Chapter 877 (1/2)

Chapter 877: The Long-Forgotten Hometown

Translator: TransN Editor: TransN

“He changed his family name? What happened?” Roland frowned.

“Probably because it’s easier to merge with another family than to manage the territory all by himself.” William was surprised that Roland was paying particular attention to some petty noble. “It requires a huge amount of money to live a decent life. If one isn’t really capable of managing domestic affairs, his domain would be a burden rather than an asset.”

“Could it be possible that he was compelled? For example, somebody wanted to take his land by force?”

The earl replied meditatively, “Not… very likely. I’ve seen them attend some banquets before, although I didn’t really talk to them. That Gilen, who changed his surname, seems to be pretty happy with the Somis. I don’t see he was forced by any means. If you want to know about this, I can send for Viscount Dott Somi…”

“That’s fine.” Roland interrupted him after receiving Nightingale’s whispery instructions. “I was just curious. Not a big deal. But it appears that the Gilen didn’t show up this time?” He thought that Nightingale should have recognized him if his brother Hyde had attended the banquet.

The senior lord clapped his hand over his chest and said apologetically, “That’s my fault. I usually stick to our tradition when sending out invitations.”

Roland immediately understood what he meant. Even though the Gilen had changed his name and become a branch of the Somis, he was still not considered for a place on the invitation list. Although the booming mining industry in Silver City stimulated commerce and trades, making the city more or less similar to City of Glow in terms of its livelihood and style, people in here apparently attached greater importance to wealth and power than titles and reputations. William’s answer, in a way, also reflected that the glory and pride of the Gilen Family had almost diminished and faded out of people’s memories.

Roland knew Hyde had inherited his father’s viscount title after the departure of Nightingale.

It was really pathetic to see him be reduced to such poverty.

Roland returned to the campsite. As soon as he shut the tent curtains, Nightingale revealed herself and explained voluntarily, “Your Majesty, you must know that I have no interest in prying into Hyde’s business. Ever since I left Silver City, I’ve severed all relationships with the Gilens. Please trust me… I was just, just a little surprised at that time.”

Roland could barely suppress the urge to tease Nightingale when he saw the latter try to convince him with a look of absolute honesty. Nevertheless, he soon changed his mind at the thought of Nightingale’s incredible obstinacy, for he did not like to seek trouble. As such, he simply coughed and nodded airily. “I know. You never lie to me in this regard.”

“You don’t believe me… Nope, you don’t believe me at all!” Nightingale retorted immediately.

Apparently, his reply was not quite convincing, for Nightingale had discerned the mocking tone of his remark with her ability. He thus took a deep breath and cleared his mind. Then he looked into her eyes and said more seriously, “I believe you.”

This time, it was Nightingale’s turn to feel abashed. A rosy blush rose to her cheeks. She immediately looked away. “I was just surprised. I have nothing to do with the person who betrayed me.”

Although Roland wanted to tell her that it was normal to show some concerns for her brother, he felt it more advisable to tag along in this situation. So, he asked, “Why were you surprised?”

“The Somis once had a good term with my father…” Nightingale replied in a low voice. “After my father passed away, they often came to see me at the old Gilen mansion. However, after my family knew I’d become a witch, old Gilen forbade me to see them. I didn’t expect that Viscount Somi would adopt Hyde.”

Roland, who had lived in this world for so many years, instantly understood the underlying implication. If the two families did have a good term, the Somis should have helped Nightingale’s brother revive the house after the decease of old Gilen. Indeed, it was common for a noble to help an heir of a diminished family regain its power. The latter would then return his benefactor with incessant wealth and even further a union through the marriage of their children. It was a kind deed people loved to talk about.

Yet to ask the sole heir to change his surname would be a totally different story.