The Herb King

Lion City is the capital city of the Leone Empire. It has millions upon millions of inhabitants, making the city bustle with activity. Tall buildings and gorgeous mansions spread throughout the territory of Lion City. Even the city's road system is strictly managed with thousands of guards protecting the safety of everyone.

Leric stared at the massive turtle-like walls that surrounded the capital. There were humongous archer towers that hoisted ballistas on top of the walls!

Soon, their entourage arrived at the entrance of the city. There was a long queue of people going in and out in a very orderly manner. No one dared to cause a ruckus because of the presence of the guards wearing black armor. They were observing everyone's movements with stern faces, looking for any potential threat that may cause harm to the peace of Lion City.

These black-armored guards were part of the Leone Imperial Family's force, the Black Lion Army! The General of the Black Lion Army, General Baron is also one of the strongest Espers in the empire. He is a Level 4 Esper who is proficient in defensive arts! That was also why the current emperor, Emperor Ragnar Leone, gave him the title 'Shield Duke'!

Leric's entourage lined up with the rest of the crowd. However, when everyone saw the Reynolds Household's crest in their carriage, they immediately gasp in shock.

"Look! Isn't that the crest of the Reynolds Household?!"

"I wonder who is inside the carriage? Could it be Lord Harold Reynolds himself?!"

Everyone unconsciously backed off and allowed them to skip in line.

The Reynolds Household was one of the strongest noble families in the Leone Empire! Although they weren't one of the founding families, their former patriarch, Lord Julius Reynolds, was one of the most fearsome warriors in the empire! Too bad he was gravely injured and is now critically ill. His failing health only caused everyone to sigh in pity.

When it was their turn to be inspected, the faces of the black armored guards softened a great deal.

Samira peaked through the carriage and greeted the guards politely. "Good day, everyone!"

"Welcome back, Miss Samira! We've heard that you joined the Flame Tiger Army in defeating the Northern Viper Group's top executive, Solas! Respect!" The guards smiled at her. They were already expecting their arrival since they have scouts along the road.

"We were only lucky to have received the help of a strong Alchemist! It's nothing worth mentioning. Officers, we can chat another time. There are still a lot of people queuing behind us." Samira shook her head with a smile when she heard their words.

"Oh, right! Sorry for delaying your journey, Miss Samira! You guys can enter the city!"

"Thank you, Officers!"

The guards and the crowd watched as they entered the capital.

"It's actually Miss Samira! How beautiful! No wonder many young nobles are courting her!"

"She's also a very talented warrior. She truly has the genes of Lord Harold Reynolds and Lord Julius Reynolds!"

The territory of the Reynolds Household was in the western part of the city. They traveled for another day before finally arriving.

Leric could already see a huge mansion in the heart of the territory. He knew for sure that this was the house of Samira.

The guards patrolling outside the mansion were pleasantly surprised when they saw the entourage of Samira.

"Miss Samira is back! Miss Samira is back!" They shouted excitedly.

They immediately lined up near the gates of the mansion and waited for Samira to arrive.

When the carriage drove past them, the guards greeted eagerly in unison. "Welcome back, Miss Samira!"

Their voice was so loud that everyone inside the mansion heard them clearly.

"What!? My daughter is back?! Quick! Let's go!" A man who looked to be in his mid-forties exclaimed as he sprinted over with his retinues. Jogging beside him was a stunning woman who looked to be in her early thirties. She was wearing a gorgeous dress that made her look younger and more beautiful.

These two were the parents of Samira, Lord Harold Reynolds, and Madam Antonette Crossfield!

The couple waited in front of the mansion with their retainers. Everyone stared at the carriage with excited faces.

Samira was the jewel of the Reynolds Household and everyone treated her very well.

The coachman stopped the carriage in front of the couple. He then got down and opened the door of the carriage.

Skylar and Kathlyn were the first ones to get out. Samira came next to them.

"Welcome back, my daughter!" Madam Antonette hugged her daughter tightly in her embrace. The madam then checked her daughter's body to see if there were any injuries. She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that she was unharmed.

"It's good that you're back!" Lord Harold patted her daughter's head as he looked at her with a proud smile.

Suddenly, one more person stepped out of the carriage, making everyone look at him in surprise.

It was a young man in his late twenties with short black hair and sword-like eyebrows. He was wearing a plain set of clothes, but he gave off a rather intimidating aura because of the sword strapped behind his back.

Noticing that everyone was looking at him, Samira hurriedly introduced Leric to her family. "Mom, Dad, everyone, this is Sir Aethelwolf. I think you've already heard about the news of the Flame Tiger Army and Barden City's local force receiving the help of an Alchemist to defeat Solas and his bandit brigands. Sir Aethelwolf is that Alchemist."

"It's a pleasure to meet Lord Harold, Madam Antonette, and everyone else in the Reynolds Household." Leric smiled and lightly nodded his head at them. He had to play the role of a Level 4 Alchemist so he had to have the dignity and grace befitting one.

Everyone was in awe of his bearing. He was neither servile nor overbearing, but he still managed to leave a good impression on everyone.

"Sir Aethelwolf, thank you so much for helping my daughter and the army in defeating the vile soldiers of the Northern Viper Group! Come! I'll bring you inside our mansion!" Lord Harold smiled amicably at Leric.

"I was merely returning the favor of General Gavin for letting me stay in his camp." Leric replied in a calm voice.

"Regardless of the reason, you are still the main reason why the Northern Viper Group was easily defeated." Lord Harold then glanced at his retainers and said. "Prepare a feast for Sir Aethelwolf!"

"Yes, Lord Harold!" The servants immediately sprinted to the kitchen to prepare their most delicious food for Leric!

Leric was overwhelmed by the generosity and hospitality of Lord Harold and Madam Antonette. They toured him around the mansion and also introduced him to the top members of their household.

Samira who was walking behind them could only shake her head with a wry smile.