Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 331: Duke Fitzgerald

Chapter 331: Duke Fitzgerald

It was unlike anything he’d ever seen.

From the fountain placed at the front of the mansion to the ornamental trees that gave off a certain ambiance, some of which looked to be species of mutant vegetation.

The manor, built with alabaster and adorned with various artistic representations, looked large enough to contain more than 500 people at a glance from the outside but on getting in, one would have to change the evaluation, upscaling it to a value closer to 900.

Compared to the scenery he’d seen on his way here, it was almost like the difference between heaven and earth.

It was clear the owner was a connoisseur for art as statues and drawings dotted almost every corner with each pillar supporting the roof, etched with the likeness of serpents.

The journey, indeed, it was a journey, through the manor left Alex intrigued and quite appreciative of the owner with Victoria’s thoughts unknown as her gaze flitted about, taking in the presence of armored men hidden at certain corners, serving the roles of guard dogs.

Of course, that wasn’t all as in certain areas, she could detect certain protrusions and in some cases, hollows, that seemed to connect to some contraption or held some hidden secret.

It would seem the house owner was as careful as Lucius was, perhaps, even more so than the young man.

Soon enough, after almost an hour of walking, they arrived in one of the gardens that dotted the mansion grounds where they were greeted by the sight of the one who owned the very ground they were on.

Flanked by two guards with a certain air to them, giving off their identity as well-trained mercenaries, the man in question wore a simple red suit adorned with gold ornaments with a gold cane at his side.

Indulging in light refreshments, the man... or rather, Lord Fitzgerald paused his chewing as his gaze landed on Alex’s... or, more precisely, Lucius’s figure that Alex now assumed.

Alex noted the emotions that flitted through the man’s pupils in that brief moment before he swallowed what he had in his mouth.

’So this is the man that taught Lucius everything he knows.’ Alex mused inwardly as he slowly made his way forward, taking one heavy step at a time.

Lord Fitzgerald rose to his feet as well, his ascent delayed before he also began his approach.

And like a father who had just laid eyes on his prodigal son, Once he came within arm’s length, he wrapped his arms around his boy and pulled him close, enveloping him in a bear hug.

For a moment, it was bliss with Butler Fenwick nodding with a smile while Victoria remained unmoved, her expression unreadable.

The hug lasted for seconds before Lord Fitzgerald pulled away, beholding Alex’s face as he placed his hands on his cheeks. "Is it truly you, my boy?"

"Yes... father. I’ve returned." Alex replied, a warm smile adorning his weary features.

***

There were many ways to interpret the relationship between Lucius and Lord Fitzgerald but after much thought, Alex had decided on the best term to use and describe it.

It was the sort of relationship one would expect a father to have with his son, one that Alex wasn’t so fortunate to have during his growing-up years on Earth.

Funny how Lucius wasn’t even Lord Fitzgerald’s biological son yet they shared such a bond.

Before meeting the Baron, Lucius was merely an abandoned child in an orphanage home, waiting for the day that he would be taken away, either as a slave or as a son, he was lucky to be taken away as the latter... a circumstance facilitated by what could only be described as fate.

While combing through Lucius’s memories, it was apparent that when he was first taken by Lord Fitzgerald, Lucius was lost as to why he’d been chosen.

He wasn’t the best-looking child nor was he the most hard-working.

No, he was a scaredy cat that was always seeking new ways to protect himself if ever danger were to come knocking... a sense of self-preservation that was at a ridiculously high level, it bordered on amusing.

It was later on he discovered that the reason he was picked was that in some strange, convoluted way, Lord Fitzgerald was also like him, of course with a more noble flair but the truth remained; both men cared for life more than they should.

This was perhaps the reason Lord Fitzgerald never married as he was terrified of having his wife murder him, a fear that though with some grounds, considering his father had died at his mother’s hands, was slightly exaggerated.

Even children were an afterthought and only became a must after the Baron grew wary of dying without a worthy heir.

So, he went searching and in his search, Lucius came into the picture.

From that day till he was sent to Aragon as a proxy, Lucius had stayed by Lord Fitzgerald’s side, watching and learning the ways of the cowa... self preservationist.

It was unfortunate that due to circumstances, Alex was forced to sunder the relationship between the two men but he had no choice... even though he had a woman and child to return to.

Breaking away from the hug, Alex remarked. "Did you receive my letter?"

"Of course. We have much to discuss." Lord Fitzgerald remarked before shifting his gaze to regard the silent Victoria. "And you must be the benefactor Lucius spoke of. It is an honor to meet you."

"Likewise."

"Thank you for saving him, you won’t understand but he is truly like a son to me."

"I hardly saved him for free though. I’m sure Lucius’s correspondence explained my desire as I do not wish to be kept waiting for too long."

"Of course, of course. Please, follow Fenwick, he will lead you to the rewards I’ve put in place."

"I have no use for material remuneration."

"Then..."

"You know what I want unless your little boy chose not to include it in the letter he sent."

Fitzgerald’s expression soured ever so slightly as he remarked. "I understand, however, you must understand that such things aren’t so easily spoken about. Accept the rewards for now, we may discuss more about this later."

Victoria remained silent for a moment before ultimately nodding. "Fine then, but I do hope you do not waste my time."

With that, Victoria turned and left with Fenwick taking permission from Fitzgerald before following after her.

With the vampire gone, Fitzgerald turned his attention to Alex, grabbing his hand as he harshly intoned. "You, come with me."