Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 454 - 308: Path of Fate (3)

Chapter 454: Chapter 308: Path of Fate (3)

Stepping out of the carriage, Malin smiled as he took off his overcoat and handed it to the servant who had already approached, then shook hands with the City Lord who had been standing in the sea breeze for who knows how long.

This was a noble who looked to be of some years, usually by this age, nobles would have long since been hollowed out by a life of wine and pleasures, yet judging from his physique, this one seemed to be a Transcendent.

Not knowing his Sequence, nor the stairwell, but no matter, "Mr. Peter, thank you for your invitation."

"On the contrary, Mr. Malin’s arrival is such an honor for us, we in Rosslyn will surely not disappoint you regarding the selection issue," the middle-aged man smiled sincerely.

Sincere as a child who had done something wrong.

Malin nodded to show he understood, then he followed the lead of various noble lords into the manor.

Entering through the main gate, all Malin could sense was opulence, each marble tile assembling a picture, the carvings on every lamp post, the exquisite bas-reliefs on the stone bridge railings over the little river.

No wonder people say the Farolians waste too much money on the arts.

And art, it’s not that important.

It cannot be turned into bread, nor into milk, only to be destroyed again and again by the ravages of war. For Malin personally, if a piece of art cannot achieve eternity, then it holds no value.

Perhaps this piece of art could illuminate an era, but like its companions, it will inevitably be swallowed by the flames of war.

Not a single civilization dares claim it will flourish forever, nor can any witness eternity, so art... is ultimately no more than an esoteric pleasure. It can move people, fill their hearts with a myriad of emotions, but in the end, they will vanish with time, just like tears disappearing in the rain.

Noticing Malin’s lack of interest, the owner of this city made a special effort to introduce the history of the villa before entering it.

"You know, this villa is said to be the palace of that Emperor from the old world. A thousand years have passed, his empire is no more, but this villa still stands. History is truly a fascinating subject, don’t you think?"

Listening to the impassioned explanation of the City Lord Peter, Malin nodded, "Time is the most impartial force in this world, treating all mortals and Transcendents without distinction, even ordinary deities are eventually devoured by time, only true eternity can forge eternity."

"Indeed, you are absolutely right, only true eternity can forge eternity." As if delighted, or as if excited about something, the middle-aged man led Malin into the hall.

Farolians enjoy dancing, and the ballroom was already in full swing at this time. Malin stopped the City Lord who intended to interrupt the ball to introduce him, "Let the young people enjoy their brief happiness, Mr. Peter. I’ve just arrived here and am still unfamiliar with many; first bring over the top figures from across Rosslyn for an introduction, so that I may recognize their faces."

"No problem, Your Excellency, please follow Jacob, the child of Yagfe, to the side hall, I will go and call them over to meet you."

"That would be marvelous."

Malin nodded, then followed the young man into the side hall.

Watching Malin enter the side hall, the City Lord smiled at the City Prefect beside him, who frowned slightly, "He seems quite easy to deal with, I hope we are not mistaken."

"It should be fine, just an unsophisticated child, rumors can’t always be trusted," the City Lord said, meanwhile nodding to the old man brought over by a servant, "Old Philip, the son-in-law of the Mowish family has requested to see us."

"How so?" the old man squinted.

"Side hall," the middle-aged City Lord turned his head towards the door of the side hall, "I’ve sent young Jacob to entertain him for a bit."

"Using young Jacob’s advantage of being of similar age to test the waters, good idea."

"Of course, after all, we’re all in the same boat. Thanks to this occasion when that lady wanted to pave the way for her son-in-law, otherwise, we wouldn’t have had such an easy time blending in."

"A woman’s kindness—our opponents are nothing more than that." The old man said this and noticed someone was approaching. He and his City Lord paused in tacit understanding, watching the young man come over, "Yuda, where have you been?"

"Dancing, until your servant came to fetch me. Respected City Lord, is there something you need?"

"Of course, the new arrival, Mr. Malin, wishes to meet with the notable figures of the city, and as the owner of the lumber mill, you should make an appearance before the special envoy."

"Alright, I hope our envoy will be understanding of us," the young man paused, then added, "By the way, where are Mr. Doma and the others?"

......

The Mr. Doma that the young man mentioned and his friends were sitting in a small circle formed by sofas on the other side of the side hall.

"That fat pig Peter has brought someone in, and he looks even younger than your son. I really don’t know what Lady Anna is up to; is her son-in-law really held in such high regard?" Mr. Doma, a middle-aged man with a somewhat receding hairline, listened to his friend’s remarks and at their conclusion, he patted the man on the shoulder, "Don’t worry, with Earl Victor here, that fat pig can’t stir up any waves."

"What about that Malin? Rumor has it that he could slay Great Demons several years ago." One companion spoke up.

"That’s definitely an exaggeration," Mr. Doma shook his head, "Even if his blood lineage is superb, it’s impossible for him to have killed a Great Chaos Demon at the age of twelve."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door of the side hall. The young man standing by the door opened it to see the servant of the so-called fat pig Peter, who bowed to all those standing and sitting, "Honored sirs, my master is summoning you."

"Very well, I will be right there."

As he said this, Mr. Doma standing up paused, "By the way, isn’t Lady Martha present?"

"No, Lady Martha is on the terrace conducting a mysterious divination, she said she will be coming down shortly with the miss."

"That’s excellent." Everyone said in unison.

After the servant left, Mr. Doma glanced at his friends beside him, "Let’s hope this is a good gift."

"I think no man could refuse such a unique gift, unless he’s not a man," Doma’s old friend said with a laugh.

"If he’s not, then we might all be doomed," another friend commented seriously.

"But then again, what is Lady Martha divining this time? She couldn’t even foresee her own husband’s death, what more could she expect to see?" Doma’s old friend looked at Doma.

"I can’t figure it out either. Diviners have always been uniquely fresh and refined when it comes to courting death," Mr. Doma replied, then, with a smile, he and his friends headed towards the door leading to the hall.

"Let’s go meet our City Lord and that seemingly useless silly little imp."