The Herb King

145 Visitors

Samira arrived at the mansion before dinner and she came back with two guests. It was Anna and Johann who insisted on visiting Aethelwolf.

“Where is Aethelwolf?” Samira asked Rendell who was covered in sweat after sparring continuously with Janrose.

Rendell lightly bowed at her and answered. “Sir Aethelwolf is in his room.”

Samira nodded her head and said. “Bring our guests inside. I will go to Aethelwolf’s room.” She then smiled at Anna and Johann. “Sir Johann, Anna, please wait for me. I’ll tell Aethelwolf to come down and meet you guys.”

Johann and Anna nodded their heads.

Samira then entered the mansion and went straight to Aethelwolf’s room.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“Aethelwolf, it’s me. I’ve brought Anna and Sir Johann. They want to meet you.”

Aethelwolf who was smoking on the balcony immediately threw his cigar when he heard Samira’s voice outside his room. “Come in- Wait for me. I’ll be there shortly.” He hurriedly changed his words. Samira might misunderstand if she sees Hyacinth on his bed. He has to prevent that from happening.

.....

“Alright.” Samira answered.

Aethelwolf adjusted his clothes and stared at the sleeping Hyacinth before he went out of his room. After stepping out, he saw Samira looking at him suspiciously. Her womanly instincts were telling her that Aethelwolf was hiding something, but she couldn’t tell what it was.

“Take me to them.” Aethelwolf closed the door and gently pushed Samira’s back.

Samira furrowed her eyebrows when she looked at his face. He seemed to be having a fever with his pale face and weary eyes. “Are you alright?” She asked in a worried tone. It was the first time she had seen Aethelwolf look this terrible.

Aethelwolf nodded his head and smiled at her. “Just a bit sick from the lack of sleep. I’ve been refining pills and making soaps every day that barely have the time to rest, but don’t worry. I will be fine after a few days of rest. I’m a Doctor as well so you can rest assured.”

Samira just looked at him in silence.

The two arrived in the guest hall and they immediately spotted Anna and Johann who were waiting for them.

“Sir Aethelwolf, it’s good to see you again!” Johann smiled warmly as he stared at Aethelwolf.

“Good evening, Sir Aethelwolf.” Anna greeted respectfully. Although she knew that Aethelwolf was of the same age as her, there was a great distance between their status.

Aethelwolf waved his hand as he chuckled. “It’s great to see the two of you. We are about to have our dinner. How about you guys join us? We can talk as we eat.”

Anna looked hesitant so she just stared at her grandfather.

Johann didn’t reject the offer and nodded his head. “That would be great.”

“Good! I taught our chefs some special dishes and I believe that you two will like them. Although their cooking hasn’t reached my standards yet, the taste is still acceptable.” Aethelwolf gave a signal to Samira and the girl immediately understood his intentions.

“I will bring you guys the dining hall.” Samira said.

“Alright.” Johann and Anna nodded their heads and followed her.

When they left, Aethelwolf beckoned to Rendell. “Go to my room and wake up Hyacinth. Tell her that she will be eating with us. Call Sir Anton, Madam Melissa, Leric, Janrose, Janeth, and Albert. You guys will be dining with us.”

Rendell acknowledged the command with a nod of his head. “Yes, Sir Aethelwolf.”

“Go!”

Aethelwolf then went to the dining hall and sat down beside Johann. He had a lot of things to talk with him so it was better to sit next to him. “Sir Johann, I believe that you have agreed to the proposal I sent.” He muttered as he stared at the old man.

Johann nodded his head. “Sir Aethelwolf, you knew that I’ve been stuck at the peak of Level 3 Alchemist. The thing you said is something that this old man can’t turn down.” He muttered while shaking his head with a smile.

“I don’t have a lot of friends and Sir Johann is one of the few people I trust. Believe me, I can help you become a Level 4 Alchemist in just one month.” Aethelwolf spoke sincerely and this made Johann smile.

“I don’t have any options left. I already tried all sorts of ways and researched for many years, but I still didn’t gain anything. I can only place my hopes in you.” Johann chuckled.

A series of footsteps echoed and a group of people entered the dining hall. It was Rendell and the others.

“Come here, everyone! Let me introduce our two guests. This gentleman here is Sir Johann. He is a Level 4 Esper and a Level 3 Alchemist. This young lady is Anna, his granddaughter.” Aethelwolf did the introductions. He then walked to his parents and the others and introduced them as well. “This man right here is Anton Lassiter, the family head of the Lassiter Household. This is his wife, Melissa Lassiter. This is...”

After introducing everyone, Aethelwolf told them to take their seats. He then gave a signal to the maids before he went back to his seat.

“The food will be ready in a minute.” He said.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward since they were still unfamiliar with each other.

Suddenly, someone broke the silence. “Miss Samira, it’s good to see you again. Do you still remember me?” It was his father, Anton Lassiter.

Samira turned her gaze at Anton and squinted her eyes. After a moment, she revealed a look of surprise. “Commander Anton?! Is it you?”

Anton grinned at her. It seems like she still remembered him. After all, they were once comrades under General Gavin and the Flame Tiger Army.

“I thought that you would forget this comrade of yours.” Anton muttered jokingly.

Samira shook her head right away. “How could I? Commander Anton is an exemplary soldier who dared to face off against the Level 3 bandit commander, Solas. I heard that you are now a Baron. Congratulations!” She said with a smile. She has a good impression of Anton for he was a great soldier.

Anton laughed heartily while scratching his head in embarrassment. “I just got lucky. Everything is thanks to Sir Aethelwolf’s help back then.”

Aethelwolf smiled when he saw how happy his father was.

Soon, everyone started chatting and the atmosphere became cordial the more they get to know each other.