Chapter 50: Cousin
’Hah?!’
"Hm? What is wrong with you?"
Hearing Elder Song’s voice, Seraph’s eyes snapped open and he looked up.
’W-what..?’
Was he dreaming? They were... at the gates?
"Welcome to the City Lord’s Manor, esteemed guests."
The servant bowed and ushered them into the compound.
It was insanely large, filled with neat cobblestones for pathways and vibrant green flower beds shaped beautifully.
Several other ornaments decorated the compound, and trees with fruits were scattered all across.
Seraph moved stiffly, confusion all over his face. His eyes darted around, wondering if it was his brain playing tricks on him.
A feeling of deja vu gripped his heart, and he turned to the Solstice Peak disciple.
If he was right, the boy would say...
"Ah! This..."
The incomplete statement struck him hard, and he immediately realized something was going on.
’Was that... a premonition? My intuition? Wait.’
He remembered the vague explanation Halo had given him concerning that ability. Now, he truly began to understand the ability’s greatness.
’The City Lord’s son will stab the princess. That’s... appalling.’
He thought with a faint smile, then walked closer to the girl.
"Princess... how close are you with your extended family?"
Shira glanced at him in surprise, then puzzlement. Why was he asking such a question?
Before she could even reply, Seraph continued.
"Many people are after your life. Be careful."
He graciously stepped back, standing beside Noel and Thana again.
The two Inner Court disciples stared at him weirdly but didn’t say a word.
"The City Lord is hosting a little banquet to welcome the princess. Please..."
Bowing, the servant gestured towards the large double doors.
The two guards manning the doors pulled them open, allowing them to step inside.
When the group entered, they were welcomed with applause and another round of extravagant decorations in the interior of the hall.
Candles and chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the sweet aroma of roasted meat, fruits, wine, and vegetables filled the air.
Seraph let the strange feeling wash over him, then immediately locked gazes with the City Lord’s son.
Seeing a disciple staring at him so intensely, the young man raised an eyebrow.
Seraph’s smile widened in return, then his eyes lowered to the man’s pocket. There was a little bulge in it.
Princess Shira glanced at Seraph one more time, then turned to her uncle. His warning still rang in her ears.
"Shira."
Grabbing the hem of her gown, the girl bowed courteously.
"Uncle Bryan. It has been a while."
The City Lord was astonished by her maturity and smiled.
"You have grown a lot, Shira. Your mother must be proud."
Princess Shira’s smile became strained, but she composed herself.
Her mother was deceased, so it stung a bit. However, she could sense the love in Bryan’s tone when he spoke of her mother.
"Ah. Looks like someone has forgotten me."
The girl blinked and turned to the speaker, her cousin.
"Ah, Fernandes. It’s a pleasure meeting you, cousin."
She offered him the same greeting she had given her uncle, maintaining her distance from them.
Although she didn’t know why, something about Seraph’s warning made her heart heavy.
Therefore, she decided to show absolute caution.
Fernandes was surprised, and a little displeased. Pouting, he spread his arms wide.
"Who are you giving such a cold greeting? Come give big brother a hug."
His smile was bright and genuine, making Shira conflicted. If she still disagreed, it would look rude to even Lord Bryan.
It was at this moment that Seraph spoke casually.
"The princess has been forbidden from hugging men until she returns to the palace—a punishment given by her father, the King."
The hall instantly went quiet, and everyone turned to the boy.
"Who is that?"
Lord Bryan blinked, puzzled.
Although surprised too, Elder Song folded her arms at her back and smiled.
"Oh. This is a new disciple at the Soul Peak of my Soul Cross Sect."
Lord Bryan nodded, looking at Seraph in wonder. The boy actually spoke so brazenly.
It was an admirable quality.
Chuckling, he turned to Elder Song.
"My apologies for not greeting you first. Welcome to my humble manor. I prepared a banquet. Please take your seats."
He then turned to his son and said.
"You heard that? No hugs from the princess. Come dine with us."
Wearing a stiff smile, the young man chuckled and sat at the table. The disciples and Elder Song also took their seats, while Shira sat beside her uncle.
The City Lord’s son wanted to take a seat beside her, but Seraph was faster, slipping into the chair before the young man could register his presence.
Looking at him, Marcus frowned and whispered. "Senior Brother Shan, isn’t Seraph getting too bold? He’s getting super clingy."
Noel shook his head and sighed.
"I don’t understand what’s going on with him."
Meanwhile, Thana glanced at Fernandes suspiciously.
Why was he trying to get close to Shira?
Elder Song also noticed this but didn’t say a word.
Soon, everyone began to dine.
As they ate, Lord Bryan’s expression became solemn. He turned to look at Shira and asked.
"I heard your journey here was rough. Those Reapers dared to go after you."
The spoon in his grip was crushed, and was immediately replaced by a servant.
Shira lowered her head, hiding her expression from everyone.
"I... they wanted to kill me. Thankfully, I was able to survive due to the Soul Cross Sect’s help, and my butler."
Her first statement dampened the mood, but the last one switched everyone’s attention to Elder Song and her disciples.
Sir Grey remained silent, his expression calm but gloomy.
’The princess had almost died.’
Sighing, Lord Bryan turned to Elder Song.
"A toast to express my gratitude for saving the life of my niece."
The woman and the disciples all raised their cups and drank with him.
While drinking, Seraph’s eyes remained fixed on Fernandes, watching every of his moves like a hawk.
’Let’s see... what other trick would you pull?’