“Mr Stuart, why are there so many Glavaleans in this city? Who are they?” Azure Dragon asked Sol Stuart as they rode in the carriage.
“There are primarily two types of people,” Sol Stuart replied. “The one group from the major families, they have been living in the Polar Domain for many years and have gradually prospered over time.”
“There are major families in Skydragon City too? What kind of families are they?” Azure Dragon asked, slightly surprised by Sol Stuart’s words.
“They have some connection with the hidden families in the country.” Sol Stuart responded again.
“What?” Black Tortoise exclaimed, “Mr Stuart, are you saying that members of the four major hidden families of Glavale are also here in Skydragon City?”
“No, only the Meskill and Vaughan families have members here,” Sol Stuart shook his head slightly.
“Damn! These two families really have people in the Polar Domain?” Judge cursed.
Not just him, but everyone, including Billy, was equally surprised. It was obvious that they hadn’t expected this.
“Mr Stuart, if the hidden families have members here, why is the capital reluctant to let those families send people to the Polar Domain?” Harleen asked after a moment of thought.
“Because the connection between the major families here and the families in the country is not as close as you might think,” Sol Stuart explained again.
“What do you mean?” Harleen looked slightly puzzled.
“For example, the Meskill and Vaughan families here are the offshoots of the two major families from a hundred years ago. After hundreds of years of development, they have gradually rooted themselves here.” Sol Stuart continued, “On regular days, there is little interaction between them and the families in the country.”
“I see!” Harleen responded.
“Mr Stuart, you just said that these families have been living here for hundreds of years?” Soul Chaser called out. “But isn’t it said that humans hardly set foot in the Polar Domain a hundred years ago?”
“That’s just an external rumor!” Sol Stuart responded with a faint smile. “Although no one knows for sure when humans first set foot in the Polar Domain, one thing is certain: it has been more than a hundred years.”
“No wonder!” Night Orchid nodded upon hearing Sol Stuart’s words. In her mind, she recalled the relics she had seen in the Southern Part last time. The existence of those ruins must have been for more than a hundred years. Not only her, but Billy and the others also thought of this at the same time. The Polar Domain was indeed much more mysterious than they had imagined!
“Mr Stuart, what about the other group of people?” Ivy asked Sol Stuart.
“The other group consists of some wandering martial artists.” Sol Stuart replied. “Among these people, some are obsessed with martial arts and have spent their entire lives pursuing the ultimate martial path. They have heard that the Polar Domain is more suitable for improving one’s martial arts, so they come here out of admiration. Others are either family outcasts or wanted criminals, finding it difficult to stay in the country, so they come here.”
“Are there many people like this?” Vermilion Bird asked.
“There are quite a few!” Sol Stuart nodded. “After coming here, most of them have pledged allegiance to the City Lord’s Manor or the major families. Now only a small number of them remain as wandering martial artists, traveling around.”
As they chatted, the snow carriage stopped in front of a high-walled courtyard with the words “City Lord’s Manor” carved on the gate.
After getting off the carriage, they walked into the courtyard. Within sight, there were lush trees, red walls, and yellow tiles. The well-arranged ancient buildings made one feel as if they were in the imperial palace. In the center of the courtyard, there was a magnificent palace made of wood, with intricately carved beams and painted rafters, shining in golden brilliance.
“Wow! It’s so beautiful in here!” Felicia couldn’t help but exclaim.
“Tsk tsk, it’s no small feat to build such a mansion in the Polar Domain!” Judge commented.
“Young Master, the Lady is currently receiving the heads of the major families. Let me take you to your residence first.” Sol Stuart said to Billy.
“I owe a thank to my mother.” Billy nodded. While speaking, Billy couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of longing for his parents. He knew that they must also miss him dearly.
“Elder Grand Ravenwood, Elder Wood, why don’t you both stay here as well?” Billy turned his attention to the two men and suggested.
“We appreciate your kind offer, Holy Son,” Grand Ravenwood replied respectfully. “However, we should find a different place to stay.”
“Now that we’re in Skydragon City, we’re already members of the City Lord’s Manor. I’ll have Brother Sol find some tasks for us to do in the future. We may have to come and go frequently, and staying here might inconvenience you, Holy Son.”
“That won’t be a problem!” Billy responded. “Besides, we won’t be spending much time in this courtyard anyway.”
“Holy Son, perhaps it’s better for me and Grand to find another place to stay,” Elder Wood spoke up. “Since we’re already members of the City Lord’s Manor, we shouldn’t expect special treatment.”
“Young Master, how about this?” Sol Stuart suggested, “There’s a small courtyard next to this quadrangle that would be perfect for Grand and his companions. Why not let them stay there?”
“That sounds great!” Grand Ravenwood agreed.
“Alright then!” Billy didn’t insist any further.
After about half an hour, Billy and his companions finished settling their belongings in their respective rooms and returned to the front courtyard for a chat.
“Mr Stuart, Boss’s parents and grandfather have only been in the Polar Domain for a little over ten years, right?” Casey asked Sol Stuart.
“In terms of seniority, Boss’s father probably don’t have the same influence as the hidden clans you mentioned earlier. How did he become the City Lord?”
This question piqued the curiosity of not just Casey but everyone else as well.
“Indeed, Young Master’s parents have only been in here for a little over ten years, but Young Master’s grandfather has been here for much longer,” Sol Stuart responded. “He came to the Polar Domain when he was less than forty years old. However, unlike other families who settled here permanently, he would occasionally return to the homeland for some time before coming back. Young Master probably noticed this when he was still a member of the Stuart clan. His father didn’t spend much time at home.”
“Is that true, Boss?” Judge turned to Billy and asked.
“Yes, it is!” Billy nodded. He finally understood why his grandfather was often absent from home. It turned out he had come to the Polar Domain a long time ago.
“There’s one more thing you probably don’t know,” Sol Stuart chuckled.
“What is it?” Frostblade asked.
“In a strict sense, Young Master’s grandfather is also part of the Ether Mountain lineage!” Sol Stuart explained with a smile. “However, unlike the obvious Ether Mountain mark on the old master on the Mountain, Young Master’s grandfather doesn’t have such a visible mark. Just like Emperor Greenleaf, not many people outside know about his connection with the Ether Mountain lineage.”
“What?! ” The group exclaimed in surprise.