Book 8, The Ten Thousand Kilometer Journey – Chapter 44, Neighbors
The provincial capital of Basil was the base of operations for the ancient Jacques clan, here in the Northwest Administrative Province. Here in the Northwest Administrative Province, the Jacques clan could be considered the local kings. During their annual clan gathering, all of the various branches of the clan would hurry over to the provincial capital.
In the northeast part of the provincial capital, there was an extremely large and ancient castle. This was the headquarters of the Jacques clan.
Yulan calendar, year 10008. November 14th. This was a day when the Jacques clan’s castle would always be decorated and brightly lit. The number of guards at the gate were tripled as well, compared to the past. In addition, many branch members of the clan were passing through the gates this day, arriving from all over the world.
“Sis, the clan’s castle is much larger than ours, at least ten times larger.” Keane peered through his carriage’s cloth door while sighing in amazement.
This carriage contained three people. Keane, Irene, and Jenne.
Jenne also stared through the door. Nodding, she said, “The clan clearly has far more experts than us as well. Only, I wonder if Great-Grandfather will be there as well.”
The Great-Grandfather which Jenne spoke of was McKenzie.
Each year, at the annual gathering, McKenzie sometimes attended but sometimes did not. However, two years ago, McKenzie did show himself once. That sighting had satisfied Jenne and Keane’s desire to see the hero whom everyone in the clan worshipped.
“It is very possible. Irene has never seen Great-Grandfather.” Keane held his wife’s hands.
The caravan quickly arrived at the castle gates. It came to a halt. Jenne, Keane, and Irene all knew the rules. They got off the carriage.
“Jenne!” A happy, teasing voice rang out.
Immediately upon hearing this voice, Jenne frowned, but then she squeezed out a smile. She turned her head and looked towards a young man with gleaming hair. “Cousin Albert [Ai’bo’te].”
“Cousin Albert.” Keane and Irene also said courteously.
Albert looked like someone who was full of himself. Being educated since he was young had given him the airs of an ancient, noble clan, but just by looking at his eyes and his face, anyone could tell that this man was an empty-headed lecher.
But Albert was the eldest son of the current clan leader of the Jacques clan, and was the successor to the position as well.
The future clan leader of the Jacques clan. Who would dare look down at Albert, given his status?
“Jenne, you are growing more beautiful by the year. Keane, Irene, don’t just stand there like idiots, come in.” Albert warmly escorted Jenne and the others into the castle.
Because the family gathering was on November 15th, quite a few people arrived on the 14th. The night of the 14th, the castle of the Jacques clan was extremely lively.
“Big sis, feeling frustrated over Albert again?”
Keane walked into Jenne’s room. Seeing Jenne standing at the window and sighing, he immediately could guess at what Jenne was thinking about.
Jenne turned her head to glance at her younger brother. Frowning, she said, “That Albert doesn’t have any good intentions. Each time at our clan gathering, he’ll come bother me. These days never pass by easily.”
“Sis.” Keane took his sister by the hand. Apologetically, he said, “I know that the only reason you didn’t go with big brother Ley was because you wanted to spend a few more days with me.”
“Keane.” Jenne affectionately patted Keane on the head. “Keane, you are even taller than me now.”
Keane lowered his head silently.
Jenne had taken care of Keane since they were young. Ever since they had arrived in the Holy Union, their mother had been severely ill, and so Jenne had taken care of Keane like a mother would have.
The affection between these two siblings was very deep.
“Jenne, Cousin Jenne.” Albert’s voice rang out again.
Jenne and Keane both frowned, no trace of enjoyment on their faces now. This Albert really was as annoying and stifling as a boa constrictor.
In the blink of an eye, Albert had arrived at the doorway.
“Jenne. Oh, Keane, you are here also.” Albert beamed. “Jenne, we’re organizing a small banquet in the main hall. Jenne, let’s go together. I’ve arranged for some people to prepare several beautiful evening gowns for you.”
Jenne shook her head. “No need. I’m feeling a bit dizzy and am a bit unwell.”
“Why would you be feeling unwell? Let me take a look.” Albert actually stepped forward, intending to touch Jenne by her forehead. Jenne immediately took two steps back.
Keane snickered from the side, “Cousin Albert, my sister isn’t feeling well. Let her have a good rest.”
Albert stood there for a moment, then laughed and nodded. “Fine.” He then stared at Keane. “Keane, come with me for a moment. Cousin Jenne, have a good rest. If there is anything you need, just let the servants know.” He gave Keane a meaningful look.
Keane nodded, then followed Albert out.
Within the flower garden.
Albert and Keane were walking together. Albert was silent, and Keane said nothing either.
After a long time…
“Keane, how does it feel to be the governor of a prefectural city?” Albert suddenly asked.
Keane was startled. Slowly, he said, “Pretty good.”
Albert laughed and nodded. “Of course it’s good. You govern millions of people, Keane. You must understand that the entire Northwest Administrative Province has only ten prefectural cities. Positions like the city governorship are highly sought after, and many people keep their eyes on those positions. After all, our Jacques clan is a large clan.”
As though he understood something, Keane nodded.
The Jacques clan was continuously starting new branches. Naturally, each generation was more numerous than the last. In the past, the reason why Keane’s father, Count Wade, had been lucky enough to receive the governorship was because he was on very close terms with the previous clan leader.
In truth, the various city governorships were totally all controlled and decided upon by the clan leader of the Jacques clan.
After all, the Jacques clan had sole authority over the management of the Northwest Administrative Province.
“Keane, you should know that many of my younger siblings have grown up now, such as my own third brother. Right now, he’s only a major in the army. Many of these people would very much like to become the governor of a prefectural city.” Albert looked at Keane with an expression that both was and wasn’t a smile.
Keane knew what Albert was hinting at.
“And not just my siblings. My uncles as well. In the past, they weren’t able to overcome your father, but they’ve never given up.”
Albert looked at Keane. “Keane, I have a very good impression of you. But you must understand that to get something, you have to give something.”
Keane was silent.
“Keane, you have taken the city governorship, yes, but I, the future clan leader, can make you lose it as well.” Albert saw that Keane was silent, and began to speak more coldly.
“Cousin Albert, go ahead and state your desires.” Keane forced a smile to his face.
Albert laughed. “Haha, you are my cousin. Of course I won’t force you to do anything. I just hope that we can further deepen our relationship. For example, you can have your big sister marry me. What do you think?”
Keane was filled with rage.
He knew Albert’s intentions long ago. Such a gentle, beautiful, virtuous woman such as Jenne, especially after beginning to train in water-style magic, was a very mesmerizing, refined lady.
Albert had been lusting after her this entire time.
But Albert was already thirty years old and had three wives. If Keane’s sister were to marry him, she would be nothing more than a concubine.
What’s more, his sister was going to follow Linley.
“Cousin Albert, I’ve told you in the past that my sister already has someone she likes.” Keane said helplessly.
“What a joke.” Albert sneered. “Keane, if your sister has someone she likes, why hasn’t she gotten married yet? And even if she likes someone, we can just go ahead and kill him.”
Albert had desired Jenne for quite some time now. Not only was she beautiful, she was a magus. After a person trained in magic, their longevity would be extended. Most likely, even when she was sixty or seventy, Jenne would look like a thirty year old lady. Albert naturally desired a wife like this.
“You can’t kill him. The person my sister likes is an expert of the ninth rank.” Keane made up his mind.