CHAPTER 49: A VISIT TO THE VISCOUNT.

(Viscount Embre’s territory.)

Embre was seated on his office chair, an enraged aura radiating around him as he kept tapping his feet nervously on the ground. His eyes darted left and right, a trail of sweat dripping down the side of his head.

His bald head glinted in the window’s sunlight, which accentuated the anger he was so desperately trying to suppress.

"I can’t believe that brat is actually coming here..."

He finally spoke, his gaze constantly directed to the door.

Soon, the rage glued to his face gave way to a look of hope as the door to his office opened.

In walked a rather beautiful woman.

Her blonde hair danced behind her, adorned with a blue flower pinned to the left side of her hair to bring out the color of her blue pearly eyes and her blue earrings, dangling under her ear.

She also wore a blue dress, slightly exposing her cleavage while also leaving much to the imagination as well. Her body was curvy and couldn’t be more voluptuous even if she tried.

Behind her was a man with long black hair and sleepy eyes. He was a knight who had sworn to serve the Embre household.

Walking into the room, the lady moved forward with grace, finding herself in front of the desk with her knight right behind.

Carrying a smile capable of lighting up the entire room, she uttered with a soft yet captivating voice—

"Oh my, Father, this is the first time you’ve called me to your office, is all well?"

Anger reverted back on Embre’s face as soon as his daughter asked this.

"No, I just received a letter from that damn Aurelian; he wants to have a word with me. That bastard."

"Oh?" she narrowed her gaze a bit. "Are you talking about that territory north of here, with the secret fortune and mining ground?"

"Of course, honey, who else could I be talking about? The other barons under me barely pose any threat, well, except for those ones, and that is also because those damn Aurelians are involved."

The beautiful blonde-haired woman sighed and reached for her purse to pull out a small hand fan.

She flapped it open, positioning it right in front of her lower face.

"If you are so hungry for their mining ground, shouldn’t you seize it from them? At the end of the day, your noble status is higher; the count will surely favor you."

Embre glanced down. "I thought that as well, but a good friend of mine, who is an investigator, found out that the Aurelians had somehow managed to get the count to grant them full ownership over anything on their lands. Those idiots already planned ahead."

There was silence for a while; the woman waited to see what her father would say next.

"That is why I want you to entertain them for me."

"What do you mean?"

"You know, that game stuff you always do, the one you are undefeated in." Embre spread his arms apart, enthusiasm creeping on his face. "If you win against them with a pact, which you will, you’ll ask for their mining ground, and they will have no choice but to accept."

The woman sighed.

"Father, while I do love playing games with people, it’s not just anyone. I refuse to game with them if they are of no talent or skill. It will be a waste of time on my part," she continued. "But this is the first time you are asking me for a favor, so I guess I can overlook this one thing."

Embre smiled like a child, grinning ear to ear.

"So, when are these guests coming?"

"Today."

"Today?" the woman glanced to the side, where she could see the sun already setting through the window. "Interesting. I’ll be sure to take care of this. Consider the mining ground yours."

"You already knew that is what I wanted. Hehe, my daughter."

With a mischievous gleam in her eyes, she laughed and uttered softly.

"Greed will be greed."

...

A few moments later.

Dorian stepped out of the wagon.

Right after, Maria and Seraphina followed.

Standing in front of the huge white mansion, the trio couldn’t help but stare at the immoderate size and design of the building.

It was only a few inches bigger than the Aurelian mansion, and as for the design, it was terribly lacking.

’Of course, that egg-looking viscount has a bland home. Tsk.’ Dorian spat at the scenery.

It didn’t take long for someone to attend to them; it was a maid.

Positioned at the side, she bowed her head. "Please come this way, Lord Aurelian; Lady Ishar has been awaiting you."

’Lady? His wife? I thought he never married.’

Dorian ignored his thoughts and smiled at the maid.

"Please, lead the way."

As the maid walked, Dorian began to follow behind her.

"Lord Dorian. There are soldiers stationed all around this place; please be alert." Maria whispered to him in the left side of his ear.

And at the right-

"If you need water, please let me know. I bought some just in case. Or food, though it’s only snacks, it will still fill your bellies."

"Sure."

Dorian lowered his gaze as he walked, so badly wanting to sigh.

Both Maria and Seraphina had been doting on him ever since he left his room and told them he was heading to the Viscount’s territory.

At first, he assumed they were being overly nice because they wanted him to forget about their disobedience. But now he doesn’t even know what to think.

They kept ranting in his ear, their eyes not even focused on the stairs they were climbing.

After what seemed like forever, the maid finally made it to the front door of the mansion.

Slowly, she opened it, and then almost quickly stepped to the side, urging Dorian to walk in.

Which he did without a second thought.

Once he was inside the mansion, a hush fell over him, a stark contrast to the clamor of the city he had just left behind.

The shining marble ground, polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflected the soft glow emanating from above, creating an illusion of infinite depth. His gaze was drawn upward to the magnificent chandelier, a cascading masterpiece of crystal and wrought iron, suspended from the soaring ceiling like a frozen waterfall.

It was not lit by conventional bulbs but by a multitude of firefly lanterns, each containing a tiny, flickering light.

He took a deep breath.

Then came the sexy, hypnotizing voice—

"You must be Dorian Aurelian. You look every bit as handsome as I’d heard. Please, come in."

...

[A/N:]

As promised, an extra Chapter for reaching 100 power stones. I am so grateful for all the support.

A new week, I hope we can reach the same goal again.

100 power stones—2 extra Chapters.

15 gt- 1 Extra Chapter.