Even after fifty years have passed.
Sean Ferris would never forget that night.
It was the first ti he was invited to the family banquet as the head of the family.
Initially, he thought that soone like him, with no real power, a reputation ceiling reached at a glance, and only a dozen or so n at his command, would never in his lifeti have the chance to truly step into the Bolita Family Manor.
But surprisingly, he was indeed invited.
He pulled out his wrinkled, cheap suit, got a haircut specifically for the occasion, spent quite a bit of money on a gift, and nervously stepped into that dreamlike place.
The floor of the Bolita Family Manor was so bright it reflected light.
The maids serving wine at the banquet were astonishingly beautiful, and he didn't dare to look around carelessly.
Later, he even witnessed Sir Eugene's belly dance.
One must know, in the eyes of people like them, Sir Eugene was a true big shot, one whose words could decide their life and death.
Yet he was there, exposing his big belly, comically dancing the belly dance, just like a clown.
Sean wanted to laugh but didn't dare to.
Finally, he t the legendary Mr. Ethan.
Soone he had only ever seen in newspapers, a true influential figure.
He was so young and so handso, sparkling under the lights, just like a deity.
No wonder he could, at such a young age, defeat the old overlord Sandro, unify the underworld of Wenster, and thrive in the Royal Capital. It's said even the Princess of the Kingdom was smitten by him.
Only such characters from stories could achieve this, right?
Sean felt both reverence and fear.
And later, he witnessed a scene that he would rember for life, sothing to inspire a lifeti of effort.
Virel, the family's second-in-command, a character Sean admired deeply, stepped out of the shadows.
He seed a bit unstable, appearing as though he had just recovered from severe injuries.
But Sean felt not a bit of disdain, as he knew very well that Virel beca like this for the family's benefit. When the family's interests were threatened, he ventured alone into Itasca City, fought against the enemy, and bought precious ti for Mr. Ethan.
Ultimately, with their combined efforts, they defeated the enemy and completely brought Itasca City into the family's domain.
This was a true hero.
Worthy of all praise.
Mr. Ethan indeed did not shortchange this hero.
In front of everyone, he handed back a gold-forged cane to Virel.
Because Virel's cane had been destroyed in battle with the enemy.
Virel was extrely respectful, lowering his head deeply, allowing Mr. Ethan to place the cane on his shoulder and tap it three tis, much like an ancient knighting ceremony.
"Virel, to comnd your achievents, I have decided to hand over the responsibility of Itasca City to you entirely."
"Yes, young master."
The play of light and shadow in that mont, combined with the majestic accompanint of the band on the side, gave the scene an almost epic quality reminiscent of oil paintings.
Sean didn't understand oil paintings, nor did he grasp the epic quality; he just felt his heart pounding fiercely, his blood boiling.
At that mont, he vowed to give everything for the family, and one day, he too would stand there, receiving all the praise and applause.
He also wanted to say the words: "Yes, young master."
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The banquet was undoubtedly exceptionally successful.
After the banquet ended, all the middle and lower-tier leaders of the family seed to have undergone a baptism of sorts.
Each had grand ambitions, eager to establish new rits for the family.
Ethan was very satisfied with this outco; this was a sign of cohesion.
Once all the major leaders left, the real family core gathering truly began.
By then, it could already be considered a late-night al.
Anya prepared so sobering foods and soups and served them to everyone.
Virel drank the most. As the hero of the evening, naturally, many ca to toast him, and he accepted all, not even using the power of his real na to sober up.
So by now, he was quite inebriated.
Ethan had Anya bring the soup to him first.
Eugene was also very excited, although not because he enjoyed performing the belly dance, but because Itasca City was finally theirs.
The fat Sindore had previously defected, yet he remained largely autonomous, and the family could hardly intervene.
The idea of expanding the market there was impossible to implent.
Now that the fat Sindore had lost his basic foundation, everything would rely on the family's efforts for assistance, giving him the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents.
Although Itasca City was not large, it nevertheless had a significant market where various businesses could flourish, including banking.
His primary field was finance, so naturally, he wanted a piece of the action there.
"Young master..."
"I understand your thoughts, no problem, once Virel has sorted things out there, you can give it a try."
Ethan didn't oppose Eugene's expansion efforts.
After all, opening a bank would be beneficial to him as well.
"By the way, Otto ntioned wanting to see you."
Otto was the white-robed priest of the Sun God Sect and currently the person in charge of the Wenster Church Bank.
"I'll go to Saint Kuanti tomorrow afternoon, maybe have breakfast with him; bring him to see ."
Ethan thought for a mont and said.
Maintaining relations with the Sun God Sect could always be worthwhile, even if unused, subtly ingraining himself as a friend in their minds.
This could prevent a lot of trouble.
Like Vincent, for instance.
"The Sun God Sect hasn't shown any unusual moves recently, have they?"
Ethan looked at Virel.
Virel, having taken a few sips of soup, was becoming a bit clearer.
He wiped his face with a warm towel, let out a deep breath, and said: "No unusual moves; they seem to sincerely believe the earlier narrative, although, in a while, it seems an important figure of theirs is due to visit the Kingdom..."
Here, he glanced at Eugene again.
After all, in matters concerning the Sun God Sect, it was Eugene who was familiar.
"Yes, I've heard their church's Yellow-robed Cardinal is visiting the Kingdom, possibly staying in Wenster. I'm not sure what they're here for, but I'll keep a watch on it."
Eugene nodded, saying.
A Yellow-robed Cardinal?
Ethan rubbed his glass, gazing into the red wine within.
They ranked just below the Pope, with only twelve Yellow-robed Cardinals, all influential figures in the Sun God Sect and even across the Old Continent.
What business would such a person have in the Kingdom, and what purpose in lingering in Wenster?
Could it be for Vincent again?
Ethan glanced at Vincent.
Vincent was drinking soup, seemingly nonchalant about the affair, raising his hand to Anya for another bowl of soup.
Forget it.
I'll consult Joseph about the situation later.
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