375 A Great Welcome
The citizens of Etara’s Cross threw flower petals and other assortments that resembled confetti as the carriage of the Inanis Family entered the city.
On both sides of the street, each one was lined up fully by people, young and old as they cheered and chanted the Inanis name.
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“All hail the Count of Etara;s lands!”
“Victory to the Inanis Family!”
Even though Lucius was inside of the carriage and the window had decent soundproofing, the cheers were quite audible and the sight of him peeking out was only met with even more cries!
“That’s the son of Count Inanis!”
“He has participated in the battle against Viscount Drew and came out victorious!”
“Hmmm… they’re far more eager than before.” Lucius commented as he shut the curtains.
“What is it, Asher?” Countess Lita asked.
“Ah, when I was previously here, I caught wind of the news that when father passed by here, everyone in Etara’s Cross avoided him and even Baron Hugh thought twice in coming to meet him.” Lucius said. “So it’s quite a different atmosphere than before.”
“Oh, that’s understandable.” Countess Lita pursed her lips and glanced at her husband’s way.
It was during that time when Asher was nearly assassinated and so it made sense that her husband blazed through Etara’s Cross with a fury that sent others away from him.
“Your father may evoke fear upon his passage, but the reaction of the people are better since this is an official visit.” Countess Lita smiled. “They can rest assure that this is a time for celebration and nothing else.”
“Indeed.” Lucius said.
Count Gabriel let out a sigh as Captain Donald approached them at the door and knocked politely.
“We have prepared your horse, I think the people would like to see you outside and greet them, I’m afraid, Count Inanis.”
“The people love your father, don’t they?” Countess Lita smiled proudly in a way that signified that she shared the same joy and relished whenever her husband was praised.
“Would you care to join me, Asher? I think it’s far better for the two of us to be present.” Count Gabriel cleared his throat before he stepped down the carriage.
While Lucius would have preferred to stay inside of the carriage and avoid the blazing heat of the sun, he also understood the importance of showing his face to the citizens of Etara’s Cross.
“Of course, father. I’ll join you at once.” Lucius said.
Captain Donald quickly fetched for a second horse for Young Lord Asher and the parade in the Etara’s Cross to commence once more.
Lucius met the gaze of the citizens of Baron Hugh’s city and though they hadn’t seen him before, was quickly accepted with amazement and admiration.
“So that is the son of Count Inanis! One can immediately sense his aura is to that of a leader. He truly had participated in the battle against Viscount Drew.”
“He looks so dignified and handsome like his father!”
“Oh, he’s looking this way. Hide me.”
Count Gabriel and Young Lord Asher followed the crowd’s guide and found themselves headed for the mansion of the Baron.
Instead of the mansion being surrounded by a vast amount of gardens and lofty tall gates that bordered around its perimeter, it was right next to a multitude of houses and buildings instead.
“Baron Hugh wanted to live in the center of the city, and thought it more wise to be among his people rather than be separated from them.” Count Gabriel explained briefly to Asher.
It was enough for Lucius to form an opinion around the man. There were certain choices and decisions in one life that could say a lot about how a person ran and operated their business and Baron Hugh left him intrigued.
‘He’s no doubt more amicable and friendlier than Count Inanis. While the Count commanded respect and obedience, it is clear that Baron Hugh has taken into much more softer forms of influence. Etara’s Cross is no doubt prosperous also because of how he manages it, once again attributable to the fact that this is a trade city and needs good relationship with various powers.’ Lucius thought.
Soon enough they arrive at the Baron’s mansion and it was there that Baron Hugh and his family awaited them.
They were a family of four and were surrounded by an entourage of servants ready to assist the Inanis family and their guests into the mansion.
“Count Inanis! It is great to finally see you once again! This must be your son, Young Lord Asher, a pleasure to meet you at last.” Baron Hugh greeted them with a jovial tone even before the Count and Lucius went down from their horses.
He was not too far apart in age from Count Gabriel, but there were smile lines on his face and a cheerful disposition that marked Lucius’s discernment as correct.
“Greetings, Baron Hugh. Thank you for agreeing to host the banquet here. I am looking forward to the festivities.” Count Gabriel nodded curtly. “My greetings to Lady Hugh and your two children, they have grown much since the last I saw them.”
“Oh yes, they have. And ah, there’s the Countess!” Baron Hugh smiled as Countess Lita joined her family and stepped out of the carriage.
“Hello there, Baron Hugh.” Countess Lita smiled.
“Since this is the first time that our children are meeting together, may I introduce my eldest son, Benjamin and my beloved daughter, Lily.” Baron Hugh proudly gestured to his children.
Lucius gazed at them. They were not too far apart in age from Asher’s own age, which truly signified that Baron Hugh and Count Inanis were peers.
‘Hmm… it seems like Asher has never met them in person before. Which is fortunate, I do not wish to pretend or act as if they were my childhood friends or anything like that.’ Lucius thought.
He had already dealt with Paul Faulkner and Ian before and could only tolerate much people that were perceived to be in his age group.
However, if there was something that alerted Lucius more from the seemingly warm family was the wife of Baron Hugh.
While Baron Hugh stepped out of the sun, she had remained under her umbrella and could barely even force a smile that it made Count Gabriel actually look friendly.
It was a strange thing.