His gaze quietly fixed on a team of Royal Knights that appeared at the port at some unknown time, and he felt a twinge of anxiety rising in his heart.

If he couldn't pass the apprentice knight exam again and missed the age to be selected for the Royal Boy Scouts, his mother would once more nag him about becoming Uncle Thebes' squire.

Although Uncle Thebes was a decent person and a relative of their family, who would never send him to fight demons with a bayonet, being a squire was a job for peasants. How could he possibly do that!

Sofia gently reminded him in a soft voice.

"Mr. Hillfin is not just any artist... He has sculpted statues for the Emperor. If you have his recommendation, you could go straight into the Royal Knight Order without any problem."

Lucian instantly shut his mouth.

And at that moment, the welcoming ceremony at the dock had come to an end.

The esteemed Mr. Hillfin seemed unwilling to keep the guests who had traveled from afar waiting, and the procession quickly left the dock, escorted by the Royal Knight Order.

The crowd, having feasted their eyes, dispersed like pigeons satisfied and content, with leisurely smiles on their faces.

The excitement was over.

Time to get back to work.

However—

Edmond felt despair.

"I told you we should've left earlier to get a spot in the front!" Anna complained sharply, watching in frustration as Prince Colin boarded the Hillfin family carriage, "Now look, he went straight into the Hillfin's carriage without even glancing at us!"

Sofia too wore a face of disappointment, gently tucking her hair behind her ear. She had prepared for today for a whole month, not only carefully applying a subtly designed makeup but also donning the white dress that most resembled a 'noble lady', just to earn a single glance from Mr. Colin.

Unfortunately—

They never even exchanged glances.

"Alright, alright, now is not the time for mutual complaints..." Edmond interrupted them, feeling headachy. He was also upset but had to maintain a gentlemanly demeanor on the surface.

Watching as the carriage disappeared into the distance, leaving behind those who were forgotten, Edmond muttered in deep disappointment.

"Colin... Ha, truly a noble one, how could he remember us humble folks..."

He seemed to have forgotten that between him and Prince Colin there was no established connection, and so far, the ties between the Dantes family and the Colin family were merely wishful thinking on his part.

Sir Edmond Dantes shook his head, preparing to leave, but before he could take a step, a young and clear voice from behind gently interrupted him.

"Excuse me, are you... Sir Edmond Dantes?"

Edmond looked up abruptly, seeing a young man standing in front of them. He had a tall posture, a sword at his waist, and wore a purple standard short cloak.

His skin was sun-tanned, looking like a sailor who had spent years at sea, but the purple cape couldn't hide his nobility.

In the Imperial realm, purple dye was the most expensive, and rarely would nobles use it on servants.

"And you are?" Edmond instinctively adopted a cautious tone, bringing out the restraint he used when facing important figures.

Lumier smiled gently, speaking politely and neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"I am an attendant of Mr. Colin. He told me that Sir Edmond Dantes is a very important guest, and specifically asked me to meet you here."

Edmond stood there dazed for two seconds until Anna's elbow nudged him, snapping him back to reality. His dejected expression instantly transformed as if clouds cleared after rain, dissipating the gloom weighing on his eyebrows.

"Prince Colin personally instructed you to come? Haha! I knew it, he definitely remembers us, we have bonds thicker than water!"

Edmond looked at his family with joy, brimming with pride, and his voice resounded loud enough, seemingly wanting all those who once looked down on them to hear.

Those present wore various expressions—Anna rolled her eyes, yet her pinched mouth eased. Sofia felt slightly embarrassed, signaling her father with her eyes, hinting for him to stay calm.

Emily and François were too young to fully grasp what this meant for their family; they just followed their father in silly happiness.

Eldest son Lucian was however breathing fast.

Especially thinking back to what sister Sofia had just said—Mr. Hillfin was no ordinary artist, a single recommendation letter could send him into the Royal Knight Order.

Considering Uncle Colin's relationship with Hillfin, in other words... was getting into the Royal Knight Order now a guaranteed matter for him?!

He swallowed excitedly, almost wanting to recognize Colin as his own father!

Watching the family leaving him on the sidelines, Lumier felt awkward but didn't hold it against them, gently coughing.

"If you don't have anyone else to wait for... Could we perhaps speak in private?"

Edmond quickly turned to Lumier, face full of smiles.

"Of course! Please follow me, Mr. Lumier! You're here to take us to Mr. Hillfin's estate, right? We—"

"We'll first go to your home, of course."

Lumier interrupted him, speaking politely yet firmly.

"Prince Colin has prepared a gift for you, but before that... There are a few matters I need to confirm first."

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