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Chapter 873: Lance's Journey to Ekerite
Chapter 873: Lance's Journey to Ekerite
On a morning a week later, the dawn of the New Year in the Herton Kingdom.
As the Mana Railcar slowly came to a stop, the scenery outside gradually came to a halt, and the doors opened to reveal a station with a roof constructed from ochre-red bricks.
"We're here! Ekerite, my home!"
Ifatiya's cheerful voice and footsteps echoed on the platform of Ekerite Central Station as she walked and looked around.
After many years of absence, the city evoked a deep sense of longing in her.
The towering twin towers flanking the central station made it an impressive sight, with marble columns, murals, and stained glass windows all bearing witness to its rich history. This architectural style was something she had never seen in the Kreitni Empire.
After retrieving their documents and completing the immigration and customs procedures in the Flower Capital, they had traveled for several days by train from the Bosson Kingdom back to their hometown, the Herton Capital.
Ifatiya couldn't wait to return to her Duke's Manor.
"Alright, Duke, Duchess, and Aunt of the Duchess, I'll probably take Cat Boss back to the restaurant, and then I'll return to my dorm. Hans has already arranged for your transportation."
Lance stood on the platform and addressed the group in front of him.
Although Hans the butler had been serving the Willford family for many years, he was actually a trusted aide of Duke Mygaya, left behind in the Wilford Chamber. Now that Duke Mygaya had returned, Hans would also be returning to the Duke's Manor.
The Duke's Manor was still some distance from the Ekerite Academy, and Cat Boss was located just two streets east of the Academy.
The Ekerite Scholar Academy's dormitory was the place where Lance felt most at home, and after several months of absence, he missed it dearly.
"Do you want me to come with you tonight? I can help you with dinner and tidy up the house."
Talia made this suggestion, temporarily setting aside Lance's choice of address.
Originally, she could have stayed at Lance's house for a few more days due to the Mad Love Demon's state, but just as their journey was coming to an end, the time for fusion had arrived. She and Lan Fu had separated, so she didn't stay in Lance's dormitory after all.
So, her plan for the day was to first visit the Duke's Manor with her sister and then check on Huberian at Cat Boss's restaurant.
"No, no. I can do the housework and prepare dinner myself. There are plenty of restaurants at the school."
Lance quickly shook his head.
As long as Talia was there, Sigrid and Huberian would likely join her, and he couldn't imagine the chaos if all three of them squeezed into his dormitory.
After enduring the journey and maintaining the Mad Love Demon state for a month, all he wanted was to rest at home for a while.
"Come on, come with me! Let's go to the Duke's Manor first, then to Cat Boss's restaurant, and after that, you can return to the Ekerite Academy."
Ifatiya eagerly invited Lance to be her guest.
She also wanted to visit Cat Boss's restaurant to see the legendary Demon World Shadow Fox. When she heard that the restaurant had a familiar beast brought back from the North Continent, she couldn't wait to go and pet the fox. Having her sister and brother-in-law accompany her would make it even more enjoyable.
Additionally, before parting ways in the Flower Capital, Rosalinda and Aetius had promised to visit Ekerite to celebrate their reunion as a loving family. With their business matters concluded, they were expected to arrive soon, and Ifatiya eagerly anticipated their arrival, hoping for a lively atmosphere at the Duke's Manor.
"Er..."
Lance observed Ifatiya and Mikaya for a moment.
Ifatiya seemed to have forgotten about what happened that night in the Flower Capital, while Mikaya maintained her usual calm and composed expression.
On that fateful night at the Holy Silver Vine Arena in the Flower Capital, Lance and Talia's awkward date had been witnessed by Ifatiya, who had seen the entire recording. Given Ifatiya's personality, she would undoubtedly have shared this with Mikaya without reservation.
As a result, their journey back to Herton had been filled with awkwardness. Mikaya and Ifatiya stayed together, while Lance and Talia kept their distance, all of them consciously avoiding any substantial interactions.
Lance had initially thought that in front of Ifatiya and Mikaya, he and Talia should refrain from continuing their relationship, as it would only remind everyone of that embarrassing topic.
However, it seemed that Ifatiya had become more comfortable with them, especially with Talia, whose relationship had returned to its former intimacy.
"Ifa has already explained our past and family history to me... That guy, Pranay, must have known, but if it weren't for Ifatiya telling me herself, I might never have found out."
Talia understood Lance's hesitant gaze and clarified the situation for him.
During the journey, Ifatiya had found an opportunity to reveal to Talia the secret she had kept hidden for many years.
Despite the initial shock of discovering that Ifatiya wasn't her sister, Talia felt a sense of relief deep within her heart.
"Meow."
Cat Boss placed its paws on Lance's arm, listening to their conversation and piecing together the situation.
It reflected on Tata's words, recalling that she had said anyone who dared to question their sisters' identities had been executed by the Mad Love Demon. It was strange that Pranay had the courage to speak up.
"So, Lance, do you understand now?"
Talia added, addressing Lance.
"Understand what?"
Lance was momentarily confused by Talia's intention.
Ever since their second date in Pariera, he had struggled to understand Talia's thoughts at times. Now, without the heart-to-heart connection, he found it even more challenging to comprehend her expressions.
Talia fell silent for a moment and approached Lance. She covered her mouth with her hand and leaned close to Lance's cheek.
"If you want me to call Ifatiya 'Mom', I can agree to that too."
Talia whispered to Lance, her voice barely audible.
"!"
Lance immediately turned his head away, staring at Talia.
He began to suspect that this Talia was an imposter.
Talia's actions and words were becoming increasingly bizarre, leaving him at a loss for how to respond.
"I need to go back to the Mage Engineering Institute to see Professor Polao. I should have returned from the proctoring trip to the Bosson Kingdom earlier to handle the follow-up matters with Professor Polao, but now it's been delayed for months. I can't keep him waiting."
Lance didn't want to be caught off guard by Talia again today. He needed time to analyze how to deal with this new version of Talia.
This version of her had become a three-bodied demon, and there was no way to connect with her.
"Professor Polao, indeed, we can't keep him waiting. He even casually insults Emperor Loren..."
Ifatiya pouted, looking quite disappointed.
She held respect for the professor who had taught and guided Duke Mygaya.
"I'll help with the follow-up matters for Professor Polao, so don't worry. Today, let's go to the Duke's Manor and let me take care of you."
Mygaya had been secretly observing Lance for a long time, and finally, he broke his usual demeanor and invited them,
"And Huberian is still adjusting to the physical changes after the awakening of her demon bloodline. Even with the care of the demon doctor Antanas, the pain she has to endure won't lessen. We can't just leave Huberian unattended today."
He felt that Lance and Talia hadn't yet noticed the secret between him and Ifatiya.
Ifatiya later explained to Talia that on that day, Ifatiya had been watching her sister and brother-in-law's date, and feeling guilty, she had run off with her friend. Duke Mygaya had been handling affairs in the arena downstairs and hadn't had time to return to the supervisor's office upstairs before the accident occurred.
The more he avoided Lan and Talia, the easier it would be for them to notice the discrepancy, and it would be better to maintain the usual composure. That way, they would be less likely to suspect that the tall, dark-haired woman had any connection to him.
"Yes, Lance, think about it. If Huberian doesn't see you today, won't she be disappointed?"
Ifatiya hugged Mygaya's arm and spoke to Lance and Talia.
As she spoke, she stole a glance at Mygaya.
Originally, all four of them should have felt extremely awkward, but along the way, Mygaya seemed to be the least awkward of them all.
She knew that her husband was a master of mental fortitude, and his mindset was similar to Lance's. He had determined that the best strategy was to remain calm and not show any signs of guilt.
"I understand. Then, Tata, let's go to the Duke's Manor first, and then I'll send you and Cat Boss back to the restaurant."
Lance sighed helplessly.
Recently, Huberian had been adjusting to the physical changes after the awakening of her demon bloodline. Occasionally, she would experience an excessive immune response due to the toxins her body secreted, and even with the care of the demon doctor Antanas, the pain she endured would not lessen. He couldn't just leave Huberian unattended today.
"Meow, meow, meow! I miss home so much, but I've never been to the Duke's Manor before."
Cat Boss playfully rolled around on Lance's hand.
Previously, Lance had brought back three elites from the Protoss Empire: the enthusiastic and lively Antanas, the dignified and gentle Sinora, and the steady and capable Pralane. Cat Boss had liked all of them.
Later, even after realizing that they were powerful demons like Tata, Cat Boss wasn't afraid. Now, it was the mascot of the Kreitni Empire!
This time, in addition to the early arrival of the resident singer and the yet-to-arrive deliveryman, Lance had brought back two powerful backers: the Duke and Duchess. Cat Boss could finally experience the life of a noble cat!
"Let's go."
After discussing their itinerary at the platform level, they left the station through the various gates.
The group walked through the spacious Ekerite Central Station.
The hustle and bustle gradually faded away.
Not long after leaving Ekerite Central Station, they spotted the figures waiting for them by the square.
"Young Master, Tata, and the Duke and Duchess, it's been a long time since we last saw you."
Hans' voice was deep, like an exhausted old father, as he smiled at them.
Despite his kind appearance, Lance still felt that Hans had been an assassin in the past.
"Hans, do you plan to continue working for the Willford family or return to the Alansar family as their butler?"
Instead of letting Hans take his luggage, Lance proactively helped the Duke and the others with their luggage, taking over Hans' work.
"Of course, I'm the Willford family's butler. I've watched the Young Master grow up since he was a child. If I can't continue working for the Willford family, I'll be a little reluctant to leave."
Hans didn't refuse and instead looked at Lance with satisfaction, appreciating his respect for elders.
"It's fine, Hans. In a couple of years, the Willford and Alansar families might merge, and then you won't have to worry about which family you belong to."
Mygaya understood Hans' emotions for the Willford family over the years and also knew his loyalty to the Alansar family. Whether he returned to the Alansar family or continued working for the Willfords, Hans would feel a sense of reluctance.
"Yes, this issue can be perfectly resolved.
'Yes, I will cheer for you, Lance! I will win both my daughter and my goddaughter sister!'
Ifa clenches her fist and cheers.
But when she glances at Talia's eyes, she dares not continue to shout loudly.
She is still a little afraid to show her strength in front of her.
'Hehe, young master, you must work hard.'
Hans encourages Lance.
'Hans, actually, you don't need to worry about me. I worked as a butler in Pariah for a while. My butler skills are not necessarily worse than yours.'
Lance knows Hans is teasing him and responds.
'That must be what you learned from me. You've watched my work for so long, you've also learned to imitate me.'
Hans walks to the front of the car and opens the door, saying.
'This cannot be denied.'
Indeed, when Lance was working at Bastian's house, he was constantly learning from his own butler Hans.
It's just that Talia says his imitation has a bit of an odd flavor.
After getting in the car, the long-missed journey to Ekerite begins.
The morning sun on a winter day brings a sense of ease, making this city especially wonderful.
Not long after driving, the brick-red walls, the pointed eaves, and the irises and horse-hoof lilies in the royal botanical garden come into view, exuding the rich fragrance of a vast sea of flowers, even from a great distance.
'Wow, is this really Ekerite?'
Ifa leans on the window, gazing at these Ekerite signature buildings that she hasn't seen for many years, and those new buildings that she has never seen before.
These ten years have passed, and Ekerite has become a city that is both familiar and strange to her.
Compared to the ancient-colored Creth Empire, the style here is much brighter and fresher.
Creth Empire's architecture is mostly grand in concept, and the city is filled with solemnity. In Hutton, there are more old buildings in beige and white, and the new buildings have more skyscrapers and glass curtain walls. The historical sites and modern planning are cleverly integrated, with a clear layout.
'Indeed, identity is very important. Getting a passport and returning to Hutton Kingdom is smooth. Otherwise, even sneaking in secretly will only be a black market.'
Cat Boss recalls their journey back through customs.
Now, the war is only in the just-ended stage, and international travel has not fully recovered. Any entry and exit is accompanied by cumbersome review procedures.
Fortunately, their identities are all legal, and they also follow Duke Mygaya, avoiding a lot of trouble. All the way, they are treated with dignity, and as soon as they enter the western border, they immediately head to the key city of Ekerite.
'Actually, Little Black Bread, if you choose to follow Loren back to Ekerite a month later, you won't delay much time either. Even the customs officers won't care if you have an Ekerite identity.'
Mygaya tells Cat Boss.
Since he came out of Blood Moon City, everyone has been calling him Little Black Cat, so Cat Boss has given up resistance to this name.
'Farewell, I am Ekerite Cat.'
Cat Boss keeps nodding his head.
He almost lost his nationality.
When he followed Lance to Creth Empire that day, he realized his nationality had been taken away by Lance, this guy is an Imperial Eagle Dog.
Fortunately, Loren got his nationality back.
After several minutes of chatting, the scenery outside the car window unknowingly turns into a bustling commercial area, passing by various cafes, restaurants, bars, and shopping malls. The spacious avenue is filled with an increasingly vibrant urban atmosphere.
'Does Loren the Great returning to Ekerite need our reception?'
Ifa asks the front-seat co-pilot Mygaya.
As a duke and duchess, the emperor of the empire is coming. They are very likely to go and receive them, or say that only they can easily handle it, and this is not an easy task, which can only be entrusted to them as the most appropriate.
'No, he certainly won't be making a grand public visit. He should just greet Hutton and then quietly return to his old home in Cranter Dominion, passing through Ekerite for a day or two, returning to Ekerite Academy, his own home, or the temple to see.'
Mygaya explains to Ifa according to his understanding of Loren and the current situation.
As for Loren's approximate date of return, that day, Loren privately told only Mygaya and Ifa, as well as Ice Maiden.
'Isn't it, can his itinerary be so casually chatted about?'
Talia is very surprised. Ifa and Mygaya's chat content is a bit too casual.
It's not that she thinks Lance and Hans' mouths are not strict, but Cat Boss knows, and Cat Boss knows means everyone knows.
'No problem, who can harm Loren? The Ninth Rank Divine Beast can't beat him.'
Mygaya is very reassured as he speaks.
Even Hesintos can't beat Loren.
When Loren arrives in Ekerite, even if there are assassins, Loren won't be in danger.
(End of Chapter)
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