This aunt and uncle had fallen out with his father many years ago. That was before his father inherited the mansion. In turn, Marco inherited it from him. Of course, by then the building had been falling into disrepair, and Marco had to personally oversee its many renovations.
Over the years, Marco had striven to maintain a cordial relationship with the old couple. After all, they were the only people he could call “blood” hereabouts. He wasn’t sure whether they would accept his invitation at such short notice. He cursed his luck again that he had to leave so soon.