Following Zelos to the fourth floor, Rhett noticed that the floor was covered with a carpet made from the hides of magical beasts. The seams were expertly stitched together, creating a layered effect with natural hues that softened the otherwise heavy, solemn atmosphere of the palace.
The walls along the corridor were lined with gold-threaded silk wallpaper. As they walked further down the corridor, Rhett suddenly found himself in a more open space. The walls curved to reveal a spacious banquet hall. Though not as grand as the hall on the first floor, it was certainly luxurious enough for gatherings of high-ranking individuals.
After all, not just anyone could enter the palace. Even Prince Hogus couldn't bring all his trusted followers here—only those of significant importance were granted access.
"Marquis Rhett, welco! Please allow to address you as 'Marquis' in advance."
A familiar voice greeted Rhett from the side of the banquet hall. Prince Hogus sat on a long couch, leaning against a deep red wine cabinet, his legs crossed. Surrounded by a group of stunning maids, he smiled and spoke with a relaxed deanor.
"Of course, I'm honored. Prince Hogus, it's a pleasure to see you again." Rhett placed his left hand over his chest in a respectful gesture.
"Haha, the pleasure is all mine, Rhett. You're now one of our greatest contributors!" Hogus stood up and walked over, giving Rhett a hearty embrace.
The breathtakingly beautiful maids, who were massaging Hogus's shoulders and legs, exchanged surprised glances. Seeing the way Hogus treated Rhett, their eyes began to show a hint of admiration.
"You're too kind," Rhett replied humbly. He had initially wanted to credit the mysterious individual, but realizing there were others present, he decided against it.
Hogus, aware of the sensitivity of the topic, didn't press further. Instead, he playfully patted the shapely bottom of a blonde maid beside him. "Marilyn, fetch two bottles of the 377-year-old Green Grape Wine from the cabinet."
"Yes, my lord!" Marilyn responded seductively as she turned away.
"Please, have a seat, Rhett. Consider today your opportunity to get familiar with the place," Hogus said casually, treating Rhett as one of his own.
Rhett found a place to sit, but before he could get comfortable, three middle-aged n erged from two rooms deeper within the corridor. They were followed by three beautiful won with slightly disheveled hair and flushed faces, dressed in revealing black-and-white maid outfits.
The three n, dressed in formal attire and looking quite refreshed, entered the banquet hall and paused briefly before approaching with pleasant surprise.
"Are you... Count Rhett? It's a pleasure to et you. I'm Nicollo, the eldest son of Marquis Kazan. It's an honor to make your acquaintance," said a middle-aged man with curly blue hair as he stepped forward, placing his hand over his chest in greeting.
Rhett returned the gesture with a nod. This was the proper greeting among nobles, and while minor lapses in formality might be overlooked elsewhere, the palace was not a place to break protocol.
"I've heard much about you. Your family's aquatic magical beast business is well-known across many regions," Rhett replied with a smile. He had learned that the aquatic magical beasts Carlton had traded for him were sourced from industries under the Kazan Marquisate, a fact he discovered later. The Kazan Marquisate's businesses were not limited to the royal capital; they also dominated much of the East Blue coastal region.
"You're too kind. After tomorrow, you'll be a marquis, and your potential will be limitless," Nicollo responded politely.
At that mont, a portly middle-aged man joined the conversation. His cheeks were slightly flushed, and his eyebrows were so straight they ford a single line, giving him a rather comical appearance. His eyes were nearly closed as he smiled and said, "Congratulations, congratulations! Rhett, you're becoming a marquis so quickly. My grandson is fortunate to have t you early on."
Rhett was puzzled by this remark and asked, "May I ask who you are?"
"I'm Carlton's grandfather, Miloch, the vice president of the Dalton Chamber of Comrce," the portly man replied.
Rhett's eyes flashed with surprise. The man before him was not only a high-ranking mber of the Dalton Chamber of Comrce but also Carlton's grandfather. Despite his age, it was hard to tell just by looking at him. Reflecting on the scene earlier, Rhett found the man's youthful deanor at such an age both amusing and astonishing.
"Oh, Carlton has ntioned you to before. He speaks of you as a great elder, soone he deeply respects," Rhett said, feigning realization. In truth, Carlton had never ntioned Miloch's na or history to him.
"Really? I didn't expect him to say that. I thought he might resent for being too strict with him in the past," Miloch said, his face showing a hint of surprise before he shook his head with a smile. "But in the past decade or so, I've left him to his own devices, and he's only grown more capable. Perhaps I was wrong all along."
Rhett was montarily at a loss for words when he suddenly heard footsteps echoing from the corridor, as if soone was wearing hard-soled leather boots.
Just then, Karina appeared in the banquet hall, dressed elegantly in a purple gown. Her naturally fair skin was further enhanced by makeup—her brows were shaped and lined, and her cheeks were lightly dusted with blush. Her long, graceful legs carried her to the center of the room as she greeted, "Good evening, Prince Hogus."
"Good evening, Karina," Hogus replied. "Would you care for a glass of the 377-year-old Green Grape Wine?"
"Did I hear that right? We're having 377-year-old Green Grape Wine tonight? That's a rare vintage—there's one less bottle each ti we drink it. I'd love so," Karina said, her eyes sparkling with delight as she took a seat.
"Haha, you have Rhett to thank for that. It's only fitting to serve such a wine for our esteed guest," Hogus said with a broad smile.
"I couldn't agree more," Karina said with a grin as she turned to Rhett. "Congratulations, Rhett. I didn't expect you to beco a marquis so quickly—you never cease to surprise us."
"Hah, it's just luck," Rhett replied with a smile, offering no further explanation.
As the banquet hall began to fill with people, Hogus glanced around and said, "Everyone, please be seated. So guests are still out on the square, but once they arrive, we'll begin the banquet."
Clap! Clap!
Hogus clapped his hands and called out down the corridor, "Weems, you may start preparing for the banquet. And don't forget to bring so blueberry juice."
"Yes, Your Highness!" a voice responded from the depths of the corridor.
Late at night, the banquet hosted by Prince Hogus on the fourth floor of the palace was drawing to a close.
The gathering consisted of only a dozen or so people, all of whom were Prince Hogus's trusted guards and loyal nobles from various regions.
Naturally, Rhett, who was about to beco a marquis, was soone many sought to befriend. Throughout the banquet, glasses clinked, and Rhett was introduced to several of Hogus's closest confidants.
Shortly after, the banquet ended, and the guests began to take their leave.
"Count Rhett, I'm looking forward to your promotion ceremony tomorrow. For the sake of our friendship, we should strengthen the cooperation between our territories," said an elderly man with black hair.
"Of course. I look forward to our successful cooperation," Rhett replied with a smile, bidding farewell to the Marquis of Blue Mountain. As for the details of their cooperation, neither of them ntioned a word.
"Your territory is on the southwestern border? It's been more than ten years since I last visited that area. I'm planning to travel there next month. How about I visit Dark Hawk City on the way?" suggested a rare female marquis with wild red hair and a daring deanor.
Rhett responded politely, "I'm afraid that won't be possible. I have a long journey ahead of in the latter half of the year to handle so matters, so I won't be in the territory."
"That's a sha. But if your travels take you nearby, you're welco to visit Golden Stream Territory. I'd be delighted to host you..." the marquisess said, giving Rhett a flirtatious glance. She smiled aningfully but refrained from being too forward, mindful of their surroundings in the palace, before sashaying away.
Rhett raised an eyebrow as he looked at the remnants of the banquet. At that mont, Hogus, who was now surrounded by beautiful won, turned to Rhett and said, "It's a sha that I can't have you stay in the palace tonight. For the sake of ceremony, you need to enter the promotion ceremony from the outer square tomorrow morning. To maintain the formality of the occasion, you'll need to spend the night outside the palace. But don't worry, I've already made arrangents. The Lionheart Inn on Neon Street is my property. Feel free to stay there."
"I understand. I'll make sure to be there on ti tomorrow morning," Rhett replied.
Hogus reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, green-gold card, about the size of an ID card. Enveloped in a swirl of wind-attributed battle energy, it gently floated over to Rhett's hand.
"This is a VIP card for the Lionheart Inn. From now on, whenever you're in the capital, you can stay there free of charge," Hogus said with a smile. To him, Rhett was now on par with those who had served him loyally for years, having proven his worth.
Before this, Hogus had valued Rhett but intended to observe him over ti. However, after confirming the accuracy of the information Rhett provided and facilitating his promotion to marquis, Hogus's expectations and the sunk costs invested in Rhett had reached a peak, making it impossible to treat him lightly.
Gelsen, seated nearby, watched as the green-gold card landed in Rhett's hand and montarily froze. The hand holding his wine glass trembled slightly. As a long-ti companion of Hogus, it had taken him over a decade to receive a green-gold card for the Lionheart Inn.
On the surface, the card seed like a pass to stay at a luxurious inn, and Gelsen initially thought little of it, as he could easily afford such accommodations as a high-ranking Sky Knight.
That perception changed after one particular stay when the green-gold card granted him access to a level of service unlike any he had ever experienced—complete with beautiful won of various types and services so exquisite they were unforgettable. No other place had ever offered anything comparable.
To Gelsen, this green-gold card was priceless. Seeing Rhett receive the sa treatnt in less than a year made Gelsen feel a twinge of envy, but it also clarified Rhett's standing in Prince Hogus's eyes.
"Thank you, Prince Hogus!" Rhett said as he stroked the card, watching it reflect a faint light before slipping it into his pocket.
"Rhett, perhaps I could join you tonight," Gelsen suggested with a smile, holding up his own green-gold card. "I'm not sure you fully appreciate what the Lionheart Inn has to offer. I could give you a proper introduction tonight..."
At that mont, Karina placed her lotus-shaped hat on her head, gave Gelsen a sidelong glance, and said, "Put away your thoughts. I doubt Rhett is like you."
Zelos, even more blunt, swallowed a mouthful of salad and said, "Gelsen, no one cares if you spend your life in won's beds, but don't assu that a rising star like Rhett would do the sa."
"Fine, fine. I was only trying to be helpful. It seems Rhett doesn't need it, so I'll go enjoy myself alone," Gelsen muttered, feeling a bit slighted, before leaving the banquet hall.
"Shall we head back together?" Karina asked Rhett.
"Why not?" he replied.
The Lionheart Inn was located in the colorful section of Neon Street. Under the night sky, the gemstone-paved street shimred like a dreamlike surface of water, with ripples of light reflecting the stars above.
Walking on it felt like stepping on the starry sky itself, a refreshing and uplifting experience. Karina and Rhett strolled through this enchanting scene before stopping at their destination.
Karina turned to Rhett and said, "Here we are, the Lionheart Inn. Have a good rest tonight, and I look forward to your ceremony tomorrow!"
"With everyone expecting so much, I might feel a bit nervous," Rhett joked with a smile.
"Don't be nervous; it's a once-in-a-lifeti mory," Karina replied with a light laugh. She waved her hand. "See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Rhett said, watching Karina leave before making his way to the Lionheart Inn.
The inn's exterior was coated in a blue-green finish, with a giant blue lion's head adorning the top. When the wind blew, the alchemical array on the surface would emit a faint blue glow.
The two lines of knight guards at the entrance remained diligent even at night. Rhett walked through the crowd and entered the lobby on the first floor.
A mature and charming woman greeted him. She wore a fiery red dress, had a perfectly shaped face, fair skin, and a graceful, curvy figure. She looked at Rhett and said, "You must be Count Rhett. Are you staying with us tonight?"
Rhett's heart stirred, but his expression remained calm as he nodded. "Yes, that's right."
Given that this was Prince Hogus's property, it made sense that the staff would be well-inford about his identity and arrival, so he wasn't surprised to be recognized imdiately.
After showing the green-gold card, the woman nodded in acknowledgnt. "Please follow ."
Rhett was led to the fourth floor, the top floor of the inn. The wide corridor was eerily quiet, with not a sound to be heard. When Rhett tried to extend his spiritual sense to perceive the rooms, he was blocked by a sophisticated alchemical array.
"All the rooms here are similarly furnished, but this one is the largest. Please make yourself comfortable, Mr. Rhett," the woman said, gesturing toward a room in the center of the corridor.
"Thank you."
"Would you like any special services? We have many well-trained maids..."
"No, thank you," Rhett replied, shaking his head.
The woman chuckled softly and didn't press the matter. Instead, she said, "I also have sothing you might find interesting..."
Rhett raised an eyebrow. "A surprise for ?"
"In a way. Prince Hogus instructed to deliver this. Since you haven't returned to your territory in the past two months, he thought you might appreciate a new copy of the 'Guide to Spirits.'"
"Really? Where is it?" Rhett's expression lit up with excitent—this was sothing he truly needed.
"It's already in your room. You'll see it when you enter," the woman replied. "My na is Selena. If you need anything, you can contact using the alchemical communication device in your room."
"I understand, Miss Selena. Thank you."
"It was Prince Hogus's idea. Good night, Mr. Rhett."
"Good night."
Rhett watched Selena's figure disappear around the corner of the stairwell before he placed the green-gold card against the door, which automatically opened.
"Alchemy really does change lives..." Rhett muttered to himself as he stepped inside.
Late at night.
Rhett sat alone in a large wooden bathtub, surrounded by steam rising into the air. He leaned against the edge of the tub, holding a thin booklet in his hands.
The cover of the booklet bore the title "Illustrated Guide to Spirits," and Rhett was engrossed in reading its contents.
"Light Spirit: Appears as a beam of light. Accelerates the growth of magical plants and beasts, dispels darkness, and bathing in its light can slowly increase spiritual power..."
"Life Spirit: Resembles a winged unicorn, grants its owner near-immortality..."
"Scorching Spirit: Accelerates the growth of magical plants and beasts..."
"Storm Spirit: Accelerates the growth of magical plants and beasts, can summon storms..."
The guide contained a table of contents, listing only a dozen or so types of spirits. It not only described their characteristics and effects but also included illustrations of so spirits and detailed the process of capturing them.
Rhett was particularly interested in these details. He noted that the Light Spirit was indeed depicted as a beam of light, and judging by the scale in the illustration, it was roughly the thickness of an arm.
The Scorching Spirit was shown as a bright red fla with two white beads in the center, which Rhett guessed were its eyes.
Flipping through another page, he found a section on the Storm Spirit, which included an account of how it was captured. Rhett's interest piqued as he read on.
"About fifteen hundred years ago, on the eastern Blue Sea coast, a storm brewed, causing a tsunami. A deranged Earth Knight endured the storm for three days and nights, eventually capturing the Storm Spirit by sheer luck."
"Tsk tsk, that's quite lucky. Who in their right mind would stay in the eye of a storm from start to finish?" Rhett chuckled as he continued reading. A few pages later, he ca across the account of how a Lava Spirit was captured.
It turned out that an adventurer, after being poisoned by a Fla Lizard near a volcano, accidentally fell into the lava. With the resilience of a Sky Knight, he survived for a day and a night, unintentionally capturing the spirit. Rhett couldn't help but marvel at the story, realizing that capturing so spirits required a certain threshold. Without it, even if the opportunity arose, one could only watch it slip away.
After finishing the entire "Illustrated Guide to Spirits," Rhett had been soaking for about half an hour. His mind was now brimming with ideas. Although each spirit was unique, the experiences docunted could serve as valuable lessons for his future encounters with spirits.
Feeling thoroughly ward, Rhett climbed out of the tub, dressed in a brand-new black suit, and then lay down on the soft bed, entering a state of ditation.
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