While Anna was absorbing all the Demon Crystals, Noel had finally reached the Greenwood Kingdom, specifically the Ezenholm Territory.
As a Spirit Magician Family, the Ezenholm was located near the border to both the Dark Territory and the Muivell Kingdom, becoming the tower that stopped both of them. There were also other families located near the Dark Territory, but Noel’s focus was on the Ezenholm Family.
“Ezenholm Territory is not that vast. However, it’s incredibly solid. They have fortresses around the border of Dark Territory and the Muivell Kingdom, allowing them to keep control over both of them.
“However, the real territory is located in the middle of those fortresses. That’s right. We’re heading to the middle territory where the Ezenholm Family could easily send reinforcement to all forts.
“This is…” Ilzen smiled and pointed at the huge city with a great wall and ditch surrounding the city. “This is our main city, named after our own family, Ezen City. The city works as a headquarters that maintains stability within all our borders. If there’s a need for reinforcement, Ezen will send forth reinforcement since this is the place where people are trained.
“Unlike the Demon Banner Army, the Greenwood Kingdom allows each noble to create an elite army instead of a regular army. Of course, this caused a lot of cold wars between nobles, but this also forced them to improve if they didn’t want to get swallowed up.
“With the royal family reigning as the supreme power, they’re creating a system that can make the nobles improve themselves, causing a continuous improvement.
“Although I don’t want to brag, the Greenwood Kingdom is the most advanced kingdom right now.” Ilzen smiled, explaining. It seemed that he wanted to convince Noel to defect to this kingdom instead of continuing to stay in the Muivell Kingdom.
Even Elsa looked away, knowing that Ilzen loved how smart Noel was. Noel was very hardworking and talented, making him a good heir. Now that he had lost laziness, he had to continuously improve himself. That was why it would be good if Noel Ardagan could become Noel Ezenholm.
However, Noel had no intention of doing it. He refuted Ilzen’s words by saying, “But… Don’t forget that the Muivell Kingdom is not that weak either. It’s focusing on its military might. That’s why it can create the Demon Banner Army.”
“But it doesn’t change the fact that the Muivell Kingdom is relying too much on talent. Here, we’re working toward a better future, trying to produce something that can make an ordinary person fight as well. In other words, even if you’re not talented, you can change your life.” Ilzen tried to convince him, but Noel only shrugged, rebuking everything. He made it clear that he had no intention of leaving the Muivell Kingdom before he finished his revenge.
Ilzen could only sigh, knowing he had no way to convince him. In the end, they managed to reach the gate as Ilzen used the badge of the family to enter. They went straight to the mansion located in the middle of the city, the Ezenholm Family’s mansion.
The guards standing outside the gate recognized Ilzen and hurriedly opened the gate. But they didn’t recognize one person in the group.
“Young Master Noel. I’ll be informing Master Raincart about your arrival. For now, you’ll have Elsa show you your room. Alanton will handle the report.” Ilzen smiled and politely bowed to him.
“I understand.” Noel nodded. He had gone to this place in the past, but it seemed the guards were new, so they didn’t recognize him. The mansion didn’t change, but the scenery was different from his memory.
“That’s right. When was the last time you visited this place, Young Master?” Elsa asked.
“Mhm… Around seven or eight years ago. I was seven years old at that time. Well, I visited this family every year when I was four. But I didn’t go anymore after I was seven years old.” Noel looked around while pointing at the fountain between the gate and the mansion. “The fountain had a star decoration on the top back then, not a circle.”
“Ah… that…” Elsa scratched the back of her head embarrassedly.
Surprisingly, an aged voice filled their ears, completing her words. “That’s because Elsa destroyed it accidentally because she loved the star that much.”
“!!!” Elsa widened her eyes and immediately turned around, finding an old lady walking toward them. She had an aged face, but her expression was still brimming with energy. Despite her old age, she often walked around. Elsa recognized her and immediately lowered her head, blushing. “M-madam!”
Noel also recognized her. He was surprised that her appearance didn’t change much after all these years. He placed his hand on his chest and bowed, “Grandmother.”
“It’s been a few years, Noel. How are you?” She nodded, giving him a warm smile to make him at ease.
“Yes.” Noel straightened his back and said, “I hope that Grandmother has been living well.”
“My life here is as good as ever, unlike you… Such a pitiful child. Come and hug Grandma.” She spread her hands.
Because he hadn’t met her all this time, his movement was awkward, but he still hugged her.
“Look at you. You have grown into a big man. I really want to see you growing up. You look like Leysha…” She closed her eyes, embracing Noel.
“I’m sorry I didn’t visit you all this time.” Noel could finally feel the warmth of the family again.
“It’s fine, it’s fine. You have your own vision. As long as you are alright, Grandma doesn’t mind.” She smiled and stroked his hair.
She then glanced at Elsa and said, “Where are the others?”
“Butler Ilzen is meeting Teacher, I mean, Sir Raincart. Alanton is making the report.”
“So, you’re going to bring him to his room?”
“Yes.” Elsa nodded.
“Then, can you bring him to the third room on the second floor?” She asked.
“Ah! Grandma, you…” Noel let her go and took a step back in surprise.
She chuckled. “Silly kid, do you think I forgot about your favorite room?”
“Grandma…” Noel felt moved and subconsciously called her more intimately.
“Go and have some rest first. We can talk later.”
“Yes.” Noel nodded and saw her walking away. He turned to Elsa and said, “Please.”
“Yes, Young Master.”