Chapter 88: Oriel Manor

The forest of evergreen trees suddenly opened up, revealing a stretch of land that spanned several dozen hectares.

The hunting event was held at this manor owned by the Prince in the suburbs. It was quite far from Hayton, but this also reflected his economic strength from another angle. Unless particularly necessary, nobles in Hayton rarely acquired property so far from the city. Although the land itself cost almost nothing, the daily maintenance was a significant expense.

Constantine had recently grown accustomed to the bumpy carriage rides, but there was still a big gap between being used to something and enjoying it. Especially as the road became increasingly rough and the jostling grew more intense. Fortunately, the scenery outside was uplifting. It had to be said that the Prince had put considerable effort into selecting this location for his manor. The distant Enfers Mountains appeared grand and ethereal under the sunset sky. Against the backdrop of the gradually sloping dark green forest, a clear stream divided the space in two.

On this side of the stream, some farmland was planted. Although the Harvest Festival had passed some time ago, patches of yellow and green still hadn’t completely faded from the fields. This scenery would likely remain until the Moon Festival, which was around the winter solstice. On the other side of the stream, however, lay vast stretches of level grassland with a goose-yellow hue. Unlike the meticulously trimmed velvet lawns within the manor proper, the grass here was closer to its natural state. In the twilight, golden fallen leaves drifted down with the autumn breeze. This didn’t convey much desolation; instead, it added a touch of warmth.

“So beautiful…” Caterina exclaimed excitedly. She pulled open the carriage window, letting the slightly cool wind brush her cheeks. This scene almost made Constantine feel the impulse to pick up a paintbrush.

This little lady’s semi-escape naturally caused a bit of a commotion. However, after the convoy briefly stopped, the final decision was to continue the journey with the young lady. The destination was now close at hand. Sending her back would require allocating servants, and turning the whole group around would waste time. In the end, in this situation without any elders present, Constantine’s decision carried the most weight. Amid his sister’s cheers, Consens, though sulking and no longer speaking, ultimately didn’t seriously object.

This wasn’t really a big deal. It just meant the Prince would have one extra, uninvited guest. Although her hunting attire seemed a bit out of place, considering this was a hunting event, it could just about pass.

Compared to that, Constantine was worried about something else… This little troublemaker had hidden in the carriage for a long time. She had probably heard his conversation with Nirwen clearly and seen everything. This was truly a headache-inducing experience. Yet, Caterina showed no sign of anything being amiss afterwards. Naturally, Constantine couldn’t ask his little sister what exactly she saw, what she heard, how much she heard… or how much she understood…

The troubled Constantine shook his head, forcing himself to stop thinking about those awkward troubles. In his field of vision, the destination of their journey, that combined structure of manor and castle, was gradually coming into clearer view.

The main building of the manor was a vast mansion. Its blue brick walls were currently adorned with golden vines. Although it was merely a secondary residence, this manor was much larger and more magnificent than Duke George’s mansion in Mitten. The statue of the God of War in front of the manor gate showed that its original builder had earned this estate through military achievements. Although it was now common knowledge that this family’s contributions to the Phoenix Kingdom were no longer tied to military feats, it was undeniable that without them, over half of the Empire’s soldiers would lose the ability to achieve such feats.

As founding pioneers of Phoenix, their nobility titles did not face the so-called issue of diminution; it was the so-called perpetual inheritance. Unlike Duke Connalyvis, who rose rapidly through military successes on the Western Frontier, the Oriel family’s territory, though not exceptionally wealthy, contained metal mines that produced two-thirds of the domestic demand. This made the Oriel family one of those capable of influencing the Empire’s lifeline. A phrase often on the lips of every generation of the Oriel family was: “The Empire provides its citizens with their homes, and Oriel gives them the ability to defend those homes.”

This was not an exaggeration at all. The key lay in Prince Oriel’s control over blacksmiths, in addition to iron mines.

In this world, there was no distinction between assembly-line processes and skilled trades. All tasks, big and small, in blacksmith shops were completed by the blacksmith themselves or with a few apprentices. To craft equipment of fine quality and meticulous workmanship was absolutely not something an ordinary blacksmith used to forging farming tools could casually accomplish.

Although the Western Frontier, aided by mountain Dwarves, had achieved complete self-sufficiency in weapon and armor manufacturing and far surpassed the development level of metallurgy on the continent, in terms of the sheer quantity of blacksmiths, this Prince still held absolute dominance over the entire Phoenix smelting industry.

As the last glimmers of sunset vanished beyond the mountain ridge, the carriage creaked to a halt. The small square before the manor gate was already lined with many carriages bearing family crests. A group of attendants were methodically ushering the occupants of the previous carriage into the manor.

In reality, this privately hosted hunt couldn’t be considered a major event. However, depending on the host, the scale naturally varied greatly. Prince Oriel was highly respected by all sides in Hayton. This wasn’t just due to his revered status, but also because he leaned neither towards the King nor the Council of Elders. He could be considered one of the leaders of the neutral faction…

Even in Phoenix, where the King’s authority was strongest, not every noble was inevitably drawn into the power struggle between the Council and the King. Many maintained a neutral stance, interacting with both sides yet remaining separate from each. And this group’s influence was even considerable, as the benefits of such a position were obvious. During every political upheaval, while they were also affected, they would neither be the unfortunate losers nor the triumphant victors high above.

But this didn’t mean they were weak… When the roles of loser and victor swung like a pendulum, these neutrals became extremely important. Furthermore, to remain impartial within the conflict between the Council and His Majesty the King itself required considerable status and influence.

Constantine jumped down from the carriage, taking a deep breath of air rich with the scent of grass. He sighed in admiration of the surroundings once more. The youth noticed the walls around him, even the bridle path underfoot, were built from large, blue-striated stones. Generally, these were materials used for constructing fortresses. On either side of the arched portico stood an elegantly styled fountain. The statues in the fountains were inspired by folk legends. Constantine could tell they were undoubtedly the work of a master.

The beautiful lines of the stone carvings made the aspiring artist pause for a moment. By the time he regained his senses, only the young lady remained by his side. Consens had almost reached the entrance of the mansion, showing no regard for whether this action violated common etiquette.

“So these are the children of the Connellyvis Family. Good, good…”

Following the attendant and strolling slowly forward, a burst of hearty laughter suddenly came from ahead. Constantine rubbed his nose, noticing a tall, slender man standing on the steps of the main entrance. His thick, yellowish-brown hair held a hint of chestnut. He wore gold-rimmed crystal spectacles on his face, making him appear older than his actual age, though at most he was just stepping into middle age. The brooch on his lapel, featuring flowers and a shield, marked him as a direct blood relative of His Highness the Prince. The youth then recalled some information provided by the Old Steward. It seemed this was the Prince’s son, Count Oriel. The youngest and only son of the Prince currently by his side.

The youth then noticed that, although dressed like a scholar, the Count stood at least 190 centimeters tall. His lean frame was actually quite robust, and his sharply chiseled face carried a military bearing. Though his formal attire hid it, Constantine was certain the man’s muscles were even more developed than those of most standard Knights. Many nobles held the title of Knight, which, like their noble ranks, had long become a symbol of honor. But this one could definitely be called a true Knight.

However, his temperament seemed to match his attire better, appearing quite calm and without any hint of arrogant superiority. At that moment, he was patting Consens’s shoulder, smiling as if quite pleased.

It was said he had once served in the military for a period, albeit in a transitional position like a staff officer without actual command authority. Yet, it was this very experience that gave him a good relationship with his own father. Of course, that was over a decade ago, a time when Constantine hadn’t even been born.

Clearly, however, this uncle did not think highly of him. When Constantine appeared before him, a look of surprise flashed in the Count’s eyes, followed by a hint of disappointment. The youth smiled slightly. Although the expression was fleeting, for Constantine now, it was enough to grasp the Duke’s inner thoughts. He didn’t particularly dislike such people, though. In fact, among nobles, those who could clearly express their likes and dislikes were often easier to get along with.

“Viscount Constantine? Good, very good. Your reputation has been quite prominent lately. Worthy of being the eldest son of the Connallyvis Family.” The Count’s assessment of Constantine was brief. Though on the surface it seemed much more complimentary than his remarks to Consens… Constantine rubbed his nose; the insincerity in the other’s words could be felt even by a deaf person.

The Marquis then exchanged a couple of polite remarks before excusing himself.

A perceptive servant then guided the two youths into the mansion.

Following the attendant, they arrived at a small reception room. Though called a small drawing-room, its furnishings were absolutely not something ordinary architecture could match. The space had a semi-open layout. Yet, despite being semi-open, the surrounding area felt as warm and comfortable as a spring day in March. Even the flowers decorating the space appeared exceptionally beautiful, clearly having just been transplanted here from a greenhouse.

Ladies and gentlemen in splendid attire moved about. Some chatted as they walked, while others gathered on nearby wicker chairs for lively conversations.

The left side had been set up for card games. Six large circular tables with gold-lacquer and inlaid carvings were arranged there, surrounded by matching chairs. Above each table, besides hanging lamps, there were also some strange-looking utensils. They seemed to be tools for enjoying tobacco. Several people with this habit were focused on their card games while indulging in this pleasure.

The center of the lounge was clearly the dancing area, though its size was sufficient for a small ball. People in formal attire swirled gracefully. Men in bright, elegant clothes were impeccably polite. Refined dance steps perfectly accentuated the ladies’ slender waists; their skirts swayed and twirled in the dance floor, forming a dazzling sea. Their bright, beautiful eyes were even more intoxicating than the real stars in the sky.

Softened by the night and candlelight, everything appeared elegant and beautiful. Aged wine, the scent of roses, and that unique fragrance belonging to women merged into a heart-fluttering romantic atmosphere.

However, Constantine noticed that most of the people active here were quite young. Teenagers and those in their twenties occupied most of the room, including the dance floor. It seemed this was their dedicated space, their own party.

The youth’s face twitched slightly. The surrounding noise gradually resolved in his ears, but its content truly made him feel a certain… youthful vibe.

“Indeed, the royal path is still Lady Maria. Last year’s runner-up, and a traditionalist with both talent and beauty.” “Although there seem to be various differing opinions, it’s still considered a steady path.” “And she possesses considerable literary talent. It’s said her poetry has even earned praise from Mr. Milay… Should we call it presence, or perhaps aura… It’s different from the others.”

“But Lady Mireille from Marquis Mitchell’s family is also good. Though she’s the simple, inconspicuous type.” “Ah! I know! There are many secret admirers!”

“And that, she’s unexpectedly the type who looks thinner when dressed up. The long skirt gives that ‘such a proper lady’ feeling, but in hunting attire…” “Yes, yes, yes, that’s a flying prop! The other day, at the fox hunt…”

“Ah, I saw, I saw. Swinging, swinging.” “That was really something…”

… and so on. Everyone exchanged opinions freely.

Now Constantine understood why the Duke hadn’t allowed his daughter to attend earlier. If not for the surroundings, Constantine might have thought he’d stepped into some middle school campus, facing a group of love-struck teenagers.

Constantine slightly shifted his gaze. Following their eyes, he spotted the subjects of their discussions among the crowd. They were indeed of quite good quality, but not so outstanding. As a time traveler from another era, exposed to countless beauties through highly developed media, Constantine’s resistance to such distractions naturally far exceeded their comprehension. “Mystra, Selûne, or whatever Goddess, please have mercy on these ‘country bumpkins’!” The youth rubbed his nose, murmuring silently in his heart.

Then, a discordant voice suddenly caught the youth’s attention.

“Those porcelain pieces were utterly exquisite. White as milk, smooth and bright as the moon. But the price was simply too high. Sadly, we couldn’t afford them… Beautiful patterns were painted on the bottom of the porcelain. The fish looked alive, and there were strange, beautiful aquatic plants I’d never seen before. This kind of plant often appears in artwork from the East. Round, broad leaves, long straight stems, vivid, large flowers. Absolutely gorgeous.” The owner of this voice was clearly showing off. His sharp voice was very penetrating.

Constantine froze for a moment, then walked towards that direction.

His eyes were first drawn by that familiar white color.

This set of tea ware was entirely snow-white, perfectly matching the appearance of standard porcelain in his mind. But Constantine obviously wouldn’t underestimate them just for their elegant exterior. Besides the noble elegance of blue-and-white porcelain and the vibrant colors of painted porcelain, plain white porcelain was also a beloved variety. Though seemingly lacking intricate patterns or brilliant colors, in its simple and unadorned style, it displayed a beauty that seemed natural and innate.

Despite there being nothing outwardly special, just ordinary white porcelain, Constantine could still see its extraordinary qualities. The clay body was cleanly washed with few impurities, the texture was fine, and the whiteness was relatively high. The glaze was glossy, bright, and milky white like congealed fat. The only flaw was that under the light, the glaze still had a faint hint of bluish tint. It seemed the firing technique was far from reaching the level Constantine remembered from his past.

The youth was somewhat stunned.

He knew this continent had ceramics. He also knew these extremely rare ceramic wares were transported through some intermediary small kingdoms from that extremely distant Eastern Continent. But information about that distant continent was scarce. This Plane had not yet entered an age of great maritime exploration. Despite the aid of magic, human travel was still limited to medium and short-distance sea routes. Moreover, due to the sparse population, few were dissatisfied with the produce and resources around them to seek out places thousands of miles away.