Chapter 205: Audience. (Part Four)
Though he had seen photos of it before, the majestic construct was breathtaking nonetheless. It resembled a castle more than a mansion, with several spires at its corners, high walls, and a rather imposing gate.
Tall Corinthian columns supported the wide portico, casting a soft shade over its entrance. Arched windows framed in stone lined the walls, while wrought-iron balconies added a touch of refined charm.
Caught in the grasp of its grandeur, one might miss the weathered marble statues that guarded its entrance. Those didn’t seem like custom-made pieces, but rather true artifacts placed up front to accentuate the timeless grace and elegance of classical architecture.
As he continued to stare through Rose’s eyes, Dante wished that he were there to witness the masterpiece himself. With how things are at the moment, he had no control over what he was seeing, making him wish Rose would linger some more on a few details. Unfortunately, she felt the need to keep her sight on the path ahead, as if trying to hide how captivated she was by the sight.
The large gate opened for them and they walked straight inside. The front hall was rather spacious, with a massive chandelier hanging from above and a bifurcated staircase leading to an elevated balcony overlooking the entrance. A massive painting depicting an ancient battle hung on the wall facing the entrance.
If the elevator they emerged from felt like a gate to another world, the interior of the mansion only helped cement that idea. It lacked the usual minimalistic coldness of modern decor and instead embraced the extravagance of classical design.
The scene they witnessed caused Dante to imagine lines of maids and butlers flanking the entrance, but turns out it was something reserved for movies and dramas, or maybe for more distinguished guests.
Ushida remained silent for a few seconds, allowing Rose and the others to take in the grandeur of the sight before them. A couple of minutes later, he pretended to clear his throat, helping them snap out of the momentary daze and refocus their thoughts just in time as their host appeared.
"Welcome to my humble abode!"
A smooth and confident voice boomed, drawing everyone’s attention to the man who had just appeared by the stairs, his hands spread by his sides as he gazed down at the gathering, a charismatic smile shining on his face. He wore a tailored blue suit, the collar of which was black with a distinct shape. Nothing stood out about his necktie, but the pin he used to hold it was undoubtedly the emblem of the Stahlwölfes, depicting the silver head of a wolf.
Klaus Stahlwölfe was far from the most handsome man, but his face was distinct enough that he easily stood out in a crowd. He was on the skinnier side with a sharp jawline and high cheekbones. His narrow eyes carried a hint of eagerness and delight restrained behind a cold blue color, and his wheat blond hair cascaded down to his back, framing his head as if it were a glowing halo made from pure light.
Even though he was watching footage captured through someone else’s OAM, Dante still felt the pressure emanating from the scion of the Stahlwölfes. Something about him screamed superiority, giving shape to the status of someone who stood at the pinnacle of the world, far removed from the rest of humanity.