Asher arrived before a large building. Although it was nothing compared to the Wargrave Ducal Estate or the grand structures he had seen within the Separate Dimension, the building before him still exuded an air of authority and dignity. Its walls stood tall, washed in muted gold and pale marble, the design simple yet noble. Compared to the rest of the Rivelle Barony, it was regal, a clear display of power amidst modest surroundings. One didn't need intelligence or insight to know that this was where the Baron of Rivelle resided.

Asher, William, and Finch had not spoken since their arrival. The trio had remained silent, allowing the Knight who accompanied them to do all the talking. Their footsteps echoed faintly against the cobblestone path as they approached the entrance. There, a massive wrought-iron gate loomed high above them, guarded by two armored guards who stood at attention, their gazes sharp and disciplined. The moment they noticed the Knight approaching, both men instantly bowed, lowering their heads with practiced respect, as though they had already anticipated his return.

Within the Empire of Zarethorne, Knights were very different from ordinary guards. Guards were simply individuals who possessed sufficient strength or skill to be recruited by nobles, serving as protectors, enforcers, or watchmen. Their reward was limited to steady pay and the honor of employment under a noble house, nothing more. But Knights, on the other hand, were men and women personally ordained by nobles and recognized for their loyalty, service, and valor in defense of both their lord and the Empire.

The difference in their status was vast. A Knight held an actual position of authority, standing just below a Baron in the hierarchy of nobility. The act of knighting came with not just recognition, but tangible rewards, houses, wealth, honor, servants, women, and privileges that ordinary guards could only dream of. It was every guard's dream to one day be elevated to knighthood, and every Knight's lifelong ambition to rise even further, to become a noble, even if only at the lowest rank of Baron.

After all, during wartime, many Knights could earn remarkable military achievements. Such achievements were often rewarded directly by the Emperor, who alone possessed the authority to elevate a Knight into the ranks of the nobility. It was the highest form of imperial acknowledgment, a transformation from servant to sovereign through service and strength.

Every noble, whether Duke, Count, Viscount, or Baron, had the right to ordain a Knight. However, this did not mean they went around bestowing knighthood upon anyone they pleased. Each noble had a strict limit to the number of Knights they could appoint under their banner, a restriction set by imperial decree. Because of that, no lord would ever waste such a valuable opportunity on a worthless or talentless individual.

Knighthood was not simply a rank, it was an honor, a symbol of prestige that carried centuries of tradition. Other Knights would never stand idly by and watch someone unworthy tarnish that title. To wear the emblem of a Knight without the strength or discipline to back it up was an insult that could provoke duels or disgrace.

As the grand gates creaked open, Asher, William, and Finch stepped through without hesitation. They didn't spare a glance for the bowing guards, their attention fixed ahead. The courtyard beyond was neatly arranged, paved with white stone and lined with trimmed hedges. The faint sound of birds echoed in the distance, contrasting the heavy aura of nobility that blanketed the estate. Within minutes, the trio arrived before the entrance of the manor itself, a structure of graceful symmetry and polished grandeur.

On the porch stood an elderly man dressed in a pristine butler's uniform. His white hair and neatly groomed beard glimmered faintly under the afternoon sun, and a single monocle hung over his left eye, reflecting the light like a small crystal. The moment his sharp gaze landed on Asher and his companions, he gave a small, respectful bow.

"Welcome to the Rivelle Manor," the butler said in a voice both courteous and composed. "I trust your journey was safe and peaceful as the stars themselves?"

"It was," Asher replied calmly. It was the first time he had spoken since they began their trek through the territory. His tone was neutral, unshaken, neither humble nor arrogant.

The butler nodded once before straightening. "Please, follow me. The Lord awaits your presence."

Without delay, Asher, William, and Finch followed him, their boots pressing softly against the marble floor. The Knight accompanying them moved as well, but the moment he crossed the threshold of the manor, the butler halted abruptly. Turning slightly over his shoulder, he spoke with the same calm composure, though his tone now carried subtle authority.

"Sir Knight, the Lord has instructed that you return to the gates. Your service has been duly noted, and your contribution will be rewarded after the upcoming event."

The Knight paused, then nodded. Though the butler was not a noble, he served directly under one, and that in itself gave him influence. His position as the Baron's right hand granted him limited command over the Knights and servants of the Rivelle household, much like Zarek, the butler who served Azeron Wargrave, whose authority within the Ducal Estate was immense despite lacking an official title.

Understanding his place, the Knight smiled faintly at the three young men. "Then I shall take my leave," he said softly. With that, he turned on his heel and began walking away. The moment his back was turned, the polite smile faded, replaced by his usual expressionless demeanor, cold and professional, as though the earlier gesture had been no more than formality.

The butler resumed his steps, leading the trio through a tall archway and up a flight of stairs. The halls of the manor were silent, adorned with elegant chandeliers and fine paintings of past lords. Each step echoed faintly, blending with the subtle rustle of their clothes as they moved. Eventually, they arrived before a massive double door carved with intricate crests and emblems.

"This," the butler said quietly, his tone respectful, "is the study of the Baron. He is within."

With that, he pushed the door open gently, allowing them to enter.

Without another word, Asher, William, and Finch stepped inside. The butler remained outside, closing the door behind them with a soft thud.

The interior of the study was spacious yet warm, filled with the comforting scent of parchment, ink, and aged wood. The walls were lined with shelves stacked with thick tomes, their spines engraved with golden lettering. Above them, glowing orbs floated in perfect stillness, bathing the room in soft, ethereal light. A single window stood behind the Baron's desk, its drapes drawn halfway, letting in the faint glow of the setting sun.

Behind the polished oak desk sat Baron Rivelle, his figure upright yet slightly weary. His desk was covered in papers and sealed scrolls, evidence of a man burdened by responsibility. Without looking up, he spoke in a calm, level tone.

"So… the Star Academy has finally responded, has it?"

His voice was neither pleased nor irritated, simply detached. His eyes remained fixed on the documents before him as his hand moved across the page with a quill. At that moment, he looked less like a noble lord and more like a common office worker buried under endless reports and a 9 to 5 daily work rate.

Asher remained silent, glancing briefly toward William and Finch. Both of them wore faint smiles, likely amused at the Baron's casual tone.

Receiving no immediate reply, the Baron sighed softly. Finally, he lifted his black eyes.

The moment his eyes met theirs, his expression froze. His dark pupils widened as recognition flickered in them, recognition and unmistakable shock.

_________

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Happy new month everyone. I bring you good news. Although we didn't achieve our goal last month, which was to finish within the top 10 golden tickets ranking, y'all still supported me enough and got me to the 17th rank with exactly 1,300 golden tickets. Now, this is an unprecedented achievement in my writing journey.

Although we didn't reach our goal of gaining the 30 chapters mass release, due to the love and support I received last month, I will release 15 extra chapters, which is half of the initial 30, but it won't be released at once. I will be releasing three chapters daily from November 2nd to November 16th. This is my way of saying thanks for the love and support I received. Also, although we didn't achieve our goal, I hope we keep trying and achieve it this month.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for the love. Thanks for the support. Love y'all to hell and back.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.