The Herb King

Before they left, Aethelwolf stroked the feathers of the anxious Olivia. "Don't worry. I'll recover my full strength tomorrow and by then, I will start making the item that can turn you into a human. Stay here obediently and don't peck the guards again, okay?"

Olivia made a grumbling sound, but she still nodded her large bird head.

Seeing this, Aethelwolf smiled. He then stared at the others and said. "Let's go."

Aethelwolf's group followed the Reynolds Household's carriage on the way to the mansion of the Linaza Household which was located outside of Dominion District. Along the way, they also encountered the entourage of many noble households who were moving in the same direction as them. It was a good thing that the streets of Lion City are wide enough to prevent heavy traffic.

Soon, they arrived at the mansion of the Linaza Household and they noticed that there are already a lot of guests at the entrance. Everyone here were nobles or influential people from their respective fields.

Aethelwolf could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Although he lived alone in his past life, he would sometimes go out during events to show off the results of his experiments. It was only during those times that he would go out of his basement to meet people.

"Please show your invitation card." The guards stopped their carriage from entering and stared at them with cold expressions.

Aethelwolf handed the golden invitation card to Albert who was driving the carriage.

"Here's our invitation card." Albert handed it to the guards.

When the guards saw that it was a golden invitation card, they were surprised and they immediately verified the name of the guest.

Aethelwolf

Their eyes widened after reading the name and they carefully handed the invitation card back to Albert. "Welcome!" They became more respectful after knowing the identity of the person inside the carriage.

"Thanks." Albert muttered before urging the horses to move forward.

"Sir Aethelwolf, it looks like you are already quite famous in Lion City. The attitude of those guards change when they saw your name." Janrose whispered to Aethelwolf with a cheeky look.

Aethelwolf squeezed her cheeks and muttered. "Who do you think your teacher is?"

Ow! Ow! Ow!

After entering the gates, Albert parked the carriage in the open field.

"The three of you will stand guard here. You can move around and get to know the guests here, but you have to keep an eye on those two horses. They are quite unruly and they might attack the other mounts." Aethelwolf said while pointing at Kerrin and Alba. The both of them were King-Grade Equuses and just their presence alone was already making the other mounts nervous.

"Yes, Sir Aethelwolf!" The three guards saluted.

"Sir Aethelwolf, let's go inside together." An aged voice echoed ahead of them. It was Julius Reynolds.

"Sure."

"It seems like Brian Linaza thinks highly of Sir Aethelwolf. He even gave you a golden invitation card. You see, that guy only sent us a silver invitation card so I was only able to bring three people with me. Perhaps that guy has some business with you." Julius chuckled as he showed his silver invitation card to him.

Aethelwolf agreed with his words. Brian Linaza is the Leader of the Merchant Association. He is a calculating man who wouldn't do something without getting anything in return.

"Eh? Sir Aethelwolf, Julius! Wait for us!" Aethelwolf and Julius turned their heads when they heard the familiar voice. It was Johann who came with his granddaughter, Anna. They left the mansion last night after his lessons in Alchemy.

Johann scanned the people behind Aethelwolf. He already know four of them, but the remaining person who looked like a tall mountain was an unfamiliar face. He also noticed that the man was a late stage Level 3 Esper. 'Aethelwolf has a subordinate like this? I didn't see him in the mansion last night...'

Ramiel also noticed the old man's scrutinizing gaze, but he remained unperturbed.

Some servants led them inside the banquet hall where they encountered more acquaintances.

"Sir Aethelwolf!"

"Oh, old bastard Julius, you are finally here!"

"It has been a long time, Johann!"

Aethelwolf and the others also greeted the people who spoke to them.

Suddenly, a handsome middle-aged man with long black hair walked up to them. His presence attracted everyone's attention and they immediately gasped when they identified who he was.

"Sir Brian!"

It was Brian Linaza, the host of this banquet. He was quite tall for a merchant, standing at 190 centimeters.

Aethelwolf furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at Brian. He heard from the others that this guy was not an Esper, but it seems like the rumors were all wrong. When he checked his [Virtual Map], he noticed that this guy was emitting the power of a late stage Level 4 Esper! As for how he was able to hide his aura, Aethelwolf believed that the man has a rune in his possession that can hide one's power!

"Sir Aethelwolf, it is an honor to have you here. Let me introduce my humble self to you. I am Brian Linaza, a simple merchant." Brian smiled at Aethelwolf as he extended his hand to him.

"Oh? I never thought that Sir Brian is actually so tall in person! I almost thought that you are an Esper because of your strong image." Aethelwolf grabbed the man's hand and shook it gently.

Brian's eyes flashed with a strange glint for a brief moment when he heard his words. "You must be joking, Sir Aethelwolf. I'm just a normal person with some skills as a merchant." He grinned. "Excuse me, I still have to prepare a few things. I hope you guys enjoy the banquet." He left and went to greet the other guests.

Aethelwolf stared at Brian's broad back with a thoughtful look. He wondered why the man was hiding his real abilities from the public.

"Sir Julius, is Sir Brian really just a normal person?" He asked in a whispering voice.

Julius nodded his head as he answered. "Yeah. That guy is so talented in business, but it is a pity that he is not an Esper. With the amount of money and resources he has accumulated all these years, he could have reached Level 4 even if he has a lacking talent."

Aethelwolf squinted his eyes when he heard this. 'What is this guy hiding?'