor and a few other buildings, each one with a different design from the last, one would have to admire the dedication of whoever designed them.
Laura dropped down from her Cockatrice and canceled the summoning after which she moved to the manor gates.
The gate suddenly opened as a middle-aged man dressed in formal attire walked out to receive them. "Lady Laura, you have returned."
Laura smiled. "Yes, is my father present?"
The man nodded. "He is currently in a meeting with a few business associates…"
"I would like to see him." Laura cut him off.
The man looked her over before looking behind Lara and Max. Sighing helplessly, he turned his back to them. "Follow me."
Max asked out of curiosity. "Who is that?"
"That's Bali, the Webber family butler and also, Sir Lloyd's assistant." Lara quickly explained.
Laura gestured for them to come along which they happily obliged. Ten breaths later and a few guards emerged from the building to take the carriages in.
Indoor fountain, gold plated wares and furniture as well as artworks that one could only assume were masterpieces.
Max muttered. "Mr. Webber sure knows how to make a statement. His wealth is comparable to him." The 'him' referring to his father.
Lara chuckled. "I agree."
Laura chipped in at the side, her chin up in the air in a show of pride. "My father is a man with a good eye for beauty, so it's only natural that our home would be easy on the eye."
After moving past a few rooms, they finally made it to the study, which was basically a library.
Inside, Max could make out the voices of three men talking.
"You have to realize that it's best to take a step back when one extends an opportunity to do so."
"Are you trying to threaten me?"
"We are just trying to say what's good for you."
Max furrowed his brows. "What's going on in there?"
Just then, Bali knocked on the doors to the study, speaking softly. "Sir, I do apologize for the disturbance but I wish to inform you of the return of your daughter, Laura as well as your business associate, Lara Rion."
Silence reigned at the other end before an amicable voice came through. "Please send them in."
"Alright, sir," Bali responded.
Without waiting for Bali's permission, Laura hastily opened the door and ran into the study with Lara and Max following after.
They walked over just in time to see two men with airs of nobles walking out. They merely spared them a glance before going on their way.
Max could barely make out the words one of them said under his breath.
"You'd regret this, Webber."
Max thought to himself. "Did Mr. Webber find himself in trouble?... Why do those guys seem like they have a grudge against him?"
Just then, a burly voice was heard. "Laura, my child."
Max turned to the origin of the voice.
Dark skin with golden-brown hair, brown eyes as well as a fit physique, Mr. Webber was definitely a man for the ladies.
Add on his wealth and Max wondered what lady would be able to resist his charms.
Tapping Lara's shoulder, he asked. "Are you sure you don't want to consider remarrying?"
Lara shot him a cold glare causing him to hold his tongue.
Laura leaped into Lloyd's embrace as she called out. "Dad."
"Haha, how was your adventure out in the wild?"
"It was… good."
Lloyd noticed the pause. "Did something happen?"
Lara chipped in. "We ran into a little trouble with bandits, thankfully my son was there to help out so everything is fine. Though the guards you assigned ended up losing their lives."
Lloyd furrowed his brows. "Bandits?... Hmm, that's fine I guess. You'll have to tell me where this happened so I can ask for their bodies to be retrieved. They died in service, I wouldn't want for their bodies to rot in the wild."
"That would be fine," Lara replied.
Lloyd nodded before shifting his attention to Max. "You said this is your son?"
Lara nodded before pinching Max at the side. "Ow… Ahem, Good day, Sir Lloyd. It's an honor to meet you."
Lloyd nodded with a smile. "It's a pleasure of mine to finally meet the child of this most wonderful lady but I have a question."
Max asked. "You are wondering how I managed to save my mom and your daughter from bandits even though I don't have a shred of magic flowing out of me?"
Lloyd was pleasantly surprised. "Forgive my curiosity."
Laura chipped in. "Dad, that's because Max is not a magician. He's a Sage. Can you believe it?"
Lloyd's expression changed, instead of mild surprise, he looked quite shocked by the revelation.
"You are a Sage?"
Max nodded. "Is there a problem, Sir?"
Lloyd pursed his lips as he shook his head. "None at all, actually. I'm just quite surprised that a child like you would be willing to go down such a path. I can only imagine the trials you had to experience to gain the strength you have today."
His expression held a hint of pity, with his feelings understandable.
Those aware of Sages were also aware of the arduous path they must take to gain enlightenment from the three great natural laws.
This was why most would opt to become Magicians even though the prospects of a Sage were limitless.
Max felt warm inside. "It's not a big deal, but thanks for your concern, Sir. I believe what I have now I worked for and that's what I am most proud of."
Lloyd nodded in appreciation as he turned to Lara. "It would seem this child of yours has a bright future ahead of him. You must be proud."
Lara smiled in return. "Oh, I am."