They all call me Great Master

Beneath the mill, in a secret chamber, was an extraordinarily large ritual site. From Glast's perspective, even the shortest side of the ceremonial track was 30 meters.

This type of ceremonial track filled the secret chamber under the mill, connecting various materials to form a ceremonial site that would shock anyone.

Including Arthur.

What the ritual was, Arthur did not yet know.

But those materials on the ritual site, glowing with unique spirituality, told Arthur it was anything but simple—the young 'Spirit Medium' held a hot cocoa with milk and sugar, his eyes slightly narrowed.

Arthur had speculated more than once about what might be found at Glast's temporary stronghold.

However, the scene before him was still a surprise.

'I must see it for myself.'

Arthur thought to himself.

Although he could make use of Glast's vision, some things still required seeing with his own eyes.

When Glast entered the secret chamber beneath the mill, Arthur had already made such preparations out of caution.

So Arthur waited quietly.

Waiting for the visit from Steward Titon.

Of course, the necessary preparations were also essential.

"Ms. Anna, please."

Arthur turned towards Ms. Anna.

"Okay."

In her gentle voice, Ms. Anna floated up and flew straight out.

Titon, riding the only old horse in manor, traveled through the night to South Los.

On the journey, the steward considered many explanations.

In the end, he chose to be straightforward and honest.

Because the Harold Manor had long run out of any bargaining chips.

Instead of flattering and potentially causing annoyance, it was better to be frank.

As for deceiving the 'Spirit Medium' with flattery?

The steward was not so naive.

Seeing South Los approaching, Titon dismounted from his horse.

It wasn't that he didn't want to continue riding, but the old horse beneath him had reached its limit—in fact, if this old horse hadn't consumed some of the Harold Family's secret medicine at birth, it would have already collapsed, given that Harold Manor and South Los were not close.

But even with secret medicine taken at birth, the old horse was nearly at the end of its strength under the strain of the long trek, something Titon, who took care of the horse daily, was well aware of.

"We're almost there."

Titon gently stroked the old horse's mane, and the extremely intelligent animal nuzzled Titon's cheek in response, man and horse walking side by side.

As they were about to reach South Los, Titon and the old horse immediately stopped in their tracks.

Because—

A troop of 25 cavalry stood silently by the side of the road.

The leader was a white-templed man whose face appeared old, but whose body was extremely robust, so much so that even his leather armor seemed tightly stretched.

Behind the man, 24 solemn cavalrymen stood in two rows, silent and staring straight ahead.

'Elite!'

Upon seeing this cavalry, Titon made his judgment instantly.

During the Harold Family's heyday, there was a similar cavalry serving as His Lordship's guard, but they were exhausted during the Seven Years' War.

Afterward?

There were attempts to train another such troop.

Unfortunately...

There was no money!

Warhorses, armor, weapons, manpower.

Each one required piles of gold coins.

And the current state of Harold Manor did not allow for such expenditures.

Envy flickered in Titon's eyes.

Then, the steward led the old horse aside.

This old steward planned to bypass this cavalry to enter South Los—he was certain that this cavalry was there to welcome some important personage.

The red tassels hanging on the long spears had already indicated that this was an escort-like troop.

As the old steward speculated about which notable person it might be, the leading cavalryman suddenly spoke up—

"Is this Steward Titon?"

Titon was taken aback and almost subconsciously nodded in response.

"It's me, everyone..."

"The Kledos Family, welcome the arrival of Miss Cosette's guardian."

Without waiting for the steward to finish, leader Edwin spoke directly.

And when his words fell, the cavalry behind him sprang into action, 24 cavalrymen appeared in unison behind Titon—

Smack! Smack, smack!

They rhythmically raised their hands to tap on their breastplates.

This was a ceremonial gesture.

A ritual exclusive to the nobility.

Meant to welcome honored guests.

Titon looked back in astonishment, then at Edwin who had come to his side, and the entire being of the old butler was stunned.

He had heard the words just now.

He certainly knew that these were the people of the Kledos Family.

Only...

Such a grand reception, he was not deserving of it.

He was just a butler.

And what was happening before him was a reception ceremony otherwise reserved for true nobles.

"You are Miss Cosette's guardian.

You are also a loyal retainer of the Harold Family.

Your loyalty, your belief in honor, you deserve such reception," Edwin said with a solemn face.

Then, this coachman dismounted, led his horse over to Titon, and said with a stern look—

"Please get on the horse."

At this moment, Titon nearly cried.

The butler had dreamed of this scene countless times.

He dreamed of charging into battle for the Harold Family, and after a triumphant return, receiving a hero's welcome.

But the decline of the Harold Family meant such a scene could only happen in dreams.

And as time passed, the butler dared not even dream it anymore.

All he thought about was how to sustain the Harold Manor.

But now...

His dream had actually come true.

The butler forcibly restrained his excitement, but tears began to glisten at the corners of his eyes.

"Thank you.

The Harold Family has its own battle horse."

With a voice slightly choked, Titon turned to look at his old horse.

The intelligent old horse let out a neigh.

Titon then swung himself onto the horse.

The old horse stepped forward with pride, walking with a unique cadence.

In this moment, no one could tell that the horse was already of the age to retire from service.

Edwin, puzzled, gave the horse a quick look.

As Marinda's coachman, he quickly noticed something different about this old horse.

At this age, normal horses could not tread so lightly bearing a person, let alone stand up, unless they had exceptional talent.

'Secret Medicine?'

Edwin thought to himself, while his eyes turned to one side.

In the shadows stood Ms. Anna, with her hands hanging by her sides.

When she caught Edwin's gaze, she nodded slightly.

Arthur had entrusted everything to her.

And she certainly needed to handle it well.

Seeing Ms. Anna's nod, Edwin sighed in relief— he was still shaken from the thought of this lady suddenly appearing at his bedside, initially fearing he had been cursed or encountered something 'bizarre'.

Fortunately, it was only a simple task of reception.

Moreover, it had won Ms. Anna's approval.

Edwin then concentrated fully on escorting Titon to No. 2 Cork Street.

And Titon, who walked at the front of the group, finally had the chance to secretly wipe the tears from his eyes.