Imperial Crown.

Chapter 47 "Warm" Family Dinner
Everyone in the manor began to get busy for Miss Nancy's "ambition", while Eagle Territory continued to operate in an orderly manner.

Only two days had passed before the new subjects had already started construction, rebuilding roads and building warehouses.

Although the original residents of Eagle Town are the main force, these newcomers also play a significant role, and their burst of vitality is astonishing.

The men were responsible for helping out and providing some technical or experience assistance, while the women were responsible for cooking and mending clothes. Even the children were allowed to go out to pick some wild fruits and vegetables.

Although I don’t make much money, at least I can ensure I have enough food to eat.

On the same day, Philip brought the five leatherworkers that Raven needed, and the production of Warcraft leather armor was officially put on the agenda.

According to these craftsmen, it only takes half a month of tanning, after which mass production can be carried out at a rate of 3-5 sets per day.

Along with these craftsmen, there were also this month's first-level magic cores, totaling 28.

Therefore, Raven's afternoon equestrian training turned into research on magic cores in the dungeon.

During this process, Raven repeatedly tested and confirmed that the strange purple-black aura in the magic core, which is the "essence of corrupted souls" mentioned in "The Path of the Mage", can be separated out by his mental power with the help of the Eye of Truth.

Although at the beginning there was still about 7% of the essence of corrupt souls that could not be completely filtered out, but after two days of practice and the sacrifice of 14 domestic pigs, this number had dropped to 4%.

The day is just around the corner when the energy in the magic core can be safely used on living people.

The "Essence of Corrupted Souls" was not wasted. According to the method provided in "The Path of the Mage", Raven stored it in a small bottle made of natural crystal.

Typically, mages use it as an enchantment ingredient for magic involving curses.

However, Raven values ​​another function of it more...

The time came to the 4th day after receiving the subjects, which was October 10nd.

Raven and Denise sat in the dining room, waiting for dinner to start.

Today, Denise was wearing a rather homely green gauze dress, her makeup was elegant and delicate, and there was a smile on the corner of her mouth.

Since taking control of the financial power of Eagle Territory, she has to deal with more and more affairs, but her spirits are getting better day by day. She is simply a born workaholic.

Even before the meal, he did not forget to discuss some details with Raven: "The invitations are almost ready. I plan to enclose some samples with the letter. What do you think?"

"Not a bad idea." Raven's eyes fell on her fair collarbone: "Angel's Embrace and Angel's Tears are both easy to say, but Angel's Kiss..."

Denise lifted her clothes to cover her collar: "Why, can't the production keep up?"

"On the one hand." Raven nodded and said, "On the other hand, there is not enough suitable packaging."

"Angel's Kiss is a true high-end luxury product. It is impossible to give the same weight as the finished product in the sample. However, with the current glass technology, it is impossible to make the small bottle I want."

Hearing this, Denise showed an inexplicable smile on her face.

Raven asked in surprise, "What are you laughing at?"

The smile on Denise's face grew wider. "I'm laughing at you, Baron! You're so smart most of the time, but you get confused over these little details."

"What do you mean?" Raven still didn't respond.

“Why bother with the sample? Can’t you just use the Angel’s Kiss bottle and put a drop in it?” Denise explained.

"Of course..." After saying three words, Raven's face suddenly showed realization, and then he laughed with a slight self-deprecating tone.

Yeah, why not?

The idea that cosmetic samples must be in small bottles was a stereotype left in his mind by memories of his previous life.

But in the Middles Continent, perfume is his exclusive invention, so isn't it him who has the final say on what to use to hold the samples?

Thinking of this, Raven said, "The gift that comes with the letter is a newly packaged bottle of Angel's Tears and a drop of Angel's Kiss."

"A whole bottle? Is it necessary to go to this extent?" Denise was a little confused: "And what about Angel's Embrace?"

Raven smiled smugly and said, "Everyone knows that Angel's Tears are very expensive, but the sample sent with it only has one drop. What does this mean?"

"Oh..." Denise nodded slowly: "This is to show the preciousness of Angel's Kiss!"

At this point, her eyes lit up even more. “Moreover, mentioning Angel’s Embrace on the invitation without giving out gifts can actually make potential customers curious and expectant.”

"That's it!" Raven nodded heavily, then lowered his voice and quietly touched the back of Denise's hand with one hand: "How about you spare some time tonight, and let's decide on the style of the invitation together?"

Denise was immersed in her own world and was completely unaware of Raven's movements. Just as the latter was about to succeed, a maid hurried in:
"My Lord Baron, Lady Denise."

"Master Weisdong is back."

Denise immediately came back to her senses and asked with a hint of surprise, "Really?"

Raven rubbed his nose angrily.

I didn’t expect that this cheap brother would actually come back and dare to come back.

It just happened to be at this time!
Judging from Denise's behavior, this doesn't seem like something she arranged. So what is the reason?

"Hmm..." Raven hesitated for a moment and said, "Since he's back, let's ask him to come over and have something to eat together."

Soon, with slightly heavy footsteps, Weisdon appeared in the restaurant.

Raven looked at this "brother" carefully.

Weisdon was not short to begin with, and now after three months, his height has exceeded 3 meters. His originally round body has become much thinner, and although he is still fat, he looks much more energetic.

His round face hasn't changed much, but his expression has become much more serious and no longer so playful.

What Raven cared about most was his right hand. The arm that was chopped off by the bandits was now replaced by an alchemical prosthesis, hanging casually at his waist.

If you didn't know the truth, at first glance it would look like his own arm.

But if you look closely, you will find that this arm does not move, and the skin is stiff and lacks texture like a dead person.

Even though it's not a magic item, it's so realistic that its price would probably be no less than 300 gold coins.

It seems that even after what happened last time, Denise still takes good care of her son.

With a smile on his face, Weisdong bowed and said, "Mother!"

Then he turned his gaze to Raven's face, a trace of fear and resistance flashed in his eyes, but he still tried his best to maintain his tone, swallowed his saliva and saluted: "... Baron."

"Hmm." Raven nodded in return and pointed to the empty seat to his right: "Take a seat."

Sitting next to Raven awkwardly, Visdon was about to speak when he saw Raven's mouth curl up into a sly smile, then immediately turned serious and said in a low voice:
"It's a rare opportunity to have a meal together, shall we say a prayer before the meal?"

As he spoke, he raised both of his hands.

This is a tradition that dates back to the founding of the empire.

The family members gathered together, holding hands, and prayed before eating, expressing their piety to the Lord of Light together, and symbolizing that the relationship between the family is one and unbreakable.

The person who initiates the prayer can only and must be the "head of the family".

Weisdon was suddenly at a loss.

He also knew the meaning of this action and had participated in this ritual.

But the host at that time was Donald!

Now, the place is still the same and the people are basically the same.

That is, the host changed from Donald to Raven.

This...what is going on?!
He really didn't want to suffer this loss, so he looked to his mother for help, but Denise had already placed her hand on Raven's palm.

It’s not that Denise doesn’t know the details, but who makes Raven the head of the Griffith family now?
She really had no reason to refuse.

Weisdon had no choice but to lower his head, grit his teeth, and extend his hand.

"Then let's close our eyes and start praying." Raven said, and was the first to close his eyes.

The low sound of prayers echoed in the restaurant.

"Our Lord who is in heaven, the great God of light."

“May your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth and in the sky.”

“Give us our daily bread and deliver us from evil.”

“With your kingdom, your power, and your glory forever and ever.”

Weisdong finally finished chanting in a frustrated mood. Just as he was about to speak, a clear voice like a wind chime suddenly rang out: "How enviable."

Turning around, I saw a beautiful girl with blonde hair and blue eyes standing at the door. Even though she was wearing the standard priest robe of the Vatican, she still looked bright and refreshing.

Weisdon's mood improved a lot.

But the next sentence made his heart sink to the bottom.

"What a harmonious, loving and peaceful family!"

Weisdong's eyes went dark.

A family!? Who is a family with Raven!?

Originally he thought that something was just a little bit wrong, but now Lux's words have directly confirmed the truth.

The three of us, my mom, me, and Raven, are a family?

It's not like Raven is not good enough, it's not good enough...

"What a coincidence." Raven was in a good mood: "Would you like to stay and have something to eat?"

"No need." Lux was a little tempted, but still shook her head and refused: "I just want to say that the herbs on the construction site are a bit insufficient. I hope Eagle Castle can replenish them."

"No problem, I'll send someone to notify Philip to make the purchase tonight." Raven nodded.

Lux said goodbye and left, and Raven saw her off for a while. After she came back, dinner officially began.

Perhaps it was because they hadn't seen each other for a long time, Denise and Weston chatted about this and that, nothing more than the trivialities of daily life, and excluded Raven from the topic, making him quite bored.

Seeing Denise's red lips opening and closing, Raven smiled gently and a plan came to his mind.

"…Angel's Tears are a rare commodity. Some of my classmates are the eldest sons of viscounts, some have baronial titles, and some are knights. They surround me and try to please me all day long, just for a bottle of Angel's Tears…"

Weisdong was boasting excitedly when he suddenly saw Denise's expression froze, and then a ray of red climbed up her cheeks. He couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong, Mom? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No..." Denise bit her teeth and tried to keep her tone calm: "Maybe I drank too much. I'm a little drunk."

Under the table, Raven had quietly taken off one of his shoes and climbed onto Denise's ankle.

Denise's skirt just covered an inch below her knees, and her calves were wrapped in tight and thin flesh-colored stockings.

Through this thin barrier, Raven could clearly feel the smooth touch and the amazing elasticity of the skin inside.

Although Denise has a lot of experience, it is only about business and human relations. How could she have come across this kind of game?
The tingling sensation spread from the instep of her feet all the way upwards, and a different kind of stimulation surged into her heart, making her heart beat faster.

There are maids and Vesdon next to them. What if they are discovered?
She wanted to kick Raven's feet away, but was afraid that the noise would be too loud and attract attention. She could only glance at Raven with a little resentment, reached her hand under the table curtain, and pinched Raven's thigh hard.

But Raven seemed to be unaware of it, and even took over the conversation: "It seems that you have been very happy in the academy recently. Did you come back this time to visit your mother?"

Visdon followed Raven's meaning and said, "Yes, after all, I haven't seen her for such a long time. I miss her very much. Of course, I miss you too!"

"That's good." Raven said with concern, "But you are still young after all, so you can't delay your studies. If you want to become a qualified noble, you need sufficient knowledge."

"How about this, you stay for two days, and I'll send someone to take you back to Meng'en City the day after tomorrow morning, how do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Weisdong's face turned pale and red, and he obviously didn't want to leave: "Well...ah, besides seeing my mother, I also want to...also want to...ah yes, I also want to bring back some more Angel's Tears!"

Raven nodded immediately. "Okay, the workshop's production capacity is pretty good recently. I'll bring you five boxes, just enough to fit on your carriage."

"Ah! And, yes, and..." Weisdon was quite anxious. He looked to his mother for help, but found that the latter had a stern face, staring at the plate motionlessly, her eyelids trembling slightly, and he didn't know what she was thinking.

Denise was now feeling embarrassed and anxious, and she pinched Raven six times in a row, but the latter did not react at all, as if the leg was not his.

"Anything else?" Raven's tone was calm and gentle, attracting Weisdon's attention. "Don't worry, as a qualified brother, I will prepare whatever you want and will never delay your studies."

"This..." Weisdon opened his mouth several times but couldn't say a word. His face was wrinkled like a bitter gourd. He could only lower his head and poke the food with a fork, cursing Raven in his heart.

You damn guy, it's bad enough that you took advantage of me, but you forced me to leave so blatantly, it's outrageous!

What made Weisdon even more uncomfortable was that even Denise seemed not to be on his side.

Did something happen between the two of them during the three months I was away?
When Visdon thought about what Lux had said before and looked at Denise's current performance, he became more and more confused.

It seemed as if the next moment, Denise would take Raven's hand and say to him, "Come, meet Uncle Raven."

Don't do this kind of thing!
No, my mother would never fall for a guy like Raven. She must be unhappy with me because I betrayed her last time. That must be it!

"Actually...actually I didn't tell the truth..." After thinking about it for a long time and failing to find a way to stay, Weisdong could only tell the truth: "I came back this time to...avoid disaster."

"Ah!" Denise let out a short, high-pitched cry, then glared at Raven angrily and asked in a slightly distorted voice, "What happened?"

Weston lowered his head and didn't notice Denise's strangeness: "Just twenty days ago, a murder occurred in the embassy district."

"A third-rank extraordinary being was drinking at the Monteiro Hotel. All of a sudden, all the flesh and blood on his body disappeared, and he turned into a skeleton. He drew his sword and started hacking people to death, killing dozens of people!"

His body was shaking. "I was at the scene at the time. I was terribly scared. Fortunately, the city patrol came and killed the skeleton."

"But after that, the three people who survived with me all started to have accidents. On the first day, one of them jumped to his death. On the second day, another one stabbed himself to death with a stick. On the third day, the last person also went crazy!"

"I... I really don't dare to stay in Mon'en City any longer, so, so..."

He looked at Denise with a pleading look on his face: "Mom, please let me stay. I promise to be obedient!"

Denise was in a state of confusion, of course not just because of Raven's "little trick".

From a mother's perspective, she certainly wanted Visdon to stay.

But she had just taken control of the financial power of Eagle Castle.

If she spoke rashly without confirming what Vesdon said, it would only make people suspect that she wanted to use this opportunity to let Vesdon continue to compete for the title of Griffith family.

But this kind of thing cannot be brought to the table for debate.

Denise thought quickly about how to get Raven to give in.

But Weisdon couldn't hold on any longer.

He now understood that if he wanted to stay, he must first obtain Raven's consent.

Forget it, just endure it!
As long as we can get through today, we will be able to make up for the loss we suffered from Raven sooner or later.

As soon as he thought of this, he stood up, took a deep breath and said loudly: "I was wrong!!!"

At the same time, Raven also spoke: "Then first..."

The two of them stopped talking at the same time. Raven was stunned for a moment, then looked at Weisdong with interest: "You speak first."

Weisdong almost vomited blood.

Raven's words clearly meant for me to stay, so why was I so impatient?

But at this point, he had no choice but to speak. He gritted his teeth and whispered in a low voice: "I was wrong... I shouldn't have gone against you, shouldn't have interfered with your training, shouldn't have hurt Simon..."

“I can’t hear you,” Raven said.

Swallowing his anger, Weston straightened his chest and shouted, "I was wrong! Baron Raven! I shouldn't have interfered with your training! I shouldn't have hurt Simon!"

That voice was so loud!

"Well, that's good enough." Raven slowly put a piece of beef shoulder into his mouth. "In that case, stay here for now."

Weiss sat back in his chair with a thud.

Denise also breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Raven with a hint of gratitude in her eyes.

Of course, if Raven's feet were a little more obedient, she might be more grateful.

After dinner, Raven ordered the servants to reserve a room on the second floor for Weston, who hurriedly bowed and ran away.

Looking at Denise who was still sitting on the chair, Raven smiled and asked, "My beautiful lady, do you need me to help you back to your room?"

"No need." Denise glanced at him unhappily: "Angie, let's go back."

With Angie's support, Denise slowly walked out of the restaurant, her legs stiff from nervousness.

Raven watched with a smile, and only when Denise's back disappeared did the smile on his face fade away and he rubbed his thighs desperately.

He is also a human being, so of course it hurts when he is pinched, but he just endured it before.

"Oh my goodness, he pinched me 7 times! That's so cruel, I must have turned blue." The pain gradually faded away, and Raven's eyes became clear. He thought about what Visdon said.

Although he omitted some details, Raven was still able to roughly piece together the overall picture of the matter.

The Embassy District is located in the northwest of Mon'en City. It belongs to the upper city area and is the most prosperous part. Only the rich or noble can spend money there.

There is a clear distinction between nobles and commoners, and those who could sit with Visdon and witness this murder must be of noble birth.

But even so, they still encountered "accidents" one after another.

The lives of nobles are not as cheap as those of commoners. Under normal circumstances, the death of each noble will attract much attention. The consecutive death or madness of three nobles will become explosive news.

But nearly 20 days had passed and Raven hadn't heard a single piece of news.

There is no doubt that it was blocked intentionally.

Two possibilities.

One is that the authorities of Mon'en City wanted to silence him, and the other is that the Hand of Death Cult was secretly causing trouble.

Raven was more inclined to the former because he did not see any trace of magical power or curse on Visdon.

But the Slater family actually allowed Weston to return to Eagle Castle, which shows that their control over Mon'en City is rapidly declining.

The murder itself is also a piece of evidence.

Even in the embassy district, such a serious incident occurred, which was enough to prove the extent to which the public security in Mon'en City had deteriorated.

It seems that there will definitely be a lot of trouble in the Nord Province next!
The more this is the case, the more the press conference must be held as soon as possible - to make a fortune before chaos occurs and the market shrinks!
The next day, Raven continued to follow his schedule, and Visdon was also very obedient.

At least that's how it looks on the surface.

That afternoon, Raven and Denise discussed and decided on the format of the invitations.

In the evening, Raven had a quick dinner, then went to the church in Eagle Town alone with two thick books.

He knocked rhythmically on the corner door, and soon a voice rang out: "Who's there?"

"It's me, Raven."

"Wait a moment!"

The footsteps went away, and after a few minutes, they came closer again.

The door opened, and Lux's face appeared in the crack of the door: "It's so late, what's the matter?"

"Of course I'm here to ask about the Elvish language." Raven blinked and raised the "Holy Words" in his hand.

Lux's scrutinizing gaze paused on the "Sacred Words" for a moment, then fell on Raven's face:
"come in."

……

(End of this chapter)