Clapping echoed from the darkness as a group of people emerged, cheering and encircling Adrian. Among them stood an old man with a lengthy beard, who warmly grasped Adrian's hand.

"Thank you for ridding us of this threat. Lucien relied on Greenhursts’ power to tyrannize our village. Every household suffered under his oppression,” the old man said.

Adrian withdrew his hand and addressed the elder, "Your village is under Medicis Manor's jurisdiction. You needn't fear the Greenhursts."

"They’re our cousins, so we dare not oppose them. Without you, we'd have been bullied to no end. Now, we can hold our heads high," the elder said gratefully, unconcerned about Adrian's lineage.

Claude, embarrassed, hung his head low. Medicis Manor was independent and not under the control of Greenhursts, yet the villagers who lived around the manor were harassed, leaving him with undeniable responsibility.

"This is my fault, Chief Llyod. In the future, if there are any issues, feel free to look for me