Chapter 446: Ambermind
446 Ambermind
The twin moons cast a silvery glow over the posh district of Ravenfell known as Uptown Quarter.
On the eastern part of this district, a grand manor with an imposing structure of dark stones and elegant gothic spires stood proudly amidst the lush and verdant garden and winding cobblestoned paths.
Oil lampposts lined the driveway, their warm and flickering lights illuminating the arrival of the aristocracy of Ravenfell.
A procession of carriages, each more extravagant than the last, rolled up to the grand entrance of Ambermind Manor.
Footmen dressed in clean clothes hurried to open the doors, helping the distinguished guests to alight from the carriages.
The ladies wearing gowns of silk and velvet, adorned with intricate embroidery, stepped gracefully onto the gravel. The colors of their gowns were deep emerald, sapphire, and amethyst, shimmering under the lights of the lanterns.
Whereas the gentlemen wore doublets and jerkins underneath their fur mantles that proudly displayed the symbol of their noble houses. Their shoes were typically pointed and made from leather.
Moreover, they also wore a variety of headgear, including berets and round-brimmed hats adorned with feathers and jewels.
The fashion sense of the aristocrats in Ravenfell was influenced by the rich cultural environment. Due to the interest of the residents in art, literature, and philosophy, the importance of an individual was greatly emphasized.
This focus on individual expression was thus reflected in the elaborate and highly personalized clothing of the nobility.
The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the tantalizing aroma of fine tobacco. The fact that the most prominent aristocrats of the city had gathered in this manor today undoubtedly made it the place to be.
Moreover, this also spoke volumes about the connection and influence that Daneli held in the city despite being someone from the Baja High Forest.
After showing the invitation card at the entrance, Adam leisurely made his way toward his friend's manor. Looking around at the people dressed in luxurious clothing, the youth was quite surprised.
Daneli has such influence in Ravenfell? Or rather, why are these nobles trying so hard to suck up to him? Could it be that the bastard hails from a prominent household in Baja?
Adam's mind wondered about his friend's background as he ascended the white marble steps leading to the manor's main entrance.
He was wearing a doublet over a white linen shirt with high collars. It was made of dark green velvet and was adorned with intricate golden embroidery.
Over the doublet, he wore a sleeveless jerkin that featured elaborate decorations of leaves and vines. He wore black, tight-fitted trousers to go along with it, plus leather boots of the same color.
Last but not least, he wore an emerald shoulder cape that covered only his right arm and shoulders.
His outfit had been personally designed by one of Daneli's people. The elf had strictly forbidden the youth to come in his regular black magus robes.
Although Adam deeply loved black garments, he didn't mind the clothes he was wearing right now. Furthermore, he had shaved his face and neatly combed his raven hair for this formal event, making him appear very striking—despite his plain facial appearance.
Moreover, his jet-black eyes further added to his enigmatic aura.
Upon entering through the towering oak doors, he stepped into the grand foyer along with the rest of the people. While the people were admiring the manor's luxurious interior, Adam made his way toward the ballroom with great familiarity.
So many people here, it's suffocating, Adam grumbled inwardly. I'd rather be on the battlefield surrounded by my enemies.
As he walked along the sides of the ballroom, away from the lively crowd, the large crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling cast a warm and golden glow, brightly illuminating the magnificent portraits hanging from the wall.
Adam glanced at these paintings depicting scenes of myths and legends relating to the elves of Baja High Forst and thought to himself, I should take some time out from my busy schedule and practice that painting technique.
Haa... so much to do, yet so little time.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out to him. "Adam! Is that really you?"
Adam turned his head in the direction of the voice and was pleasantly surprised to see his friend, John Rodriquez, walking toward him with a cheerful smile.
"John, it's been a while," he patted the black-haired and brown-eyed young man's shoulder.
"You look... so different!" John gazed at Adam's new appearance with his mouth agape. "Looks like you really dressed for the occasion."
"Eh, it's whatever," Adam waved his hand and spoke nonchalantly. However, inwardly he couldn't help but feel smug. "Anyway, let's go to the refreshment room. I'm very thirsty."
"Okay!" John readily agreed.
In Ravenfell, whenever soirees or balls were held, drinks and food were generally served in designated areas such as a drawing room or a refreshment room, separate from the main ballroom where the dancing took place.
Adam and John chatted with each other as they entered the refreshment room. On one side of the room, long sideboards and buffets were properly organized, displaying an array of fine wines, sherries, and brandies.
In addition to the sideboards, several smaller tables were organized around the room where fresh and delicious food items were kept.
As the pair took a glass of wine each for themselves, John glanced at Adam and curiously asked, "So how do you know Daneli Ambermind? Honestly, I didn't expect you to be here."
"Old friend," Adam replied casually as he sipped wine.
The next moment, his brows furrowed a little as the taste of the liquor wasn't up to the standard. The wine he brewed was countless times superior to the one he was having.
Meanwhile, John was speechless and asked, "Really? You're old friends with him?"
Adam glanced at him and asked in puzzlement, "Yeah? What's so great about it?"
John's lips twitched. "Are you feigning ignorance? Or you really don't know?"
"No, seriously, I don't know."
John stared deeply at the raven-haired youth before sighing. His next words truly astonished Adam.
"Just like how the Four Pillars support the Acadian Empire, the Baja High Forest also has something similar - The Four Great Clans.
"And one of the Four Clans...
"Is the Ambermind Clan!"