Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 656: Nouveau Riche

A long line of horse-drawn carriages were slowly moving towards the Duskfall Estate. Even to an onlooker, it was evident that the event hosted by Viscount Duskfall was the most happening event of the week, possibly the month.

After all, it was not every day that one got to see wealthy merchants and affluent nobles going to the same event. It also helped that the Viscount was a very social person and, as such, knew most of the noteworthy people in the city.

Adam looked outside the window at the long line of carriages before him. Then he looked at the Viscountʼs estate in the near distance that was bathed in flashy lights and the sound of live bands.

He couldnʼt help but frown and mutter, ”Thatʼs a lot of people. Is Viscount Duskfall that famous in these parts?”

Qamara, who was sitting opposite him, looked at him in a confused manner, ”You donʼt know anything about the Viscount yet you wanted to attend his event?”

”I thought it would be a good place to network with people,” Adam lied.

The elf scoffed at that excuse. As far as she was concerned, Adam knew Daneli who could be considered to be a royal noble from Baja, Brigham Flynn who was a councilor of Ravenfell, and herself and her aunt who were related to another councilor.

In her eyes, Adam didnʼt need to network with nobodies when he was already acquainted with the people that he already knew.

”The reason why people approach Viscount Duskfall is because of the grand parties he throws every once in a while,” said the elf.

”He wasnʼt born a noble, but someone who paid for the title. Unlike the top nobles of Ravenfell who come from generations of wealth, Viscount Duskfall is someone who only recently made money from his many business enterprises.

”I suppose the grand parties that he throws are his way of proving to people that he too has a lot of money. But seeking validation like that only tends to have the opposite effect, if you ask me.”

Adam turned to look at Qamara with piqued interest. ”Oh? I didnʼt know you could buy your way into the aristocratic circles of the city.”

”The nobility of Ravenfell is the pinnacle of society and class,” Qamara spoke with a slight raise of her chin. ”Members of long-standing aristocratic families are granted a certain type of respect that even most Magi could never attain in this city.

”These titles of nobility are bestowed upon residents who have performed a significant service to the city. Alternatively, they can donate an exorbitant amount of money—upwards of two million Acadian gold—and be granted a title.”

Adam was astonished. ”Two million?! Thatʼs… criminal.”

Qamara simply rolled her eyes in response. ”The amount of money is nothing compared to the perks that one gets when they receive the title of nobility. Anyways, both the methods that I mentioned need the approval of the Council of Seven. Itʼs not easy to become a noble even if you have a lot of money.”

Adamʼs eyes narrowed and he thought to himself, So you need the approval of the councilors to become an aristocrat, eh? If Viscount Duskfall really is associated with the Cult of Bones like I think he is, then thereʼs a chance that the councilor who recommended him could be associated with them!

”Back to what I was saying about Viscount Duskfall,” Qamara continued. ”He bought the Viscount title for himself. Of course, the title is non-hereditary. You need to know, Adam, that even among the nobility, there is discrimination against those who are nouveau riche.”

Adam couldnʼt help but shake his head, ”Let me guess, Viscount Duskfall is one of them and feels the need to showcase his wealth through the party he hosts?”

Qamara shrugged. ”Well, that and Iʼve also heard that his parties are really… progressive. Some of my friends say it is a fresh breath of air compared to the rigid traditions one finds in Ravenfell. Of course, Iʼve never been to his parties before. Such events are beneath me.”

The elfʼs tone displayed a level of arrogance that seemed second nature to her. But considering the fact that she was the eldest daughter of a duke and a councilor, Adam felt that it made sense, albeit very little.

”So how come you decided to attend this party then?” Adam asked with a mocking look on his face.

”Hmph!” Qamara turned her face away, looking outside the window. ”Itʼs because…” she subconsciously side-glanced at the raven-haired youth and then immediately looked away. ”Of course, itʼs because of Daneli. Did you think I was coming because of you? Adam, youʼre too full of yourself!”

When Qamara mentioned Daneli, Adamʼs dark eyes flashed with complicated emotions. He looked outside and saw that they had arrived at the main gates to the Dukfall Estate.

Before the elf could inquire about Daneli, Adam quickly changed the topic. ”Whatever happens tonight, letʼs make sure to have fun, alright?”

”Fun? What do you mean by that?” Qamara couldnʼt help but ask that as all sorts of scenarios started to play inside her mind, and her earlobes started turning a shade of red.

Their carriage stopped and one of the butlers dressed in clean attire opened the door for them. ”Good evening, my lady, my lord. Welcome to the Duskfall Estate,” said the man with a respectful bow.

Adam was the first to get out of the carriage. He then turned around, extended his hand, and helped Qamara alight. When the beautiful, ash-blonde-haired elf came into view, she elicited a collective gasp from the people around her.

Of course, they werenʼt able to identify who she was. But because of the dazzling clothes she was wearing and the alluring appearance she displayed, she instantly captivated the people who looked at her.

Then their attention switched toward Adam, wondering who this person was to bring such a beguiling partner to the event.

One wore black, the other wore white. They appeared the complete opposite of one another, but at the same time, they gave the feeling that they were a seamless match.

It was a beautiful contradiction.

After standing in line for a little over a minute, the pair arrived at the main entrance where the head butler of the estate, a Rank 1 Magus, was checking everyoneʼs invitation cards and welcoming them in.

”Good evening, Sir, Madame,” said the head butler with a warm smile as he saw Adam and Qamara standing before him. ”May I please have your invitation card?”

Qamara didnʼt have the invitation card because she had come here as Adamʼs plus-one. She simply stood there with a sophisticated look around her and waited for Adam to deal with it.

Adam handed his invitation card to the butler. When the man opened the envelope and saw the name written on it, his eyes widened. He then whispered something in the ears of the manservant standing behind him before turning to Adam with a welcoming smile.

”Magus Constantine, it is an honor to have you at the estate. Please allow me to escort you,” said the head butler with great fervor.

Seeing the sudden change in demeanor by the person standing before him, then at the manservant who rushed to the manor just then, Adam couldnʼt help but become extremely alert.

Nonetheless, he displayed a charming front and smiled. ”Lead the way.”