From the man's attitude, Ron could tell he was a professional driver, not a member of the Fiora royal family, but rather someone employed by them.
Much like the butlers at the Zoldyck estate.
"Ron, I'll take you to the estate where I live first."
"Later tonight, we'll go somewhere with excellent food, a restaurant that truly represents the Kingdom of Fiora. You won't find its flavors anywhere else."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Wendy enthusiastically introduced the Kingdom of Fiora to Ron.
As Ron chatted idly with Wendy, he glanced at the crystal ball before him.
After entering the Kingdom of Fiora, the crystal's surface began slowly absorbing the surrounding characteristics, transforming them into tiny motes of light that merged into the crystal ball.
Before long, the car came to a stop.
A grand, luxurious estate appeared before Ron's eyes.
They got out of the car.
Wendy said, "The car could have driven straight inside, but I wanted you to take a look at my estate. We still have time, so how about we walk in?"
The front gate was splendid and dignified.
Compared to the Testing Gate at the Zoldyck estate, it fell a bit short, but it was still quite impressive.
Passing through the gate, one's eyes were met with a riot of color from countless flowers.
Some servants were busy at work. When they saw Wendy, they stopped immediately to bow.
Ron suddenly felt a sense of familiarity.
It was extremely similar to the image of ancient estates from a previous life.
"Ron, what do you think?"
Wendy smiled and said, "It's true, but I rarely come back here. Most of my time is spent at the training grounds. Honestly, I don't know this place much better than you do."
Not far away, a noblewoman in palace attire gazed in their direction.
Hearing the voice, Ron looked over.
A graceful and voluptuous noblewoman approached, though she did not appear the least bit plump.
Wendy led Ron forward.
The noblewoman sized Ron up.
"No need to be so formal. You and Wendy are good friends. Make yourself at home here."
Just because she said no need to be formal didn't mean Ron could truly be informal.
The noblewoman smiled.
"Wendy, I'll go arrange the banquet for tonight. Take good care of your friend. Don't just think about yourself."
Wendy paused, then said, "Tonight I plan to take Ron to No. 13 West Lane."
"A restaurant outside?"
The noblewoman frowned.
"Yes," Wendy replied. "On the way here, I'd already discussed it with Ron. Inviting him to Fiora means I want him to experience our unique local cuisine and scenic spots. If we stay inside all the time, what's the point?"
"Go tomorrow. It's not proper to go out to eat on the very first day."
The noblewoman showed a displeased expression.
"Ron and I aren't ordinary people. We're Nen users. Common etiquette doesn't hold much meaning for us, and Ron won't mind. It's not an issue."
Wendy persisted in her decision.
The noblewoman was silent for a moment.
"Fine, have it your way. But don't be negligent."
She had already gathered information on Ron before his arrival, but she wasn't impressed by his background.
The world's top assassin family?
In her eyes, assassins were just assassins. Even the best assassin clan paled before royalty. They weren't even on par with nobility.
She had come here immediately upon Ron's arrival to see what he looked like.
At the banquet, she intended to probe him subtly and make him understand his place.
Perhaps currently, there was no romantic interest between Ron and Wendy.
But Dominica had unintentionally mentioned his thoughts when questioned by the noblewoman.
This displeased her greatly.
She planned to quash any potential relationship between them before it could form.
Ron withdrew his gaze and looked at Wendy.
It seemed the two of them didn't share a close bond.
A stepmother, perhaps?
Noticing Ron's questioning look, Wendy explained, "She is my birth mother. But I never lived with her. Others raised me."
"My father died before I was born."
"After giving birth to me, she was in poor health and handed me over to the Fiora royal family."
"For the first few years, I was basically an orphan."
"When I was six, I showed decent talent and was chosen as a Dragon Child."
"Being a Dragon Child comes with generous treatment and periodic rewards. This estate is one of them."
"When I was eight, she returned and moved into the estate."
"But I spend most of my time elsewhere, so she manages this place."
"Technically, we're mother and daughter, but our bond isn't deep."
"I handle my own affairs."
"In comparison, Uncle Dominica is the elder I truly respect."
Ron raised his eyebrows slightly. He hadn't expected Wendy's background to be .
Her mother's supposed ill health was probably just an excuse. She likely abandoned Wendy at birth and only returned after Wendy became a Dragon Child.
Out of familial obligation, Wendy accepted her mother's return, but given this history, deep affection was impossible.
Ron, who lost his parents very young, couldn't really say which of them had it worse.
"Let's not dwell on these matters. Let's talk about something happier."
"It's rare to have such free time."
Wendy smiled at Ron. "Uncle Dominica gave me this vacation because of your arrival. Normally, I don't get much rest."
"So in a way, I'm grateful to you, Ron."
"Let's head upstairs. I've prepared a room for you, right next to mine."
They entered the room.
It was excellently prepared—far more luxurious than even a top-tier suite in Heaven's Arena, let alone an ordinary hotel.
Ron placed his simple luggage inside. The truly important items were always carried with him or stored in Killer Queen's space.
Wendy then took Ron to the backyard to see the fish pond.
As evening approached, the two went to the restaurant Wendy had mentioned.
"Ron, how's the taste?"
"Very good," Ron nodded. "It's my first time trying this style of cuisine."
Not only was the food excellent, but upon entering the restaurant, the crystal ball's absorption rate increased by one point, something Ron found even more delightful.
Absorbing Fiora's characteristics to create a Nen Beast was his real goal in coming here.
"I'm glad you like it. Tomorrow I'll take you to a few more restaurants."
That night, Ron returned to his room and locked the door.
After a quick shower, he changed into pajamas and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
"This royal city of Fiora is even more prosperous than the city hosting Heaven's Arena. Even Yorknew can't compare."
"Yorknew is just the core city of the Underworld Mafia."
"Heaven's Arena's influence can't match the Fiora royal family."
Ron looked at the crystal ball before him.