The gate behind the drawbridge creaked open, and a black carriage glided into Fir Castle like a ghost. The atmosphere inside the castle seemed to fall into a hush. Mercenaries paused and looked on, knowing full well:
The young lord had returned!
With Yuta still at the Shafelund Mine, no one had yet brought news of the underground events. However, everyone in the castle knew that Brand had silently taken control of the mine with only over twenty men.
What a masterful tactic!
Though the young lord's abilities were already known, this feat once again reinforced his omnipotent image.
When Brand opened the carriage door, he saw the castle, still cloaked in silence and greenery even in late autumn. The first owner had carefully selected tree species to ensure the castle remained lush at this time of year. Not much had changed since he left. The only notable change was the removal of many of Gruding's personal touches; the curtains had been uniformly changed to the beige he liked.
