Rise of The Abandoned Husband

My shoulders tensed as I stepped through the ornate entrance of the Noble Family residence. The sprawling mansion represented everything the family had built over generations - power, wealth, and influence. Now I'd brought danger right to their doorstep.

Guy Noble walked confidently beside me, seemingly unconcerned about the storm we might have stirred up. "Father will be in the main hall. He's been waiting for our return."

I clutched the precious herb in my inner pocket, its energy pulsing against my chest like a second heartbeat. At least we'd secured what we came for.

The interior of the mansion was a display of understated luxury - jade ornaments, ancient paintings, and rare artifacts tastefully arranged throughout. Servants bowed respectfully as we passed, their eyes flickering curiously toward me.

"You seem troubled," Guy remarked, glancing sideways at me.

"Ms. Hayward isn't someone who gives up easily," I replied. "She'll come looking."

Guy's lips curved into a dismissive smile. "Let her come. This is Noble territory."

We entered the main hall where Pat Noble sat in an imposing chair that resembled a throne. Though in his sixties, he exuded vigor and authority. His eyes, sharp and calculating, immediately fixed on me.

"So this is the famous Liam Knight," he said, his voice carrying across the hall. "The man who's got the Veridia City Martial Guild in such a frenzy."

I bowed respectfully. "Mr. Noble. Thank you for your hospitality."

Pat Noble waved his hand dismissively. "My son vouches for you. That's enough for now." He leaned forward. "Were you successful?"

Guy stepped forward, nodding. "We obtained the herb, Father. Liam has it."

Pat Noble's eyes lit up. "Excellent! A ten-thousand-year celestial grass. Do you realize what this means? The possibilities are endless."

"It's not for sale," I said firmly, meeting his gaze. "I need it for a specific purpose."

Instead of anger, amusement flickered across the older man's face. "Direct. I appreciate that." He gestured to the chairs arranged before him. "Sit. We have matters to discuss."

I took a seat, feeling the weight of the past few days pressing down on me. "Ms. Hayward will come here looking for me."

"Let her," Pat Noble replied confidently. "The Nobles have ruled Downton City for generations. This is our domain."

"You don't understand," I persisted. "The Veridia City Martial Guild doesn't recognize boundaries. They—"

"They overestimate their reach," Pat interrupted. "Guy tells me you have potential, Liam Knight. Great potential. I've learned to trust my son's judgment."

Guy nodded appreciatively at his father's words.

"The way I see it," Pat continued, "you're an investment. One worth protecting." He smiled thinly. "Besides, I've never much cared for the Guild's arrogance."

A servant entered hurriedly, bowing low. "Master, there are visitors at the gate. They're demanding entrance."

Pat's expression didn't change. "Who are these visitors?"

"A woman named Ms. Hayward, sir. She has eight purple-robed men with her."

My heart sank. "That was fast," I muttered.

Pat Noble stood, straightening his elaborate robe. "Show them in. Let's hear what they have to say."

"Sir," I protested, rising to my feet. "I should leave. This is my problem, not yours."

"Sit down, Liam Knight," Pat commanded. "In my house, I decide what problems are mine."

I reluctantly obeyed, admiring his confidence even as I worried about the consequences. Guy positioned himself at his father's right hand, his posture alert.

The doors swung open, and Ms. Hayward strode in, her purple robe flowing behind her. Eight similarly dressed men flanked her, their expressions cold and threatening. The atmosphere in the room immediately tensed.

"Pat Noble," she greeted without bothering to bow. "I've come for Liam Knight. Hand him over immediately."

Pat Noble's eyebrows rose slightly at her lack of respect. "Ms. Hayward. No greeting? No explanation for this intrusion?"

"There's nothing to explain," she replied coolly. "Liam Knight has stolen something that belongs to the Veridia City Martial Guild. He will come with us."

Pat Noble smiled, but his eyes remained hard. "Stolen? That's a serious accusation. Do you have proof?"

Ms. Hayward's gaze found me, hatred burning in her eyes. "We don't need proof. The Guild's word is sufficient."

"Not in my house," Pat replied, his voice hardening. "In Downton City, evidence still matters."

Ms. Hayward's lips tightened. "I can see you've chosen your position unwisely." She took a step forward. "The Noble Family has prospered for generations. It would be unfortunate if that prosperity came to an end."

"Is that a threat?" Guy asked, his hand moving to his sword.

"A reality," she corrected. "However, there could be benefits to cooperating with us. The Downton City Association would welcome Noble leadership. A prominent position could be arranged."

Pat Noble laughed, the sound echoing through the hall. "You think I'd betray a guest for a position in your little association? You insult me twice now."

Ms. Hayward's face darkened. "Don't be a fool. You're powerful in Downton City, but we represent the Veridia City Martial Guild."

"And yet here you stand, on Noble land, making demands without authority," Pat countered. "I know how the Guild operates. You're here unofficially. Otherwise, you'd have brought the formal documentation."

I could see Ms. Hayward's composure crack slightly. Pat Noble had called her bluff.

"This matter is bigger than you understand," she insisted, changing tactics. "Liam Knight poses a danger to the established order."

"My understanding is sufficient," Pat replied. "Now, I believe our business is concluded. You may leave."

Ms. Hayward's face contorted with rage. "You dare dismiss me? Do you know who I am?"

"Someone who apparently doesn't know when she's not welcome," Pat said coldly. "Guards!"

Instantly, twenty armed men materialized from various entrances, surrounding us in a protective circle. They weren't just ordinary guards - I could sense the cultivation energy emanating from them. Each was at least at the Martial Knight level, with several Marquises among them.

Ms. Hayward assessed the situation, clearly calculating her odds. Finally, she stepped back.

"This isn't over," she warned. "You've made an enemy today, Pat Noble."

"I've made many enemies over the years," he replied calmly. "None of them are still standing."

With a final venomous glance at me, Ms. Hayward turned and stalked out, her purple-robed followers close behind.

As the doors closed, I released the breath I'd been holding. "Mr. Noble, I can't thank you enough, but you shouldn't have done that. The risk—"

"Risk is part of building power," he interrupted. "Something you seem to understand well, young man."

Guy clapped a hand on my shoulder. "See? Nothing to worry about."

I wasn't convinced. "Ms. Hayward isn't someone who accepts defeat easily."

Pat Noble returned to his chair. "Let her rage. The Nobles have weathered worse storms."

"At least let me offer something in return for your protection," I said. "My medical skills—"

"We'll discuss compensation later," Pat replied with a dismissive gesture. "For now, rest. You've had a trying day."

I nodded gratefully, though my mind was already racing, planning our next moves. I needed to secure the herb and prepare for whatever Ms. Hayward might do next.

As Guy showed me to my quarters, I couldn't shake the feeling that we'd just opened a door that would be difficult to close.

---

Outside the Noble residence, Ms. Hayward paced furiously before her purple-robed subordinates.

"That arrogant old fool," she seethed. "How dare he speak to me that way?"

"What now, Ms. Hayward?" asked one of her men. "The Nobles have significant influence here. A direct confrontation would be costly."

She stopped pacing, her eyes narrowing with cold calculation. "The Nobles have ruled this backwater city too long. They've forgotten who really holds power in this world."

"But the Martial Guild won't authorize action against the Noble Family without proper cause," the man persisted.

Ms. Hayward smiled, a chilling expression that made her subordinate step back. "Then we'll create cause." She turned to face the Noble mansion in the distance. "Wait till this blows over. I will make an application to the higher-ups for the extermination of the Noble Family!"

The purple-robed man paled. "An... extermination order? That's extreme."

"They've harbored a fugitive and directly challenged Guild authority," she replied coldly. "The old fool has sealed his family's fate."

As they walked away, Ms. Hayward's mind was already formulating plans for revenge - not just against me, but against the entire Noble family who had dared to stand in her way.