Chapter 255: The Flower of the Southern Region!

Next, Gervas accompanied the nobles in the parlor, chatting freely to become familiar with one another.

During the conversation, the first topic was how Gervas had defeated Parker.

After all, these details were still unknown to the outside world, and the lesser nobles were all curious.

Gervas made no secret of it, speaking plainly—including the fact about the barbarians.

After all, he had annihilated fifty light cavalrymen; the barbarian warriors could not be hidden.

Only the intelligence network, Gervas concealed under the excuse of confidential reports.

Upon hearing this, the lesser nobles marveled that Gervas had fifty barbarian warriors, while also harshly criticizing Viscount Parker.

After discussing Parker's miserable fate, the lesser nobles turned to the hottest topic in the Southern Region at present.

"Viscount Gervas, you must still remember Countess Violet, right? The female noble who, during the Kingdom War, was also granted a title!"

Isn't that Catherine?

And I know her well.

Of course, now was the time for humility: "I remember her. What about her?"

"Viscount Gervas, when you were granted your title, all the nobles wondered why Countess Violet received one too—after all, your achievements were universally recognized! But her accomplishments seemed insignificant!"

Gervas knew this perfectly well—it was all because of the Hernade family.

"Why?" Gervas blinked.

"Because Countess Violet has an extraordinary lineage!" At this, Mill's voice dropped, yet his tone grew heavier, as if revealing a monumental secret.

Under Gervas's expectant gaze, Mill did not delay: "I only received this news two days ago. It's said that Countess Violet was granted her title because she carries the blood of the Hernade Dukedom!"

Gervas thought inwardly: that's reasonable enough—not some rumor that Catherine had been kept by a great noble.

After all, this world never lacked jealous people.

But because it was the Hernade family, no one dared gossip, so the truth spread without other rumors.

"Really? She's of Dukedom blood?!!" Gervas feigned shock.

"Surprised, right? Viscount Gervas, to be honest, we were stunned too when we heard the news!"

"If this hadn't come from the Iron Wolf City Civil Office, we wouldn't have believed it—after all, it's the Hernade Dukedom! Even a distant connection could lift us lesser nobles to the heavens!"

"Not to mention direct bloodline."

"Yes! It truly is astonishing!" Gervas's expression was natural, showing no trace of deception.

At this, Mill felt deeply satisfied, having shared a great secret.

"By the way, Countess Catherine has now become the most sought-after female noble in the Southern Region—some even call her the Flower of the Southern Region!"

"Because Countess Catherine not only carries Hernade blood, but is also unmarried—rumor says she has no betrothal!"

"Just imagine: whoever marries her would gain both wealth and beauty, and rise to the heavens!"

"Of course, it's extremely difficult. I heard that since returning from the Kingdom War, Countess Catherine has remained in her domain."

"She has refused all visits from nobles—whether lesser or great—none have been allowed into the Violet Castle!"

As he spoke, Mill's eyes gleamed with longing.

Of course, the other lesser nobles around him felt the same.

It wasn't that they truly thought themselves worthy of such a goddess.

But as men, any such "goddess" would stir the heart.

And the harder to obtain, the more desirable she became in a man's eyes!

Time flew, and noon approached.

At this moment, Old John appeared at the great hall's entrance.

But he was not here to announce that lunch was ready—he came to inform Gervas of a new visitor.

"My lord, the guards report: the Violet Countess's carriage convoy has appeared three li outside the castle. The convoy is led personally by Countess Catherine, and she says she has come to visit you—they will arrive shortly!"

Huh?

The Violet family?

Countess Catherine?

Why does that sound familiar?

Of course it sounds familiar!

Isn't that the very Countess Catherine we just discussed—the one now the hottest noble in the Southern Region, called the Flower of the Southern Region?

And Mill had spoken of her just now with such mysterious awe.

"John, what did you just say? Could you repeat it? Was it… which countess has come?" Mill swallowed hard.

"Countess Catherine, Lord Mill!" Old John looked puzzled at Mill.

Why did this lord's face turn so strange upon hearing Countess Catherine's name?

How could it not be strange?

He had just been boasting about his own connections and information.

And now, Countess Catherine herself had come to visit Gervas's castle.

Mill's face flushed crimson and pale by turns, so embarrassed he wished he could vanish into a crack in the floor.

Gervas, too, felt slightly helpless. He patted Mill's shoulder: "Lord Mill, I didn't know about the rumor you mentioned. Now, shall we all go to the castle gate, or do you prefer to wait here in the parlor?"

"Gervas, we're coming with you!"

Mill believed him, and his embarrassment lessened considerably.

Everyone had long yearned to see the legendary Catherine; now that the chance to meet the Flower of the Southern Region had arrived, none would miss it.

Almost in unison, they declared they would go to the castle gate.

Thus, the group of lesser nobles followed Gervas to the slope below the castle.

Moments later, Catherine's convoy slowly approached from the northern road.

One had to admit: Catherine's current entourage was no longer what it once was.

Fifty cavalrymen—rare among Southern Region nobles—guarded her, accompanied by over a hundred infantry.

Banners of the Violet and Hernade families fluttered proudly in the ranks.

This display drew eyes wherever it went.

Add to that the luxurious carriage pulled by eight steeds—even in the Kingdom's heartland, it would be considered opulent.

Here in the Southern Region, it was unmatched.

Seeing this, Mill and the other lesser nobles could no longer hide their envy and excitement.

As the convoy neared the slope, the cavalry halted in perfect formation on either side, and the guards had already lined the roadside.

The luxurious carriage, drawn by eight steeds, came to a slow stop beside the red carpet.

Instantly, all the lesser nobles held their breath, waiting for the carriage door to open.

Click. The door opened, and a slender, porcelain-white hand emerged.

Thud!

Around Gervas, he could hear the sound of swallowing.

A moment later, a breathtakingly beautiful figure stepped out.

Today, Catherine wore a cream-colored lace-trimmed gown, her golden hair curled into soft waves, gently bound behind her.

The attire added a touch of mature elegance to her.

Azure eyes, a high, refined nose, delicate crimson lips.

After stepping from the carriage, her gaze swiftly locked onto Gervas in the crowd.

Instantly, she smiled—spring bloomed, her beauty outshone all under heaven.

"Gervas!" Her voice, clear as a mountain stream.

"Countess Catherine!" Gervas snapped out of his brief daze.

But upon hearing his title, Catherine frowned: "Gervas, didn't we agree? We call each other by name—no titles needed."

"Sorry, I forgot. But you're a countess now!"

"You know exactly how I became a countess, Gervas," Catherine's sapphire eyes fixed unblinkingly on him.

"Alright."

Gervas nodded. Never argue with a woman.

You simply can't win.

What Gervas didn't know:

In those two brief exchanges between him and Catherine, the lesser nobles on either side were already consumed with envy.

Could Gervas really be so close to Countess Catherine?

Wasn't she supposed to be cold and unapproachable?

Wasn't it said that anyone who sought to visit her would be turned away?