They were all monsters whose thoughts and feelings were vastly different from typical Humans.
They have all surpassed the ’limits of Humans’, reaching the ’Fourth Energy Level’ strong, as well as a genius destined to advance to the Fourth Energy Level in the future.
Marquis Barton did not know the answer.
He waited for the Prophet’s arrival.
Time passed, as the sun gradually set, the glory of the sunset illuminating, and the skyship slowly descended.
Not far away, in the city center square, the citizens were already waiting. Nauman City Hall had arranged drinks and fruits, as well as freely accessible cakes and cheap meat; this was a celebration, a celebration of the Prophet’s return.
Officials from the Spirit Wisdom Institute and the Imperial Nobility Hall walked out of the skyship one by one, standing respectfully on either side, forming a path. The Knights stood silently, holding long spears to guard, and behind them, a young man with a slender build and a smiling face walked out of the skyship.
His eyes were a gentle watery green, long hair pure white and clear, hanging at his waist, with the family emblem of Silver Peak embroidered on his white robe; a layer of hard-to-see ice blue ripple covered his body, vaguely condensing into a hazy star behind him.
He already had a Heart Light Body, and the aura of the Fae was even more intense... indeed, compared to a Human, he was more like a Fae; how could Falling Star City let go of such a genius?
Fortunately, he was a Fae that the Empire could accept; if it were Dragon Island, even with an ancient contract, the Imperial Capital would have been furious.
The Prophet smiled as he surveyed all those welcoming him, those who bowed to him, flanking him with the Knights and officials — even the Nobles were among them.
The Nobles of South Ridge were mostly Barons, with only a few Viscounts scattered at the Southern Sea, Southeastern Sea, and the Western Mountain Range junctions, serving as overseers of the exiled lands. South Ridge had no Earl, only a Marquis Governor, which was proof that South Ridge was not fully developed and not considered ’royal land’.
And now, the first Earl of South Ridge was born.
Right in front of their eyes.
So even those Nobles elevated to local emperors in their territories did not hesitate to come to Nauman City to welcome this Earl who represented a new signal, a new era returning... to welcome the Prophet who guided their path.
Marquis Barton is old; who will rule the South Ridge in the future is something everyone knows in their hearts.
Marquis Barton stood at the end of the carpet through the skyship passage as the white-haired Earl walked down the skyship steps, stepping onto the carpet.
The young man raised his head and saw the old man.
——Will he respect me?
——Can he understand me?
——Can he grasp the significance of this reception?
——Can he comprehend why I, Barton Hennil, summoned all Nobles and officials of South Ridge to this place to greet him, to convey what message? ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖~𝙣𝙚𝙩
All thoughts drifted away like dandelions in the wind.
Because the young man’s delighted voice shattered all confusion.
The Prophet, who should have been solemn and steady, embodying the South Ridge’s grandeur, upon seeing his old superior, opened his arms joyfully and stepped forward quickly: "You actually came to greet me, this makes me so happy and ashamed."
"I had planned to visit you voluntarily; you really didn’t need to personally come here to receive me!"
He was so earnest, so genuinely heartfelt — if Marquis Barton hadn’t been able to see through the overly sincere, hence slightly fake, performance, he might have been moved.
Even seeing through it, he was still moved.
Stepping forward, Marquis Barton extended his arms to embrace the quickly approaching young White Folks, vigorously patting his back. The old man whispered softly by the other’s ear: "You are still as smart, as understanding, as deeply thoughtful."
"Even knowing you’re acting, that you harbored no good intentions, yet still truly liking you deep down."
"Such praise, my Lord."
To this, the young man’s sincere voice rose: "You are the one who is so rational, so strategic and daring in making choices, earning my deep admiration."
"Only someone as wise as you deserves my genuine respect."
They released their embrace.
Ian Silverpeak seemingly cared not about his Earl title, the Prophet position that allowed him to stand on equal footing with any Imperial Noble; he deeply bowed to Marquis Barton, showing the respect of a junior to a senior: "If not for the Marquis’s great kindness and support, I would not have achieved what I have today."
——He still respects me.
——He completely grasped my meaning, comprehended my thoughts.
Thus, in his heart, Marquis Barton also bowed his head.
Thus the smarter, the more cunning one is, the more respect they show to others.
This might be the true meaning of respect — both parties bow their heads together, understand each other deeply, achieve mutual success.
Hence allowing cooperation, climbing to higher peaks.
——My King, do you still respect me, hence bestowing the Earl title upon Ian, enabling me not to be in vain and not tarnish my later years?
Perhaps. Marquis Barton stopped pondering these matters.
"All this is due to your own efforts and talent. Silver Peak Earl, please come, everyone is waiting for you."
Pattering Ian’s shoulder, Marquis Barton signaled others to follow, then turned around, walking side by side toward the City Hall: "The citizens on the square are still celebrating; later you have a speech, which is long planned."