Chapter 59: Eruption (Part 1)

Just past noon, several gardeners in the estate were busily tending to rows of flowerbeds. This was at the command of the noble master; a distinguished guest was expected today, and everything had to be arranged meticulously, or else they would surely face severe punishment.

The gardeners watched with curiosity as a short, bald man with a protruding belly paced anxiously around the manor. Such behavior was unheard of under normal circumstances, clearly indicating the extraordinary status of the arriving guest.

At that moment, a black carriage approached from the east side of the estate. Drawn by two striking black stallions, each one appeared more imposing than the steeds of Storm Harbor's mounted police.

As the carriage passed, its occupant suddenly lifted a curtain and locked eyes with a young man standing by the roadside. The youth, with wine-red, cropped hair and clad in a silver-gray robe, radiated an air of scholarly elegance. Cradling a pure white fox in his arms, he carried himself with the demeanor of a noble heir. Yet, standing in the shadow of the house, his gaze was icy cold.

Inside the carriage, the master’s blood-red hair swayed gently. His powerful physique exuded an overwhelming presence, and his expression was calm and unfeeling, like an iron-blooded warrior devoid of emotion.

"Kindred spirit," the carriage's occupant uttered a single word before letting the curtain fall. The carriage rolled on, passing slowly before the young man.

He too had arrived! Charles remained where he stood, a faint smile appearing on his lips, as though he eagerly anticipated the events soon to unfold—watching as if for a spectacle.

"Brother, wait for me!" A man in a platinum formal suit hurried over from behind, shouting as he ran, attracting curious glances from all around.

"I've told you, I will never sell it to you," Charles frowned, increasingly irritated by the persistent pestering of this man.

This was the noble heir who had previously tried to buy Firefly. After Firefly taught him a lesson with its psychic abilities, something seemed to click in his mind—now he insisted on following Charles, claiming he would win the white fox over with acts of kindness.

The man in the platinum suit, breathless, leaned against the wall and gasped, "Brother, would three thousand gold coins not suffice? That’s my entire fortune! Surely it’s more than enough to buy your fox?"

"Sorry, no matter how much you offer, it's not for sale." Charles gently patted Firefly, smoothing its bristling fur to calm it. He looked at the man with some curiosity. "With your status, buying a pet shouldn’t require so much effort, should it?"

This man was Daniel Kelly, only son of Viscount Kelly, heir to the family fortune. Their maritime trade empire dwarfed even the Mesterlin family's wealth. Behind him, two armored guards, each nearly at officer level, remained close to protect him.

Daniel edged closer, rubbing his hands and speaking in a low voice despite Charles’s obvious distaste. "Brother, your fox must be a legendary beast—there’s simply nothing like it on the market!"

"Oh? And what of it? Do you intend to force the purchase?" Charles responded indifferently, unconcerned by the prospect; even those two guards, formidable as they were, were merely ordinary men incapable of touching him.

"Ahem, let me be frank. I’ve met people like you—capable of raising terrifying beasts with incredible powers!"

Charles fixed him with an icy, indifferent gaze, so cold Daniel shivered as if stared down by a savage monster.

Clang!

The two guards instantly drew their swords, faces tense and watchful for any sign of danger.

Yet Charles paid them no mind, still coldly regarding Daniel.

Daniel quickly waved his hand, signaling his guards to stand back, then put on a flattering smile. "Don’t misunderstand, brother. I know your kind doesn’t like dealing with ordinary folk. I just wish to be friends, maybe build connections... and perhaps, someday, you’d gift me a beast?"

"It’s not impossible. Do me a small favor first—take me to a banquet," Charles replied seriously. Daniel, elated, promised repeatedly, summoned the family carriage, and brought him to an estate north of Storm Harbor...

...

...

Today was Baron Dylan’s fiftieth birthday celebration, and many nobles from Storm Harbor had gathered to honor him. The estate was lively and festive.

Yet, hidden away in a secluded room, two people sat facing each other.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Leslie, but I cannot agree to your request. What you ask is our core ability," said the woman, clad in green gauze, sitting with legs crossed—the pale curve of her thighs revealed almost to the hip. A downward glance might even catch a glimpse of black lace at her secret place, a subtle, enticing fragrance filling the room.

Nevertheless, the burly, blood-haired man before her was unmoved, his face showing only a faint, mocking smile. "Yolanda, do you really think your delusions can succeed?"

"Stop dreaming. The two great empires will never let you grow unchecked. Cooperate with us, or face annihilation!"

Yolanda responded with a seductive smile, her allure intensifying as the gauze slipped from her chest to reveal swathes of snowy skin. "How do you know we won’t succeed? Besides, you came alone—aren’t you afraid I’ll keep you here forever?"

She moved to his side, her delicate hand caressing his cheek, her body pressing lightly against him. The scent grew stronger, her temperature rising, her breath soft as she gazed at him.

But no matter her attempts at seduction, he remained as impassive as a block of wood, only pointing to the door with a cold sneer. "Filthy woman, stay away from me—there’s a man outside who desperately wants you. Go find him."

Yolanda’s face turned cold, her entire being brimming with murderous intent. She gritted her teeth and hissed, "That damned fool thinks I’m easy prey? I’ll kill him right now."

"Oh, suit yourself. If you need help, I can lend a hand—provided you give me a ‘key’ to the Gate of Origin," Leslie replied with a faint smile, making no move from his seat.

He had come expressly to see if he might seize some treasure from her; many at the academy now resented his monopoly over resources. He needed to establish achievements quickly, or he would never be able to advance further on his own.

Just then, his previously calm expression changed dramatically. He seemed to hear a strange, elusive song—a sweet little girl humming softly, yet no matter how he searched, he could not locate her.

"La~ la la la~ la~ la~ la la..."