Chapter 483: Chapter 483: Habs Manor

Maple Hill County, being the largest and most powerful territory of Jade Province, naturally attracts covetous gazes from surrounding lands.

They have refrained from taking action simply because they are not strong enough to rival Earl Hardy’s forces.

Moreover, after the news of Vivian’s advancement as a Great Knight spread a few years ago, these territories fell into complete orderliness.

For a Great Knight could single-handedly storm into the bedrooms of these nobles and take their lives — the most direct form of intimidation.

Yet, as years passed by, Vivian remained absent, prompting the realization among them that she seemed to have long departed Maple Hill County, and whether she would return remained uncertain.

These individuals inevitably harbored other thoughts, knowledge of which Vivian gleaned through letters exchanged with her family.

Should any territory entertain notions they ought not to, Vivian would surely reveal to them the wrath of a Wizard.

However, these people had little understanding of Wizards, and aside from a few high-ranking nobles, most did not believe Wizards truly existed.

They were too weak to recognize the vast disparity between themselves and a Wizard; just the title of Wizard hardly evoked any profound sensations in them.

But the Storm Dragon Eagle was different; to ordinary people, it existed only within the realm of myth and legend.

Wood and Vivian, mounted upon the Storm Dragon Eagle, made a circle above Maple Hill County, and it was enough to intimidate the entire Vera Kingdom.

This alone could ward off countless troubles invisibly.

“Take care, Mr. Wood,” Duke and Vivian effortlessly leapt onto the broad and stable back of the Storm Dragon Eagle and bid farewell to Wood.

“You too, be cautious in everything!” Wood lifted his head and waved vigorously, his eyes filled with both reluctance and immense pride and awe.

He had witnessed firsthand the young persons he favored years ago grow to such heights.

With a thought, Duke signaled the Storm Dragon Eagle, prompting a resonant cry that shattered the sky, akin to a wave of invisible impact, instantly echoing throughout Endland Town, causing countless residents to gaze skyward in both terror and curiosity.

Immediately afterwards, the Storm Dragon Eagle unfurled its massive wings, sending a blast of dust as it took flight like an arrow, heading swiftly towards Fengqiu City, its speed exceeded that of any horse or known bird species.

The Storm Dragon Eagle maintained a low altitude, strikingly noticeable and clearly visible to those on the ground.

As it passed, its immense shadow swept over fields, villages, and roads, its distinctive form and astonishing speed inciting commotion in all towns and villages along the way.

Farmers ceased their work, staring in awe at the sky; caravan guards gripped their weapons nervously, prepared for a potential threat.

The guards of small castles rang warning bells in panic, only to be enveloped in bewilderment and fear upon recognizing the creature; the news spread like wildfire.

This was exactly the effect Duke desired, knowing well that in this land, showcasing strength was far more persuasive than understated words.

The Storm Dragon Eagle was a mobile emblem of intimidation, unmistakably declaring to all potential threats surrounding Fengqiu City, as well as any watchful internal forces, that its rulers possessed unimaginable power — every rash move needed careful consideration of consequences.

The Storm Dragon Eagle’s flight was exceedingly swift; within ten minutes, the familiar silhouette of Fengqiu City appeared on the horizon.

From above, Fengqiu City seemed more prosperous than when Duke left, the city center expanded, soldiers patrolling the city walls, their armors reflecting the sunset light.

As the shadow of the Storm Dragon Eagle swept across Fengqiu City, accompanied by a powerful current, the city initially fell into a brief deathly silence, soon erupting into loud confusion and slight panic.

Earl Hardy’s troops were urgently mobilized; to avoid making an aggressive stance, as advised by some seasoned soldiers, they remained on high alert.

This was the customary approach when dealing with powerful demons — never hastily launch an attack.

Perhaps it was simply a leisurely outing with no attack intentions at all.

Under Duke’s guidance, the Storm Dragon Eagle gradually landed on the expansive training ground reserved for Habs Manor.

The force of its wingbeats made flags on the ground flutter, dust swirling.

Duke and Vivian nimbly dismounted the Eagle’s back, gazing at the familiar yet unfamiliar Habs Manor, feeling inevitable sentimentality.

Here was where Duke first met Vivian, where he had his initial contact with the Breathing Technique, embarking formally on the path of the extraordinary.

At this moment, numerous troops entered Habs Manor — Earl Hardy’s personal soldiers and the elite forces of Nightingale.

These individuals stood around nervously on high alert, having seen the gigantic creature with two figures on its back.

They were unsure of the identities of these two and could only remain vigilant, prepared for the worst.

Just as the troops in Habs Manor stood tense, gripping swords and crossbows, focusing on the central-training-ground massive presence and the two descending figures, an authoritative yet slightly aged voice sounded from behind:

“Put down your weapons!”

The soldiers instinctively cleared a path.

Earl Hardy quickly emerged, surrounded by several close guards.

Years without sight, the once energetic and commanding Earl now appeared noticeably aged.

His temples were fully white and his face was etched with the marks of time; he tried to keep his steps steady, yet his slightly hunched posture and rapid breathing betrayed his frailty.

Especially notable were his eyes, once sharp as an eagle’s, which now still held the bearing of a lord but couldn’t hide the fatigue and dimness brought by illness.

However, upon recognizing the faces of those descending from the Storm Dragon Eagle’s back, his weary eyes suddenly filled with uncontrollable joy.

His gaze fixed intently on Vivian, lips trembling slightly as if myriad words were stuck in his throat.

“Fa… Father!” Vivian, witnessing how her father had aged considerably, felt a pang in her heart, unable to hold back her emotions; she rushed toward Earl Hardy, embracing him tightly like a swallow returning home.

She felt acutely how her father had lost weight, the embrace no longer as robust as she recalled, causing tears to instantly well up in her eyes.

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