[AFYC] Chapter 57

The Royal Palace of Luxen.

Seo Ah held her breath as she gazed at the two towering pillars. Each was adorned with a golden eagle, each with two heads, an image both striking and imposing. The carriage circled halfway around the grand circular plaza before diverting onto a long road lined with the broad-leaved trees, she had seen so frequently in Felphe. After some time, the carriage began to follow the riverside, eventually passing by a thousand-year-old cathedral before, quite suddenly, the Reinhardt estate came into view.

Tall trees with dense foliage stood behind a high, iron-fenced wall.

The carriage paused momentarily before proceeding through the slowly opening iron gates. As they entered the shadowed avenue beneath the thick canopy, Seo Ah felt a strange sensation, almost as if she were sinking beneath the surface of a lake. Despite the windows being closed, she could almost feel the coolness of the shade.

On either side of the road, the scenery resembled a dense forest. Sunlight occasionally broke through the thick shadows cast by the trees, illuminating patches of vibrant green grass that seemed to glow with a golden hue. Then, as if the forest had abruptly ended, the carriage emerged into a wide-open space, prompting Seo Ah to gasp in awe.

“Wow.”

Abel smiled; his tone filled with pride as if he were welcoming her to his own home.

“Welcome to the Reinhardt Estate.”

The expansive grounds seemed to stretch endlessly before her, with two grand buildings facing each other across a vast courtyard adorned with flowers, lawns, and fountains in the distinctive style of East Norfolk. The carriage followed a path along the edge of the garden, heading toward the building directly ahead. Gradually, it slowed to a stop.

Looking out the opposite window, Seo Ah noticed a middle-aged woman standing at the entrance of the building.

Abel was the first to alight, and the door was promptly opened from the outside. A cool breeze carrying the fresh scent of grass rushed in. Seo Ah hesitated briefly before stepping out of the carriage, noticing Abel offering his hand once more. This time, she gently declined in a soft whisper.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“…”

After several failed attempts to subtly grasp her hand, Abel could only smile while the other wolves around them stifled their laughter. However, they refrained from making eye contact with each other, wary of the middle-aged woman who had come to greet Seo Ah.

“Welcome to the Reinhardt Estate.”

The woman’s disposition was as cold and stern as if someone had personified steel. Her silver-grey hair and deep blue eyes, which almost appeared navy, matched her severe black dress, which resembled a woman’s version of a formal suit. Her entire presence exuded an air of lightness and strength as if she had stripped away all unnecessary elements, leaving only what was essential.

Seo Ah’s gaze met the woman’s deep blue eyes, which were devoid of emotion yet possessed a strength that felt strangely familiar. Seo Ah clasped her hands together and offered a small greeting.

“Hello.”

The woman’s eyes glanced down at Seo Ah with a cool, detached expression. This was Barbara, the seasoned wolf who guarded the Reinhardt Estate. The young wolves, including Abel, held their breath as the wind stirred between the wolves and the foreigner.

Barbara was the first to move.

“His Excellency has informed us of your arrival. Please, follow me inside.”

With a sweep of her gaze over the assembled wolves, Barbara turned and led the way. The wolves, who had been standing at attention like soldiers, immediately dispersed to their respective positions.

As Barbara walked, Seo Ah followed, lifting her gaze to take in the imposing structure before her.

The building, which had seemed immense from a distance, felt even more overwhelming up close. Flanking the tall entrance were two large, black stone statues of wolves. The statues were life-sized, capturing the wolves in mid-stride as if they might spring to life at any moment.

As they passed beneath the wolf statues and entered the mansion, Seo Ah noticed a distinct change in the temperature, as though the very air inside was different.

It was as if she had stepped into a temple of a god who ruled over the underworld.

Unlike the pale stone exterior of the mansion, the interior was made of a glossy black material that resembled polished raven feathers. As soon as they entered, the wide, long staircase was visible, as were the intricately carved bannisters. Even the floor was a deep, gleaming black.