Ascension from Dual Professions

Chapter 174: Chapter 170: The Shura Field, an Inevitable Taste

As night fell, the Lord’s Mansion in Birch Town was ablaze with light.

The once grim and tense atmosphere had been softened by the brilliant lights and melodious music, yet a palpable tension born from the recent unrest still lingered in the air.

The nobles, their exquisite makeup failing to conceal their weary faces, conversed in low tones, their eyes holding a mixture of relief for their safety and anxiety for the future.

They had gathered here due to the rebellions across Heta County, desperately trying to maintain their precarious sense of dignity on the rare "island" of safety that was Birch Town.

And when Jon appeared at the entrance to the banquet hall, the low din of conversation faltered.

He wore impeccably tailored dark formal attire, his ice-blue eyes as tranquil as still water. His tall frame stood out, cutting a particularly straight and imposing figure in the crowd.

At his side was Rosalind, dressed in a moon-white gown embroidered with silver thread. With her cascading silver hair, cool grace, and exquisite features, she instantly captured countless gazes.

Yet this beauty followed quietly at Jon’s side, maintaining a deferential half-step behind him, just as a follower should. Her posture was both respectful and natural.

The sisters, Xia and Xina, were equally eye-catching with their innocent and radiant presence.

They wore the simple, elegant robes of formal Monks of the Sun Church, their golden eyes curiously surveying the hall. The elder sister, Xia, could hardly contain her excitement, and while the younger, Xina, was more composed, her expression was just as inquisitive.

It was their first time attending such an occasion.

Upon seeing Jon, the Lord of Birch, Paris, almost immediately excused himself from the guest he was speaking with and hurried over to greet him.

He extended both hands to firmly grasp Jon’s, his voice booming loud enough for half the hall to hear.

"Mr. Jon! It is wonderful that you could attend! How is your health? We have all been praying for your recovery. Birch Town owes its return to peace to you; your contributions were immeasurable!"

This display of almost exaggerated enthusiasm and deference was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, instantly sending ripples of shock through the hearts of the many visiting nobles.

They exchanged bewildered glances and began to murmur amongst themselves:

"Who is that? Lord Paris is greeting him personally?"

"I’ve never seen him before... He’s so young..."

"Look at his bearing... He doesn’t seem like an ordinary noble. Could he be the son of some major figure from the Imperial Capital?"

"That silver-haired woman with him... Is that Ice Beauty Rosalind from the Golden Maple Leaf Trading House? And those two young, golden-haired women, they look like formal Monks from the Sun Church?"

"Quick, go find out where this ’Mr. Jon’ comes from..."

Jon, seemingly oblivious to the whispers around him, simply returned Paris’s handshake with composure, his tone even.

"You are too kind, My Lord Viscount. With your blessings and support, my injuries are no longer a concern."

His gaze swept over the room, and his calm and steady presence drew the admiring glances of several young ladies.

Just as Paris was leading Jon further into the hall, Reya appeared on the other side, approaching gracefully on the arm of her father, Viscount Yed Xavier.

Her fiery red hair was styled meticulously, her emerald eyes glittered under the lights, and her fair skin was set off by a sumptuous, deep red gown. She was like a rose in full, fiery bloom.

She was striving to maintain the poise befitting the heir to the House of Xavier, but upon seeing the cool, moon-like silver figure at Jon’s side, her fingertips tightened unconsciously as a faint, unnameable bitterness crept into her heart.

Reya understood the relationship between Rosalind and Jon. She also understood it was Rosalind’s duty as his follower to accompany him to such an event. But seeing the man she adored being so closely attended by the woman she considered a sister... she simply couldn’t suppress the feelings of disappointment and jealousy that welled up within her.

Viscount Yed, who had been watching his daughter closely, keenly sensed this subtle shift in her emotions.

The middle-aged nobleman, a veteran of many storms, gave the back of his daughter’s hand a subtle, reassuring pat and continued to lead her steadily forward.

But how sharp was Jon’s Perception?

In truth, he had discreetly spotted Reya the moment he entered the hall. He simply hadn’t approached her immediately due to the need to exchange courtesies with Paris first.

Now that Reya and Yed were approaching, he naturally excused himself from Paris with a quiet word and turned to greet the father and daughter.

Seeing the faint dullness in her eyes, which she was clearly forcing herself to overcome, and the slight tension in her jaw, he understood everything at a glance. A gentle smile bloomed on his face.

"Reya, good evening. You look beautiful tonight. That gown truly complements your hair."

His compliment was direct and sincere, free from any trace of frivolity—it was pure, simple appreciation.

The straightforward praise was like a warm current, instantly washing away the gloom and bitterness in Reya’s heart.

The light returned to the young woman’s emerald eyes, and a lovely blush rose on her fair cheeks.

She returned his greeting with a slight curtsy, a barely perceptible lightness in her voice.

"You flatter me, Mr. Jon. Your presence is the most pleasant surprise of the evening."

Jon gave a small nod, then turned slightly and murmured to Rosalind, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

"Go and keep her company, Rosalind. She must have been exhausted these past few days."

Rosalind readily agreed.

She stepped forward and naturally linked arms with Reya.

"Reya, how have you been finding things, handling the Noble Merchant Association’s affairs? Have you run into any trouble?"

Reya, reassured by the familiar gesture of intimacy, felt her heart settle. She leaned closer to Rosalind and mumbled softly.

"Sister Rosalind, with all the stewards helping, things have been going smoothly enough. It’s just... Father is still so strict. He won’t help me at all..."

As she spoke, the young woman shot a subtle glance at the handsome, elegant middle-aged man beside them, causing an awkward smile to flash across his face.

Then Xia and Xina came over to join the two of them, chattering away about topics that interested the young women.

The four of them, conversing in low tones, made their way toward a more secluded terrace. The intermingling flashes of red, silver, and gold hair created a striking scene all on their own.

After Jon and Yed watched them depart, they finally had an opportunity to speak privately.

This was not their first meeting.

The two had spoken privately at length on the very day Jon had recovered and returned to the Golden Maple Leaf Trading House, and they had reached a certain understanding.

It was just that, as a father, watching his own daughter—and Rosalind, whom he also saw as a daughter—both have their hearts set on the young man before him, Yed couldn’t help but feel a touch of bitterness.

However, as the head of the Noble Merchant Association and a follower of the Sun, he maintained his dignified composure and nodded to Jon in greeting.

"We meet again, Mr. Jon."

"You’re too kind, Mr. Yed."

Jon returned the greeting with composure and raised a hand to beckon a nearby attendant.

Soon, two crystal glasses filled with a deep red liquid were presented.

He took one glass and offered it to Yed, then picked up the other for himself. With a gesture, he invited Yed to follow him to a quieter corner by the grand windows.

"Regarding the topic for this evening, what are your thoughts?"