48: Chapter 48 A Clash of Wits! The Succubus's New Target! Elena! Danger!

Rowan stepped into the parlor.

As if completely oblivious to the hostile scrutiny in Ravenna's eyes, he walked toward the main seat with a composed gait and sat down comfortably.

Only then did he give a slight nod toward the officer.

"Officer Link, hello. I wonder what brings you here today?"

Rowan's gaze first fell upon the middle-aged man wearing the officer's uniform.

Hearing this, Officer Link's expression became slightly awkward.

He truly did not want to get involved in the entanglements of these noble scions.

But with the young master of Earl Farrells Estate beside him, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and introduce him.

"Baron Rowan, this is Master Ravenna Farrell. He... has some matters he wishes to discuss with you."

Seeing that Rowan actually ignored him to speak with the officer first, Ravenna's face suddenly darkened.

He took a step forward, his chin slightly raised, his tone carrying undisguised mockery.

"Baron Rowan? The one from White Cliff Territory, I presume? You certainly have fine tastes. Instead of guarding your own rural fief, you've come to Gino City to set up a manor?"

He glanced around the elegantly decorated hall and sneered.

"This Snow Velvet Manor used to be Viscount Harris's property, didn't it? I didn't expect it to end up in your hands. It seems the output of White Cliff Territory is much more bountiful than the rumors suggest?"

Rowan's expression remained unchanged. He merely picked up the white porcelain teacup Butler Horn had served at the right moment and lightly blew on the tea.

"It is but the legacy of my ancestors; I was merely lucky."

"It cannot compare to the deep roots of the Farrell Family. If Mr. Farrell likes the scenery of this manor, you are welcome to visit again another day. Today was a bit rushed, so forgive the poor hospitality."

His tone was flat, yet every word was crystal clear.

Ravenna met a soft rebuff, and his face darkened further.

He stopped beating around the bush, found a place to sit, and said directly:

"Baron Rowan, I am a straightforward man and don't like going in circles. I came today to give you a warning."

"Gino City has the rules of Gino City. There are some people you shouldn't approach, let alone harbor delusions about."

"Oh?" Rowan put down his teacup and looked back calmly, as if seeking guidance. "I wonder who Mr. Farrell is referring to?"

"Stop playing dumb with me!" Ravenna's voice suddenly rose, carrying the anger of being slighted.

"Priestess Aria of the Dawn Cathedral! I'm warning you, stay away from her!"

"She is not someone a person of your status can aim for! Don't think that by relying on that face and playing a few little tricks, you can bewitch a noble Chief Priestess!"

"She is an honored guest of the Farrell Family and... a friend I value very highly! I do not wish for, nor will I allow, any irrelevant person to appear by her side and disturb her peace."

"Do you understand?!"

Ravenna spat out the last few words through gritted teeth, his finger pointing directly at Rowan.

Rowan listened quietly, his face showing not a hint of offense or anger. Only his eyes narrowed slightly.

He slowly leaned back, interlacing his fingers over his knees, his posture remaining composed.

"I have noted Mr. Farrell's words."

"However, Priestess Aria is a cleric of the Church of Dawn; her conduct and social interactions are guided by the church's precepts and the Goddess."

"I go to the cathedral to listen to teachings and clarify my heart's doubts; this is the duty of a believer."

"As for whom the Priestess wishes to converse with and when, I'm afraid... it is not for Mr. Farrell, nor myself, to interfere."

"The Farrell Family is indeed noble, but it seems... your reach does not extend before the Goddess's Sanctuary, does it?"

His tone was still peaceful, but he was implying that the other party was interfering in church affairs and overstepping his bounds.

Ravenna was choked, his face turning a shade of pale blue.

He hadn't expected this seemingly gentle rural baron to have such sharp words and show no fear of his status.

He thought back and forth but didn't know how to respond, so he slammed his hand on the armrest and stood up abruptly.

"You—fine! Just remember that!"

"Otherwise, in this Gino City, I have plenty of ways to make life difficult for fellows who don't know the rules!"

Ravenna began to threaten him without any pretense.

Hearing this, Rowan slowly stood up.

"I appreciate Mr. Farrell's kindness. If there is nothing else... Butler Horn, show our guest out."

He didn't get angry or argue; he just gave a light dismissal.

Ravenna glared deathly at Rowan, fury surging in his chest.

But he also realized that on the other man's territory, threats alone didn't seem enough to immediately suppress him.

He suddenly felt that rushing over here as soon as he got the news had been a bit impulsive.

He had lost the dignity a noble should possess.

"Hmph!"

Finally, he flicked his sleeve and turned away, stomping out of the parlor and leaving Snow Velvet Manor in a rage.

Officer Link was the last to leave.

He looked at Rowan, then at Ravenna's retreating back, a helpless and bitter smile appearing on his face.

After hesitating for a moment, he stepped closer and lowered his voice, his tone complex: "Baron Rowan, you also know... Mr. Ravenna Farrell's identity."

"What the Farrell Family means in Gino City. Regarding certain matters and certain people, keeping your distance and making a wise choice... might be better for you and your territory."

Rowan looked at him, a very faint smile appearing on his face. "Thank you for the reminder, Officer."

Link said no more, hurriedly bowed in farewell, and quickly chased after Ravenna.

Silence returned to the parlor.

Butler Horn entered with a freshly brewed pot of tea. Seeing Rowan standing alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking toward the manor gates, he felt uneasy. "Master, this..."

Rowan turned around, his face having returned to its usual calm.

He waved his hand. "It's none of your concern. Go about your work."

Horn bowed and withdrew.

Rowan walked back to the sofa and sat down, picking up the now slightly cool cup of tea. His fingertips lightly stroked the smooth porcelain cup, his gaze deep.

The Farrell Family... the masters of Gino County for hundreds of years.

A cold sneer flickered in the depths of his heart.

With your murky ties to the Crimson Knights, I haven't even brought trouble to your doorstep yet, and you've come to mine first.

As his thoughts shifted, his interest in that Miss Elena suddenly grew intense.

Ravenna's younger sister...

Little Gladstone's new bride...

Thinking of her graceful and moving figure in a wedding dress and her young, radiant face, Rowan unconsciously licked his lips.

He had the professional standards of an Incubus; he was not a picky eater.

Before enjoying the main course, having a fresh and delicious appetizer seemed like a good idea.

Perhaps he could find a way to make contact with her.

Maybe he could even gather some interesting intelligence about the Farrell Family from it.

And then there was Mist Territory.

There was a piece of land there that originally belonged to his family, but was now under the control of the Farrell Family.

Sooner or later, he would take it all back with interest.

The plan that had been somewhat vague began to become clear. Rowan raised his teacup and took a shallow sip...

...