Chapter 936: Unexpected Visitor

That same evening, a carriage bearing the crest of one of the dukes of Ravenfell arrived unannounced at the main gates of the Constantine Estate.

The person inside was a woman with brown hair and eyes of matching color. Lifting the velvet curtains of the window, she gazed at the large crowd gathered before the gates.

All of them were the Dark King’s fans, wanting to catch a glimpse of him.

The woman couldn’t help but frown. She hadn’t expected things to be so intense. Yes, she knew that the name of the Dark King was very famous in the city as well as the Empire. But she didn’t think people would be so fanatical.

Seeing the carriage arrive, the crowd, surprisingly enough, made way for it. They were quite civil and orderly.

One of the numerous guards in dark armor standing by the gates approached the carriage. When he saw the noble crest, he was slightly taken aback.

Walking up to the window, he first bowed slightly and then greeted, “Good evening, my lady.”

He paused for a moment before asking with slight hesitation, “Pardon me, but… is the Lord Commander aware of your arrival?”

The brunette woman gazed at the brooch on the man’s armor.

Mana Liquefaction Magus, she thought.

Her eyes scanned all the Magi guarding the gates. There were more within the compound as well.

The Black Legion, she mused.

She looked at the man and slightly shook her head. “No, he doesn’t.”

A flicker of uncertainty passed over the man’s face. He glanced at the other guards at the gates, then back at the woman before him.

This wasn’t someone he could simply tell to leave. After all, the woman’s aristocratic title was higher than even their Lord Commander.

“I see… I shall announce you then, my lady,” he said, lowering his voice.

The woman simply nodded.

As the gates to the compound opened, the guards swiftly ushered in the carriage, their movements precise and practiced.

At the same time, they remained vigilant, ensuring that none of the Dark King’s crazed fanatics lurking outside slipped in unnoticed.

While the carriage rolled steadily along the stone-paved path, making its way towards the main manor, Adam had already been informed of the unexpected visitor.

Needless to say… he was quite uneasy about it.

***

Standing on the grand marble staircase, Adam clasped his hands behind his back, trying his best to put on a welcoming smile on his face.

This person’s arrival was something he hadn’t expected. No, if he was being honest with himself, he did expect it.

It’s just that… he didn’t wish to face this person.

Seeing the carriage stop at the base of the stairs, Adam took a deep breath and walked down.

With a forced smile on his lips, he opened the door and then extended a hand.

The brown-haired woman gently placed her hand on his with quiet grace and stepped out of the carriage. She glanced at Adam, observing him for a few moments, and then offered a gentle smile.

“It’s been a while, Lord Constantine.”

Adam smiled awkwardly, the hint of unease tightening in his chest. Strangely enough, or perhaps expectedly so, he found it difficult to meet the woman’s gaze.

There was a weight in her eyes that made him feel exposed, that made him feel… guilty.

“You can skip the formalities with me,” he said. “…Elyande.”

Eysande Flynn, the Matriarch of the Flynn Family, and the eldest daughter of the Late Brigham Flynn, gazed at Adam and let out a light chuckle.

“Well, it’s a good thing you haven’t forgotten our past friendship.”

“…Yeah.” Adam smiled wryly, his gaze distant.

The following moment, he put all the unnecessary thoughts to the back of his mind.

With a subtle gesture, he motioned to his guest—his friend, if she could still be called that—and began guiding her up the staircase.

“Aye, now that you’re here, stay for dinner before you leave. Let’s catch up… like old times.”

Elysande smiled. “Alright.”

***

In the dining room, the two old friends sat across from one another as they enjoyed the freshly cooked delicacies prepared by the chefs.

About ten minutes into the meal, Elysande looked up at the raven-haired youth and asked, “Did you read the letter from the Lord Marshall?”

“Lady Benton?” Adam arched a brow.

Stuffing a piece of juicy, tender meat into his mouth, he chewed on it for a little while, then spoke. “Right, someone did mention there were a bunch of letters in my study. I haven’t had the time to go through them yet.”

How could he? All this while, he was racking his brain on how to outsmart the Cult of Bones and safely send Anna away from this city.

Now that he had succeeded, he could finally focus on the matters here.

Elysande nodded ever so slightly. She paused, thinking of the right words, before speaking, “It’s about the grand auction.”

“Oh?” Adam muttered absentmindedly, his attention drawn towards the piece of tantalizing grilled meat on his plate. “What about it?”

Elysande smiled faintly. “Lady Benton wants us to jointly oversee the auction. That’s what I’m here to discuss.”

Adam’s actions froze. He raised his head, matching gaze with the woman sitting across from him.

“…What?”

Elsyanded smiled, nodding. “It’s a very lucrative opportunity for us. My father, he…”

Her lips trembled ever so slightly. She lowered her head and took a deep breath before whispering, “When he was alive, he wanted to host the auction. He wanted to make it a grand spectacle, something that people would remember even after the tournament was over.”

She raised her head and looked back at Adam.

But this time, it was the raven-haired youth’s turn to lower his head and avoid her gaze.

Elysande didn’t think much of it. She continued, “Anyways, I’m still fortunate to have received this opportunity. This way, at least I can fulfill one of my father’s many wishes.”

“I think you should… oversee the entire thing by yourself, Elysande,” said the raven-haired youth, his head still lowered.

Elysande was slightly taken aback. She couldn’t help but chuckle in musement, “My goodness! Adam Constantine saying no to an opportunity to make money? I didn’t think I would live to see such a day.”

Adam gulped. “I’m serious. You should be the one to do it. Not someone like me.”

In his mind, he thought to himself with guilt and shame.

I don’t deserve it…