His eyes were involuntarily drawn to the scenery outside the carriage.

In the distance, patches of neatly trimmed orchards dotted the hillside. Beside a clear stream flowing down from the mountain, a waterwheel was set up, clearly meant to power some kind of machinery.

Farther on, in a more open, flat area, he could see enclosed pens built with wooden fences, from which the faint cries of livestock could be heard.

The carriage continued forward, traveling along the stone-paved road through the quiet and prosperous village.

The road gradually widened, and buildings that were clearly shops or workshops began to appear on both sides, their wooden signs swaying gently in the breeze.

They saw a blacksmith’s shop with its doors wide open, the forge glowing red-hot. The rhythmic sound of hammering rang out—CLANG, CLANG, CLANG.

From the open storefront of another, came the regular CLICK-CLACK of a loom, and they could faintly see piles of brightly colored fabrics inside.

A few children were playing by the roadside. They wore thick but clean cotton clothes, their faces plump and healthy. Upon seeing the unfamiliar Imperial carriage, they merely glanced over with curiosity before returning their focus to their games.

There were no ragged clothes, no sallow and gaunt faces, none of the apathy and listlessness so common in impoverished lands.

Everything here exuded an air of order and contentment.

Carl fell completely silent.

Even the villages in some of the Imperial Empire’s wealthier provinces might not be this tidy, have such smooth roads, or have commoners with such high spirits.

"I..." He opened his mouth, as if trying to say something to save face, but found any words to be pale and powerless at this moment.

In the end, he could only force out a dry remark, "The Lord here... has governed well."

Adela did not answer him, nor did she even look his way.

Her gaze fell upon another, larger complex of buildings on a distant slope. It appeared to be a centralized workshop district, where more figures and faint plumes of rising steam could be seen.

"Carl," Adela began slowly, "perhaps before we pass judgment on a place—especially a territory governed by a Legendary Knight—we should first see it with our own eyes, rather than relying on rumors and... prejudice."

She turned her head to look at Carl, on whose face lingered shock and a trace of imperceptible embarrassment.

Carl’s lips moved, but in the end, he could not form a rebuttal.

He simply turned his gaze back outside the window, toward the stone-paved road that led deeper into the mountains toward Monte Castle. For the first time, a truly solemn expression appeared in his eyes.

...

Inside the reception hall of Monte Castle, sunlight streamed through the tall, diamond-paned glass windows, illuminating the dark oak floor.

Kaiden Duval O’Connor Monte—or Mengene, as he was once known—was now a twenty-two-year-old man. He had a tall, straight posture, and his face had inherited the handsome features of his mother, Aurora, and the steady contours of his father, Murphy. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

He wore a well-fitting, dark gray suit of day clothes, with a simple ceremonial Longsword at his waist. His demeanor had shed its youthful immaturity, revealing the composure and competence expected of a Lord’s heir.

He stood in the center of the hall with a proper smile, welcoming the Imperial envoys who had traveled from afar.

Beside him stood a quiet young woman.

Alina Laura, now Alina Monte, was dressed in an elegant, smoke-gray velvet long dress.

Her posture was poised and graceful, her expression gentle and serene. A faint smile touched her lips as she watched the guests with a calm gaze, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Kaiden in perfect harmony.

"Miss Adela, Sir Carl, welcome to the Monte Territory." Kaiden’s voice was clear and gentle. He gave a slight bow to Adela, who led the group, then nodded to Carl. "It was a long journey. I hope it wasn’t too strenuous."

Alina followed with an elegant curtsy, her form impeccable.

Adela returned the courtesy with equal grace, her gaze quickly and politely sweeping over the young couple, the heirs of Monte:

"Thank you for your reception, Lord Kaiden. It is our honor to be in the territory governed by the Thunder Sword. The journey was long, but the scenery was unique and impressive."

Carl had by now recovered somewhat from his initial shock, but the familiar arrogance in his brow had not completely vanished, only been forcibly suppressed.

He returned Kaiden’s greeting according to Imperial noble etiquette, but his movements were slightly stiff.

When he realized that the one receiving them was not the Legendary Knight himself, but only his son, a flicker of dissatisfaction crossed his eyes.

He frowned slightly and whispered to Adela in a low voice only she could hear, a hint of complaint in his tone, "We represent the commercial envoy of His Highness the Third Prince, yet Lord Melfield doesn’t appear in person? This is rather..."

Adela subtly shifted half a step, perfectly blocking the line of sight between Carl and Kaiden and Alina. At the same time, she gave a minuscule shake of her head, her azure eyes conveying a warning to stop.

She then turned back to Kaiden, her expression normal as she smiled. "We’ve heard that the craftsmanship of ironware and textiles in the Monte Territory has become increasingly exquisite in recent years, with goods sold far and wide. Our Imperial merchants have nothing but praise for your products. His Highness the Third Prince is greatly interested in deepening our cooperation, which is why he sent us."

Kaiden noticed the subtle interaction between the two, but his smile remained unchanged. He gestured for them to sit. "Please, both of you, have a seat. My father has recently been focused on some long-term planning for the territory and his own Cultivation adjustments, so he cannot be disturbed. He has specifically ordered me to take full responsibility for the negotiations with your esteemed delegation. Please, forgive us."