“Please have a seat, everyone!” The woman named Presley Richmond stood up.
As she spoke, she glanced at Billy and his companions, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes.
As the shop owner’s wife, she interacted with all kinds of people on a daily basis, honing her ability to read people.
At first sight of Billy and Harleen, she knew they were no ordinary people.
“Thank you, madam!” Harleen responded with a smile.
“You all look unfamiliar, are you not from Royal City?” Presley Richmond asked after pouring them tea.
“With so many people in Royal City, you can’t have met everyone, right? How do you know we’re not from Royal City?” Stout interjected.
“You’re joking, young man. Of course, I haven’t met everyone,” Presley Richmond smiled.
“But, I’ve been in Royal City for quite some time, and people with your grace are not common here.”
“If you’re from Royal City, I should have heard something about you,” she continued.
“Madam, you flatter us!” Harleen smiled as well. “We have indeed arrived in the royal city not long ago.”
“Indeed!” Presley Richmond smiled again. “So, may I ask what brings the three of you to visit my humble abode and inquire about my husband?”
“Is Mr Callahan not in the store?” Billy asked.
“He’s out on a quick errand, but he should be back soon,” Presley Richmond responded. “If you have any business, feel free to speak your mind.”
“Madam, you also come from Polar Domain?” Billy asked abruptly after taking a sip of tea.
“Huh?” Presley Richmond paused slightly upon hearing this question. “Are you all from the Polar Domain?” she inquired.
The fact that both she and Zak Callahan hailed from the Polar Domain was no secret, as many in Royal City were aware of it.
So she wasn’t surprised that Billy knew her background; she simply inferred that the three were likely from the Polar Domain based on Billy’s words.
“Indeed!” Billy confirmed.
“No wonder!” Presley Richmond looked relieved.
After a brief pause, she inquired, “What brings you three to seek out Zak Callahan?”
“We have a few things to ask Mr Callahan about,” Billy explained.
“What matters?” Presley Richmond inquired.
“Presley, I heard someone’s looking for me?”
At this moment, a male voice sounded outside.
Following the voice was a man in his forties walking in, revealed to be none other than Zak Callahan, also known as Blacksmith Callahan, accompanied by an elderly man in gray robes.
“You’re back!” Presley Richmond greeted him with a smile as she got up.
Billy and his companions also stood up, turning to the door.
Billy discreetly assessed the martial arts prowess of the two individuals, his gaze narrowing slightly.
Zak Callahan should be at half-step Divine Realm, but Billy sensed that he might be concealing his true strength through some means.
The elderly man in gray robes, on the other hand, was a seventh-rank Saint, not particularly remarkable.
“What can I do for you three?” Zak Callahan asked after sizing up Billy and his companions.
As he spoke, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, clearly taken aback by Billy and Harleen’s aura.
“Huh?” Almost simultaneously, the elderly man behind Zak Callahan displayed a look of astonishment.
After a momentary pause, still looking astonished, he asked, “May I ask if you are from the Polar Domain?”
“How did you know? Do you know us?” Stout queried, slightly bewildered.
“Is it true?” the elderly man exclaimed once more.
He then turned to Billy and asked, “May I inquire if your surname is Stuart?”
“How did you know that?” Stout was astonished once again.
“Brogan Callahan, greetings to Lord Dragon!” Upon hearing Stout’s words, the elderly man bowed deeply to Billy.
“Huh?” Surprised by the title, Zak Callahan and his wife also showed astonishment.
“Do you know me?” Billy asked, puzzled.
“Do you remember the battle in Mysthaven City, Lord Dragon?” Brogan Callahan asked in return.
“Are you from the Callahan family in Ironstone City in the Central Part?” Putting the pieces together, Billy figured out the man’s background.
Previously, in the Central Part, Mysthaven City’s Lord Reit lured many powerful individuals from the Central Part to Black Phoenix City with an unverified rumor, intending to seize their cultivation. However, Billy and his team arrived in time to save them, including members of the Callahan family in Ironstone City.
Later, in gratitude, Osian Callahan brought a group of his family members to assist the Skydragon City forces in attacking Mysthaven City.
“That’s right!” Brogan Callahan nodded. “I went to Mysthaven City with Mr Callahan before but did not converse with Lord Dragon.”
“Soon after the battle, I was entrusted by Mr Callahan to come to the Forbidden Ruins Space, and unexpectedly encountered Lord Dragon here!”
“I see,” Billy nodded.
“Elder Brogan, is this Lord Dragon from Glavale?” Zak Callahan inquired, turning to Brogan Callahan.
“In response to the young master, yes!” Brogan Callahan nodded vigorously.
“Young master?” Hearing this title, Stout looked surprised as he gazed at Zak Callahan. “Blacksmith Callahan, are nyou ot Mr Callahan’s son?”
“Yes!” Zak Callahan affirmed.
He then turned to Billy and bowed deeply.
“Zak Callahan pays respects to Lord Dragon and thanks Lord Dragon for saving my father and family!”
Evidently, he had learned about the recent events in Black Phoenix City from Brogan Callahan.
“Blacksmith Callahan, you’re too kind!” Billy was equally surprised by the serendipitous revelation.
“Forgive us for intruding without invitation,” he added.
“Lord Dragon, you are an esteemed guest!” Presley Richmond chimed in. “Please, have a seat and let’s chat!”
The group then resumed their seats.
Zak Callahan began by introducing himself to Billy and his companions.
Zak Callahan was a rare genius in the Callahan family for hundreds of years, not only excelling in martial arts but also mastering the family’s forging techniques at a young age, second only to the Elder Osian in skill.
However, Zak Callahan was somewhat rebellious in his youth, leading to a strained relationship with the Elder Osian. The situation worsened after his mother’s passing, driving a wedge between father and son.
Ten years ago, a mistake made in a fit of anger led to Zak Callahan’s expulsion from the family by his father.
In response, he ventured into the Forbidden Ruins Space with his beloved, where he established himself in Tengamine Kingdom with his superb forging skills. Nearly half of Tengamine Kingdom’s military weapons came from Blacksmith Callahan’s shop.
With age came understanding, Zak Callahan grew remorseful for his past actions and the rift between him and his father. However, he knew he could never return to Ironstone City.
“Lord Dragon, did you come to the Forbidden Ruins Space for Old Stuart and Lord Stuart?” Zak Callahan inquired, having heard of the two prominent figures in Skydragon City before arriving in the Forbidden Ruins Space.
Billy nodded. “Mr Callahan, do you happen to know the whereabouts of my father and grandfather?”