Chapter 221 Visiting The Family Mansion
Raydon had the expectation that the people who were going to pick him up from his place would arrive on the day that the celebration that had been planned was going to take place. However, to his surprise, Galen had arrived not only one day earlier than anticipated but also in person.
He thought this was interesting, so he went down to check it out.
''Hey, cousin. How have you been since we last spoke? '' Galen welcomed Raydon with open arms and a warm smile.
Dan and the others would have been shocked to see Galen refer to Raydon in such a casual way as his cousin. Thankfully, everyone was elsewhere working on their training, and there weren't many people around. And, these individuals were so intimidated by Raydon's aura that they refrained from even glancing in his direction, let alone attempting to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Raydon remarked, with a wry smile, " I thought the big day was tomorrow."
''Ehm, about that. '' Galen cleared his throat and continued, averting his gaze. ''They said they have a few things they want to talk to you about, so I just came to ask if you could come a little early. ''
He had previously explained to him that he was only required to appear during the celebration, and he had managed to persuade him that there was no need for him to show up any earlier. Raydon had ultimately accepted this call from his family for his own benefit, and it was unreasonable to expect him to go back to the house where he had previously been exiled just because they were related.
In addition to this, it is not in the best interest of the Demugen Family for them to coerce him into returning to the mansion. Because Raydon responding to their call was already a positive development for them, they decided to send Galen back to try and persuade him once more.
''I'm not sure what they want to discuss, but... ''
While Galen was trying to explain the situation, Raydon cut him off. " Don't worry, I know very well the reason. ''
Then he opened the car door, climbed in, and settled in. ''Let's go. '' And said.
''Uh, okay. '' Galen was taken aback by Raydon's lack of concern and relaxed demeanor; nevertheless, he didn't squander any time and hurriedly got into the car.
'So, they have some suspicions, huh? ' As the car started to move, Raydon thought to himself as he looked out the window of the vehicle.
It was a big deal for the Demugen Family to introduce him publicly again as a member of the family, and before they do that, they needed to understand how much his importance is to them.
The likelihood that someone like Raydon or Dan, who they later learned, would awaken as item holders without anyone's assistance was less than one in a thousand, so they already knew Raydon had a high-ranking item holder behind him.
Also, killing a member of the blood organization and erasing the entire territory from the map required the authority and power of a high-ranking item holder, as even a family like theirs would hesitate before attacking a member of this infamous organization.
Therefore, Raydon was sure that the source of their suspicion was not the existence or nonexistence of the high-ranking item holder in question but rather the proximity of Raydon's relationship to the individual in question.
'All I have to do is prove my worth to them, right? ' As Raydon continued to think, he noticed his own twisted grin reflected in the window.
—
After a leisurely hour's drive, the vehicle carrying Raydon finally came upon a large iron gate adorned with intricate embroidery, allowing them entry to a large garden that was surrounded by high concrete walls and iron bars.
As they drove along the meticulously crafted granite path and passed by a colorful array of red flowers lining the way, he could not help but take in the magnificent surroundings. At the end of the path stood a magnificent structure that resembled a palace, whose splendor and beauty would mesmerize anyone who beheld it.
Raydon had the thought, 'They really know how to show off their wealth. '
The building exuded an air of wealth and prestige thanks to its use of the highest quality materials throughout its construction, as well as the intricate designs and artistic flourishes that adorned its interior and exterior. Its walls were towering and painted in a pristine white color, while the golden pillars and ornate decorations hinted at the family's vast fortune and power.
As they approached the mansion's entrance, Raydon noticed a large crowd of people standing on either side of the road leading up to the mansion. It appeared as though the individuals, who were all dressed in maid and servant uniforms, were waiting for them to arrive. They stood in straight lines, their expressions stern and professional, creating an imposing sight for anyone entering the Demugen family's abode.
It appeared as though the servants had been waiting for some time because they had arranged themselves into neat rows and columns, demonstrating an impressive level of discipline and organization. If someone other than Raydon were to see this, they would probably be overcome with awe and intimidation as they took in the vast number of people who had gathered to greet them.
'Moreover, they exude a strong aura. Are they also item holders? ' Raydon had a thought as he observed the hundreds of people milling around dressed in mundane servant garb. He was able to sense the powerful aura that emanated from all of them, albeit not to the same extent as that of Belicia and Tika.
It would appear that the Demugen family had been looking forward to Raydon's arrival for some time and had prepared a low-key welcome for him in an effort to intimidate him.
Even though he didn't care about their little show, the sight of it still surprised him. The fact that even a small family could wield so much influence and power was a significant indication of their position and authority in this world.
The servants made a show of respect and deference by bowing their heads in unison as the car approached the entrance to the building.
'This is really something representing a true power, ' Raydon mused.
All of these people were likely F-Rank item holders, but the fact that they all bowed their heads in respect and greeted another F-Rank item holder was evidence of the great power that was responsible for making them do this.