Darius nodded and followed the two ladies into the manor. Just like the last time they were here, the place was well decorated and lavish enough to meet the needs of any passing noble.
Even more interesting was the fact that the duo had been directly led to the hidden trapdoor in the lower passageways of the manor after 5 minutes. Well, it was less of a trapdoor and more of a huge latch that seemed to be open 24/7.
The closer they got to it, the busier the passageways became as many servants and workers moved up and down, carrying various things to and from the underground.
This buttressed Darius' suspicion that Foldo had chosen to dig deeper and wider, establishing the true power of the faction where they could not be seen. This was not something Darius would look down on, for it showed that Foldo had truly been worth his investment.
Eventually, they climbed down the now paved steps that led to a large lobby. Darius and Gunner were silenced by the size of the place, as it was about three times wider than Foldo's mansion had been on the surface and this was just the foyer!
The amount of human traffic down here was as if Darius was looking at videos of an underground city. It was extremely bustling, with many eateries and outlets around. It was a half-market, half-open air reception.
Darius and Gunner remained behind the two ladies and were led to the northwestern side of the lobby, going down a set of stairs to reach an even lower level.
After meandering through many hallways, they finally came upon a small door, on which one of the ladies knocked with a certain rhythm. Darius memorized the cadence as he assumed it was some form of code.
Then, the old voice of Foldo was heard. "Come in."
The one knocking opened the door and bowed to Darius. "Please, My Lord, go in."
Darius walked in with Gunner to what seemed to be a small conference room. There was a small round table with only about 5 seats and some other furnishing and decorations within the room to add flair.
His eyes roved about, taking in various minor details in order to paint a full picture of what usually went on in this room. It seemed to be that only 2 people normally sat here, as three of the chairs were newer than the two which were currently occupied.
On the right was Foldo, some documents placed before him as he rose to his feet to greet Darius. On the left was a beautiful woman on a level surpassing even Portia, yet significantly lesser than Jeanne.
Darius furrowed his brows when he saw her until he Analyzed the duo.
[Detected target is of a Friendly affiliation. Displaying details accordingly.]
[Name: Foldo Garison
Race: Human
Class: Mage
Subclass: Cryomancer/Venomancer
HP: 621/621
MP: 1,302/1,302
STA: 837/837
Level: 31
Strength: 23
Agility: 25
Endurance: 27
Intellect: 42
Charisma: 8
Luck: 4
P-Status: Healthy
M-Status: Calm
Affection: Worship lvl 3]
[Detected target is of a Friendly affiliation. Displaying details accordingly.]
[Name: Georgina Esta De L'Orion
Race: Human
Class: Silencer
Subclass: Lady of Whispers
HP: 928/928
MP: 720/720
STA: 696/696
Level: 24
Strength: 32
Agility: 40
Endurance: 29
Intellect: 30
Charisma: 26
Luck: 13
P-Status: Healthy
M-Status: Calm
Affection: Friendly lvl 3]
Darius came to a stop once he saw the details of the beauty opposite Foldo. Though he had his guesses due to the resemblance, the change had been too great for him to believe and that manifested in his next words.
"Georgina?" Darius exclaimed lightly.
Jorge raised her head with a smile. Her cold demeanor melted away as she rose to her feet and walked over to stand before Darius.
The fellow himself got to take in the magnificence of Jorge after 5 years, and he couldn't believe how that slightly pretty young miss who had been in over her head had now become a woman who one wouldn't forget easily based on looks.
Even Gunner was slightly mesmerized. Darius subconsciously compared Portia and Jorge together, and found the difference. In terms of beauty, Jorge outclassed Portia with ease, but in terms of sensuality and body shape, Portia was world-class.
Physically, they both had their strengths and weaknesses. As for their personality, Portia was gentle, caring, and lovable, also very honest which Darius found to his liking.
As for Jorge… he wasn't sure what to make of her. Well, since they were meeting now, he could ascertain the depths of her changes.
Jorge though, placed her arms akimbo and gazed up at Darius who was slightly taller than her. Darius was now 6 feet tall, while Jorge was 5 foot 10. Among women, she was quite tall, but it was still a distance before the big leagues.
"Well? What do you think?" Jorge asked coyly.
Darius smiled and rubbed his chin. "In my time within Faust, you are literally the second most beautiful woman I've had the pleasure to place my eyes upon."
Jorge didn't seem bothered to not be first, as she had accepted that there was no way she would be the most beautiful woman in the world. Not only that, she disliked meaningless flattery and preferred the cold truth.
At least, that's what she told herself. She tilted her head and asked curiously. "Who is the first?"
Darius raised his head and spoke casually. "The Crown Princess, Jeanne Ando."
Jorge nodded with satisfaction. She had naturally seen Jeanne before and to be ranked right after her meant that she herself was high up.
After all, Jeanne had a half-angel bloodline which meant that she would automatically be more beautiful than most humanoid races, yet Jorge herself was 100% human with two traceable human parents.
This was a big accomplishment that she could be proud of, and she was.
Foldo chuckled and walked up to Darius as well. "It's Queen now, no longer Crown Princess. Come and seat yourself, Master, there is a lot I need to fill you in on."
