Baron Whale's red eyes shifted toward Finch, who stood at the side with a warm smile.

"Welcome back home, son," the Baron said, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he spoke to his child.

Finch smiled back and replied enthusiastically, "Thank you, Father."

Asher did not need to be told to understand that they were a loving family. The way they moved, the way they greeted one another, none of it felt forced or artificial. It was not a facade put on for appearances; it was genuine. Asher's thoughts drifted briefly to the noble families he had encountered in the past. Unlike the noble fantasy settings he had read about in novels prior to his transmigration, the nobles of this world did not despise their children or push them tirelessly toward unrealistic goals. There was no excessive cruelty, no constant scheming, and no unspoken hatred simmering between siblings under polite smiles.

'Well, I haven't met all noble families,' Asher thought to himself calmly, 'so I shouldn't jump to conclusions.'

"It's been quite a while, Young Lord Canestane," Baron Whale spoke again, this time directing his attention toward William. "How is your father?" he asked.

"He is doing well, Baron Whale," William replied respectfully, maintaining proper noble etiquette.

"Well then, I'm sure the three of you must be exhausted from the mission you went on," Lady Vie spoke next, her voice gentle and soothing. "I've already had a feast prepared."

'When did they even have the time to prepare a feast?' Asher wondered inwardly, though his expression remained composed.

Unlike many others who met Asher for the first time, Baron Whale did not seem surprised by his presence. Firstly, he had already been informed that Asher had formed a team with Finch and William. As for how he obtained that information, it was simple enough, Baron Rivelle had sent him a letter a few days earlier, detailing several noteworthy developments. Through that letter, Baron Whale had learned that his son, Finch, was now acquainted with the Tenth Sun.

As for how he knew that Asher would be stepping foot into Whale Manor today, that too was not a mystery. The Knight Commander had already ordered one of the knights to inform him of the Tenth Sun's arrival. As such, Baron Whale was well informed of everything that had occurred prior to this moment.

With that, the group ascended the staircase that Baron Whale and his family had just descended moments earlier. They stepped into a wide hallway and walked for a short while before stopping in front of a large set of double doors. The Whale family's head butler, who had been stationed there in anticipation, immediately pushed the doors open using his Astra energy the moment he noticed their arrival.

Stepping inside, a vast and elegant dining hall was revealed. A long and wide red carpet stretched across the floor, leading toward the center of the room. Resting atop it was a finely crafted glass table that reflected the light from above like polished crystal. Unlike the carpet, the table itself was not excessively large; it was perfectly sized to accommodate six people comfortably. Surrounding the table were wooden, ornamented chairs that matched its design seamlessly, neither overpowering nor diminishing its presence.

Arriving at the first seat at one end of the table, Lady Vie gently pulled the chair back and gestured for Asher to sit. Asher paused briefly, then spoke politely. "Thank you." He lowered himself into the chair without hesitation.

At the opposite end of the table, Baron Whale took his seat. One by one, everyone else sat down as well, filling the table completely. At a subtle signal from Lady Vie to the butler, the chefs began to enter in an orderly fashion, each carrying dishes prepared from the finest ingredients the Barony had to offer.

Asher did not refuse the food. He and the rest of the team had not eaten for over twenty-one hours, and as such, the meal was more than welcome. Once the serving was complete, the feast officially began.

"So, son," Lady Vie spoke after a moment, "why don't you tell us how you became acquainted with the Tenth Sun?"

Finch did not hesitate in the slightest. He immediately began explaining everything, starting from how he had first met Asher when he went over to greet William. He continued, describing how the three of them gradually grew closer, eventually forming a group of friends through shared experiences and battles.

Baron Whale and Lady Vie both arched an eyebrow as they listened to their son casually refer to the Tenth Sun by his first name and openly call him his friend. Their gazes shifted toward Asher in order to gauge his reaction, but he showed none. He simply continued eating, listening quietly to Finch's explanation without comment.

"I also heard about your mission at Rivelle Barony," Baron Whale spoke, his gaze still fixed on Finch. "You did well."

As a noble, Baron Whale was well aware of how lazy his son had been since his awakening. However, he had never forced Finch to become something he did not wish to be. Although strength was paramount in the world of Crymora, he had entrusted that responsibility to his youngest child, Rachel. Finch had never shown much interest in combat or training, even before the Star Academy entrance exam. His combat ability and experience back then had been pitiful at best.

Yet, the recording he had received from Baron Rivelle had left him utterly speechless, the Finch in that recording, and the one that left for the Star Academy could never be the same.

"I suppose I have the Tenth Sun to thank for my son's change in mindset," Baron Whale continued calmly. He knew Finch had never been enthusiastic about battle or training before, yet now he was different.

Although Finch did not say it aloud, Baron Whale could tell that his son had changed and had developed a goal of his own. That much was clear. After all, one could not become friends with a Wargrave and remain the same as before.

"You don't have to thank me for anything, Baron Whale," Asher replied calmly, finally speaking as his purple eyes met the Baron's red ones. "Your son has simply found his own path. And although he started late, I am confident that he will reach the Voidstar Life Rank at the very least."

His words caused the entire table to fall into silence.

Even Finch and William stared at Asher in shock. Asher had never spoken such words before, nor had he ever openly expressed such belief in Finch's potential.

Baron Whale and Lady Vie were equally stunned. Had anyone in their family ever reached the Voidstar Life Rank in the past? No, never. Yet now, they were being told that Finch would reach at least that level. And if that were true, then the possibility of stepping into the Soulstar or even Crownstar Life Rank was no longer a mere dream.

If that day came, would the Emperor truly allow the Whale family to remain a mere Barony? Their noble title would inevitably have to rise, matching the strength and influence their family would then possess.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.