"Be on your best behavior, everyone." Baron Hugh reminded his family once they started to approach the Inanis city.
It was a visit that Young Lord Asher personally gave to them, and it was something important and valuable.
"It's… a little smaller than I expected." Benjamin said as he peered through the curtains that showed them the city.
"Well, it is not like Etara's Cross where everyone comes and visit through the royal highways, so its size is not as tremendous as ours due to needing to only cater to their people and the number of travelers that come by here." Baron Hugh said. "Please do not say that to Count Inanis when we arrive though. Lily, don't call it cozy either."
Even though Benjamin and Lily were close to Young Lord Asher's age, the two were less mature… and worldly than him.
It was perhaps the result of being spoiled and pampered by both the Baron and Baroness that they grew up this way.
Benjamin was steadfast with books and studying, and so, Baron Hugh knew that his intellect was great, but it also made him a little too focused on them, especially with his gift, and so was a little lacking in terms of social engagement.
On the other hand, Baron Hugh knew that he spoiled Lily by far more, and was softer on the girl. She was a demure personality, and so Baron Hugh often protected her from any interested suitors that expressed their interests and hoped that Benjamin did the same.
Even his strong and beautiful wife, the Baroness, was milder and gentler on Lily too, which spoke a lot.
That was why, it was at this age that Baron Hugh found himself trying to instill into them the same foundation that his own parents taught him.
'I do not wish for any of them to become so stressed out. While I am in good health alongside of their mother, even Baron Harmmund who's at thirty years of age found himself ill-equipped to take after his father's position after the man's death. If I do not do this now, they will surely lag behind… which is why going here to Inanis City is also good. It is a chance for them to witness Young Lord Asher at up close and perhaps learn from him and his experience.' Baron Hugh thought.
The main purpose of Baron Hugh's visit to Inanis City was to primarily witness the effects of the rehabilitation center within the city.
Both Young Lord Asher and Count Inanis spoke a great deal about the reduction of crime, and even though Count Inanis was a father himself, Baron Hugh knew that the man did not spoil his child as much as he did.
It truly meant that Asher was the real deal.
In fact, it was actually why Baron Hugh was surprised when the volunteers from the rehabilitation center came to Etara's Cross bearing the name of Young Lord Asher.
'I've seen the outlines myself and the pamphlets, and it was all amazing. Of course, I need to check the Masked Legion too. The number that was with them were mostly just escorts too…' Baron Hugh thought.
Despite his friendly and genial manner, Baron Hugh was not by far a simple man. There was a reason why Etara's Cross was still prospering until this very day, and it was him, and not simply the Baroness whom he often spoke praises about.
***
"It is good to see you at last, Baron Hugh, Baroness, Lord Benjamin and Lady Lily." Lucius greeted the guests with the rest of the Inanis family, and with Viscountess as well.
"I offer my apologies for the great delay. I've spoken about coming here after the banquet with the Inanis family to wrap everything up, but it took far longer than… my word, is that you, Viscountess Blackshield?"
Baron Hugh paid his greetings alongside the others but stopped at the sight of the Viscountess.
"Baron Hugh. Greetings." Viscountess Blackshield nodded.
"R-right. Greetings, Viscountess Blackshield. It is good to see you." Baron Hugh managed a laugh. He bowed his head to Young Lord Asher and to the Count and Countess. "The generosity and hospitality of the Inanis Family knows no bounds."
"I think you are directly insulting me with those words, Baron Hugh." Viscountess coldly said.
Baron Hugh froze mid-way from raising his bow. It was important to pay respect to the highest-ranking nobles, but it also meant disaster to offend other nobles.
This was something that he had been dreading, any noble would be dreading and he was no Viscount Felldan who could smoothen the conversation and play it up with a disarming smile.
However, when Baron Hugh finally looked up to check on the Viscountess as well as the Count and Countess, there were tiny amused smiles on their faces.
Even Count Inanis was amused!
Relief coursed through Baron Hugh's body. This was a good thing, right?
The man was no longer Rancor who'd dispatch of people's without any reason and the Viscountess was…
"I am by far aware that I am staying here for quite so long." Viscountess Blackshield declared with an amused wrinkle in her brow. "I am also quite grateful for the Count and Countess for allowing me to stay as long as I wish."
"Viscountess Blackshield has been a delightful presence in our home as a guest and based on what she has said, her time here has been good. Which is why I so hope that for your visits as well, Baron Hugh and family, may it be a pleasant time here," Countess Lita said with a kind smile.
"Thank you, Countess Lita."
"But ah yes, shall we allow all of you to settle down first and rest. It must be exhausting to have arrived. Come in." Countess Lita said, taking a bit more charge in welcoming them.
Even though it was Young Lord Asher who initially invited them, it also made sense that the head lady of the house would like to do the entertaining and welcoming the guests.
Lucius did not have any issues with it. Instead, he was looking forward to what this visit might bring him instead.
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