All the cars drove toward the direction of Imperial House. The estate was huge, built in the most exclusive part of Astoria City, a place almost impossible to reach even for the big shots.
Matthew wasn’t only a great War King; he also had so much money that he could buy whatever he wanted, no matter how expensive it was.
After a few minutes, the cars were getting close to the estate. From far away, a huge mansion appeared, surrounded by green gardens. Definitely… this place looked like paradise. Everything, from the modern design to the whole vibe, looked perfect.
As they got closer, Matthew was surprised. In front of the estate, five old men were kneeling by a Rolls Royce, heads bowed low.
They all wore expensive suits. Their skin looked shiny and rich. Each of them held heavy bowls with gifts as they bowed… almost too formal.
Matthew frowned. Who were these people?
The convoy drove past them and into the estate, but the old men stayed kneeling in the same place.
As the car door opened, Matthew stepped out. “Who are those people?” he asked, voice cold and sharp.
The chairman looked nervous. He knew the War King didn’t like visitors… unless he approved them personally. How did these people even know about the War King’s house and arrival?
He quickly bowed. “My lord… they are the heads of the Big 5 conglomerate families in the city. They must have heard you are coming here. That’s why they brought gifts… to celebrate your birthday.”
Matthew was quiet for a moment. His mind didn’t even notice… today was his birthday.
Without thinking too long, he said, “I’m not in the mood for visitors. Send them all away.”
Immediately, the order was done.
As soon as Matthew’s message reached them, they hurried to their cars and drove off. They were scared… scared they had offended the War King by coming uninvited.
The big company was on top of the business world in the city, and right after them were the Big 5.
These were the Bellington, Carrington, Whitmore, Lindell, and Beaumont families.
The Big 5 had known about the War King being in the city for a long time.
Ever since then, they wanted to meet him, and have protection for themselves and their families.
They got the news that the War King was on his way to his estate. That’s why they rushed here, bringing gifts and everything.
But… things didn’t go as they expected.
Matthew walked into his mansion.
Inside the grand living room, he was greeted by its beauty. Everything looked majestic.
He saw at a corner,a decoration wishing him a happy birthday, with a cake in the center.
He ignored it and left the living room. He walked deeper into the mansion, toward a very large and quiet room inside… the memorial room.
As soon as Matthew stepped inside.
He looked at the pictures of his family hanging on the wall.
First was his grandfather.
Next to it was his elder sister, Elena.
Then his father.
And beside that… his beautiful mother.
Matthew’s face darkened. The pain he had been carrying for years came back again.
He dropped to his knees
“I’m sorry, Grandpa…”
“I’m sorry, Papa.” he clenched his teeth.
He tried hard to stop the tears. Memories were already rushing inside his head and he didn’t even want them to.
“Mama… Elena… I feel ashamed. I still couldn’t avenge your deaths till now.”
Matthew swallowed hard. He was trying to keep calm, trying not to look weak. But the pain… it was really too much sometimes.
“Soon,” he muttered, voice low and cold. “Soon they will pay with their lives. I swear it… on all of you.”His whole body trembled.
After a few seconds he forced himself to calm down again.
He walked closer to the pictures.
Below each photo were small items placed carefully. They were the only things he was able to save on that terrible day.
In front of his grandfather’s picture was a golden ring inside a small black box. The ring had strange carvings on it… old designs, very complicated.
It was called the Dominion Ring.
People say the ring carried many abilities, powerful ones. Some even claim it could shake the whole world if used right… though many also say that maybe it’s just old stories.
Matthew stared at the ring quietly.
“Grandpa,” he said softly, his voice a little rough now. “You spent your life helping many people with your abilities.”
He paused.
“I promise you… your legacy will never die.”
Then he looked up.
He noticed Rowan had a strange look on his face.
“Tell me,” Matthew said.
Rowan bowed again.
“My lord… there is good news.”
Matthew frowned slightly. “What is it?”
Rowan replied, “I just received information. Miss Kylie Kone has arrived in the city.”
Matthew looked confused.
“Who is Miss Kone… and what does that have to do with me?”
The chairman quickly joined in the conversation.
“My lord… Miss Kone is the heiress of the second biggest family in the whole country. She came all the way from Rivers City just to see you.”
Matthew looked at him for a moment. His eyes narrowed a little. He almost wondered if the man even hear himself well.
What business could he possibly have with Kylie Kone?
The Kone family may be the second biggest family in the country, that part was true. But Matthew knew very well that no family in Eldoria even had one-eighth of the wealth of the Stones family.
“Me? For what reason?” Matthew said flatly. “Tell her I’m not interested.”
He turned as if to leave.
“But… my lord…” Rowan hesitated.
He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed the War King’s frowning face. Earlier Matthew already said he wasn’t in the mood to receive visitors. Going against that… it would be very risky.
“But what?” Matthew asked, a little impatient now.
Rowan swallowed before speaking again.
“She is searching for you… the miracle doctor. And she… she has an Arcanis Root with her.”
Matthew’s eyes suddenly brightened a little.
Arcanis.
That was one of the nine rare roots he needed to treat Old Man Harold Vandmere.
Matthew and Rowan had been searching for those rare roots for almost two years now, but nothing came out from it. All the efforts were wasted again and again.
So hearing this now… it surprised him.
“Are you sure about this?” Matthew asked, his tone more serious.
“Yes, my lord,” Rowan replied quickly.
Matthew stayed silent for a short moment.
He was thinking.
Then he nodded once.
“Alright. Tell her to meet me at Azure Pavilion by 5 PM.”