Chapter 308: Luxford Family

"What will you use that for?"

Yasmin curiously asked as they left the crowded street. 

The guards had already dispersed most of the people but many of them were still trying to approach the three so they hurriedly left. 

It seems that many shop owners were grateful for what they did to Noel. 

Unfortunately, the three don't have the time to mingle with them. After all, they did it to him because he truly deserves it with that kind of attitude.

"Hmm… It's not just useful against the Dark Elves' curse but it can also help Forest Elf like me to boost our sensitivity in Soul Energy…" Lyrei answered with a smile. 

However, both Stella and Yasmin couldn't relate to that. They are both aware that Spiritual Energy and Soul Energy are existing in this world. The Arcanists like them utilize Spiritual Energy to control Arcana and Magic Items.

As for Soul Energy, they have no idea how to use it all.

"So elves can use their Soul Energy? Interesting."

"Hmm… Is that some kind of another power?"

Lyrei then nodded after hearing their questions. 

"That's right… However, manipulating them is not as easy as our Spiritual Energy… Hard work isn't enough to use it but it requires talent. As far as I know, Elves, Imps, Fairies, and High Orcs can use them…"

Stella just shook her head after hearing this. If it is a race issue, then there's nothing she could do about it. 

They ended their conversation there as they didn't want to pry too much about their race's secrets. They were at least sensible enough not to ask such questions. 

"Hmm… I heard from Diether's stories that he lived here with his parents. Though I'm not sure if we can find traces of him here."

"That's fine… You mentioned that he attended a school here for a while, right? There's only one school near here and we should probably find clues there." Stella smiled as she thought of visiting the place. 

"Ahh… The branch of Royal Academy? I wonder if we can go there…" Yasmin has never attended a proper school. However, she knows that not everyone could enter that place.

"Well, I heard that they're quite strict so we probably can't enter that place. However, since that guy has a last name, there must be someone who knows him…" Lyrei added.

"You're right! A Luxford sounded like a noble's last name. We should probably ask the guards." 

"Guards? You're right… Let's do that."

They got too riled up after entering the town so they forgot to ask the guards about it.

Nevertheless, it didn't take long before they managed to get information from the guards nearby about the Luxford Family. 

Luckily, the family seems to be quite popular because of their humanitarian actions. The donations they made through the charity, their move to hire hundreds of laborers to work for their fief, and their recent project to feed the less fortunate people living in the slums and streets have all been noticed by the townspeople.

"So, this mansion is owned by Luxford Family? Then, I think our job of finding him is a lot easier than I thought." Lyrei muttered after ending up seeing the gated mansion located on the eastern side of the large town. 

Then, they saw the guard stationed outside. 

Stella stepped forward to ask questions while the other two waited behind her. 

"Can we meet someone named Diether Luxford? Does he live here?" Stella asked the stern-looking man. 

"If you don't have an appointment with anyone living here, I won't be able to help you, miss." The man answered.

"Wait… Can't you just tell him that someone is looking for him? Ahh… Tell him that I'm a practitioner of similar sword art that he uses." Stella replied but the man was just looking at her as if he was waiting for something. 

She was about to ask again when Yasmin threw a small bag of silver coins to the guard before giving instructions.

"We're in a hurry… We're his friends. Just do as she says…"

As soon as the guard caught the pouch, his eyes lit up as he immediately left his post after telling them to wait here.

"Ugh! So he's waiting for a bribe… Tsk." Stella shook her head after realizing this.

"Haha~ You'll get used to it. It may not be useful in the Dukedom but giving a tip from time to time works like magic here." Yasmin said as she looked at the running guard. 

"I'll pay for the silver. How much was that?"

"Ahh… Don't worry about it. It may not be obvious but I earned a lot of money working as a Hunter for several years."

"But still…" Stella felt bad letting Yasmin bribe the guard for her. 

"Well, you can just treat us to a meal later. I'm looking for Diether as well anyway. It'll probably be fun to have a practice match with him again."

They continued chatting for a while until the guard has finally returned. 

"Young ladies, the Baroness decided to meet all of you at the parlor. She said that she would like to have a chat with her son's friends."

The group of three looked at each other and felt a bit nervous for some reason.

It is their first time meeting a proper noble in their house. It is even the mother of their friend.

They've seen noblemen in their adventures but most of them are Knights, Arcanists, or even Hunters that are out in the field. Though they normally wear luxurious clothes and are accompanied by guards, they weren't too mindful of it since they seem them as fellow warriors.

On the other hand, having a formal meeting with them has never happened before. 

The three looked at their clothes and though it appears clean, they all look rough and were ready to fight in a battle instead of having a meeting. 

"Ugh~ Is it alright to meet a baroness in these clothes?"

"Of course… The baroness is already waiting. Please, don't leave now." The guard immediately said as he guided them inside the mansion.

The three were brought to the parlor as they've finally seen a gorgeous middle-aged lady. She's waiting for them while having a cup of tea served by her maid.

She has long black hair and the unique gray-blue eyes of their family. 

'I guess we got it right… She has semblance with Diether…' Stella mused as they approached the baroness.