Chapter 39: The Ross Family
The carriage wheels slowed over polished stone as they passed through the tall gate engraved with the Ross family crest — a stylized gear wrapped in silver ivy. Noah leaned slightly out the window, catching the full view of the estate for the first time.
It wasn’t what he expected.
Unlike the baroque towers and high arches of noble houses he’d visited before, this place looked... modern. Not in the techy Earth way, but in its own arcane-industrial blend. Polished pipes ran along the side of the building, vents let out gentle hisses of steam, and glass-paneled walls shimmered faintly with containment glyphs.
"...This looks like a DLC map pack," Noah muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing. "We’re not in the base game anymore."
The carriage came to a halt. Cordelia stepped out first, straightening her coat and turning with a smirk.
"Welcome to my home," she said casually, motioning for him to follow.
Waiting at the entrance were two figures, standing side by side. Both had striking white hair like Cordelia’s, though styled differently. Her father wore a dark workshop coat over tailored slacks, with a belt full of tools around his waist. His eyes, a deep violet, twinkled with curiosity. Her mother had a more regal posture, long white hair braided behind her shoulder, and sharp sapphire-blue eyes that scanned Noah like a blueprint.
Neither of them looked particularly hostile — just... intrigued.
The father stepped forward first, offering his hand.
"So you’re Noah," he said with a warm smile. "Nice grip or a good story — either works. What do you have for us?"
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