The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 175

"It's fine. Continue with your bath." Vinos slammed the chamber door shut.

"Was that truly Alavin? Are you sure?" someone exclaimed from the pool. That couldn't be right; Alavin was gravely wounded the day before yesterday, run clean through by a blade. He ought to be bedridden, how could he possibly be here?

"I'm certain, it was Alavin." Vinos suddenly felt a pang of annoyance. "Was I just afraid? How could I be afraid?"

"Who else was with him?" Marak inquired.

"I saw no one else, just him by himself."

"Fear not, he may be bold in the dueling grounds, but he wouldn't dare cause trouble in Warriors' Vale."

"Was I afraid?"

The door slowly opened, and there stood Alavin, frowning at the scene before him.

"What do you want?" Vinos' bravado faltered.

"Spare them," Alavin gestured to the three maidens still kneeling on the ground.

"Out! Get out!" Vinos had forgotten all about them, quickly ushering them away.

"Thank you," the three maidens scurried out of the room, thanking Alavin repeatedly.

"Apologies for the intrusion. I'll send you lads a cask of wine later," Alavin had no wish to entangle with these young nobles.

"We need none of your gifts!" Vinos dared not accept anything from him.

The door closed, and Vinos breathed a sigh of relief, then shouted outside, "Tell Enosto to send a dozen! Right now!"

"Lord Vinos, please wait," came the guards' voices from outside.

The young nobles in the pool managed a forced smile. "Ignore him. Let's enjoy our night. Fine wine, fair ladies, tonight we shall indulge." Marak glanced at the door and dismissed it, raising his goblet in a toast. "Cheers!"

Vinos leaped into the pool, raising his cup high. "Drink up!"

But... "Creak!" The door gently opened again, Alavin peeking inside.

"Have you not had enough?" Vinos' anger flared.

Alavin quietly surveyed the misty pool, his brows furrowing, then, with a bang, he pushed the door open and strode in.

"What are you doing?" All the young nobles stood up.

"Lord Alavin, what is this...?" the guards entered behind him. Seraphic Springs allowed no disturbances, and none were exempt.

Alavin slowly approached the pool, and the nobles immediately formed a line to block him. "Alavin, this isn't Cobalt Strike. Don't start trouble! We'll only say this once, please leave!"

"Lord Alavin, let it be. Shall I arrange for more maidens for you?" the guards tried to placate him.

"Don't be so tense. I thought I recognized someone." Alavin's gaze pierced to the back of the pool, and then he let out a chuckle. "Marak? It's been a while."

Alavin knew Marak? The nobles exchanged glances, all turning to look at Marak.

Marak? The scion of House Viperbane? The guards' faces paled, and they hurried forward, recognizing Marak at the back of the pool. How did this highborn sneak in? And what was he doing in Warriors' Vale? Was House Viperbane openly challenging The Clash of Eight Orders?

Marak's gaze turned icy. "You spotted me, not bad at all."

Alavin smiled; indeed, it was Marak. "I could smell the stench of scum through the walls, wondered who it might be."

At this, the whole room went tense and everyone was staring at Alavin in shock; even the guards were dumbfounded.

Marak's brows knitted, and he slowly stood up, his expression darkening. "I dare you to repeat that."

"That reek of yours. No amount of sweet herbs can mask it. Quite the nerve you have, venturing into Warriors' Vale. Aren't you afraid of being killed?"

The other young nobles inhaled sharply. This wasn't a mere acquaintance; clearly, the two had a vendetta. But that couldn't be, Alavin was just a servant at Cobalt Strike, wasn't he? How could he have a connection with a noble scion?

The guards realized trouble was brewing and hurriedly sent one of their own to alert the captain. Marak's status was special, beyond their handling, and Alavin's current renown made him all the more untouchable.