Chapter 91: The Duke’s Invitation

Chapter 91: The Duke’s Invitation

Not getting a clear answer from Otem, Airael and Axi continued their way to Mark Fortress, accompanied by Celia and Aurora.

Arriving outside Mark Fortress, Airael gazed at the human stronghold standing tall in the north, a look of awe on her face.

This castle was built no less impressive than their Elven Silnas Fortress.

However, Airael wasn’t too surprised; she quickly regained her composure.

After all, humans had absorbed the craftsmanship of the Dwarves.

Compared to Elven magic, the technical skills of the Dwarves were much easier to learn.

Anyone could pick up a trick or two with some effort.

Once Axi revealed his identity, they managed to enter the heavily fortified castle without much hassle.

In fact, they received a remarkably grand reception.

Axi was already quite famous, not to mention their previous feats that made quite a mark.

The deaths of Sam and Sko could be considered the biggest victories of this war.

Thus, as soon as they settled in the castle, Duke Ogg sent someone to invite them to a small banquet.

A banquet specifically to welcome them!

The one sent to invite them wasn’t some minor character, but Duke Ogg’s son—Georges.

After the battle, Georges looked quite handsome after freshening up.

He rode into the inn where Airael and the others stayed, accompanied by two attendants on mighty steeds.

Georges’s arrival was definitely eye-catching.

As the son of the current castle lord and future owner, he held significant influence in Mark Fortress.

Every one of his gestures drew attention from the crowd.

He stopped at the inn’s entrance, causing everyone to focus their gaze there, speculating on what was happening.

Good news or bad news?

The inn’s occupants also noticed Georges’s arrival.

The innkeeper rushed out to greet him, a huge grin plastered on his face, saying, “Welcome, esteemed lord!”

“I’m here looking for someone; hope it’s not too inconvenient.”

Georges asked the innkeeper, who was being overly respectful.

Despite the politeness, his imposing presence overpowered the innkeeper.

How could a mere innkeeper stand against the son of a duke?

“Convenient! Absolutely! How could it not be? Just wondering who you’re looking for, my lord?”

The innkeeper responded, his smile still intact, carefully inquiring.

“There are how many guests staying in your establishment today?”

Georges asked, fixing his gaze on the innkeeper.

“There are only four guests.”

The innkeeper held up four fingers for emphasis.

Though the Orcs had retreated, the news hadn’t spread yet.

Thus, not many outsiders had come to Mark Fortress in the last few days, making business tough for inns like his.

“Four is right; I’m here to find them. Where are they now?”

“They are currently inside, my lord! I’ll take you to them right away.”

The innkeeper said, leading Georges along.

Georges, flanked by his two attendants, followed him.

The party ascended to the second floor.

Except for the innkeeper, the footsteps of Georges and his companions sounded very heavy in the corridor, the wooden floorboards echoing with muffled thuds.

The metal armor of the two attendants chimed crisp notes with their movements.

With the inn’s poor soundproofing, Airael and the others, each in separate rooms, heard the commotion.

Of course, what caught their attention most was when the sounds stopped right outside Axi’s room.

It was also not far from where Airael and her companions stayed.

This instantly set off alarms in their heads.

In the corridor, the innkeeper pointed to Axi’s room, saying, “My lord, this is that man’s room.”

His voice drifted faintly into the adjacent rooms.

One of Georges’s attendants stepped forward to knock on the door.

However, Georges halted them, stepping forward to knock himself.

“Knock! Knock! Knock!”

The knocking was rhythmic and clear.

Inside, Axi heard the rapping and knew it was good news; trouble couldn’t be avoided, after all.

Having no intention to hide, he opened the door, facing Georges.

At the same time, Airael and the others also exited their rooms to look at Georges.

Though they showed no hostility, Georges still felt a significant pressure in that moment.

He understood that these folks weren’t ordinary.

Truly, they lived up to their renowned reputations!

Georges couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

As the duke’s son, he wouldn’t be easily intimidated either.

Ignoring Airael and the others, he looked at Axi and said, “You must be Mr. Axi.”

“That’s right, I’m Axi. What do you want?”

“Well, my name is Georges, and I’ve come at the duke’s behest to invite you and Miss Ailia to a banquet.”

Saying this, Georges cast a glance at Airael.

Although he had never met her, he could tell from their aura that they were impressive individuals.

Besides, he was curious about Airael’s looks.

Was this girl really as beautiful as they said?

Hearing about the banquet, Axi’s brow furrowed visibly.

His previous unpleasant experiences were still fresh in his mind.

Georges noticed Axi’s reaction and smiled, saying, “Duke Ogg understands Mr. Axi’s concerns, so please rest assured, this banquet is a small gathering with only a few attendees.”

Realizing he could hardly refuse, Axi responded, “When does the banquet start?”

“Tonight. We hope Mr. Axi and Miss Ailia can arrive promptly.”

“We will be there on time,” Airael interjected, speaking on Axi’s behalf.

“Looking forward to your presence. I’ll take my leave now.”

With that, Georges departed with his men.

The innkeeper, left behind, hurriedly bowed to Airael and the others, saying, “Esteemed guests, I sincerely apologize for the interruption. To express my regret, I’ll waive your fees.”

At this point, he could see they were special guests of the duke.

Naturally, he had to treat them well.

“Thanks for your generosity, innkeeper.”

Airael quickly saw through his intentions but chose not to say much.

No need to make a big deal out of it.

Time swiftly passed to the evening.

As night fell, Axi and Airael arrived punctually at the inner fortress for Duke Ogg’s castle banquet.