Stevan scheduled the meeting for six o'clock in the evening, three days from now, and invited only Li Lin.
Traditionally, according to Piltover family customs and etiquette, the Ferros family should have at least included Caitlyn as a companion, even if they didn't invite Cassandra. Li Lin and Caitlyn had made their relationship public at her coming-of-age ceremony. Stevan's actions were clearly a breach of proper etiquette for interactions among major families.
If this were a public event, it might have even caused the Kiramman family to lose face. However, Li Lin didn't think Stevan intended to offend the Kiramman family; his only concern was the Hextech core, which he hoped would free him from his frail and aging body.
Given the potential impact on the Kiramman family's reputation, Li Lin decided to consult Cassandra on how to proceed. Cassandra was no longer as apprehensive about the Ferros family as she once was. The families had always feared a particular presence within the Ferros household—Lady Gray. Before Progress Day, Li Lin had easily subdued Camille, a fact known to Cassandra, which lessened her fears.
Li Lin didn't disclose Stevan's specific intentions to her, as it wouldn't be appropriate to assume ill intent from the head of a family. After some careful consideration, Cassandra advised Li Lin to accept the invitation and see what Stevan wanted. If anything unexpected occurred, he should adapt to the situation.
Cassandra emphasized "adapt to the situation," giving Li Lin a look that stressed: protecting himself was the top priority.
---
Three days passed swiftly. Li Lin wasn't particularly worried about Stevan and continued his research on rune magic. On the afternoon of the third day, two hours before the evening event, he carefully washed, selected a formal outfit, and had his Infinity Mark IV Armor scan and simulate it. Even though Li Lin could now traverse the Twin Cities with his enhanced physique alone, he knew better than to become overconfident and prepared accordingly.
When the time was right, he boarded his Transformer, now in battle tank mode, and took off towards the Ferros family estate.
Blue Mist Manor was located on the outskirts of southern Piltover, with a history spanning over two hundred years, dating back to the era of Lady Gray's great-great-grandfather, who had lived through the "Great Collapse." The Ferros family was the only prominent family residing in the southern district.
After about ten minutes, Li Lin's Transformer descended slowly, landing outside the large iron gates of Blue Mist Manor, in full view of several servants dressed in Ferros family attire.
As soon as Li Lin stepped out of his car, a young man, dressed differently from the other servants and of higher status, hurriedly opened the gate and approached him.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Li Lin from the Kiramman family?"
"That's right."
Just as Li Lin was about to produce his invitation, the young man, anticipating his move, smiled and declined, "No need for the invitation; your hovering car alone proves your identity."
He smiled, "After all, you're the only one in the Upper City who can drive it."
"Thank you, I'll take that as a compliment."
Li Lin maintained a polite smile, not paying much attention to the young man's obvious flattery.
"Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Bonar Ferros. I joined the Ferros family and was given the 'Ferros' surname by Master Stevan."
Bonar performed a standard Piltover noble bow, "Until the event starts, I'll be giving you a tour of Blue Mist Manor, if you'd like."
"Sure, thank you."
"It's an honor to serve such a distinguished genius as yourself," Bonar said respectfully, casting a longing glance at Li Lin's vehicle. He seemed eager to get a closer look but was disappointed when Li Lin showed no inclination to indulge him.
As they walked, Li Lin couldn't help but notice that Blue Mist Manor was more than twice the size of the Kiramman estate. In the northern district, land was scarce, with family homes and workshops packed closely together. But in the southern outskirts, space was abundant.
The architecture of Blue Mist Manor was distinctly different from the new buildings in the northern district. It featured a classical design, with smooth, gleaming marble and fine imported wood, exuding an air of elegance and history. Unlike the northern district's bronze grids, the manor had large, sparkling glass windows, reflecting Piltover's unique aesthetic.
Due to its location in the southern district, the manor's security was stricter, with guards in grey and white uniforms, armed and vigilant.
As they walked through the side corridors, Bonar led the way while Li Lin followed, his AI scanning and recording the manor's layout. Though he had flown over the estate and noted its exterior, the interior was unknown territory. If any danger arose, his clothes could transform into armor, and he could leap out of a window to his waiting vehicle.
Exploring a new place had become second nature to him, a habit from his gaming days.
The Ferros family's décor was luxurious, with fine craftsmanship and priceless artifacts from Freljord, Demacia, Noxus, Ionia, and Shurima, even artifacts from Targon Peak. And this was just the side residence.
Bonar led him into a large gallery filled with lifelike portraits, each with a name, birth and death dates, and achievements inscribed below. "Mr. Li Lin, this is our Ferros family achievement gallery. This is our first family head who founded the Ferros family."
"Oh, and this one," Bonar continued, "though not a family head, discovered the Primordial Crystal over a hundred years ago, the prototype for today's Hex Crystals. She lost an arm in the process, embodying our family motto: 'For my family, I am willing to sacrifice.'"
As Bonar was detailing the achievements of the Ferros ancestors, a young woman in an elegant white and grey dress entered. She had a composed demeanor, with sapphire-blue eyes and a neat bun of black hair adorned with exquisite accessories.
"Miss Abel..." Bonar stammered, bowing respectfully.
Li Lin raised an eyebrow, curious about the young woman's identity. If she could make Bonar so flustered, she must be a direct descendant of the Ferros family.
"Bonar, I'll take over from here," the young woman said, her voice sweet but tinged with nervousness.
Bonar hesitated, "But Miss Abel..."
"This is Lady Grey's arrangement."
Bonar's face changed as he processed this. After a tense moment, he bowed stiffly to Li Lin, apologized, and left through another door.
Once alone, Abel visibly relaxed. "Finally got rid of him!" she sighed.
"Uh, excuse my rudeness, but can you explain what's going on?" Li Lin asked, bewildered.
"Oh, sorry!" Abel apologized, her demeanor shifting to a more playful and childlike attitude. "I'm Abel Ferros. My older brother is Yabus. You probably know him. Lady Grey sent me to bring you to her."
"You mean Camille?" Li Lin asked.
Abel's expression shifted slightly. "Shh! Call her Lady Grey."
"Alright," Li Lin said, still confused.
"Anyway, follow me. I'll explain on the way," Abel said, leading the way.
(Chapter End)
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