CHAPTER 66: CHAPTER 66: PALACE

The peaceful night quickly passed without the imagined night attack.

After the three of them exited the forest, they walked for two hours before finally reaching a small town.

As soon as Josh arrived here, he instantly exuded the air of a superior. He found the head of the town and arranged a carriage for the three of them. There were originally a dozen sturdy militiamen, but their combat capabilities were worthless to them and were thus declined.

"We’re about to reach Markfel City soon. It’s the largest city in the Tasoni Territory and also where the main members of the Tasoni Family reside," Josh lifted the curtain, revealing the scenery outside, and introduced the local customs to Herag.

Herag wasn’t interested in these, and blandly said, "I’m only concerned if my Ten Thousand Gold Coins will be fulfilled, Master Josh?"

"You’re joking, Mr. Herag. There won’t be any shortfall in your payment; this amount is trivial for me and can be easily produced." Josh felt uneasy when he heard the address ’Master Josh’.

"Good, it better be so." Herag closed his eyes and continued to rest.

Markfel City was indeed very large; from a distance, you could already see the tall city walls. The city gate was also very magnificent, with a giant domed gate bustling with people and carriages.

The guards at the city gate were clad in full armor, with the Tasoni Family’s emblem, a totem of an eagle, printed on their armor.

The guards looked at the carriage from afar, with some uncertainty in their gaze.

When the carriage gradually approached, the guards recognized Josh and hurried to call people over, "It’s Master Josh! Master Josh has returned!"

...

Upon learning the news of Josh’s return, dozens of guards were immediately deployed to escort Josh and the others back to the Tasoni Family’s castle.

The Tasoni Family’s castle was located at the northernmost part of the city, with an expanse of buildings that, from a distance, made one think it was the King’s palace complex.

The three had already switched to a more refined and robust carriage, surrounded by layers of guarded soldiers.

"These are all my personally trained loyalists." Josh said with some pride, introducing his guards to Herag.

The group stopped in front of the castle, where someone was already waiting at the castle gate.

A man, appearing to be around thirty, with a small mustache, hurried over anxiously, looking concernedly at Josh as he got off the carriage, "Oh! Josh! Thank the gods! You’re back safe."

Josh chuckled dismissively, "Luqi, why do I feel you’re disappointed that I returned safely?"

Luqi was a burly man but now appeared very gentle, smiling, "My dear brother, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"After learning about your ambush and disappearance, I couldn’t eat or drink for a while and mobilized various powers to search for your whereabouts. Fortunately, you returned safely, so father can also be at ease."

Josh seemed to dislike his demeanor, frowning as he asked, "How is father?"

Luqi hesitated, sighing, "Not great, you should go see him."

Josh nodded and turned to Kieran, "Uncle Kieran, please take Mr. Herag to rest and give him the Ten Thousand Gold Coins reward. Mr. Herag, since I just got back, I need to see my father first, I truly apologize."

He slightly bowed apologetically to Herag.

Herag nodded, "It’s fine."

Kieran walked in front, bowing and gesturing, "This way, Mr. Herag."

"Who is this?" Luqi curiously looked at Herag, his eyes flickering with a peculiar light.

Kieran said expressionlessly, "Master Luqi, this is Master Josh’s esteemed guest, you needn’t know."

"I needn’t know? I am the eldest son of the Tasoni Family, Uncle Kieran! Since he’s Josh’s esteemed guest, he’s my esteemed guest too. Hello, Mr. Herag. I’m Luqi Banks. If you hear any bad rumors about me, please don’t take them to heart and refrain from knowing me through others’ words."

Ignoring Kieran, Luqi stepped in front of Herag, introducing himself respectfully and courteously.

"Hello, Herag Merlin." Herag nodded, casually responding.

"Mr. Herag, if you don’t mind, how about I show you around this castle?" Luqi asked expectantly.

Herag smiled, "I won’t be staying here long, and I have no interest in your Tasoni Family’s matters, so you needn’t bother."

Luqi burst into hearty laughter, cheerfully saying, "Mr. Herag is quite interesting. It’s all the more reason for me to entertain you well as the host."

Kieran blocked him, "Master Luqi, let me handle it."

Luqi smiled insincerely, "Since Uncle Kieran insists, I won’t say more."

He apologetically turned to Herag, "I hope Mr. Herag won’t find it awkward. My brother has been possessive since childhood, always worried I’ll take his things, hahaha."

Kieran ignored the sarcasm in his words, turning respectfully to Herag, "Please follow me, Mr. Herag."

As Herag passed by Luqi, he offered Herag a helpless smile.

"Could Mr. Herag stay overnight, allowing us, the Banks Family, to express our gratitude?" Kieran inquired.

"Of course." Herag wasn’t in a hurry to travel. His current purpose was to understand the local customs while traveling.

Larry had tasked him to find Moonstone Grass in the Doris Kingdom; there was no time limit on this task, allowing him to return whenever he wanted.

Kieran led Herag to a grand palace, ornately decorated inside. Upon entering, a gigantic painting, standing 40 to 50 meters tall, of a pot-bellied middle-aged man, caught their eye.

"This is Count Hu En, the biological father of Masters Josh and Luqi," Kieran introduced.

Herag asked with interest, "The two brothers, are they born from different mothers?"

"Yes," Kieran replied concisely.

Herag nodded without further comment. After glancing at the painting, he continued following Kieran forward.

The decorations inside could only be described as luxurious, and Herag noticed many of the wall carvings were made of gold and gems. Picking off a random gem could be worth thousands of gold coins.

"This Count’s family is indeed too wealthy; no wonder the two brothers fight tooth and nail."

The palace itself showcased the tremendous wealth of the Banks Family, far beyond ordinary imagination.

"Mr. Herag can stay here tonight, all the guards and servants are at your service; no one will disturb you," Kieran led Herag to a giant door.

Kieran exerted himself, and the door slowly opened, revealing a vast space behind it.