4 Expected Unexpected Guest

Yan went silent. He may have an easy-going personality but he's not a care-free guy. When unexpected situations happen, he gets quite serious. Not like Rhodes who continued to chow down a piece of a Fire-Turkey drumstick.

Lord Bernard III's visit to the capital is indeed quite puzzling. Thinking about the stories of major upheavals on the Canary Islands, grabbing the lordship of the islands was just the beginning. After he assumed power, he hanged or guillotined most of the families that allied his three older brother's claim while he promoted who supported him in court.

He consolidated his power through iron and blood!

'The guy is smart, decisive but extremely dangerous.'

Yan, as the strategist of the guild, was also intrigued by Shicks' words. He knew that Shicks had a wide interconnected network throughout Arathor Continent. His spies and informant, or so he calls 'little birds', can be found in major empires and tens of kingdoms. If someone like Shicks couldn't get information, then something is wrong.

After so many thoughts, Yan can only sigh in helplessness.

"Damn it. We just came back and things are already piling up. My head's already starting to hurt!"

"Now is the time for eating and drinking. Sheesh. Stop thinking and start drinking!"

Rhodes grabbed a cup from a servant passing by, passed it to Yan who finally accepted and who gulped a mouthful of wine.

''Sigh. Well, you're right but I think Slicks might be on to something. I just thought we should investigate it immediately.''

In addition to his initial concern, the underbelly was getting noisy lately. Mostly composed of secret organizations and dark guilds, the underbelly works not by the laws and regulations imposed by the empire and the Adventurers Association. Though not every organization can be said to be 'evil', most of them work illegally such as racketeering, gambling, slave-trading, prostitution and assassination requests.

Some of these secret organizations and dark guilds even have a direct or indirect connection from some influentials at the imperial court.

''Hm. You handle that in the morning."

As one of the major guilds of the empire, many things demanded thoughts from Yan. A guild as large and as strong as Light of Dawn, his decisions can certainly affect the current path of the empire. While both he and Rhodes continued their talks, suddenly, the main door of the palace halls opens.

Bang!

"Lord Bernard III of House Alterac, the lord of the Canary Islands, the protector of the western seas and the fleet commander of Sea God Army!''

With an announcement, all heads turned towards the door.

Entering the halls is a well-dressed handsome man surrounded by noble airs. His hair had a hue of both red and brown, a common trait of the House Alterac, swayed as he walked. Young noblewomen at the banquet were immediately captured by his charm while males, on the other hand, could only accept defeat by his stature. Though they had a somewhat high standing in the society, in front of a member of the Imperial House, they were nothing.

Red lips, heavy perfumes, and seductive make-ups were immediately put up by these young noblewomen as they slowly approached the new guest as if they had just forgotten the men beside them.

With just a single look, Yan knew immediately the man's personality. His forward chest and straight back was a symbol of high pride and military background while his slow strides and condescending smile shows he likened the attention.

'I should introduce him to Captain Holt.'

But what made Yan more interested was the powerful aura of a sovereign that is being extruded by him. It made ordinary people subconsciously bowed down to him just by a single look, but can be ignored by the likes of him.

Rhodes, on the other side, smirked by his arrival.

"Heh. A Dragon-Sovereign charm? Extremely expensive but quite effective. Interesting."

Lord Bernard III stopped, looked around and raised his right hand to calm the crowd.

"My apologies for the sudden commotion. About a month ago, I embarked on a journey from my homeland to pay a visit to my honorable uncle, the emperor. As I arrived at the docks, I hastened my steads to reach here as a piece of news came to me that a banquet is being held at the imperial grounds and it was to honor the heroes of our empire. I wanted to see them with my own eyes, the pride of our empire, the Light of Dawn!

I have heard of their bravery to wage war against an evil calamity that has struck our beloved empire. Their fame and glory had reached the islands long ago. Even my beloved father, the late Bernard II and my siblings have heard the many great adventures. I must also humbly confess that I am a big fan of their conquest. I shall give my warmest gratitude to the guild, Light of Dawn, not just as a member of House Alterac but also as a citizen of our great empire!"

A round of applause was given by the crowd to Lord Bernard III as he ended his speech with a deep bow.

He then proceeded to the center of the room and greet two individuals; Captain Holt and Lady Anna. The moment he laid eyes on her, his attention had been stuck on the beauty in red, Lady Anna Tyrellus.

"You must be Lady Anna Tyrellus, the Red Witch. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. The tales of your strength and beauty had reached the Canary Islands, like the Lunarian Flower field graces when the two great moons intersect once every twenty years."

Lady Anna had been born for almost thirty years now and tired of many compliments spouted by countless men. Though it made her annoyed a little bit, it did not make her less happy.

"The Mistress of Fire and Ashes. According to the stories, you have killed hundreds of Babadook Demons with a flick of a finger, burned all of them to ashes. I have not seen them in my own eyes but I heard lots of tales of their strength and ferocity. It is said that a single one Babadook Demon can burn down cities or even a small country. You are beautiful, not just in appearance but also in strength and talent."

"I have also heard your name. I think you're exaggerating, Lord Benard.''

Lord Bernard then proceeded to slowly kiss the back of Lady Anna's hands and he locked his gaze towards her eyes.

"Meeting you right now and seeing it with my own two eyes, there are no exaggerations in these tales."

From far, Yan grunted on his mind. It was not the first time for some hotshot to flirt with Lady Anna. Honestly, in his mind, he wanted to kill every man who tries to flirts with her. But he was to do just that, then he needs murder half the population of the empire. He can only sigh in indignation by the side.

For a moment, the lord of Canary Islands left his eyes from the beautiful magician to greet the man beside her.

"You must be Captain Holt, the Shield of Humanity. It has been long that I have dreamed to meet the leader of the world's greatest guild. It's my great honor to finally meet the legendary guild master of Light of Dawn!''