Astonishment

Max extended his hand toward Lilly and looked at her with a smile. She was still feeling nervous about meeting everyone as his girlfriend, but she knew if she wanted to feel slightly more secure in this relationship, she had to confront everyone as soon as possible.

Although the Ladies of the Garfield family knew that she was his woman, they didn't ask or comment anything on their relationship. Even Esther, who has been guiding her for the past few days, never said anything about their relationship. It was as if everyone was waiting for them to announce it.

She has been gathering her courage for this day ever since Max accepted her as his woman.

Max could have come a lot sooner, but first, he went to the training hall to call her and then waited until she was all dressed up and ready to go.

Lilly took a deep breath and held his hand like a princess, and then walked together with him toward the table.

Everyone stared at this scene in silence, with different thoughts going through their minds.

Esther, Amelia and Mina watched them calmly. While Lacey, Layla and Chloe showed surprise on their faces. As for Eva, she had a smile on her face. Her gaze was focused on Lilly. After looking at her, she shook her head and thought, 'It's no wonder he didn't show any special interest in me when his woman is this beautiful.'

Lilly was wearing an elegant black gown type dress which on her fair and smooth skin shined even more, and her black hair draped over her shoulders, giving her an even more charming look. Among the women present, only Esther and Amelia could compare to her in beauty.

Max holding her jade hand, slowly reached his father and bowed. Seeing him bow, Lilly also bowed. Ashton was surprised to see him bring such a beautiful girl with him in this type of meeting, which meant she was his woman, but when he saw that this beautiful girl was previously his maid, he became shocked for an instant.

He didn't expect his son to fall for a maid and then introduce her to them like this. His shock was momentary. He smiled. "Good son. Come sit down."

Max nodded and sat down with Lilly by his side. He then looked toward the guests and greeted them with a smile. "Greetings, My name is Max."

"Haha, What a good boy! Ashton, your boy seems quite capable." One of the men with a muscular body laughed as he glanced at Lilly. Ashton just smiled at this.

"Hello, Max. I'm Valerie." The youngest woman in the group shook his hand as she introduced herself excitedly.

"That's enough!" Madam Mari shouted, seeing her almost drooling on him.

Valerie sat down after being scolded by Mari. Max looked at Madam Mari and Smiled. "Lady, were you asking if I was making an excuse or my way of cultivation was unique, right?"

He didn't wait for her to say anything and said, "My way of cultivation is normal like others, but I was strengthening my mana core and exhausted myself completely. That was why I was sweating and had to take a bath before presenting myself before you guys."

"What?"

"Strengthening your mana core?"

"Are you saying that you've already formed your mana core and become a two-star mage? How old are you?"

Except for his family members, everyone, including his father, looked at him with disbelief.

"Hehe, how can I believe you what you say? Let me check for myself." Madam Mari walked toward him and touched him on the shoulder as she sent his mana inside his body. After taking a look, she was astounded.

"It's true." She muttered as she got back to her seat.

"Hahaha... Good! Good! You gave me a great surprise, my son. I'm proud of you." Ashton laughed loudly. He was delighted to hear the great news and even more when he saw the dazed expression on Mari's face.

"Congratulations, Max, on becoming a two-star mage at such a young age. Your talent is comparable to the top geniuses of the kingdom." The muscular man laughed and praised.

"Congratulations, Max. After becoming an influential man, don't forget me, hehe." Valerie giggled like a little girl.

"Thank you. No, I won't forget you." Max also chuckled.

"Hehe, such a good boy." Valerie winked at him playfully.

"Don't tease him anymore, Valerie." Another woman sitting by her side said.

...

After everyone calmed down, Ashton talked with Max, asking if he needed anything, but Max shook his head and only asked for some money in case he wanted to purchase something.

"Alright, now we have to proceed with our mission to hunt those three-star beasts in case they attack nearby towns again." Ashton said as he to his family and stood up.

Apart from Madam Mari, others wore grim faces when Ashton mentioned the possibility of beasts attacking again.

"I'll kill each and every one of those pests before they can do it again." The muscular man released his murderous intent. His name was Barut, and just like his father, he was also A Viscount of a town which neighbours the Magical beast forest, and his town was almost completely destroyed in the beast tide.

Others were the same as well, they were also Viscounts of beast tide affected towns, and when they reported it to Count Wiley, who was in charge of this region, he simply asked these Viscounts to form a team and then put his subordinate Mari as the leader.

Ashton quickly stepped in front of his family so that they don't get affected by his killing intent. After all, other than him, Max and others are only one or two-star mages.

"Calm down, Barut. We will hunt them down, don't worry." He patted his shoulder to assure him.

After that, he bade farewell to his family and was about to rush out when Max suddenly called out, "Father, May I talk to you before you go? I've something important to discuss with you."