What sort of people are these?” The citizens of Wushan township were filled with shock and surprise.
This carriage procession finally came to a halt in front of the Baruch clan’s manor.
At the Baruch clan’s manor, there were many people who were prepared to station and stable these horses and carriages.
“Lord Cardinals Guillermo and Lampson, have arrived!”
That loud, high-pitched voice rang out from within the Baruch clan’s manor, causing a huge commotion amongst the denizens of Wushan township.
It was actually two Cardinals!
In the eyes of the citizens of the Holy Union, the Cardinals of the Radiant Church were all lofty figures. In their hearts, the Cardinals were like the stars in the night sky, beautiful to behold, but untouchable. But today, two Cardinals of the Radiant Church had actually come to Wushan township.
“Clatter!” “Clatter!” “Clatter!” Hoof steps could be heard yet again. Shortly after the troop with the Cardinals had entered the township, another very similar troop arrived as well, with carriages that seemed even more lavish, with beautiful female attendants and palace attendants with skin as white as any woman.
The carriage was golden and extremely extravagant.
The mighty knights were exhibiting their top-notch riding skills. The hoof steps were so much in lockstep, they sounded like a single great drumbeat, shaking the hearts of the citizens of Wushan township.
The denizens of Wushan township were stupefied.
“Who…who are these people?” Many denizens hadn’t seen these people in their entire lives.
When this new troop arrived outside the Baruch clan’s manor, that voice once more rang out from within the manor. “His Majesty, King Clayde of Fenlai has arrived!”
“His Majesty the King!”
All of the citizens of the town looked at each other.
To the citizens of a kingdom, the king of a kingdom was the brilliant sun shining in the sky, with the power over life and death. But his Majesty the King, who should have been in his palace, had actually come to the tiny little Wushan township.
The nonstop clatter of hoof steps.
One troop of soldiers came after another. One carriage after another pulled up in front of the Baruch clan’s manor.
“Duke Bonalt of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!”
“Marquis Jebs of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!”
“Count Juneau of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!”
“Miss Delia of the Leon clan of the Yulan Empire has arrived!”
“Lord Bernard of the Debs clan of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!”
That voice rang out again and again, causing the citizens of Wushan township to be totally speechless. What was going on? Why were so many members of the upper class congregating here at Wushan township? But the citizens of Wushan township could guess the reason.
The only major event which had occurred at Wushan township was Hogg’s death.
But Hogg was just the noble of a minor township. Could his passing cause his Majesty the King as well as two Cardinals of the Radiant Church to come? These citizens couldn’t help but think back to the triumphant image from a few days ago of Linley returning with a troop of knights at his back.
“All of this must have something to do with young master Linley.”
Although these common citizens didn’t know the specifics of Linley’s situation, they were able to guess.
……
Within the Baruch clan’s main hall, Linley was still kneeling on one side.
The Cardinals, the King, the Dukes, the Marquises, the Counts, all either bowed or knelt down with sincerity, paying their respects. Although the likes of Cardinal Guillermo only bowed, without question, the only people they ever even bowed to were tremendously important figures.
But today, they were bowing to the departed Hogg.
“Linley, don’t be too heartbroken.” Guillermo said softly by Linley’s side.
“Thank you.” Linley bowed fractionally.
“Linley, your father’s passing truly fills us all with regret.” King Clayde also comforted Linley.
After a while.
“Linley, don’t be too heartbroken.” A clear voice.
Raising his head, Linley saw that Delia, dressed in simple clothes, was there, her face filled with concern.
“Thank you.” Linley said in a soft voice.
Delia nodded fractionally before being led away by servants as well. One noble after another came in to pay their respects to Linley’s father. Even that Bernard, leader of the Debs clan, had come to pay his respects.
“Master Linley, don’t be too heartbroken.” Bernard said courteously.
Linley responded with the same courteous thanks. “Thank you.”
…..
“Duke Patterson of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!” Suddenly, the announcing voice rang out from outside.
Linley frowned very slightly.
His father’s death was linked to this Duke Patterson. But Linley knew very well that his father had disguised himself before entering Duke Patterson’s manor. Most likely, Duke Patterson had no idea that Linley’s father was the person whom had succumbed to the severe injuries caused by his subordinates.
Patterson looked extremely similar to Clayde. Both of them had long, golden hair, with eyes that seemed hawk-like. His waist was straight as a ramrod, and he had the aura of a noble.
Entering the main hall, Patterson bowed respectfully in front of Hogg’s memorial spirit tablet.
“Master Linley, don’t be too heartbroken.” Patterson walked over to Linley and said with sincerity.
Linley raised his head and glanced at Patterson. Seeing the sincere look on Patterson’s face, he still responded with the same courteous, “Thank you.” From the surface, one couldn’t tell that Linley’s treatment of Patterson was any different from his treatment of anyone else.