Chapter 287 : Herman-Rose
Chapter 287: Herman-Rose
From the moment she stepped into the ancient castle, Janna finally gained a relatively clear understanding of what “wealth” meant for the Rose Family.
Previously, in Janna’s mind, wealthy people should resemble the great nobles of the lower city—countless servants, grandiose entourages, and indulgent extravagance.
However, when she arrived at the Rose Castle, she realized that the wealth of a witch family was different from that of ordinary people.
Here, there were not many servants. Everything was handled entirely by various types of alchemical creatures.
Moreover, expensive alchemical equipment could be seen everywhere within the castle. For instance, the ever-glowing crystal chandelier on the roof stunned Janna, a “country bumpkin” from the lower city, with how much it expanded her horizons.
“Ladies, this way please—”
As the group gradually moved through the castle’s corridor, a bright and spacious hall, along with a long table covered in exquisite dishes, suddenly appeared before Janna’s eyes.
“He is my father, Herman-Rose.”
Hearing Vivian whispering next to her, Janna, already wearing a standard social smile, gently nodded her head.
“Please take your seats.”
Before Janna could introduce herself, Herman-Rose, sitting at the main seat, raised his hand expressionlessly to invite Janna and Vivian to sit down.
“I forgot to tell you, my father suffered partial facial paralysis due to an accident in his early years.”
Hearing Vivian’s voice transmitted telepathically, Janna somewhat awkwardly tucked her hair behind her ears.
“Nice to meet you. I am the current head of the Rose Family, Herman-Rose.”
“Hello, Mr. Herman. My name is Janna-Roland——”
“No need to introduce yourself. I’ve known you for a long time, and I know a great deal about you.”
“Father—”
Hearing Vivian’s scolding tone, Herman-Rose added:
“Of course, I never sent anyone to investigate you. As for Vivian, I never deliberately asked her about you either.”
Like Vivian, Herman-Rose also had short frost-white hair and deep blue eyes.
Thus, Janna concluded in her heart that the head of the Rose Family before her had most likely also awakened the 【Cochin Viper】 bloodline.
However, judging by the magnetic fluctuations emanating from him, Janna could also deduce that Herman-Rose, unlike Vivian who pursued the warlock path, was a true first-tier witch who had comprehended the power of the 【Laws】.
“I wonder which 【Law】 Mr. Herman has mastered—”
While speculating internally, Janna sat down with a courteous smile, officially entering the banquet phase.
“This is deep-sea pearl clam. It tastes quite good—you should try it.”
“Thank you—it really is delicious.”
With Herman-Rose’s introductions, Janna also sampled many rare delicacies she had never heard of before.
At the same time, Janna sensed kindness in Herman-Rose’s demeanor.
However, staring at his emotionless “cold face,” Janna still felt a strong sense of dissonance.
“Technically, facial paralysis shouldn’t be such a troublesome condition. Especially for someone like Mr. Herman, a first-tier witch, it really shouldn’t be an issue. Unless—”
While maintaining her polite facade, Janna couldn’t help but begin making all sorts of guesses in her mind.
“Unless, like Jarvis, he’s also been afflicted by a curse, which is why he hasn’t recovered.”
“How do you find the dishes? Do they suit your taste?”
As Janna briefly spaced out, Herman-Rose’s voice sounded timely in her ear.
“They’re all delicious. Many of them are dishes I’ve tried for the first time—”
“Father, I already told you that Janna likes spicy food. Why didn’t you arrange for something like that?”
Hearing Vivian cut in assertively, Janna quickly waved her hand.
“I don’t particularly like spicy food—”
“That was my oversight. Isis, instruct the kitchen to immediately prepare a few dishes that suit Miss Janna’s taste.”
“Mr. Herman, really, there’s no need. I’m already nearly full———”
“Janna, I already told you, you mustn’t be polite with me———it’s just a few dishes. The kitchen will be quick.”
Seeing Vivian’s rather “forceful” attitude, Janna could only nod slightly in resignation, no longer declining their goodwill.
“Try this bottle of grape wine too—it’s already been de-sugared. The taste is quite nice.”
“Alright—”
The main theme of this luncheon was simply eating.
Throughout, the three of them discussed the ingredients, flavors, and preparations of each dish.
“Vivian, go fetch the bottle of ‘Rose Essence’ from the basement.”
“I’m eating right now—ask someone else to go—”
“Go.”
Hearing Herman-Rose’s tone that allowed no refusal, Vivian pouted and was about to pull Janna along to fetch the “Rose Essence” from the backyard cellar.
“You can go by yourself. Don’t drag the guest along.”
“Father—”
“Listen.”
Reluctantly letting go of Janna’s arm, Vivian left the hall alone.
Seeing this, Isis, who had been attending nearby, tactfully left the space to Herman-Rose and Janna.
“Mr. Herman, you and Vivian seem to have a wonderful relationship.”
Observing the warm interaction between the two, Janna, who had never experienced familial affection since childhood, couldn’t help but speak with a hint of envy.
“After all, she’s my only daughter.”
As he spoke, Herman-Rose turned his pair of ice-blue eyes toward Janna.
Seeing this, Janna also set down her utensils and quietly waited for his next words.
“To be honest, I’ve never seen Vivian care about anyone this much before—not even me.”
“Vivian is also my best friend. Knowing her is truly my honor.”
Hearing Herman-Rose’s words and feeling the weight Vivian placed on her, Janna couldn’t help but curve her lips into a gentle smile.
“I do know quite a bit about you, but only within the realm of opera. Until today,
when I finally met you in person, I realized—you truly are extraordinary.”
“After all, to master a 【Growth Law Fragment】 during the apprentice stage—so far, you are the first I’ve seen.”
Upon hearing the first half, Janna thought Herman-Rose was about to compliment her.
However, upon hearing the latter half, the smile on her face suddenly froze.
But quickly, Janna used her 【Muscle Control】 talent to adjust her expression swiftly.
“Mr. Herman, your insight is truly remarkable—"