Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 180 - 171: The Crimson Courtyard

Like the embracing arms of a pair of giants, the high walls blanketed in ancient grapevines cradled the spired building in their hold. The surrounding vegetation, diminutive in its shadow, still left a tranquil atmosphere in the hearts of Lyle and the others.

The diminutive servant had been silent all the way, as if his previously comical extroversion was merely a disguise, like a puppet carrying out commands. Lyle and company arrived at the castle gates, the castle’s shadow looming over them, casting a shadow in their hearts as well.

The sound of the wooden gates opening was like an ugly old cat stretching out its claws to scratch at your heart.

Lyle swallowed hard, for at this moment, it felt like the beginning of a horror film.

The laughter and clamor that then came from behind the door made Lyle think his earlier thoughts were quite ridiculous.

They were a group of nobles dressed in finery, resting and chatting in the courtyard. Seated in pavilions adorned with lush grapevines, the ladies covered their lips with their fingers, but from those lively and enchanting eyes, one could see they were quite delighted with the gentlemen’s humor. The elegant aristocrats, in their conspicuous garments, resembled a collection of colorful butterflies resting on the ground.

They noticed the newly arrived Lyle and his companions, interest and arrogance in their eyes now reduced to mere mockery. They laughed unrestrained, with a few even clapping their hands as if they had just watched a comedy.

Looking around, the courtyard was filled with magnificently dressed nobility, their attire predominantly in bright reds, as though deliberately seeking to appeal to the taste of the Hamlet Family. The gazes aimed at Lyle and his company, filled with arrogance and scorn, made it clear that none wished to interact with those they saw as beneath them. They preferred to accept the tall glasses offered by the bustling servants and to savor the nobility and richness of their drinks.

"This is why I don’t like the looks of them, as if by donning fine cloth, they’ve changed their breed," Kevin complained to his friend without concern for the surrounding glances.

"And with it, family, honor, wealth, and power." These were the things Lyle sensed, the things that buoyed the noblemen’s lofty self-confidence.

"Kevin, didn’t you prepare an outfit like theirs, with wigs, button-up tailcoats, sashes, and white stockings?" William remarked, observing the uniformity in the nobles’ attire, "You’re going to have a hard time becoming the heir that way."

"I wore that stuff once at my coming of age. My old man forced me into it, to have a family portrait painted by a hired artist. After that day, I swore I’d never suit up in anything resembling a coffin before I die."

"As for the competition for the heir," Kevin flipped his blonde hair, a proud yet personable smile on his face, "My nobility comes from within, no need for superficial adornments. My handsomeness and luck are plenty enough."

As he finished speaking, robust applause came from in front of them. It was a middle-aged man with a meticulously groomed Van Dyke beard, hair neatly black with a touch of silver at the temples. He wore a smile, yet his eyes remained solemn, his expression exuding a crisp and decisive air. Were it not for the pristine butler’s uniform he wore, one might mistake him for a nobleman, more so than the young men and women casting sidelong glances.

"I am Lola Shaffer. I serve as the steward for the Hamlet Family. With the Duke bedridden and undergoing treatment, I have been entrusted with handling the affairs of the castle. Mr. Kevin, it was through my hands that your letter was delivered. I am delighted to be able to personally welcome you and your companions. A splendid speech, sir, for confidence is always the prime quality of a fine noble. I look forward, very much so, to your taking the helm of the Hamlet family’s future."

"Now, please accompany your friends to the rooms we have prepared. We have arranged for fine food and wine to ease the weariness of travel. I hope you’ll grow accustomed to it all, as in time this place is very likely to become your home."

Steward Lola continued to introduce the grandeur of the Hamlet Family as he led the way, interspersing praise for Kevin’s carefree and unique disposition (possibly because there was nothing else notable to commend in this peculiar noble), occasionally insinuating the bright future that lay ahead as if Kevin’s inheritance was all but assured. Lyle considered it to be merely the politeness of an adult, the same spiel a shrewd steward might have depicted to every prospective heir. Mr. Lola was a master of his craft; his flattery was always just right, and looking at Kevin now, one could tell he was almost floating on air.

"Master Kevin, please rest well, the fine wines and food in the courtyard will be available throughout. Tonight, in the great hall, there will be a grand ball to which you and your companions must attend. At midnight, the Duke of Hamlet will summon you to his chamber."

"Midnight, Mr. Lola? Isn’t that a bit late?"

Lola Shaffer revealed a smile, "There is no such thing as too late here. Those energetic young gentlemen have been partying all night for several days. They will rest only when they wish to."

It wasn’t until the butler disappeared around the corner, unruffled, that Kevin exhaled a breath of relief and rubbed the dimples on his face, his brow deeply furrowed.

"What a troublesome character."

"Mr. Lola? He seems like a quite proper butler," William said as he pushed open the door and entered.

"Yeah, proper and a bit of a pain. Having someone so clever around can easily arouse the wariness of those above. And having to disguise oneself when speaking to him is really bothersome."

"Having a capable person around isn’t too bad."

"No! Then I wouldn’t be able to sneak off and slack anymore. I indeed prefer making friends with fools," Kevin said with dead seriousness.

"???" William felt something was amiss.

"What was that you said?" Lyle grabbed Kevin’s shoulder, his fingers digging in forcefully.

"Good brother! I was wrong! I... I’m just spouting truths after a few drinks... no, speaking insincerely, no, talking nonsense."

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The three men’s rooms were right next to each other, and the interior decor and layout were exactly the same, except for the excessive opulence; there was nothing strange about them. Lyle did not lower his guard and, together with Nia, he scoured the room, rifling through everything, but found nothing out of the ordinary.

"Could it be that I’m just being paranoid? Is Serio’s journal just his conjecture?"

Lyle sat on the soft bed, his eyes closed in contemplation, while Nia hung from the ceiling, swinging on the chandelier with candles at its center.

Lyle started conducting some new creation experiments in his own room, using the limited flesh and blood at his disposal. Even if the blood from the experimental waste accidentally fell onto the carpet, it would not show, for the carpet was as crimson as blood itself.

He continued his experiments until there was a knock at the door. He got ready and opened it.

A dark figure threw him to the ground; he was completely caught off guard, and the measures he prepared went unused.

For the face of the person making the unexpected move was a familiar one to Lyle.