The moment Viscount Vale, Edric, and Arin left, an uncanny quiet befell the manor's entrance. The knights and servants froze, their eyes slightly darting toward the rest of the guests with wary curiosity.
Lady Sera moved toward Orion and Elara, her gentle but firm voice cutting the silence.
"Children, come here."
Orion and Elara approached, standing shoulder to shoulder in front of the respected guest—Lysandra Voss.
With elegant poise, Lady Sera waved toward Orion. "This is Orion, my sister Celia's son and Lord Vale's third son." Then, resting a gentle hand on Elara's shoulder, she added, "And this is Elara, my and Lord Vale's daughter."
Lysandra's piercing green eyes examined them carefully.
She looked first at Elara. Her dark, loose black hair and intense black eyes seemed to radiate noble beauty. Everything about her moved with poised elegance, but retained a youthfulness. Lysandra nodded briefly after a moment, as though in approval of what she perceived.
Then her attention turned to Orion.
Her breath caught—briefly.
Bluish-white hair, wild but effortlessly mesmerizing. Piercing blue eyes that were intensely quiet. A chiseled jawline, sharp and refined. He moved with an air of royalty, but his pale skin tempered his presence, giving him an almost otherworldly air.
Why. does he seem so different?
Lysandra's eyes penetrated deeper, quietly sensing the energy within him.
Novice, 4-star. Not weak by standards who receive blessing not more than months prior, but nothing out of the ordinary—at least, not on the surface. Yet something about him drew her with an inexplicable pull.
Tempering her curiosity, she addressed him with measured politeness. "Greetings, Young Master Orion. Young Miss Elara."
Orion, already familiar with noble etiquette, replied with a composed nod. "Greetings, Miss Voss."
Elara replied with a elegant curtsy. "It is an honour to meet you, Miss Voss."
Lysandra's lips only curled into a courteous nod before her face became unreadable once more.
Lady Sera smiled at the exchange and turned to Orion. "Son, would you take Lady Lysandra and her fellow students to the guesthouse close to our mansion?"
She added softly, "Your mother and I need to take charge of preparations for the banquet."
Orion smiled faintly. "Of course, Mother. Leave it to me."
Elara supplemented with poise, "We'll take care of them, Mother!"
Having been given the task, Orion turned to Lysandra and the small group behind her. "Please, follow us."
Lysandra nodded, falling into step beside him, with the others following behind.
The Vale estate guesthouse was a refined two-story building, constructed to house special guests. The highly polished white stone facade shone brightly in the afternoon light, as noble flags displaying the Vale family crest waved gently in the air.
The tall silver-clad knights with hands on the hilts of their swords stood outside the doors at attention. Their eyes were neutral but alert as Orion and Elara took the group inside.
The inside was no less magnificent—a grand hall lit by golden chandeliers, their gentle light casting warm shadows on the exquisite tapestries that showed previous victories of the Vale family. Soft carpets covered the floors, and a subtle aroma of lavender filled the air.
Orion effectively allocated rooms to every guest, and they were comfortably accommodated. At last, only Lysandra was left.
He took her to the final room at the end of the hallway—larger and more lavishly decorated than the rest. A big bed covered in silky sheets, mahogany furnishings, and a tasteful vanity provided the room with an air of elegance.
At the entrance, Orion nodded toward the room. "Miss Voss, this will be your room."
Lysandra absorbed the room with a serene stare before she turned to him. "Thank you, Young Master Orion. Young Miss Elara."
As Orion and Elara prepared to leave, Lysandra suddenly said something.
"Wait, Young Master Orion."
Orion halted, turning around. "Is there something you want?"
Her green eyes trained on his. "I want to clarify something."
Both Orion and Elara slightly cocked their heads. "What is it?" Elara inquired.
"I heard a rumor going to Valeric City," she said nonchalantly, though her gaze was still pinned on Orion. "That somebody had been given a Golden Blessing."
Orion blinked, pleasantly surprised, then nodded. "Yes, it's true."
Lysandra's green eyes held his for a fraction of a moment before she nodded curtly. "I see."
Something in the manner she watched him caused Elara inch a little bit closer to Orion, her fingers wrapping a little tighter around the hem of her dress.
Then, with a pause of just a moment, Orion asked, "Anything else, Miss Voss?"
She nodded. "No. That's all."
Once the guests were comfortably seated, Orion faced around. "Then, we'll see you at the banquet, Miss Voss."
Lysandra only nodded; her face serious.
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As they headed back toward the mansion, Elara had something to say. "Brother, I'm going to my room to get ready for the banquet."
Orion gave a nod. "Alright."
Having seen her vanish into the mansion, he let out a soft sigh.
Now… I believe it's time to sharpen my swordsmanship.
In hand, his silver sword, Orion headed towards the private garden. The sun colored the sky shine beautifully, casting long shadows in the courtyard.
He drew his sword, its cool metal heavy in his hand.
Step. Turn. Slash.
He moved with the fluidity of water, the ease of a summer breeze. The sword glided through the air with swift precision, dancing in his hands. His stance was unyielding, but each movement flowed like water—one blow merging into the next.
In a flash of velocity, he turned, sweeping his sword down in a blurring arc. The power rent the air, blowing a burst of wind through the leaves.
He shifted to defensive stance, then parried with a whip-crack thrust—a reflex strike forged through lifetimes.
Although with his current cultivation, his body take time adject and engrave new muscle memory of his past life technique and swordsman ship.
Every slash, every pivot, every breath echoed with the legend of a bygone era.
But as imposing as his figure was, a sour realization gnawed at him. This body is still weak…
Clenching his teeth, he pressed on, his blows finding a relentless rhythm. The garden rang with the metallic ring of metal cutting through air.
Lost in training, he didn't cease even when he saw the sun below the horizon. His chest expanded and fell with even breaths, glistening sweat on his body.
I lost count of time cultivating…
He holstered his sword, exhaling slowly.
"I need to bathe first."
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Fresh and wearing a white robe with silver lightning streaks embroidered on it, Orion looked at himself in the mirror. His wet bluish-white hair surrounded his bright blue eyes, now shining with subdued confidence.
Not bad.
Going down to the main hall, he discovered the mansion abnormally quiet. Seeing a maid, he asked, "Where are Mother Celia and Mother Sera?"
"They've already gone to the banquet hall, Young Master," she replied. "Lady Elara is in her room. Shall I summon her?"
Orion nodded his head. "No need. I'll summon her myself."
At Elara's door, he knocked. "Elara, are you not ready yet?"
Her gentle voice sounded from within. "Wait, Brother! I'm coming!"
When the door opened, Orion's breath caught.
Elara wore a sapphire-blue gown; her slender figure enhanced by the flowing material. Her normally flowing black hair was sleeked back, framed with delicate silver trinkets that sparkled under the illumination.
He remained quiet for a second.
Elara shifted uncomfortably. "Brother… how do I appear?"
Orion's face creased into a smile. "You look lovely, Elara. Very refined."
A gentle blush spread over her cheeks, but she rapidly dropped her eyes. "T-Thank you, Brother."
Orion smiled. "Come, let's not delay the guests further."
As they took their arms and walked into the lavish banquet hall, a glorious sight lay before them.