Sophia did not have to wait for long before she was welcomed into the noble district by the guards. Along with the guards was a luxurious carriage.
The carriage stopped in front of the young girl, and an elderly gentleman jumped down from the carriage. He gave Sophia a standard noble salute and said in a warm and friendly tone:
"Miss Sophia, I am Baron Scott, the butler of the Lawson Family. The Duke already knows of your arrival. He is very happy and is waiting for you in the city lord's mansion. Please follow me into the carriage."
Sophia cautiously looked at the symbol on the carriage. When she saw the double lion emblem of the Lawson Family, she nodded slightly and boarded the carriage with Baron Scott's help.
The interior of the carriage was also luxurious and extravagant, showing the wealth of the Duke's family. After the young girl was seated, the carriage slowly entered the heart of the noble district.
After entering the noble district, it was like a different world. The streets here were wide and straight, and the buildings were luxurious and exquisite. The magic lamps on both sides of the road were sparkling and translucent, reflecting the bright lights of the houses. She could also see groups of guards wearing shiny silver armor patrolling the streets, maintaining law and order.
It could be said that as the wealthy district of an important city in the western region, this place was not inferior to the central city of Zeloran where the young girl lived. But at this moment, looking at this familiar scene, Sophia only felt an indescribable sense of irony.
She did not know why, but at this moment, looking at the bustling scene in front of her, her mind kept thinking of the dilapidated River Bend Town, and the miserable dead baby in the ditch at the city gate.
The carriage traveled for about ten minutes before arriving at Duke Lawson's current residence, the Lord's Mansion in Morning Star City.
Unlike Zeloran, the Lord's Mansion in Morning Star City was not a castle, but a huge manor. There were already many carriages parked in the manor, and each carriage had a noble emblem. Nobles, high-ranking officers, and attendants came and went in the manor. It was very lively.
"Why are there so many people?"
Sophia asked curiously.
"After the Lord's Mansion became the Duke's residence, it became the temporary headquarters of the empire's crusade army. Now, countless nobles come to visit the Duke every day, so it is very busy. Especially now that the Lord's Mansion is holding a banquet."
Baron Scott explained.
"A banquet? Now? "
Sophia was stunned.
"That's right, but it's a pity that Zeloran has become a rebel zone, and your identity is rather sensitive. Otherwise … I could recommend you to the nobles who are coming."
Baron Scott said.
Sophia was silent for a moment, then she frowned and said, "That's right.
"I'm not interested in banquets right now."
"That's a pity, the young masters of the Duke's family are also here today, but because the Duke is busy at the banquet, so … you may have to wait for a while."
The old butler said apologetically.
After hearing the old butler's words, Sophia patiently shook her head.
"Then I can wait in the waiting room. I won't go to the banquet. I haven't prepared a suitable dress, and I don't want to meet anyone for the time being."
"Alright, it's all up to you."
Baron Scott did not force him.
Under the guidance of the Duke's butler, the girl quickly entered the Lord's Mansion.
The Lord's Mansion was magnificent. The hall was decorated with magic lamps, and melodious dance music was playing. Nobles dressed in luxurious clothes gathered in groups of twos and threes in the hall. They were either chatting or dancing.
On the dining table was exquisite food and expensive wine. Waves of tempting fragrance drifted out from the hall, causing the girl's stomach to grumble uncontrollably.
At this time, she realized that she was in a hurry and had not eaten for a day.
"Miss Sophia, please wait in the waiting room for a while. I'll go find the Duke. It might take a while, so you can have dinner first."
Baron Scott said.
After he finished speaking, he led the girl to a noble's waiting room next to the hall.
The two's actions were very low-key, and they did not directly enter the banquet hall.
But even so, many sharp-eyed nobles in the hall noticed Duke Rosen's carriage, as well as the half-elf girl who came down from the carriage. As the butler of the Duke's family, Baron Scott led the half-elf girl into the waiting room. This caused a burst of curious discussion among the nobles.
"Countess Isaac, who is that female mercenary? She actually came in the Duke's carriage? "
"No, she doesn't look like a mercenary. Looking at her bearing, she looks like a noble lady dressed as a mercenary …"
"Huh? Her ears are pointy, is she an elf? "
"No, an elf's ears are longer and pointier. She should be a half-elf."
"Half-elves can also enter the Lord's Mansion?!"
"She should have a special identity. It seems like she's an honored guest of the Duke …"
"Countess Isaac, do you want to go and say hello? I'm still very curious about half-elves. "
"Forget it. Looking at her shabby appearance, she must be a noble who escaped from the Maple Leaf Territory. The Maple Leaf Territory is very close to the Elven Forest, so it's normal to have some elf blood."
"A noble of the Maple Leaf Territory? Then there's really no need to meet her. The Maple Leaf Territory is finished with the rebellion at the border. I'd better wait and see Master Joseph. I heard that he's already a Silver Knight! He's obviously not even twenty years old! If I'm lucky enough to meet him, this banquet will be worth it. I heard that Master Joseph is quite liked by the Duke. "
"After all, he's the proudest child of Duke Rosen, the future heir of Duke Rosen's territory, and also the fiancé of the second princess …"
"Yes, in comparison, Master Lucas is too far behind. They're both children of the Duke's family. One is the rising star of the Empire, a genius with extraordinary strength, and the future Commander of the Empire's Third Imperial Guard Legion, while the other is a retard with mental problems …"
"Be careful with your words! The Duke hates it the most when others discuss this matter. Let's change the topic. "
"Countess Isaac, you're too cautious. No one's heard it now …"
The nobles whispered in the hall.
Sophia, who was sitting in the lounge, heard their conversation clearly.
As a half-elf with elven blood, the young girl's hearing had inherited the keen hearing of the elves, far surpassing that of ordinary people. Even with the interference of music, she could still hear some of the nobles' discussions.
Their discussions were messy and messy. They were either guessing Sophia's identity, talking about the scandals and secrets of the nobles, flattering each other, or mocking the stupidity of the commoners and the greed of the mercenaries. The young girl was rather annoyed listening to them …
When she was in Zeloran, she rarely participated in banquets. Because she was the owner of the territory, all the lower nobles who approached her would praise her beauty and the prosperity of Zeloran. They would also praise the long history of the Wells Family, as well as her great achievements in building up the territory …
At this moment, Sophia was sitting in the lounge, listening to the scheming and mocking of the nobles, comparing and showing off in their words, and occasionally showing off their superiority and complacency. Her brows furrowed deeper and deeper.
Especially the singing and dancing at the banquet, it was a stark contrast to the desolation and dilapidation she saw on her way here. This made her more and more disappointed in the nobles here …
She never thought that the nobles of the Empire would be like this …
"Truly a group of vermin of the Empire!"
She pursed her lips, feeling indignant.
If she didn't have the mission of saving Zeloran and the Wells family, if she didn't know the illustrious name of Duke Rosen even though she was in Maple Leaf Territory, Sophia really wanted to leave.
But thinking of the possible help in the future, she endured it in the end.
And just when the young girl was feeling more and more disappointed in the nobles of the Empire, the butler of the Rosen family, Baron Scott, finally returned.
"Miss Sophia, please come with me. The Duke is already waiting for you in the back hall."
He said warmly.
Hearing this news, Sophia sighed in relief. She took a deep breath, then tidied up her clothes and followed Baron Scott out …
The back hall wasn't far. Sophia followed Baron Scott for about a minute and arrived.
There were two tall guards in front of the door. They were wearing helmets and full body armor. They were powerful, probably High Grade Professionals.
The old butler came to the door and stood respectfully, then said to the inside of the room:
"Your Grace, Viscount Wells of Zeloran has arrived."
"Let her in."
The young girl heard a dignified male voice coming from inside the room.
Her heart suddenly jumped, and Sophia's mood inexplicably became nervous.
To be honest, this was the first time she saw a great noble of the Empire outside of the border.
And this meeting would determine the future of the Wells family!
Taking a few deep breaths, the young girl calmed herself down and walked into the room.
The decoration of the back hall was as gorgeous as the main hall.
And on the vertical back chair of the main seat, there was a man who looked to be in his forties or fifties.
The man was mighty and tall, with a handsome face. His golden hair was combed back, and his emerald green eyes were flickering with sharpness.
The wrinkles on his forehead and his handsome aquiline nose made him look a bit more serious, but the faint smile on his face made him look a bit more approachable.
He was wearing the standard military uniform of the Empire's Marshal, and on his chest hung an exquisite badge of two lions, which was the symbol of the Rosen family.
Without a doubt, this mighty man in front of her was one of the seven Kurfürsten of the Empire, the head of the Rosen family, known as the Lion of the Empire, the rich ruler of the North, and the current Duke of the Rosen territory — Franz von Rosen.
Different from the border, Duke Rosen's strength was not strong, and he was only a Silver Intermediate Warrior. But he had superb political skills, and the loyalty of countless powerhouses.
Looking at this dignified and amiable Duke, Sophia pinched the corner of her clothes and respectfully bowed:
"Sophia von Weers greets Duke Rosen."
Carefully sizing up the young girl, Duke Rosen's smile became gentler.
He lightly nodded:
"Sophia, right? I've seen your father once, and you look very much like him. He was a true noble."
After saying that, he pointed to the seat on the other side:
"Sit, it must have been hard on you. Have a taste of the Elven Forest's Hundred Flower Tea to calm your mind."
Feeling Duke Rosen's attitude without any arrogance, Sophia's nervous mood gradually eased.
She lightly nodded and sat on the chair.
Taking a sip of the tea on the table, a thought flashed through the young girl's mind.
Then, she mustered up her courage and went straight to the point.
"Duke Rosen, the Wells family needs your help … …"
Duke Rosen's expression became serious:
"No rush, tell me what's the situation. As the Wells family's main branch, the Rosen family will always be your backing."
With the encouragement of the other party, Sophia's mood gradually calmed down.
She gratefully nodded and explained her purpose.
As the young girl described the current situation of Zeloran and the tragic situation she saw along the way, Duke Rosen's brows would occasionally wrinkle, and at the same time, he would occasionally nod slightly, listening very seriously.
"Sir Duke Rosen, the Wells Family isn't a traitor. It was my half-brother who usurped the throne. Please help us. After this matter is over, the Wells Family will definitely be loyal supporters of the Rosen Family …"
Sophia stood up, bowed deeply and said.
Hearing the young girl's words, Duke Rosen lightly nodded.
His expression was solemn and his voice was dignified as he said:
"I understand, as the main branch of the Wells family, we do have the obligation to provide help when the family branch is in danger … …"
"Thank you!"
Sophia's expression was joyful.
"But … …"
Duke Rosen suddenly changed the topic:
"The war situation is still unclear, the empire's subjugation army has yet to be officially assembled, and the war preparations still need to be further prepared, so … … even if you want help, you will need to wait for a while."
Hearing Duke Rosen's words, Sophia hurriedly said:
"Duke Rosen, the Vimur River is in the Maple Leaf territory, the river is turbulent, it will be difficult for the army to cross the river, so … … if we can take back Zeloran with the stone bridge, then we will have the initiative in the war!"
"I know the importance of Zeloran, but … … the empire has other considerations … … Not to mention, the Wells family's current situation is rather awkward."
Duke Rosen pondered for a while and said.
After saying that, he thought for a while and gently said to the young girl:
"How about this, you stay in Morning Star City and have a good rest. Don't worry, I, Franz von Rosen, will take care of the matter regarding the Wells family. Don't move around casually for the next few days, to prevent any unforeseen events … …"
After getting Duke Rosen's promise, Sophia's spirits were lifted.
She bowed again and said:
"Wells family … … Thank you for your help!"
… …
After meeting Duke Rosen, Sophia stayed in the Morning Star City's city lord's mansion.
That night, she finally had a good sleep for the first time in over ten days.
It was not until noon the next day that the young girl slowly opened her sleepy eyes and got up from her bed.
After changing into the new clothes provided by the maids and enjoying the delicious food sent by the waiter, Sophia felt refreshed.
At this moment, she finally had some hope for the future.
However, when she was about to step out of her room, she was stopped by the guards.
"Miss Sophia, I'm sorry … … Duke Rosen has ordered that your current status is rather sensitive, you cannot move around casually for the time being."
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