Lady Isabella beamed with excitement and extended her hand to Seraphina, leading her back to the second floor where Lord Alexander and the others eagerly awaited her arrival.
As Seraphina reached the second floor, the privileged guests couldn't help but be even more captivated by her presence up close. Her aura exuded elegance and strength, leaving them even more curious about her background and cultivation level.
"Allow me to introduce you to my friend," Lady Isabella said, gesturing to a table in the front.
"Seraphina, this is Lord Alexander Feye," she introduced.
Lord Alexander offered a courteous bow, his eyes shining with interest. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Seraphina. Your presence has certainly sparked our curiosity. Are you by any chance affiliated with the Coven?"
Seraphina returned Lord Alexander's bow with a graceful nod, her cross-shaped golden pupils gleaming with intrigue. "The pleasure is mine, Lord Alexander. And yes, you are correct. I am associated with the Rosevine Coven," she replied.
Lady Isabella's eyes widened with excitement. "The Rosevine Coven! How fascinating! You must have encountered incredible adventures and mastered extraordinary techniques."
Seraphina smiled modestly. "Indeed, my time with the Coven has been filled with unique experiences and teachings. I've learned much, but there is still much to explore and uncover."
"Since we have introduced ourselves, let's not stand on ceremony and just call each other comfortably," Alexander replied with a calculating smile.
"Yes, please also call me Isabella!" The girl said and gestured for Seraphina to sit with her.
"Then, I shall do so," Seraphina answered and sat down next to Isabella.
Alexander called the next waiter and ordered some tea and snacks.
After that, he leaned in, his curiosity evident. "Tell us more about your cultivation journey. We are from local prominent families with a bit of cultivation knowledge. A disciple from a big force like the Coven is too serious to us, so we are always eager to learn from others with such expertise."
"Yeah, I once tried the entrance exam, but my talent was limited in the controlling area ..." Isabella said with a sad smile.
As the conversation flowed, Seraphina discovered that the privileged guests were genuinely interested in her insights and experiences. They, in turn, shared their own stories, enabling her to learn a bit more about the world beyond the gates of the Coven.
Throughout the evening, Seraphina found herself immersed in discussions on various topics, from rare cultivation techniques to the city's recent events. She discovered they were heirs to their respective families in Serenity Peak City. Both families were part of seven forces that ensured peace and prosperity around this region.
As the night wore on, and the atmosphere in the Golden Dragon Inn buzzed with lively conversation, a sudden hush fell upon the room. The crowd instinctively parted to make way for a young man.
Tony Fallar, the younger brother of Claude Fallar, strode into the inn with an air of confidence and superiority. He was renowned in Serenity Peak City for his exceptional cultivation talent and the strength he displayed at such a young age.
His eyes, sharp and penetrating, scanned the room, taking in the faces of the privileged guests and cultivators alike.
"Ah, there you are," Tony said with a self-assured grin, approaching Seraphina's table once more. "I couldn't stay away. Your presence is just too captivating."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, her polite smile faltering slightly at his persistence. "Thank you for the compliment, but I prefer some privacy during my meal."
Undeterred, Tony pulled out a chair and sat down without an invitation. "Privacy is overrated. Besides, who wouldn't want the pleasure of my company?"
Lord Alexander and Lady Isabella exchanged glances, clearly amused by Tony's audacity. The other guests around them couldn't help but take notice of the unfolding drama.
"I'm sorry, but I prefer to dine alone or with people I know," Seraphina insisted, her patience wearing thin.
Tony leaned in closer, ignoring her words entirely. "You know, I am quite impressed by your beauty and aura. It's a shame you're hiding away in some backwater inn. I could introduce you to the finer things in life."
"I appreciate the offer, but I am perfectly content with my current arrangements," Seraphina replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for misunderstanding.
Tony's ego was clearly bruised by her rejection, but he refused to back down. "You must be new here. Let me give you some advice. It's best to align yourself with powerful figures, like me, if you want to thrive in this city."
"Tony, that's enough," Lord Alexander interjected, his voice tinged with a warning. "The lady has made her preferences clear."
But Tony was not one to be easily dissuaded. Ignoring Lord Alexander, he reached out and tried to grab Seraphina's hand. "Come on, don't be shy. You'll thank me later."
In a swift motion, Seraphina deftly avoided his grasp, her expression growing colder. "I have no interest in associating with someone who cannot respect my boundaries. Leave, or I will make you regret staying."
Tony's bravado faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure, chuckling as if her threat amused him. "Feisty, I like that. But don't worry, I can handle a woman like you."
Before he could continue his arrogant tirade, Seraphina had had enough. In a flash, she unleashed a surge of Qi, forming a small but powerful barrier around her table. The force sent Tony flying backward, crashing into a nearby wall.
The floor fell into stunned silence as the guests watched the spectacle unfold. Tony's face turned red with embarrassment and anger, but he wisely chose to retreat, fleeing from the scene with a bruised ego.
"Wait until my brother hears about this! I'll have you in my chamber soon!" Tony shouted while awkwardly stumbling away from the scene.
Seraphina heard this but calmed herself down with some breathing techniques.
'Ah, this is a good reminder. I nearly forgot what kind of world this was since I isolated myself at the Coven.' Seraphina thought as she retreated back to a conversation with Alexander and Isabella.
The tension from Tony Fallar's disturbance dissipated, and Lord Alexander and Lady Isabella exchanged amused glances. Despite the earlier interruption, they were still intrigued by the mysterious Seraphina and eager to extend their hospitality.
"I must apologize for Tony's behavior," Alexander said sincerely, leaning closer to Seraphina. "He can be rather impulsive and arrogant, but please don't let that tarnish your impression of the rest of us."
Isabella nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we are different from him. Serenity Peak City has much to offer, and we would be delighted if you would grace us with your presence for the evening. We both own establishments nearby, and our doors are open to someone as intriguing as you."
Seraphina considered their invitation carefully. Despite Tony's behavior, she sensed a genuine kindness in both Alexander and Isabella. The prospect of spending the evening at their establishments intrigued her, and it could be an opportunity to gather more information about the city and its influential figures.
"I appreciate your kind invitation," she replied with a warm smile. "Your gesture is very generous, and I would be honored to accept."