The Herb King

After a few more idle talks, Emerson and Michelle left the Golden Lake Manor.

"Husband, what are you going to do?" Samira asked while looking at Aethelwolf. Julie also stared at him quietly. They already heard about the matter in Warmridge from him. They also knew about the contents of their conversation since he installed a rune that allowed them to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"We need to keep this place safe. To do that, we must let those nobles act before Warmridge would fall." Aethelwolf responded with a serious look.

"You must be careful. Other than the Suliman Family, we can't trust anyone here." Julie said as she held his hand.

Aethelwolf shook his head. "The Suliman Family might be good to us, but I still can't place my full trust in them. Tomorrow, someone will pick you up and bring you to the Suliman Family's estate. You have to bring that rune with you at all times. It will keep you safe. It has a mechanism that will notify me if you activate the rune.

Don't let anyone see it, not even someone from the Suliman Family." He knew how complicated the human heart was. The Suliman Family might be friendly to them, but things could change quickly.

Hearing this, Samira and Julie nodded in agreement. They had seen it for themselves when they were still in the Regalis Continent. With enough benefits, even an ally could become your enemy.

Later that day, the patriarchs of the five noble families were notified about the meeting. They had different opinions about the matter, but they all planned to attend the meeting.

***

The next day, a messenger arrived at the Golden Lake Manor and informed Aethelwolf where the meeting would be held. Surprisingly, it will be held in a private restaurant owned by the Worthy Family. They were the weakest among the five noble families of Northern Trance, but they were also the main reason why they managed to maintain a thin balance of power.

According to his servants, the Worthy Family held a neutral position in the ruling power. They didn't support anyone and put more focus on the livelihood of the residents. Because of this, they were held in high regard despite being the weakest of the five noble families.

"Sir Aethelwolf, a separate team will escort you to the meeting location. As for your family, I will keep them safe. I promise you that." Tyrone bowed his head lightly.

Aethelwolf patted his shoulder and smiled. "I will leave them in your hands."

Tyrone nodded solemnly. This was an important task. If even one of Aethelwolf's family members were harmed, it could spark the conflict between him and the Suliman Family.

Aethelwolf hugged his wives and daughters before bidding them farewell.

He then entered a separate carriage. To his surprise, the driver was someone he knew. It was Karina, the servant who handled their needs when they were still in the Suliman Family estate.

"Greetings, Sir Aethelwolf!" She greeted him with a smile.

"It's good to see you again, Karina. How have you been?" Aethelwolf smiled at her.

"I have been well, Sir Aethelwolf. Thank you for your concern." She responded. This woman has been introduced as a servant, but he had a nagging feeling that she held a more important position in the Suliman Family. He guessed that she was on the same level as Tyrone in terms of position.

"That's good."

The two chatted idly along the way. Aethelwolf didn't even notice that they were almost at the location.

When they arrived, it was almost noon.

"Sir Aethelwolf, let me take you there." Karina jumped down from the driver's seat and opened the carriage door.

Aethelwolf got down and followed her inside the restaurant. The place was empty, but it was understandable since an important meeting would take place soon. He also noticed that several teams of strong Espers were guarding the vicinity.

Karina brought him to the third floor. There was only one room on the entire floor and only VIP customers could book the place.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Karina knocked on the door and reported. "Sir Aethelwolf has arrived!"

As soon as she uttered those words, the door sprang open and a woman in maid clothing invited them inside.

Karina turned to look at him and made a 'this way' gesture. "After you, Sir Aethelwolf."

Aethelwolf nodded to her before he stepped inside the room. Even before entering, he could already sense the powerful auras of the people inside. He discovered that there were five Nascent Soul Espers other than him. Based on the intensity of their aura, each of them has at least awakened three to four of their soul nodules. However, this didn't intimidate him.

He knew for a fact that he could fight them evenly if he wanted to.

The moment he entered the room, he saw five people sitting before the rectangular table. One of them was the mayor of Northern Trance, Arnold Suliman. The other four were unfamiliar faces.

"Sir Aethelwolf, come here and sit beside me," Arnold called out to him in a friendly manner.

Aethelwolf smiled at him and accepted his offer.

The four family heads stared at him curiously. They tried to discern the limits of his cultivation, but it was like they were trying to perceive a wall. This made them furrow their eyebrows in surprise. They never thought that a newly promoted Nascent Soul Esper could actually hide his cultivation from them.

Arnold Suliman was also surprised by this matter. He had met Aethelwolf several days ago, but it was like they were two completely different people. The man before him exuded great confidence that couldn't be faked. There was also this strong sense of danger that made him more mysterious.

"You are a man of mystery, Sir Aethelwolf." Arnold chuckled.

Before coming here, Aethelwolf activated a skill that blocked everyone's perception. This also prevented anyone from discerning his true depth.

"You flatter me, Sir Arnold." Aethelwolf smiled politely.