The return salute performed by Mark Benson before him was the etiquette used by nobles with military backgrounds, martial nobles, and combat professionals from hereditary noble families. Other nobles without military power used a different form of return salute.

Although noble etiquette was complex and intricate, it was undeniable that, to some extent, one could easily distinguish combat professionals within the noble class simply by their manners.

After all, at any time, combat professionals represented the stability of political power and rule. As a special group within the Empire, they naturally enjoyed certain special privileges.

“Lord Morin! Uh, Dragon Knight? My god, re—respected lord! It is a great honor for me and the Bart family to welcome you here.”

Just a moment ago, the butler of the Bart family had been marveling at Mark Benson’s noble status, but in the next second, he suddenly realized that the other party was a Dragon Knight.

Heavens, a Dragon Knight had come to Cedar Town—this was truly a momentous event!

Having eaten a few more decades’ worth of meals and being a dutiful butler, he immediately realized he had lost his composure. He quickly collected his shocked emotions and expression, returned to his previous respectful demeanor, and adopted an even more humble welcoming attitude, bowing so low that he nearly kissed the other’s boots.

“May I ask, Mr. Butler, what business do you have with me?”

Mark Benson was somewhat displeased; he saw that Charlie was still waiting not far away.

“My master, Clark Barrett, has already prepared a lavish dinner to welcome you.”

The butler immediately stated his purpose.

In fact, Clark Barrett, the current head of the Bart family and mayor of this small border town, was very interested in all the unusual people passing through Cedar Town and often went out of his way to befriend and curry favor with them.

Cedar Town, located on the edge of the Misty Forest, relied on the forest for its livelihood. The town’s main sources of income were timber, herbs, animal pelts, and other wild resources.

Although there were no monster hordes or highly lucrative resources nearby, the steady flow of income provided Lord Clark Barrett with a very stable revenue stream.

To put it nicely, Cedar Town was a golden rice bowl that maintained the Bart family’s comfortable and leisurely life. But from another perspective, it also confined the Bart family to a small town in the eastern part of the Empire, leaving them in the awkward position of never starving, but never able to rise above their station.

If they could win the favor of powerful combat professionals, mages, or alchemists, perhaps the Bart family would have a chance to rise.

Therefore, as both lord and mayor, Clark Barrett paid close attention to every outsider who came to Cedar Town, especially those from special groups such as combat professionals and mages.

Mark Benson had never expected that his casual request for the innkeeper to reserve twenty portions of food for him would attract the attention of the local lord, who even sent his butler to invite him to a banquet.

It had to be said that, at times, news traveled fast in a small town.

“Sorry! I have companions, and we’ve already made plans.”

The Gemini sisters were still nearby, so Mark Benson could only use the unlucky three-eyed Charlie as an excuse.

“Huh? Isn’t that Charlie?”

Following Mark Benson’s gaze, the Bart family’s butler immediately recognized the town guard.

Cedar Town wasn’t large, with just over five thousand residents. The town guard, responsible for maintaining order and protecting the town, numbered only about a hundred, so the butler could quickly recognize Charlie.

A lowly commoner soldier had no right to be compared with Lord Clark Barrett, but just as a look of disdain appeared on his face, the butler suddenly switched to a kindly smile, turned back, and said, “That’s three-eyed Charlie! It’s no problem, you may bring him to the banquet as well, and of course, the two lovely ladies are also welcome.”

Compared to the esteemed Dragon Knight, there was no need to fuss over such a lowly fellow; the butler’s attitude shifted seamlessly.

“Very well! Please wait a moment!”

Mark Benson pondered briefly, then agreed.

Since the local lord had extended the invitation, and had come in person, he had to give him this courtesy. Besides, he could take the opportunity to inform them that the Portland army was about to arrive, so they could be prepared.

As for whether Cedar Town would be on the army’s invasion route, that would depend on their plans and fate.

“Charlie! Come with me inside!”

Mark Benson waved to his childhood friend.

Glancing at the butler from the lord’s household, Charlie immediately quickened his pace to come over.

“Lord Morin, I—I think I’d better go back.”

Charlie’s legs were a bit weak; he had no experience dealing with important people and was starting to get cold feet.

“Go back for what? You’re coming with me to Lord Clark Barrett’s house for a good meal!”

Mark Benson frowned and patted him on the shoulder.

“Ah?!”

Charlie’s eyes widened in shock, and he nearly collapsed on the spot.

“You have no right to refuse!”

Mark Benson waved his hand, leaving no room for argument.

In his eyes, the Bart family was not necessarily any nobler than his childhood friend.