Heimarian Odyssey

Chapter 186: Causing Trouble

Soon, the group of people left. They were Irenes distant relatives who lived off her parents and uncle. It was very common for Faustians and Aomarians to turn to their noble relatives for financial support.

The servants took the luggage from Lockes hands. They contained Irenes and his personal belongings, and some gifts that theyd bought together for her relatives. After all, it was his first time meeting his so-called fiancees family. It would be inappropriate if he came empty-handed. Though, he actually didnt spend a penny on those gifts; Irene had paid for them all by herself.

Her parents were happy when they saw that Locke had brought some gifts for them. It was rare to meet people whod got class and were as polite as him. After spending so much time with Angelina and Glace, he no longer behaved like a crass commoner and was never taken for one ever since hed arrived in Aomar

Byzalle, on the other hand, looked at Locke quietly and followed them back. They soon arrived at Irenes castle. Although it was only a small town, the castle that stood in the centre of the town was exquisitely decorated.

Unlike the Faustian castle, this castle was far more refined. Without knowing it, Locke began to compare this castle with Cardojs. He concluded that both of them had their own merits. Although staying in a plain and simple castle would suit him better, staying in a comfortable castle like this seemed pretty good as well.

They held a banquet as Irenes parents wanted to host a grand party to welcome their daughter home. Also, they didnt want to give Locke, their guest, the cold shoulder. There was a lot of singing and dancing going on during the party and the maids were constantly serving the guests with tea and pastries, but Locke didnt seem to be fascinated by it. The parties that were held in Faustian and Joaquins house were much fancier than this. Though, he felt more comfortable being here as there werent any nobles who bothered him and he didnt have to socialise with anyone.

Hey, kid. Do you go to banquets like this often? Byzalle came over with a glass of rum in his hand.

Yes. But I like the relaxing atmosphere here more. Locke raised his glass of wine and drank a toast to the old man. Their glasses clinked when they toasted each other. Both of them smiled at each other and downed their drink.

Though rum was Aomars speciality, Locke preferred drinking wine for the sweetness; his favorite drink was beer though. Unfortunately, only commoners drank beer; it was rare to see beer served in a nobles banquet as it was often associated with the poor.

Byzalle nodded at Locke and left with his empty glass. Locke could wander around in the party, but Byzalle couldnt. Apart from him and his brother, there were other nobles such as baronets and knights from their territory, as well as barons from the neighbouring territories present, so he needed to entertain his guests.

When Locke saw how Byzalle laughed and chatted with the other nobles, it reminded him of Cardoj, his former boss. Theyre the same kind of person.

Why are you sitting here? Dont you want to mingle with us young folk? Irene teased when she appeared in front of him in a white dress.

Locke was taken aback at first. He then shook his head and replied, Im not interested. It was his first time seeing her in a dress, and he took another glance at her unintentionally.

Unlike Locke who could just sit around and do nothing, Irene was one of the centres of attention tonight. Before she could talk much longer to him, several groups of young nobles went up to her and started a conversation. By the look of the way she talked to them, they were probably her close friends.

Although Locke had tried his best to keep a low profile, hed still caught the eyes of the people around him. They wanted to see what kind of man was able to share a carriage with Irene. Unfortunately, they were disappointed. Locke wasnt ugly, but he wasnt handsome either. The only outstanding features that he had was his bright, spirited eyes. Plus, his physique hardened by years of military service was studier and more muscular than the other young nobles.

The atmosphere of the banquet was still very easygoing. The banquet of a local noble wasnt as strict and as formal as the ones that were held in the royal capital. Locke had been feeling rather relaxed and comfortable since the banquet started, until

Oh, Ive heard that Miss Irene is back from the royal capital! someone at the entrance of the banquet hall said. A middle-aged man with a hooked nose then strode into the hall.

A skinny young man followed closely behind him. There was another large group of nobles behind them as well. The number of people in the group was more than the number of nobles who were present at the banquet. The banquet hall that was initially quite empty became crowded all of a sudden, and the atmosphere turned weird.

Welcome, Viscount Shimak! Byzalle put his glass of rum down and gave Shimak a hug.

He then smiled at the skinny young man next to him. Hey, Veyron, long time no see! Youve grown much taller and stronger! said Byzalle as he patted on the young mans shoulder.

After hearing that Irene had returned, Shimak initially planned to bring his son to meet his future wife. But when he heard that shed brought a young man along with her home, he had a bad feeling about it.

His face turned black with anger when he heard that the young man arrived there in the same carriage with Irene. The nobles who were behind him right now were not actually all from his territory; most of them were there to watch him make a fool of himself.

Though, there was no point crying over spilt milk. Since Byzalle talked to him and his son with a smile on his face, Shimak didnt want to sour the mood.

There were too many nobles in the hall. Shimak looked around the hall for quite some time, but he couldnt find Locke, who was sitting by the window.

Uncle Byzalle, wheres Irene? I want to meet her, said the skinny man. Although hed never met her before, hed admired this top student and wanted to get close to her since a long time ago.

Irene, come and meet Veyron. The silver-haired old man smiled and waved to Irene who was standing behind her parents.

As she walked towards them unwillingly, Shimak asked casually, Wheres her classmate whos from the royal capital as well? I want to meet him. Ive never met another student from Princeton Academy other than Irene.

The nobles in the hall immediately turned and looked at Locke who was sitting by the window. Locke had obviously heard it as well, so he had no choice but to approach.

Hello! Locke stood up and walked towards them. He then reached out his hand and greeted Shimak.

Shimak didnt shake his hand. Instead, he squinted his eyes and stared at Locke. A while later, he asked, Are you a noble?

Everyone was shocked when they heard the question.