Chapter 50: Mixed In

Seeing Amelia’s standard ladylike curtsy, Victor Hicks nodded quietly.

Then his gaze fell on the sapphire ring on Amelia’s right little finger.

“Miss Lily, may I take a look at this ring?”

“Of course, Count Hicks.”

Amelia took off the ring and handed it over.

Victor took it, examined it, and quickly confirmed it was a family token of the Hicks Family, belonging to the branch line from distant Hale Town that had not been in contact for decades.

Once he verified the token, Victor handed the ring back. “Just call me Victor; there’s no need to use the surname. After all, we’re both members of the Hicks Family.”

“Alright, Mr. Victor.” Amelia smiled and nodded.

“Please, come inside. We’ll talk more inside.” Victor made a welcoming gesture.

Amelia and Eileen entered.

As for the carriage, Butler Jason led it into the yard and parked it to the side.

Serving as a butler in a noble household, Jason was very strict about propriety. He would not open a guest’s carriage, which Amelia also knew, so she wasn’t worried the Mana Crystal Cannon would be discovered.

After tethering the carriage in the yard, Jason followed them into the house.

In the splendid hall, expensive oil paintings by famous artists hung on the walls.

A White Tiger rug covered the floor, a tea table placed upon it, with a multi-seat sofa facing it and single sofas on either side.

On the other side, floor-to-ceiling glass windows offered a clear view of the lawn and flowerbeds outside, as well as a maple tree swaying in the breeze.

Bright sunlight streamed in unobstructed through the windows, warming the sitting room; the floor near the windows glistened.

Once they were seated, a maid of the Hicks Family poured Amelia a cup of tea, then withdrew from the room.

Eileen, who had come in the capacity of a maid, stood behind Amelia.

“You came from Hale Town?” Victor asked.

“Yes.” As she answered, Amelia let a hint of helplessness show on her face.

“I heard about what happened to Hale Town. If that cowardly mayor hadn’t already been killed by bandits, he would have faced the harshest punishment.”

Speaking of this, a bit of anger rose in Victor.

For a small town to be overrun by bandits was simply inconceivable—a serious challenge to the authority of the Luban Duchy. As a count, he felt deeply shamed.

Victor didn’t let too much anger show in front of Amelia and continued in a gentle voice, “Lily, you were truly fortunate to escape. Did you encounter any dangers along the way?”

“Indeed, there were some dangers on the journey, but luckily, every misfortune turned into a blessing.”

“Did you join a merchant caravan to get here?”

“Yes. To join a safe caravan for the entire trip, I spent quite a few Kerr.”

“I can imagine how frightened you must have been. But now that you’ve come to Bild City to seek refuge with me, you no longer need to worry about safety.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Victor.”

Thus the two conversed.

Victor then asked many more questions about Hale Town. Having prepared thoroughly, Amelia answered each one flawlessly, without leaving any opening.