Chapter 72 Bishop

Anicia who was eagerly waiting at the castle to meet her mother after such a long time beamed in happiness as the carriage of the Stout Family finally arrived at the base of Mystic Hill on which the Castle stood strong in all its glory.

The castle was a massive architecture built using a blend of expensive Blackstone along with Elven Wood and limestones.

Ethan was even surprised to know that something like cement existed in Akarxia although the process of making it was costly and unorthodox by the world's standards.

The Castle was certainly not made recently, it was old, very very old. So much so that it was commissioned by the first patriarch of the White Family, the one called the White Mystic. Back then the Family was at its peak as the Atrana Kingdom was newly formed.

The first patriarch was an ambitious man filled with pride and prestige. And he had the strength to back it all. He specifically chose the strategic region in the embrace of the Rehnis Mountain Range which was blessed by the unmoving shadow of the Rehnis.

He then had a magnificent, sturdy, well-fortified castle built on the hill at the summit of Adenberd City so may his descendants behold and keep his glory even after centuries.

Few of the guests had already seen the castle and the city before but it was the first time for many. Count Farley and the Stout were one of them.

As the carriage stopped, Lady Stout quickly got off after spotting Anicia.

"Mother!" Anicia darted forward seeing mother getting off the carriage. She jumped straight into her mother's embrace not caring about any etiquette.

"There there now… Behave, my dear. Have you been very lonely?" Lady Stout gently caressed her daughter's hair lovingly as she asked with a hint of regret.

"Mm… I missed you and father!" Anicia answered, nodding softly as she stepped back leaving her mother's embrace.

"We're here now. Have you been well?" Yunugiv said, looking at Anicia gently with concern, conveying his thoughts unspoken as he too got off the carriage.

"I understand what you mean… But I wasn't the target, in truth Ethan was the one who protected me, despite being in the most danger." Anicia said.

"Oh My!" Lady Stout exclaimed as she giggled teasingly.

Anicia realized her blunder as her cheeks turned red, "Let's go inside! Everyone's Waiting!"

To defuse the embarrassing situation, she changed the subject. Turned back and guided them both inside as Albert watched from the sidelines with a smile.

Shortly after, Count Farley's carriage also arrived as Earlene came out to welcome her father.

Inside one of the guestrooms at the castle where both Count Stout and Farley were guided to finally met with each other as they properly got acquainted with each other.

James certainly had a clever head on his shoulders as he instantly realized that the Stouts were undoubtedly somehow connected to the Duke. He could also see that Earlene and Anicia had a good relationship. And so he greeted Yunugiv courteously.

They did not have to wait for long as the door opened and Albaer entered with a smile on his face.

"Welcome to Adenberd! It must have been a long journey. The banquet will be in two days. As my special guests, please do not hesitate while being here." He said.

"It's our honor, Your Grace!" Both Yunugiv and James said in unison as they bowed slightly.

"Very well. excuse me as I must greet the other guests. If you need anything then you can reach out to Albert. Have some rest, later on, we will be having a Knight's Tournament." Albaer informed, nodded affirmatively, and left.

Both Count Farley and Stout turned to each other, made some small talk, and then also left to each their designated chambers guided by their children.

…

Ethan was very surprised to see the sheer scale of what was being organized, he didn't know anymore if Albaer just wanted to show his son off or if there even was any point in going to all the trouble.

Anyhow, he had also been assigned with some tasks by Albaer such as welcoming the guests with Alier and observing all the proceedings and whatnot. It killed Ethan to have to deal with it all but he had no choice.

Currently, he was in Aisha's room as one of his grandpas wasn't present but the other one had just arrived.

Ethan was told that his maternal grandfather was friends with his paternal grandfather since their younger days. And that was the reason why Aisha was chosen as Albaer's second wife and not just another daughter from a much more influential family.

Although it would be equally foolish to call the House of Lancer weak.

Ethan's maternal grandfather was more of a general type than a goofy one like his counterpart friend. He had no idea how the both of them became friends.

Dercus Lancer, his maternal grandfather may be too disciplined for Ethan's liking but he was a good man and expressed his concerns as well as anger on Ethan's assassination attempt as well as showered him with praise and good wishes for his recovery.

While all this was happening in the castle, the city was also abuzz with excitement. However, this time no corners were cut in ensuring the safety of all the guests as well.

Amidst all this, a special white carriage bearing the insignia of the Holy Father being escorted by a company of Holy Knights also entered the city and headed to the Church.

High Priest Gerhant along with all the clergymen, devotees, and servants was ready at the Church's compound to greet the carriage.

The carriage arrived and stopped in front of the Church's premises. The Holy Knights surrounding it stepped back beside in a line as one of them opened the carriage's door from the outside.

The pristine, luxurious door of the carriage opened as a fat middle-aged man with a bulging belly in gold-white, long robes stepped out, his bulging stomach bounced one or two times as the man with much effort managed to get himself down the carriage.

"Bishop Reyes, It's a privilege to have you here with us. This way please…" He said with a smile on his face gesturing to go inside.