Chapter 165 - Seira's Change

The traveling distance between the Celestial Sword Empire and the Cave of Endless Grievance would usually take more than a week on foot and several days for a Saint realm expert when flying.

With Cale and Aurora's present realm, it only took them a little more than two days to reach the capital city with their top speed. 

Cale sighed in relief after seeing the bustling Sword City. He then glanced at Aurora and solemnly said. "Good thing we are not late yet. But I feel that the beast tide is close by. Aurora, investigate things on the Forest of Death and immediately come back after checking the situation."

Aurora nodded her head respectfully and replied. "Yes, my lord."

Cale then reminded her after seeing Aurora's expressionless expression. "Remember, your safety is the top priority, so don't linger there for long. I only want you to check the situation."

Aurora felt the concern in his voice and she felt an alien feeling enveloped her heart all of a sudden. She concealed her inner thoughts and put on a stern look before she replied. "I will keep your words in mind, my lord." 

Cale nodded his head and said. "You may leave now." 

Aurora bowed her head and gracefully left the scene. 

Cale watched her elegant back figure with a faint smile before he went towards the direction of his temporary villa. Although his sworn brother, the guild leader of the Mercenary Guild had promised to take care of things on his behalf, he was still a bit worried. 

Hovering above the temporary villa, he was relieved to see that everyone was safe and sound. "Elder brother even left a top expert at the initial stage of the Immortal-Class level to safeguard my villa," Cale muttered with a smile after sensing a strong fluctuation of elemental essence from inside his villa. He felt that the aura was familiar but he sensed no ill-intent from the owner, so he thought that it must be an expert sent by the old guild leader to protect his subordinates. 

He descended towards his villa and did not restrain his own aura. He wanted to see what kind of person did the old guild leader sent to protect his villa. 'This aura feels quite familiar...'

A thunderous but sweet voice reverberated within the villa. "Who is it?!" 

Following the valiant voice, a young-looking woman with long golden hair stepped out of the villa. She was glaring at the man hovering above the sky, but when she saw his face, her expression softened and she revealed a sweet smile. "Elder brother, you're back." 

Cale was surprised to see that it was actually the beautiful and powerful daughter of Duke Shutra, the rank fourth mercenary in the Mercenary Guild, Seira Ignius. 

He elegantly landed on the ground and walked towards Seira with a bewildered expression. "Why are you here, Young Miss Seira? And why did you call me elder brother?" Cale smiled and asked.

Seira pursed her lips and put on an annoyed expression on her delicate face. She then said in mock anger. "Why can't I be here? Am I not allowed to visit this place when I want to? Hmph!" 

Cale was stunned to see that Seira can actually act like a girl in front of him. It was the first time he saw that kind of look in her face. She was usually taciturn or cold when she speaks with somebody else, so he was surprised about her lady-like behavior. He flashed a wry smile and said. "Of course Young Miss Seira is free to visit this place anytime you want. But can you please answer my question first? Why did you just call me elder brother just now?" 

Seira rolled her eyes at him and felt somewhat bitter. It was the first time she spoke like that to a person of the opposite gender, but Cale still kept a distance between them. "Call me Seira. I won't answer your question unless you call me Seira." She said while pouting her lips.

Cale did not know why the usually cold and distant Seira was acting differently today. Perhaps even Seira did not realize the change in her attitude. Still, to avoid angering the lady, Cale chose to compromise. "Okay, Seira. Please tell me now." 

Seira's eyes brightened and she nodded her with a sweet smile. "Its because you are now rank first in the Adamantine leaderboard. Thus, you are qualified to become my elder brother. And besides, this is how we call someone who is much stronger than us." 

Cale thought for a brief moment and nodded his head in understanding. The news about him defeating Tiger must have already spread around the capital city after several days of him being gone. Considering the Ignius Family's information network, they must have been the first ones to hear the news of him becoming the new first rank mercenary in the Adamantine leaderboard. 

He then glanced at Seira who was looking at him in admiration. She was really not good at hiding her feelings, but Cale ignored her look and just said. "It must be the guild leader who had sent you to guard my villa during my absence. Thank you, Seira."

Seira shook her head and said in a serious tone. "I volunteered to come here because the top experts of the empire are holding a meeting in the imperial palace to discuss the plans for the incoming beast tide. The guild leader also told me to immediately escort you to the imperial palace the moment you come back."

Cale frowned after hearing her words. His instincts were indeed right. "Since that is the case, let's go. "

Seira nodded her head gently and flew towards the imperial palace. Cale followed behind her with a solemn expression. 'Hopefully, everyone will help during the fight against those savage beasts. This beast tide might be different from the previous ones.' Cale thought to himself.

The two arrived in the imperial palace in a little more than ten minutes. The palace guards did not block them after seeing Seira. They were already informed in advance that if Seira comes with someone, they must be allowed to go in right away. "Greetings, Young Miss Seira. I will lead the both of you towards the meeting hall."

Seira nodded her head indifferently and followed behind the palace guard. Cale remained silent and just followed behind them.