Am I the Villainess of this Story?

Chapter 37: We Became Adventurers

Right on time, the teleportation array activated and sent us to the Hurst Territory. The area is located in the southwestern portion of the kingdom. It is where the main headquarters of the Mirraean Adventurers Guild is located. The reason for this is because the Hurst Territory serves as a barrier between Mirrae and Gatrea. Hence, it is where a third of the kingdom's military might is focused. It is also why Lord Edward Seigfried Hurst, Liam's father as well as my and Sean's uncle, has not had enough time to visit us in the capital.

Having been notified of our arrival, Uncle Edward could be seen waiting outside the teleportation array alongside his most trusted bodyguards. According to Liam, these bodyguards are nameless to all but his father. Only Uncle Edward knows their identity. This is to prevent the family's enemies from suborning them and endangering my Uncle's life.

Unlike Grandpa Ricky, Uncle Edward is a bit stern. Even though this is the first time seeing him face to face, I could say that he is far more serious in his comportment compared to Grandpa's jovial nature.

As soon as we stepped out of the array, Uncle approached us before speaking, "Welcome to Hurst Territory. Father told me that you plan to explore the area for the rest of your vacation. As such, I took it upon myself to prepare some resources that you can use in your travels."

Then, he turned to Liam and said while clapping his son's shoulders firmly, "Welcome back, son. Congratulations on winning in your school's tournament. I trust that you'd be able to lead your friends back to our manor? The maids have already prepared your accommodations."

"Yes, Father." Liam answered with a firm gaze, earning him a proud look from his father.

Thereafter, Uncle Edward turned towards Sean and I and said a bit more warmly, "You must be Clarissa's children. Your mother has been telling me about you in her letters. It's good to finally meet you. I am your Uncle Edward."

Sean and I nodded in unison and answered, "It's nice to meet you to, uncle."

Satisfied at our response, the man, then, turned to the rest of our group before reiterating, "Welcome, as friends of my son, I also consider you my friends. However, harm him and you'll find yourselves with nowhere to run. Now, I hope you enjoy your stay in Hurst Manor. I'd like to spend more time with you but I got an appointment within the next hour. Liam shall lead you to our manor so that you could rest and relax. Farewell."

With that, the man left abruptly followed by his faceless guards. As soon as he left, Leon finally reacted, "Man, your father's quite intense, eh Liam?"

"Sorry about that. He's just worried for me." my cousin replied a bit embarrassed by his father's protectiveness.

Leon laughed it off and said, "Nah, it's not that bad. But, I do wish to have that kind of intensity. His presence alone could deter enemies from their tracks. He's still scary, though."

Upon hearing this admission, the rest of us laughed at Leon. We dismissed the tension we felt upon meeting Uncle Edward and decided to take up his offer of hospitality. Liam led us to his family manor where we are waited upon by the maids. We are even strong-armed into immediately taking relaxing baths to shake off the fatigue that we have accumulated during the short ride we took towards the Hurst Manor.

xxxxx

Contrary to our expectations, we've only encountered Uncle Edward again on the last day of our stay in Liam's home. Apparently, the Gatrean Garrison stationed near the kingdom's border is making some suspicious movements, requiring Uncle Edward to personally oversee our army's preparations. This is to ensure that Mirrae will not be caught unaware in case Gatrea declares a war between the two kingdoms.