With swiftness, Jonah disembarked from the carriage, hurrying over to the carriage door, bowing his head as he opened it.

  Anticipation flickered in the eyes of everyone present as they gazed upon the door, impatient in wanting to see the most beautiful woman in the empire. However, a different face appeared,

  “Thank’s Jonah,” Mason said with a smile, eyes pervading the surroundings, noticed shocked and some irritated expressions on the maids, butlers, and warriors. He paid them no mind. Claire had offered Mason to walk out first, so he did.

  Jonah could be seen holding back a smile, and Claire giggled as Mason descended the steps. He immediately shuffled over to Astaroth, unsure of noble procedures. Claire stepped out next, and then Blair, then Lucas.

  Promptly, a butler stepped forward with unmatched grace. He wore the most exquisite suit, a finely trimmed gray beard, and a middle part, similarly colored hair resting gently on his temples. He had white gloves and a faded scar could be seen stretching from his forehead, down his right eye. The butler entered a deep bow as he stopped a few paces from Claire,

  “My apologies Madam, Philip is currently attending a meeting with one of the empire's generals. He should be finished shortly.” The butler explained. Claire stood silently for an instant, with an unchanged expression as if she expected this.

  “No worries,” She replied. The Butler raised his head, standing straight with perfect posture. His eyes landed on Mason and Astaroth,

  “There are some new faces among you. We are currently in rocky times. I do not mean to disrespect you, but are these two trustworthy?” The Butler said, his gaze returning to Claire.

  “Yes. These two are my honored guests.” Claire responded, a light glare present on her expression. The butler nodded,

  “Follow me.”

  The group was led swiftly toward the front door of the mansion. They passed incredibly beautiful flowers and perfectly trimmed hedges. The guard's and warriors' eyes bore into Mason and Astaroth, these powerful fighters only occasionally glancing toward the other three. The two ignored these stares, Mason marveling at the unbelievable architecture, while Astaroth zoned out, questioning how he would convince his master to leave this place as soon as possible.

  Only a few minutes passed before the entourage arrived at the front door. It was large, nearly double Astaroth’s height. The door was made of a black metal, with a simple gold design attached to it. Mason noted the lack of handles and cleared his thoughts as he watched the Butler approach. The man silently raised his right hand, resting it gently on the center of the door. Mason felt a vibration emanate from the man’s hand, only for it to quickly dissipate. A metallic creek rang out as the door opened from the middle.

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  The Butler entered first, the others following behind closely. As Mason’s eyes adjusted, the first room of the mansion was revealed. In front of them was an enormous space with double curved stairs on either side. A magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling. This was by far the most incredible room Mason had ever seen.

  “The wait should not be long, but I can show you to your rooms while Philip finishes his meeting. If not, you can rest in a nearby lounge.” The Butler spoke up, eyes kept on Claire.

  “My guards and I can wait in the lounge, but,” Claire turned toward Mason and Astaroth, “You two would like some rest, correct?” Mason nodded, recalling their conversation in the carriage.

  “Understood,” The butler turned, and eyed a nearby servant who stood like a statue, her back to the wall. The servant promptly walked over, and stood a few paces from Claire. She bowed and motioned for them to follow. Claire and her guards were led down a hallway on the left side of the room.

  “This way, sirs.” The Butler said as he began to walk. Mason and Astaroth were led up the right-curved staircase and down numerous hallways and rooms of all kinds. The hallways were beautifully decorated with luxurious chandeliers and beautiful curtains and arches. Within minutes, the three had arrived in a long corridor, doors lining the left, and windows lining the right.

  Twelve rooms down, the Butler stopped. He reached into a pocket within the inside of his suit, revealing pristine silver keys held by a key ring. The Butler counted twelve, holding the twelfth key firmly before removing it. Gently, he unlocked the door and pushed it open.

  He reached out, handing the key to Astaroth. He lowered his head,

  “I apologize for not showing this respect sooner. I am unsure of your situation with Madam Claire and did not want to anger you. Not many here will recognize your horns, esteemed Dragon King.” The Butler explained, his voice quivering ever so slightly, “However, I have had the incredible pleasure of witnessing other Dragon Kings in my youth. The disrespect I showed you earlier, questioning if you were trustworthy was unacceptable. I was unable to fully view your horns and aura at that time…Please forgive me!” The Butler fell to his knees in a cold sweat, forehead crashing into the marble flooring.

  Mason's jaw hung, eyes wide. Slowly, he turned toward Asaroth, who had the same expression plastered on his face. Mason stood tall on his toes, bringing his mouth as close to Astaroth’s ear as possible,

  “Why are you surprised?” Mason spoke fast, surprise and confusion etched into his cadence. Astaroth bent down, turning his back to the Butler before replying in an even quieter whisper,

  “I didn’t expect this place to have Dragon Kings too. Also, it’s been really long since someone treated me like this. After my master died, I was always surrounded by people stronger than me.” Astaroth used mana to hide his speech, occasionally glancing back toward the Butler, who was like a statue, not even the slightest twitch of muscles visible.

  “Well, talk to him. Forgive him and tell him to keep it a secret, or something” Mason replied, turning away from Astaroth and back to the Butler.

  “You don’t need to ask forgiveness for something so trivial. Just, keep it a secret, especially from Philip.” Astaroth adjusted his posture and expression, emanating a kingly aura. The Butler didn’t hesitate with his reply,

  “Yes sir!”

  “You can go now,” Astaroth said with a nod. The Butler stood, bowing once more before walking away. The man strode with even more perfection than before. Astaroth and Mason stared at him, watching as he turned a corner at the end of the long corridor.

  “Here, Master,” Astaroth said, handing Mason the key to the room.

  “Thanks,” Mason replied, walking to the door the Butler had already opened, pushing it further. He stepped into the room.