With a mix of apprehension and curiosity, Ethan followed Aria''s father, Aria, and the other n members through the streets of Arcadia City. They were riding in a luxurious carriage drawn by two majestic lions, their powerful strides making the journey remarkably smooth.


    Inside the carriage, Ethan was seated beside Aria at the back, while her uncle and another unfamiliar member of the Silvermoon n upied the front.


    Aria''s uncle, a man with a stern face and a hint of arrogance, nced at Ethan with a smirk of irony. He had previously warned Ethan to keep his distance from Aria, but now found himself in the ufortable position of sharing a carriage with the very person he had cautioned against.


    "Uncle, why do you look so displeased?" Aria asked, her gaze shifting from her uncle to Ethan and back again.


    "It''s nothing," her uncle replied with a dismissive shrug. He was clearly frustrated but couldn''t voice his true feelings, especially with General Leon''s presence loomingrge over the asion. His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden realization of how ironic it was that Ethan was now so close, despite his earlier admonitions.


    As the carriage continued its journey, the passingndscape captured Ethan''s attention. The view outside was a picturesque blend of rolling hills, majestic mountains, and sprawling fields. Arcadia City was unlike any modern city he had known.


    The ancient structures and natural beauty created an otherworldly charm, making it feel like a timeless realm. For a fleeting moment, Ethan was reminded of his ownck of a permanent home in this world, but he quickly brushed aside the thought. His focus was on the unfolding beautiful scenarios.


    When the carriage arrived at the Silvermoon mansion, Ethan was awestruck by its grandeur. The mansion, designed in an elegant European style, stood majestically beside a tranquilke, surrounded by meticulously tended gardens and smaller structures likely housing servants and guards.


    The mansion''s size was imposing; Ethan had to tilt his head to take in the entire view, with arge bell prominently disyed high above.


    A servant, a middle-aged maid with a curious glint in her eyes, led Ethan to a spacious guest room. The room was adorned with rich fabrics and luxurious furnishings, but Ethan''s mind was preupied with the purpose of his visit. He wasn''t entirely sure why General Leon had requested his presence, but given the general''s stature and recent events, he felt obliged toply.


    "Dear guest, this is your resting room," the maid said with a bow, opening the door to reveal the opulent amodations. "Please make yourselffortable. If you need anything, just call for me."


    "Thank you," Ethan replied, nodding as he stepped into the room.


    The room wasvishly decorated, with arge,fortable bed that seemed to invite him to rest. Ethan wasted no time in settling down, quickly drifting off to sleep after a long and exhausting day.


    ---


    A few hourster, Ethan was stirred from his slumber by the maid''s persistent calling.


    "Dear guest, please wake up! Master is calling for you. Dear guest!"


    Ethan yawned and rubbed his eyes, graduallying back to consciousness. "Coming," he mumbled, pushing himself out of bed. His head felt heavy from sleep, and he felt the urgent need to freshen up.


    After dressing in his usual hunter attire—leather and furs suited for movement but somewhat in for the asion—Ethan stepped out of the room and inquired about the location of the bathing facilities.


    "There is a bathroom nearby. Please follow me," the maid responded promptly, leading him down a series of corridors.


    Ethan followed her to a beautifully appointed bathing room. After a quick but refreshing bath, he emerged feeling revitalized, his ck hair now slightly disheveled but giving him a rugged charm. Despite the improvement in his appearance, his attire still felt out of ce in the opulent environment. His hunter''s clothing, though practical, contrasted sharply with the noble setting.


    The maid, noticing Ethan''s attire, hesitated before suggesting, "Perhaps you would like to change into something more suitable for the asion. We have some fine clothing avable."


    Ethan, feeling somewhat indifferent, shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I''ll pass. I''m not too concerned with appearances right now."


    The maid, slightly exasperated but understanding, led Ethan to the grand hall where the n members and General Leon were gathered. As the door creaked open, Ethan and the maid entered, drawing immediate attention from the assembled crowd.


    The hall was filled with nearly a hundred young n members standing in neat rows before a series of thrones. General Leon upied the central throne, exuding an air of authority and grace. The elders and Aria''s father were seated beside him, their thrones slightly set back to show respect for the guest of honor.


    The moment Ethan entered, the noise in the room died down, and all eyes were drawn to him. The sudden silence heightened the scrutiny from the assembled nobles. Ethan felt a wave of self-consciousness as the gaze of the powerful figures, including the legendary General Leon, settled on him.


    Aria''s father, who was seated near General Leon, looked slightly impatient. "Hey boy,e here quick. At least don''t bete at such asion," he called out, his tone full of annoyance.


    Aria, sensing Ethan''s difort, quickly added, "Please don''t mind my father''s demeanor. He can be a bit direct, but he means well."


    Ethan nodded, trying to mask his nervousness. As he approached, he felt the weight of the room''s gaze even more acutely. General Leon''s presence was imposing, a dimensional difference to the young man he had spoken to earlier. The irony of his situation was not lost on Ethan; here he was, a meremoner, standing before some of the most powerful figures in Arcadia.


    As Ethan reached the front, General Leon''s piercing ocean blue eyes met his. The general gave him a slight nod, acknowledging Ethan''s presence with a hint of recognition.


    "Ethan, I appreciate youing here," General Leon said in a calm, measured tone. "Please, join us."


    Ethan bowed slightly, trying to maintain hisposure. "Thank you, General Leon. I''m honored to be here." It felt really strange to be polite to the young man he knew so soon. It was really Ironic.


    The elders and other n members watched in silence as Ethan took his ce among the gathered nobles. The atmosphere was a mix of formality and curiosity. The n members whispered among themselves, their eyes asionally darting towards Ethan and then back to General Leon.


    As the gathering resumed its conversation, Ethan couldn''t shake the feeling of being an outsider in this grand assembly. Yet, he knew he had to remainposed and respectful, especially in the presence of such distinguished individuals.


    With a final nce around the room, Ethan settled into the background, his thoughts racing about what mighte next. The sense of awe and the weight of expectations were palpable, and he could only hope that his presence would not be a source of difort or trouble for anyone.