Chapter Thirty-Six: A Visit (Part 1)

Early the next morning, Lando awoke and leisurely enjoyed his breakfast; the pairing of wontons and meat pies left him thoroughly satisfied. After a long period of adjustment, his palate—spoiled by Old Moore’s exquisite cuisine—had finally returned to normal. When he first arrived in this world, no matter what delicacy he faced, it all tasted like chewing wax, a torment he endured for quite some time.

Lando ambled through the city streets. The recent events had cast their shadow—few pedestrians were out, and those he saw were hurrying along, making it difficult to find someone to ask for directions, though he guessed the Brassault family was most likely in the city center.

He found a small food stall tucked away in a corner. Though he had already eaten his fill, he didn’t mind ordering a bit more in exchange for information. After paying for some snacks, Lando inquired with the vendor about the exact address of the Brassault family.

The stall owner, though somewhat bewildered and anxious, nonetheless pointed Lando in the right direction.

After bidding the stall owner farewell, Lando walked toward his destination, nibbling on his snacks as he went.

Arriving at the Brassault estate, Lando observed the guards stationed every few steps—a display of vigilance that made him shrug his shoulders. Under the wary gaze of the gatekeepers, he stepped forward and said, “Inform your young master, Metall, that an old acquaintance has come to visit.”

One of the guards, struck by Lando’s handsome and elegant appearance—dashing, poised, spirited—felt he hardly looked like a troublemaker or someone out for amusement. So he politely asked, “May I have your name, sir, so we can announce you properly?”

Lando considered for a moment before replying, “Just say 'the gentleman with the necklace' is here. Your young master will know who I am.”

The guard found this peculiar but did not press further. He asked Lando to wait and then went to inform his master.

Declining the guard’s invitation to rest in the entrance hall, Lando wandered to the immense stone monument standing in the central square before the gates. It depicted how the Brassault family’s first patriarch, Chahar Brassault, and his followers, carved out Heckel from nothing but hardship and perseverance.

Most of the inscription was factual, though some passages were clearly mythologized, making Lando feel as if he were reading a novel—he found it quite captivating.

While Lando waited outside, the messenger had already brought word to Metall. Metall’s expression darkened; he realized the visitor might be the very handsome, elegant, dashing, spirited man—the demon who had slain Prince Shakars—and he felt uneasy.

He first instructed the messenger to inform his father, then hesitated before summoning the captain of the family guard, asking him to bring a few men along. Though the captain held considerable authority, he knew better than to refuse the young master.

Only then did Metall feel slightly better. He knew, of course, that if the man outside was indeed the one from that fateful day, these few men would hardly make a difference—but he could not avoid going out. The only thing that reassured Metall was that the guest had chosen to visit openly, rather than storming in; this meant there was still room for negotiation.

He straightened his attire and hurried to the gate.

At the entrance, prompted by the gatekeeper, Metall’s gaze fell upon the man standing before the family monument.

His breath caught briefly—he recognized at once the demon from before.

As Metall hesitated between greeting the visitor or turning away, Lando sensed his gaze and looked over.

Forcing a strained smile, Metall stepped forward and greeted, “Welcome, sir. I hadn’t expected you to come to Heckel—it’s truly an honor for the Brassault family!”

In truth, when he first heard of Lando’s visit, Metall’s initial impulse was to mobilize his men for an ambush, but he quickly dismissed the idea. Given the power Lando had displayed in slaying Prince Shakars, if he wished to leave, none in Heckel could stop him. Moreover, Lando’s target that day had clearly been the prince alone. To show hostility toward such a formidable figure without understanding his intentions would be foolish, so Metall decided to take the risk and meet Lando personally.

Lando was oblivious to Metall’s internal calculations, and even if he knew, it would hardly matter.

“I have some matters to discuss. Take me to see your family patriarch, Count Brassault,” Lando said calmly.

A thousand thoughts flashed through Metall’s mind, and then he replied, “You must be aware of the recent events. My father has been extremely busy; even I seldom see him these days. If there’s anything you wish to discuss, you can speak directly with me—after all, I am the future Count Brassault.”

He added, “Of course, I will inform my father of your visit. I’m sure he’ll come meet you as soon as he’s free.”

Lando had no patience for Metall’s excuses and waved his hand dismissively. “Go and inform your father. Don’t make me wait too long.”

Metall had yet to react, but the captain of the guards could not remain silent. Though he could tell from his young master’s behavior that the visitor was no ordinary man, he could not ignore Lando’s attitude—treating the count like a servant to be summoned at will.

Still, he had not reached his position by being a fool. He stepped forward and said in a deep voice, “Sir, the count is not at home at the moment. Perhaps you could leave your address and return for now. When the count is back, we will send someone to invite you.”

At that moment, Lando’s thoughts began to drift. In his previous life, he had never been adept at social maneuvering, which was why he spent years struggling at the bottom. Though his intelligence and social skills had improved markedly in this new life thanks to the elevation of his soul, he still disliked unnecessary intrigue—especially when he held overwhelming power.

So, as his mind wandered, he weighed two options: to force his way in now, or wait until nightfall to do so.

Lando had no particular preference for nighttime violence; the second option existed only because he suspected that storming the count’s mansion would plunge the city into chaos. The noble families would merely hide their treasures, but places like antique shops and auction houses would certainly stash or remove their valuable items, making them much harder to find later.

He wondered if it might be better to collect the easy spoils first, then pay the count a visit.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense and Metall’s heart sank, noticing Lando’s expression becoming increasingly grim, a breathless servant dashed out from the main gate, breaking the impending deadlock.

He whispered a few words to Metall.

Relieved, Metall said, “Sir, my father invites you in. By the way, may I know your name?”

“…Lando.”