Although it was quite dark already, Vincent was able to clearly see the automaton waiting for them.
"So you remember what I told you…" Faviona replied with a smile as she indeed mentioned this to Vincent. However, she certainly didn't tell him how they look at all. She only mentioned that these automatons were similar to puppets.
"Of course… Ever since you told me about their specialty, I've been curious about them. Automatons are basically non-existent outside their territory, I would naturally research more about them."
Vincent replied as he looked at the dark silver human that welcomed them at the Manor's gate. Well, it only has, at most, an image of a man. Aside from having a head, torso, and limbs like humans, there are no other details that can be seen.
There are no hairs, ears, nose, or gender.
"Oh… It's gesturing for us to come in… It's a bit creepy but it's fascinating…" Millie commented after seeing the automaton wave its hands at them.
"Alright, just follow me inside…" Faviona said as she entered the gate.
On the side, Ceri was actually quite curious why no humans greeted them. After all, they are here with Faviona, a very important alchemist. She would even treat an important person within their organization.
Was it difficult to be greeted by a real representative of Star Garden Peak?
Ceri couldn't help but wonder if they are being looked down on right now. She hinted this to Vincent who was beside her but it seems that he also realized this.
Nevertheless, he didn't speak about it since they're in the territory of another organization.
Their customs might be different from theirs.
Currently, Vincent has Millie and Ceri by his side while Luna and Agatha were behind them. Turhan and Dianne, on the other hand, remained inside the Aircraft to guard it. In any case, the aircraft also has a decent living space so they wouldn't be uncomfortable there. The Pale Raven is unlike the previous generation of airships after all.
As they followed Faviona, Vincent noticed that at the doors of the manor, a middle-aged woman was waiting for them.
The most noticeable thing about her is that she's in a wheelchair…
"It's been a while, Lady Collete…" Faviona greeted as she hurried her footsteps.
"Faviona… You're still young as always. I wish I have your abilities…"
"The potions I used are incredibly expensive… You won't be able to afford it." Faviona chuckled as Collete followed with a laugh…
They seem to be good friends so Vincent heaved a sigh of relief, it seems that they will be fine here.
Soon, Faviona introduced everyone to Collete.
She seems just like a kind aunt who just went out to greet her guests. Nevertheless, Vincent can tell that she has a mysterious Mana Cultivation and is definitely not weak.
The wheelchair itself is even a Magic Artifact itself according to his Item Sense ability.
With his blessed eye, he was also able to notice that Collete's mana isn't just staying in her body… It was in constant movement and seems to be connected to other things…
'Ahh… That's right, she's controlling the Automaton… and she doesn't only have one. Well, since she dares to live alone in this Manor, it only means that she has the strength to protect herself.'
Vincent mused as they entered the manor… Collete's wheelchair appears to be capable of moving on its own since Vincent can't see how she was steering it…
'Is it another form of automaton or remote control?'
"You guys are probably tired of your journey. I'm sure it's difficult to travel from the Black Tower's territory to this land. I've prepared some food so you can eat for a while before taking a rest." Collette kindly said as she looked at Vincent.
"Thank you. We will take that offer then. There are still two people outside so I'll be calling them." Vincent agreed.
They didn't talk about their business for coming here as Collette doesn't seem to be in a hurry. Perhaps, the patient was already in a stable condition.
After having a sumptuous meal with everyone, they were led by Collette's automaton to their rooms to rest.
Of course, since they are in a foreign land, Vincent didn't forget to set up a Formation Art just in case. Although Luna and Agatha would probably stay awake to protect them, he felt more comfortable with the defensive Formation Art active.
***
Vincent woke up early and had a really good rest. Since they were outside Vera City and know that there are no territorial matters to deal with in the morning, his mind is more peaceful…
He realized that he has really been stressed for quite a while now because of this.
After a few stretches, he went out of his room to meet everyone.
"Are we moving now?" Vincent asked as he noticed that everyone is already awake and preparing to go out.
"Yes… Collette made some bread for us this morning and she even packed us some lunch later… We can only move using a carriage right now since the Aircraft is prohibited." Faviona explained.
"I see… Are we supposed to leave the Pale Raven here?"
"I'll be staying here, Vincent." Turhan suddenly said.
"Me too! Lady Collette allowed me to have her old Automatons!" Dianne suddenly said surprising Vincent.
'How did she get so close to her so quickly?' Vincent mused as she looked at Dianne's excited face.
"Alright… Both of you have life-saving treasures from me so I shouldn't be worried. Please take care of the aircraft then." Vincent replied as he went downstairs to get his bread for his breakfast.
Though he has prepared some food inside his Interspatial Ring, he decided to just have this bread since this isn't common in Vera City.
After a while, a huge carriage enough to fit all of them arrived outside the manor.
It is being escorted by four white-armored Knights and a man wearing a butler uniform welcomed them…
"I'm Ronan, a servant of Sage Vivian. I'll be accompanying you to the Main Peak and it will take us four days and three nights to arrive. We can also stop at two Sacred Peaks along the way if you desire."
Foll𝑜w current novels on fre(e)w𝒆bnovel