Divine System: Land of the Abominations-Chapter 310: Social Relations (2).

The evening wind was cool and calming.

Two days had passed since Nero woke up in Lyon’s infirmary. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

After two days of rest and allowing his mind to finish healing from the damages it had endured, Nero felt much better. His physical injuries might as well have never even existed as there was not even a single scratch left on him.

Standing outside the gates of the enormous estate, Nero felt like he would better belong cleaning the gutters or trimming the hedge fences. There was absolutely no way he could attend as a guest. Seeing the steady stream of well dressed guests entering through the gates, Nero stood transfixed to the spot.

Arthur Koh had said he owed him a drink, and Lyon had been very clear about what ignoring that invitation would mean. So here Nero stood, outside the gates of the Lord of the City’s estate at the center of Liedenstorm, wearing the cleanest clothes he owned and feeling profoundly out of place.

The estate was massive. Much larger than the Red House, and certainly the largest man-made edifice he had ever seen.

Everything about the place screamed affluence and wealth. From the stone walls, to the Black Iron gates, to the fully armed guards in livery who looked out at the crowd coldly from under their steel visors.

One of the guards had gone inside to announce him. As he was not a known figure, he couldn’t just enter into the governor’s mansion, even with an invite.

And so, Nero waited.

The gate opened again after a few minutes, and a servant appeared. An impeccably dressed middle-aged woman with a rather neutral expression.

"Master Nero?" she asked.

Nero nodded clumsily, "Yes."

"Young Lord Arthur is expecting you. Please, follow me."

Nero followed her through the gates and into the estate proper. The grounds were well-maintained and the shrubbery well trimmed.

There was an enormous fountain with the sculpture of a strange crouching being with majestic wings but a hidden face carved from the same white stone as the fountain. There were a few other sculptures littered about, although most of them were not as magnificent as the one on the fountain. Still, there were quite beautiful, even though they did look quite strange.

The main house rose ahead. Nero had never seen a mountain before, but he had heard stories about them. He was quite certain this place was just as magnificent as the mountains he had heard tales about.

The servant led him inside, through a entrance hall that smelled of expensive floral notes he had never smelled in his life and a deep woody aroma. It was quite delightful.

The floors were covered with a red carpet that looked more luxurious than the clothes he had on his back. He was then led down an enormous corridor lined with portraits of stern-looking people who he assumed were all related to Arthur judging from the rather distinct facial features they all seemed to share with the young lord.

"The main party has not begun so I was instructed to bring you to a waiting room." The servant said all of a sudden.

Nero blinked then he laughed wryly,

"Of course, of course."

What else was he supposed to say?

He could only assume that Arthur wanted to have a chat with him before then moved to the main hall where the celebration was being held.

After walking for some time, they finally arrived at an opulent sitting room where Arthur waited.

The young noble looked considerably better than the last time Nero had seen him. He truly did look like a lady’s man— Clean, well-dressed, and incredibly charismatic. He wore a blue dress coat with golden embroidery all the way from the hems to the collar. Nero could see the gold threads sewn into the fabric quite clearly.

’It is definitely expensive.’ Nero thought to himself with a bitter smile.

Arthur stood as Nero entered, a smile crossing his face.

"You actually came. I wasn’t sure you would come."

"How could I refuse an invite from you, my Lord."

Arthur guffawed and smashed Nero across the back,

"None of that talk here! We are brothers after all, are we not?"

Nero nervously laughed while his gaze cautiously shifted to the servant that had led him into the room.

The woman’s expression had not changed. Nero was very worried.

Arthur’s smile widened even further as he gestured to a chair. "Please, sit. I had them bring wine, but if you’d prefer something else—"

"Wine is fine."

Nero sat. The chair was more comfortable than his own bed. He could feel all the tension leaving his body the moment he sat down. Then he looked down at the spread on the table.

All kinds of exotic fruits and snacks he had never seen, as well as a singular bottle of wine were on the table. Arthur poured two glasses from the bottle. The wine was a color he had never seen before. A deep shade of amber, like the sunset. It filled the room with a deep fruity and woody aroma the moment it was poured.

Seeing the curiosity on his face, Arthur chuckled,

"This here is from a new brewery located in Cape Norde. It is a spirit aged in barrels made from the wood of the Rotsap Tree. It is strong stuff."

Nero’s face paled,

"This..."

Arthur chuckled,

"If you cannot handle your wine, then it is fine. I could have them bring out something softer."

Nero shook his head, "It’s fine..."

Then he lifted a glass of the amber colored spirit and raised it to his lips. The harsh taste stung his nose then his tongue and throat.

His eyes widened. However, the next moment, the harsh flavors mellowed down to a softer, much more pleasant taste and aroma.

"This is good..." He muttered softly.

Arthur leaned back in his seat with his own glass in hand and a dubious smile,

"It is, isn’t it. That makes it quite dangerous, you know. Before you know it, you’ll get lost in the wine and will become a hedonistic young Lord just like me." He said with a laugh.

Nero chuckled wryly. He didn’t have much to say to that.

There was a brief moment of silence. Then Arthur spoke,

"I’ll be blunt— the trials will soon begin and I will need people on my side, Nero."

He paused for a moment then sat up. Taking a sip from his cup, he gently set it on the table, producing a soft clink sound.

"To survive in the church mwans having powerful allies. Those without backing will end up being used as fodder, sent to die meaninglessly. As a son of the house of Koh, it is my duty to preserve my life for as long as possible. Even my father can’t do much for help in that regard."

Hos gave was rather serious as he turned it to Nero,

"I suggest we form an alliance. We become brothers in arms on the battlefield and in the inner courts. You have all to gain and little to lose from such an alliance, Nero."

Nero’s expression didn’t change,

"Will this involve me giving up my freedom in exchange?"

Arthur bluntly nodded,

"We will be brothers tied in all but blood. In the name of our survival."

Nero grimaced, "I see. Who else will be part of this brotherhood?"

Arthur chuckled, "I put out the suggestion to Jacob Brimm. He doesn’t have a bad opinion of the idea, although I can tell he has his fears. We all can discuss of this more when he arrives."

Arthur quickly added, "I am not forcing you. Loyalty also cannot be bought. What I am asking of you, is if you are willing to put your trust in the bonds men that are little more than strangers can form."

Nero couldn’t help but chuckle. Indeed, they were little more than strangers.

They had only known one another for a day. In fact, less than.

Nero didn’t think they had shared any particularly strong bonds during that time as well. However, he could sense something beneath Arthur’s words.

He was being genuine about this request of his.

"Can I dwell on your proposal a bit? I will give you an answer before the night ends."

Arthur huffed a sigh of relief. Then he nodded,

"Good, good. We have ourselves a deal!" He said, stretching his hand out.

Nero smiled and stretched out a hand as well.