King of the Wilderness

Under the guidance of Arthur Vanderbilt, the group drove a Land Rover Defender along a road cleared clean by a snowplow, slowly heading toward the top of the mountain ridge.

Outside the window lay the extreme winter scenery of Wyoming.

Thick, dry, fluffy powder snow covered the earth and the expanse of Douglas fir forests. Every tree branch was wrapped evenly in snow, as if a sugar-frosted artwork.

The entire world turned into a simple yet magnificent white oil painting, and the air felt so pure, like it had been filtered; every breath carried the scent of ice and pine.

Inside the vehicle, an advanced hidden floor heating system precisely maintained the temperature at a pleasant twenty-five degrees.

Two recently awoken little ones, dressed in soft cashmere jumpsuits, excitedly pressed themselves against the car window.

Their chubby little hands curiously observed as they left tiny hand prints on the cold car glass, surrounded quickly by mist.

Their eyes were like pairs of the clearest green emeralds, reflecting the snowy fairy tale world outside the window.

Occasionally, a bird would swoop by, eliciting from them squeals of surprise, bringing about a pure interaction with this new world.

"Their adaptability is incredible," Emily lovingly looked at the two children, softly speaking to Lin Yu’an, "I was worried they wouldn’t adjust to the climate here."

Lin Yu’an smiled, "They underwent the most comprehensive checks after birth, with no lethal allergens, and their immunity is strong. Wherever they are, they can find their paradise."

"We’re almost there." Arthur’s steady voice came through the car’s intercom system, "Eagle’s Nest is located at the highest point of the mountain ridge ahead."

"Only here can the entire Giant Stone River Ranch be viewed completely, including Mirror Lake, Giant Stone River, and the main peak of the distant Teton Mountains."

"It offers the best, and indeed the only, 360-degree panoramic view of the entire ranch."

As the vehicle gracefully maneuvered the last bend, embraced by giant granite rocks, the building finally appeared before them without reservation.

At that moment, time seemed to hit the slow-motion button.

Even those who had seen countless photos, like Aliya and Emily, couldn’t help but take a sharp breath, a shiver of being completely conquered by the grandeur.

It didn’t resemble a house.

Rather, it looked like a stone-wood fortress naturally growing atop the ancient mountain ridge, coexisting with rocks and forests through millennia.

Its main structure was constructed from coarse-textured local gray schist and Douglas fir logs over half a meter in diameter, interwoven.

Dozens of triangular roofs, each with different angles, layered intricately, covered with thick white snow, perfectly blending with the contours of the surrounding snowy mountains.

Several massive chimneys built of the same stone, like medieval castle watchtowers, puffed warm white smoke, merging with the rising cold mist in the valley.

Against the dusk’s azure backdrop and the white snow’s contrast, the whole building didn’t appear cold and aloof.

Instead, the orange lighting spilling from those almost wall-sized floor-to-ceiling windows felt warm as honey, creating a sense of belonging akin to a harbor, bringing immense peace of mind.

This was their future new home! A true kingdom belonging to them.

Arthur steadily parked the car on vintage textured stone slabs in the parking area.

As soon as the car door opened, two middle-aged ladies dressed in dark cashmere coats and smiling came forward; they were the childcare nannies Arthur arranged in a rush.

With gentle professionalism, they gracefully took the two curious babies from the hands of Aliya and Emily.

"Mr. Lin, ladies," Arthur explained, "This is Kate and Mary, who both have over twenty years of experience in child psychology and early education."

"They will accompany the two little ones in the playroom, equipped fully with imported German toys and safety facilities."

"The three of you can rest assured to enjoy this adult exploration journey."

This meticulous arrangement relieved Lin Yu’an and the others of all burdens, allowing them to fully delve into exploring this ’artwork’!

Arthur walked to the massive double doors crafted from solid oak and black wrought iron. Next to the door, he lightly pressed his fingerprint on a stone block seemingly indistinguishable from the wall.

"Welcome to Eagle’s Nest."

With a barely audible mechanical unlocking sound, the two heavy doors slowly opened inward.

At the moment the doors opened, a wonderful and intoxicating fragrance rolled in.

It was mixed with the warm pine fragrance and the unique subtle smoky atmosphere of burning birchwood in a fireplace.

The sight before them made Aliya and Emily hold their breath again, their beautiful eyes filled with indescribable awe.

This wasn’t a foyer; it was clearly the nave of a private chapel!

The ceiling soared several meters high, crossed by thick wooden trusses requiring two people to embrace them, supporting the lofty dome full of primal and solemn power.

Facing the door was a massive fireplace wall built from giant granite slabs, with a fireplace large enough to accommodate an adult standing inside it.