It took some time but Mihael and the others were dropped off to the massive castle at the center of the city.
Stone walls.
Mostly wooden windows and doors but some glass.
Quite a big courtyard just in front of the place, some trees, some gardens, some soldiers patrolling.
Lots of maids and butlers.
"This way my lady…" the knight said.
Sarveisa was considered to be a broke marchioness.
Obviously, that wasn't true.
But in this world, reality was often far from the truth.
Following the knight, they entered the castle.
White painted walls, clean floor, soldiers, maids- and nobles-
This place was lively.
For human standards, very expensive-
For angelic standards… not so much.
Compared to heaven and its housings, this couldn't even compare.
Yet-
Rose stared around; eyes full of wonder.
"You look like a country bumpkin, so stop that," Sarveisa hissed.
Rose stopped without a word, albeit begrudgingly.
"So, they decided to show favor by taking us in and offering lodgings?" Mihael said.
"Yes," Sarveisa said.
They were walking ahead. Getting a lot of stares from the lords and noble ladies-
"You know that's not how this works, right?"
"I'm aware, yes but-" But Sarveisa didn't even show a tiny bit of doubt. "Let's just say, I have this whole thing sorted."
Yeah, Mihael wasn't very convinced. But he didn't particularly care either.
He had better things to worry about.
Namely-
There were demons mixed into this place.
Not just humans, nor the half breeds but actual demons.
Some just as ordinary citizens, others as soldiers or even maids….
Something-
Didn't seem right.
Were the demons preparing to attack the realm of men and that's why they had infiltrated?
But in that case, how come they were out in the open and not using any sort of illusion magic?
And anti teleport technology should have been demon city exclusive, so-
What?
What was going on?
Just-
What?
'Could it be?' It was a stretch but Mihael had indeed come to his own conclusion.
And by that time-
They'd also appeared before a large door.
Some insignias and- 'Magically reinforced…'
"My lord- your guests," The knight knocked on the door.
"Let them in-"
The door opened: Sarveisa, Rose and Mihael went in.
"Welcome!!!"
Large room.
Books, table, sofa, an office of sorts.
Just two guards by the door-
And one man behind the table- on his chair-
Middle aged, full red beard, flowy hair, red aristocratic clothes.
Marquis Andruis Von Zelan himself.
Handsome in a sense.
"Marquis, it's been long," Sarveisa tilted the hem of her skirt, offering a pleasant bow.
Rose did the same.
"Yes, indeed."
"Oh, and please excuse my youngest. He was the most spoiled, you see…"
"Ah- yes, yes. I spoil mine too…" A chuckle. "I see, lady Rose shares your intricate beauty, truly… you two are beautiful."
Sarveisa also chuckled.
All the while, Mihael just stared, kind of glass eyed.
'Doesn't this old human… just-'
'Want Miss Sarveisa….'
For a second there, both Mihael and Rose's thoughts happened to align.
"Now then!" The Marquis spoke strong- "I know it must have been hard. But rest assured, I shall take full responsibility of all you three. I shall ensure your proper education and finances as well!" he assured the kids. "Marquis Sanders was a dear friend of mine, this is the least I can do…" he feigned some grief.
'Did you ever even know the guy?' Rose rolled her eyes but the second she did, she straightened her back because she could sure feel the murderous aura leaking out of Sarveisa toward her…
They couldn't slip up here, no.
Ahem- "Thank you, my lord," Sarveisa again offered a bow. "And I shall raise them so they do not tarnish either of our families' names."
"No, no, Lady Sarveisa- 'WE' shall raise them!"
The Marquis happened to be a in a great mood apparently.
Meanwhile-
The door slammed open as three people came in.
One woman- middle-aged, fairly beautiful but a bit past her prime. Another woman, roughly 15 and then another one, about ten. The older two women had blonde hair while the youngest; red.
They appeared to be noble ladies.
The middle-aged lady wore a fair bit of makeup and carried a hand fan with her; she wore red sparkly dress. Both girls meanwhile had makeup too but not as much and both wore soft pink dresses.
"What is the meaning of this? Who are they?" The middle-aged woman inquired.
Tone definitely threatening.
"Ah, Marthy- I was just about to introduce you to- ahem… This is Marchioness Sarveisa the wife of my late friend Marquis Sanders and these two are their children. Since their domain was destroyed by the Tengu Wood gods, I have decided to house them for one year, to show my sincerity to my late friend."
She hid her face well with the fan but even so her animosity leaked anyway. "Then have the guards arrange them a place in the lower levels. A common guest room should work-"
"No, I was going to make them stay at the elite guest-"
"Elite? You know those are only for royalty and even Elle and Lina aren't permitted to go near there!"
A minor sigh.
"Forgive me my lady, but-" The marquis stared at Sarveisa.
Perhaps his hands were also tied…
Sarveisa- smiled. A faint smile with a bit of her eye twinkling. "It's okay my lord. Would it be alright to at least provide some money? We will stay at an inn for now and-"
A noble lady such as her, in an inn?
When the lord of this estate had promised her lodgings?
"NO!!" The Maruis roared with renewed vigor.
"Aisaac!"
"Sir!?" The knight came in, saluting.
"I'm appointing you as their personal guard. Take them to the emissary guest room. They shall stay there for one year!"
"Sir!"
"But-" But Sarveisa stared-
"It is okay my lady. The Royal guest chambers are only for show and not really all that better. The emissary rooms far better."
"No, that's not what-"
"I know," The Marquis smiled. "I'll take care of this."
That said, the three were escorted out while-
While the middled aged lady just glared- "What? How could you do this? bringing that woman? Did she seduce you!?"
"Trust me, if she wanted to, she could have done that long ago." The Marquis cleared his throat, slightly red. "The fact that you couldn't even gaze her beauty, indicates how novice you are to this. Leave Marthy, my decision won't change. For my word is my honor!"