Rise of the Cosmic_Emperor

Argo and his sister Evelyn were part of the Flame lotus sect just as they are part of the Dane Family.

Or it would be more accurate to say that they were part of the Flame lotus sect BECAUSE they were part of the Dane family.

The Dane family is one of the founders of the Flame lotus sect which is also a great power of the Silva Duchy.

While they are far from being the only family with influence in the sect as even the Silvas have a connection with the sect, they are most likely the ones with the most influence.

The name and symbol of the sect itself were inspired by the Dane Family\'s Bloodline which incorporated the golden color and a secret lotus technique which we shall not delve into at the moment.

Anyway, while Ford had no prior knowledge of this connection, Hal was already aware as Melinda had told him.

Argo narrowed his eyes at Ford who kept staring at the lotus symbol for a while and looked as though he had completely forgotten himself, 

"What are you looking at?" 

Argo\'s voice jeered Ford out of his thoughts but the young man was not done, 

"Stare at it all you want, no member of your family will ever put it on" he sneered.

Ford bowed, 

"Forgive my imprudence" he said but he was mocking Argo in his mind.

However, he did have the good sense to know it would be better he did not mention that his daughter was already wearing that symbol.

"Are we just going to stand here?" Evelyn\'s voice suddenly sounded from behind and Ford shook his head, 

"Not at all. Right this way" he said and led them into the manor.

The Brother and sister pair did not forget to complain about how small the Manor was and how dangerous it would be for a claustrophobic.

Ford nearly burst into laughter at a fat joke that came to mind which was for him to inquire how large the claustrophobic individual was.

He had to bite his tongue not to say it and it was only made worse when the two did not stop the more they walked.

Hal had told him it was best not to antagonize them.

It was not truly worth it.

"So, tell us about this war" Argo said just as they reached the large conference table that had now become where he had his Mayoral meetings.

Argo took the head seat immediately and his sister Evelyn sat beside him.

Once again, Ford said nothing and took his seat on the other side of the table and narrated all about the war.

Or at least the parts that did not mention Hal.

He made references to a villain of course and also made reference to a benefactor who had helped them in their time of need and it was as though the Benefactor was just passing through and left once the job was complete.

The Brother-sister pair wondered if there really were still such experts who went around and did good deeds with no strings attached.

However, as it was not what they truly cared about, they moved away from that topic quickly, 

"So is there any unrest?" Evelyn asked and her tone was a little hopeful.

If there was unrest, it would be the perfect avenue to do as they wished to \'quell the unrest\'.

Ford however disappointed them when he shook his head and told them there was no unrest whatsoever.

"You\'d better be truthful. If you are lying, we will know and it won\'t bode well for you." Argo snarled and for the purpose of furthering the intimidating effect, he released his pressure, even more, to show what he was capable of.

While also fingering the lotus symbol on his chest to show that Ford would not be able to defend himself even if he could, without incurring grave consequences.

However, despite the barely veiled threat, Ford still smiled and stood from his seat, 

"Please walk with me" he said and led them to the roof of the Manor and when they stood there, they could view quite a lot of the city\'s mass.

The people were going about their business in the manner they should and the city\'s commerce was quite a sight to behold.

There was no sign of unrest anywhere.

"This proves nothing. The worst sort of unrest are the ones brewing beneath the surface of such perfect proceedings" Argo said.

Ford raised his brow, 

"Oh? Well so far there haven\'t been such issues that I would know of and I remember your question insinuating something I was aware of.

Not to worry though, should there be unrest which I cannot quell on my own, I\'ll be sure to send you a message at the Duchy capital.

I can only hope that the city would not be destroyed in the month it would take you to get here"

Ford finished with a bow and Argo swelled with anger and his eyes bulged as he caught a hint of disrespect in Ford\'s tone.

However, it was not so glaring that he could flare up justifiably.

He still would have done so anyway had his sister not pulled on his arm to pacify him.

She whispered to him,

"What would be the point of blowing up right now?

After all, the Mayor was only making conversation." She said.

Ford bowed once again, 

"I\'m sorry if I offended you, sir, I was merely pointing out how hard it is to cross the distance that so greatly separates us.

Had it not existed, I genuinely feel we could have been friends." He said with a smirk that Argo could not see as his head was still lowered.

Argo snorted and turned to return to into the Manor.

Once they were at the conference table again, Evelyn spoke, 

"I believe you know Melinda Dane"

Ford nodded politely, 

"Yes I do"

"Well, we are here as envoys from her family and want you to have your men escort us to her residence.

You do know where she lives don\'t you?"

Ford smiled lightly, 

"Yes I do and my men will be honored to escort you."

Soon, their carriage was pulling out of the Manor grounds and headed towards Melinda\'s Mansion with at least five Horst guards in front and leading them.

Ford watched them leave with a sneer just as Frank came out and joined his father.

He had had the good sense not to be involved with the guests and simply stayed away.

They wanted the Mayor and it was better they get him and no extras.

"Alright, Father?" Frank asked.

Ford sighed, 

"I guess. I just can\'t help but be worried knowing your sister is somehow exposed to that sort in the Flame Lotus sect."

Frank shook his head, 

"Father, you should have known she was exposed to such already since she is part of a sect in the Duchy capital.

All this should not be news. Besides, I trust master Hal, he\'ll keep her safe".

...

Meanwhile, 

Minutes later, as the commute was quite short, the Envoy carriage arrived in front of the Mansion gate and made to enter as they had done the Mayor\'s mansion with the guards with them attempting to intimidate the Mansion guards but were ignored.

"Are you Mad? Did you not hear?

We are guarding envoys from the great Dane family of the Silva Duchy. Let us through"

Castor eyed the guard that had spoken with an indifferent expression, 

"My lady told me that you are not allowed entry with the carriage. If you want to visit and deliver your message, then..."

He stretched his hand towards the courtyard, 

"...by all means, get down and walk!"