As for the old man''s demeanor, the purple - eyed man didn''t give it much consideration. First, he cast a glance at his guards and, observing that they were gradually regaining their strength, commanded,


    "Keep a vigilant watch outside."


    The several armored warriors promptly summoned their strength with effort and took their original positions in an orderly manner.


    The purple - eyed man entered the villa and approached the somewhat dilapidated main house door.


    His villa was the largest edifice in the vicinity, occupying an area five times that of the old man''s three - story abode. Glen''s dwelling appeared rather diminutive beside it.


    Surrounded by other structures, the villa was one of the few specially renovated buildings on the outskirts of the town.


    Upon his arrival, the purple - eyed man had purchased an extensive tract of land in one stroke and subsequently had this villa constructed by his private artisans.


    Bayek Town had its own set of regulations. As long as one''s actions were reasonable and compliant, there would be no issues. He had paid the rightful owners of the land in question handsomely.


    Consequently, he could dispose of it as he pleased.


    He had a penchant for erecting luxurious residences in such atmospheric locales; it was one of his pastimes.


    Apart from this place, he also had abodes in places like the Ghostly Marsh, the Magician - Witch Forest, and the Mist - Shrouded Ruins.


    With a gentle wave of his hand, the layer of enchantment enshrouding the villa was casually dispelled.


    Although some townsfolk claimed that the vacant houses here were under the protection of the mayor, and none could enter without the owner''s consent.


    The purple - eyed man still took precautions. He abhorred others meddling with his possessions.


    The door was pushed open by an invisible force, and he stepped in slowly.


    All the furniture and furnishings within showed no signs of having been disturbed, which brought him a modicum of comfort as he attempted to put aside the humiliation he had just endured.


    The floating maids filed into the house behind the purple - eyed man, commencing to sweep away the accumulated dust and light the candles on the chandelier.


    The villa soon came back to life.


    ...


    In Battersea Main City.


    Sangis alighted from the carriage and, gazing at the residential street with an idyllic environment before her, still felt a twinge of bewilderment regarding her current situation.


    Two tall soldiers, attired in civilian garb, also disembarked from the carriage. They deposited her luggage and addressed Sangis,


    "Very well, Miss Sangis. We''ll leave you here. You''ve already seen the workplace, and I assume you won''t need our guidance from here on. The address of the house has also been provided to you."


    Sangis hastened to reply,


    "Thank you, there''s no need! I''m truly grateful for your assistance these past days!"


    The two soldiers waved their hands, exchanged a word with the coachman, and then departed with a wave.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Hoisting her luggage, Sangis adjusted her attire, tugged at her hat, and made her way into the residential area.


    I truly wonder who has been extending a helping hand to me? I can pose the question to Dylan when I see him later. Perhaps he has some inkling. It''s been so long since we last met. I''m unsure if his temperament has improved. Danni mentioned that he''s engaged in business. I fear it won''t be long before he goes bankrupt. This younger brother of mine... The thought of the unruly Dylan filled Sangis with consternation.


    However, upon reaching the address indicated, she detected no signs of habitation.


    Initially, she suspected she had come to the wrong place, but after several confirmations, she was certain she was in the right location.


    This left her perplexed.


    Fortunately, that peculiar middle - aged man from the capital had provided her with a spare key. All she needed to do was attempt to unlock the door.


    As the key slid into the lock, the door opened smoothly, yet the interior was conspicuously devoid of occupants, showing no signs of being lived in.


    Where could Dylan have gone? … A sense of unease washed over Sangis.


    After a thorough inspection of the house, she promptly went out to inquire with the neighbors. Only upon learning that someone resembling Dylan had left of his own accord did she feel a measure of relief.


    She surmised that perhaps Dylan had returned to his former residence.


    As for why he chose not to live here, it was not a matter of concern to her.


    "I''ll spend these initial days familiarizing myself with the job and then find some time to look for him. If he remains obstinate in his business pursuits, I''ll wait until he experiences a complete failure. Then, I''ll have him move here, secure a stable job, and assist him in finding a virtuous wife. In this way, our parents in heaven can rest in peace..."


    Having murmured to herself, Sangis set about tidying up the house.


    ...


    Two days elapsed.


    The day of the ball invited by the noble lady Pernas had arrived. Glen, a man of his word, naturally attended the event as scheduled.


    However, when he picked up the invitation and perused the address, he couldn''t help but start in surprise.


    It was, astonishingly, the manor of the former Lord Charnis.


    Hadn''t it been acquired by a wealthy merchant? And was it then purchased by Lady Aniya? … With these thoughts in mind, Glen carefully stowed the invitation, adjusted his attire, and then boarded the deer - drawn carriage to leave the town.


    Following the familiar route, he once again beheld the magnificent outer wall of the manor.


    On the road, apart from Glen, there were other attendees. Judging by the style of their carriages, they were evidently nobles.


    Glen was somewhat puzzled. There didn''t seem to be a great number of nobles in the vicinity, yet quite a few were making their way here.


    Presumably, Lady Aniya had extended invitations far and wide, and some of the invitees hailed from distant places.


    The fact that these nobles were willing to travel great distances to attend this ball attested to the significance of the important figure Pernas had previously mentioned.


    With a flurry of speculations, Glen arrived at the large iron gate of the manor.


    Several noble retainers were scrutinizing the invitations of those seeking entry.


    When it was Glen''s turn, the retainers gave him a few extra glances. Only after repeatedly verifying the authenticity of the invitation did they allow him to enter.


    Glen harbored no resentment towards this. He indeed didn''t bear the appearance of someone accustomed to attending such galas.


    Upon entering the manor, a maid approached to guide the guests to the venue.


    A maid, adorned with a smattering of freckles on her face, immediately hastened over upon spotting Glen, whose attire set him apart from the other guests.


    She inquired in a clear, melodious voice, "Excuse me, is this Mr. Glen?"


    Glen nodded with a smile, "Indeed, it is I."


    "Please follow me this way," the maid said, gesturing with her hand.


    Glen glanced at the direction she indicated and then at the path the other noble groups were taking. He asked, puzzled, "Am I not to proceed with them over there?"


    "You were specifically instructed by the young lady not to accompany those gentlemen," the young maid explained with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, Glen refrained from further inquiry and steered the deer - drawn carriage in the direction she had indicated.


    Noticing the maid trotting along beside the carriage, Glen said, "Do come up."


    The young maid was about to look up and wave her hand in refusal when Glen pulled her into the carriage, seating her beside him.


    Startled, the girl''s face flushed, and she sat there, frozen and immobile.


    Observing her lowered head, Glen smiled and said, "How can I know where to go if you don''t guide me?"


    Only then did the young maid recollect her task and once again raised her hand to indicate the way.


    "You''ve only recently been recruited, haven''t you?"


    Glen suddenly asked.


    The young maid nodded, "Yes."


    I thought as much. When Lady Aniya first moved in, she didn''t bring many maids, and the same goes for these retainers. I''m simply curious about the channels through which they managed to recruit personnel so expeditiously and efficiently... Glen mused to himself.