Exploring Technology in a Wizard World-Chapter 1270 - 1268: High Standards

"Click click click..."

Richard walked with measured steps, reaching a quiet street, stopping in front of a dark-colored mansion’s gate.

"Knock knock knock..."

He reached out and gently knocked on the door.

"Creak!"

Almost as soon as he lowered his hand, the door opened quickly, as if the person inside had been listening for any sound from outside.

A young man in his twenties appeared, looking at Richard with bright eyes.

Richard glanced at him, about to introduce himself. In his previous communications with the black-faced elder, Oscar had given him an address and instructed him to come to this mansion upon arriving in Shaya. After stating his name, someone would naturally arrange for the two of them to meet. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Just as Richard was about to speak, the young man interrupted with unhidden surprise and excitement, "Are you Lord Richard?!"

"Uh..." Richard was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond. After a second, he nodded slightly, "If you mean Richard from Farro, then that’s me."

"It really is Lord Richard, please come in, come in quickly!" the young man said, then added, "By the way, just call me Mars. I’m the one responsible for receiving you."

The young man named Mars ushered Richard in with a kind of invasive reverence and enthusiasm that felt slightly uncomfortable.

This made Richard involuntarily think of servers in a well-known service-oriented hotpot chain on Earth.

Once inside, it was a huge courtyard, with lush green lawns and an exquisite fountain. Richard noticed several young people dressed in dark gray short garments. Upon seeing him being led inside by Mars, their expressions turned surprised and excited, seemingly genuine. The next moment, Mars gestured lightly, and the young people quickly ran off in different directions, seemingly to inform someone or arrange something.

Richard was a bit puzzled, but considering this was Oscar’s arranged place, he was sure it wouldn’t pose any harm. So he kept his questions to himself and followed Mars further into the mansion, curious to see how things would unfold.

They continued for a few hundred meters, through a circular doorway, and the view opened up before him. Richard realized he had entered another courtyard.

This courtyard spanned over a thousand square meters, covered with neatly trimmed lawns, with small fountains at each corner, and a pond in the center.

A luxurious and pristine three-story Stone Building stood on the north side of the courtyard, and through the windows, one could see the fully furnished and elegantly styled interior.

Additionally, a group of servants, divided into male and female rows, was respectfully welcoming him at the door.

"My lord, this is the temporary residence we’ve arranged for you in Shaya. Until you meet with Lord Oscar, you can reside here. Everything inside has been replaced with brand-new items, and only the most exquisite, hoping you will be satisfied," Mars introduced as he stopped in the courtyard.

Pointing to the servants at the door, Mars said, "From now on, during your stay, any requests you have can be made to them. They are your servants—six male servants, six female—twelve in total, ready to meet any of your requests, yes, any. If they disobey any of your requests, you can tell me directly, I assure you I’ll have ways to make them comply."

As he spoke, Mars’ expression briefly turned fierce before quickly returning to calm, clearly indicating he was not as simple as he appeared.

Richard looked at the servants by the door, noticing that after hearing Mars’ words, they seemed fearful yet respectful, trying to appear obedient.

This level of reception is quite high, not to mention the courtyard; just having twelve servants is not something ordinary nobles can afford... Richard couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the thought.

It wasn’t that he felt guilty, just unexpected. He had initially thought it would be as extremely mysterious and secretive as his previous contact with the Spider Web, but it wasn’t.

He tilted his head slightly, looking at Mars, and out of caution, Richard confirmed, "Are you sure this is really for my reception, Mars? And not for another Richard, my namesake?"

"There’s no mistake, my lord." Mars said earnestly, "I have your image in my hand, although it doesn’t resemble much, coming from Farro means you’re exactly the one."

Previously meeting with someone from the Spider Web, it wasn’t surprising they drew an image from memory... Anyway, it seemed this arrangement was indeed meant for him... Richard blinked, thought for a moment, then looked at Mars: "Alright, since this is intended for me, I won’t stand on ceremony. But before staying, may I request some changes?"

"Of course, my lord," Mars responded without hesitation, "You are an esteemed guest, your requests are my orders; any changes are possible. If you’re not satisfied with this courtyard, I can immediately take you to other locations until you’re pleased."

"No need," Richard waved a hand, "This courtyard is quite fine. The change I want is to have them leave; I prefer to live here alone." Richard specified, gesturing towards the servants at the door.

Mars widened his eyes a bit, surprised, puzzled, and asked, "Why is that, my lord? Are you dissatisfied with these servants? Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear earlier, my mistake.

When I mentioned everything being replaced new, I meant them as well. They are new, never used by anyone else, so you needn’t have any hangups, feel free to use them. Moreover, they’re absolutely loyal, although not deaf-mute, they won’t leak any of your secrets, else they’ll truly become deaf-mute."

"Mars, you misunderstood," Richard explained, "I’m not dissatisfied or wary of them; I simply prefer solitude, without others disturbing my living space."

"But my lord, you could entirely regard them as tools, just..." Mid-sentence, Mars saw Richard’s determined gaze and stopped persuading, changing his words, "Very well, my lord, I’ll have them withdrawn immediately. However, before they leave, could I request you to leave one behind? They won’t enter the courtyard, just stand at the gate, so you can have someone to run errands, should you need anything from me?"

"That’ll work," Richard nodded. He wasn’t overly stubborn and accepted the suggestion.

He took steps towards the Stone Building, and as he walked, thought of something, looked at Mars and said, "By the way, unless necessary, do not disturb me during my stay here. Also, if possible, arrange my meeting with Lord Oscar as soon as you can."

"Yes, sir," Mars said earnestly, "I will make every effort to do that for you, but..."

Halfway through the sentence, Mars showed a bit of difficulty on his face.

"Hmm? But what?" Richard asked, a bit puzzled.