"Young master? I didn’t expect to be called like that" Daniel raised an eyebrow when he heard the title Arvenia used to address him.
"After all, you are the eldest son of the man my master once served, and still serves. It would be disrespectful for me to address you in any other way," Arvenia replied with a polite smile.
"Suit yourself," Daniel didn’t really care how she addressed him. He was here because he had questions to ask, and apparently, he might have to answer a few as well.
Diana, sitting beside them, looked between the two with visible confusion, especially at her older sister. She had never once imagined seeing her elder sister act so respectfully toward anyone, and for a moment, it was hard for her to even process the sight.
Arvenia noticed her younger sister’s expression but said nothing. Unlike Diana, she had personally seen Daniel’s father and witnessed the way her own master respected him.
So, showing her respect was the least she could do.
"Young master, I’ve heard from my junior sister that you can’t come to the Central Continent for now. Is there a specific reason?"
"I already told her. Before I come, I want to conquer the fourth floor of the Tower and at least reach a level where I can protect myself," Daniel replied, then asked in return,
"Though, if I remember right, I was supposed to meet a projection of your master instead of you. Did something happen?"
Hearing that, Diana looked curiously at her senior sister as well. She didn’t know what had happened either. As far as she knew, their master was supposed to send a projection, not Arvenia herself.
And it was surprising, this was the first time her sister had dared to stay in this country for so long. She had always been cautious, worried that their enemies might notice something unusual.
"Unfortunately, something came up. Those bastards summoned the master for questioning. She couldn’t come, and she was afraid that if she sent a projection, they might detect your presence," Arvenia sighed as she explained.
"What kind of problem?" Daniel frowned.
"Your father’s enemies accused the master of searching for your father’s remnants, and that’s considered a crime."
"Is she in danger?"
"Of course not. Even though it’s technically a crime, at worst it’ll just restrict her movements a little. Still, they have to be careful when dealing with her. Otherwise, your father’s old subordinates might reappear, and that’s the last thing they want."
Daniel nodded in understanding. He didn’t know exactly how powerful his father’s subordinates were, but to have served the first man who ever conquered the ninth floor and reached the tenth... they must have been extraordinary.
It made sense that his father’s enemies wouldn’t want to break the current balance or start a conflict.
"But who exactly are they, my father’s enemies?"
Arvenia didn’t answer right away; she seemed hesitant. It made sense. The topic involved beings who stood at the very top of the world.
"I’m sure you already know," she finally said.
"They’re the Sit Holders of the Guardian Council, the ones who currently rule this world."
Daniel went silent. He had suspected as much, and had even heard it hinted before, but hearing it confirmed still made him sigh.
So, his future enemies were demi-gods... and not just any, but the ones who literally governed the world?
"Don’t worry," Arvenia said with a mysterious smile, as if she knew something.
"Sooner or later, you’ll reach their level. And you’re not alone. All of your father’s true friends will stand with you."
"You know it right?" Daniel suddenly said, then started laughing quietly.
"Huh? Know what?"
"You know what my father he gained when he conquered the ninth floor, the thing he was attacked for. Tell me, please. What is it?"
Arvenia fell silent again, her expression unreadable. After a moment, she simply smiled.
"I can’t tell you. But just know... that thing is with you."
This time, Daniel went quiet. With him?
What could she possibly mean by that?
Wait... could it be—?
"Young master," Arvenia broke the silence, "if you don’t mind me asking, are you really sure you want to stay here? You could come to the Central Continent to conquer the fourth floor. With your talent and potential, any delay in this small country is simply a waste."
"I already told you. I can’t come yet. Aside from conquering the fourth floor, I have other things to take care of. Besides, it’s not like the Celestial Domain doesn’t exist here. But why are you so insistent on this?" Daniel shook his head, giving the same answer as before.
Aside from the Tower, he still had duties toward the Everlight Moon Guild, they had helped him greatly, and it was time he repaid that favor, even if just a little.
He also needed to settle a few grudges.
"Diana and I will be leaving the country soon, and we probably won’t see you for quite a while. Staying here any longer could become dangerous, and Diana’s absence is starting to raise suspicion," Arvenia explained.
"What? I can finally leave this dump?" Diana, who had been standing off to the side, lit up with excitement at her sister’s words.
Her sister ignored her, not responding, but that didn’t dampen Diana’s enthusiasm.
She had wanted to escape this place for a long time but couldn’t because of their master’s orders. Now, finally, she could return home.
"I see. But my answer won’t change. When the time comes, I’ll come find you all myself," Daniel replied.
"If that’s your final decision, then I won’t try to change it. Take care of yourself, and if anything happens, you can contact me through this."
Arvenia took out a talisman from her inventory and handed it to Daniel.
"Use it only in emergencies. If you’re ever in danger, I’ll come immediately."
Daniel thanked her. They exchanged a few more words before saying their goodbyes, and the two women soon left.
After they were gone, Daniel returned to his room and lay down on his bed.
He placed the talisman in his inventory and stared up at the ceiling.
"I guess Mom’s going to be upset for a while," he murmured to himself before drifting off to sleep.