The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 185

"Lord Alavin, where do you plan to move to?" Carlys asked playfully, her hands clasped behind her back as she roamed the storeroom. "A Golden Protégé should have his own manor, or perhaps build one nex to the sorceress sister's abode."

"I've grown accustomed to living here. I've no desire to move." After returning, Alavin did nothing but gather some wild herbs and cook himself a meal.

"That won't do at all. A Golden Protégé must have the accommodations befitting his title. We're second to none. How can you be dwelling in a storeroom?" Carlys was overjoyed for Alavin. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

Eight years, and finally, his fortunes had turned. She had seen all the hardships Alavin endured over those eight years and the perseverance he held in his heart.

Alavin never complained, never gave up, and never bowed to anyone.

Who could match such pride? Others mocked, but he remained steadfast. Today, his persistence showed all who had laughed at him his real power. No wonder Celesse had always been waiting for him and never gave up.

"The Golden Protégé can come and go from Cobalt Strike as he pleases. I might not return much in the future, and having a place to rest my head is enough. I care not for luxury." Alavin looked through the window at the solitary grave in the yard, the old lord's concern. How could he let others disturb it?

"Where will you be headed? Off to sharpen your skills?"

Alavin paused, then smiled knowingly. "Home!"

"Home?" Carlys exclaimed with surprise, rushing to Alavin's side. "Has the Commander agreed to pardon the Mallister family?"

"Not certain yet."

"How likely is it?" Carlys clung to Alavin excitedly. Her bright eyes were filled with anticipation.

"Maybe seventy or eighty percent."

"Did the Commander himself say so? Has he loosened his tongue?"

"Yes. Now, it is up to him to convince the Grand Elder."

"If only my mentor were here, he'd have a word, and he was never afraid of the Grand Elder. Right, can't you seek out Mariela?"

Alavin looked puzzled. "Seek Mariela for what?"

"To ask the Botanic Haven Elder for help, of course. The only one in the whole Organization who can sway the Commander's decision is the Botanic Haven Elder. He's the previous Commander's son; the position should have been his, but he shunned fame and fortune and let the current Commander take his place. Commander Kashann has always held him in high esteem; if he speaks for you, then this matter is as good as settled."

"The previous Commander was the Botanic Haven Elder's father?" Alavin was hearing this for the first time.

"It's hardly a secret, but over the years, few have spoken of it." Carlys leaned in close to Alavin, giggling. "I hear you and Mariela are quite close; go ask for her help."

Alavin rolled his eyes. "Where did you hear that?"

"From Nikulas, of course. He said Mariela took good care of you at the championship."

"Do you believe that?"

"I do!" Carlys straightened her face, then burst into laughter. Her mirth was as vibrant as blooming flowers.

Alavin shook his head with a smile. Carlys' cheerfulness always brought an indescribable ease to his heart.

"After we eat, I'll take you out for a stroll."

"Where to?"

"To all the Arenas, to let them see who's returned." Carlys held her head high with pride.

"I'd rather rest. I'm weary."

Just then, Balder arrived at the storeroom, about to speak when he caught sight of the joyful and affectionate Carlys. The words on his tongue turned into a laugh. "Is that Lady Carlys there? Perhaps I should come back later?"

"What's the matter?"

"I need to talk to Lord Alavin."

"You guys talk." Carlys graciously let go of Alavin, tending to the stove's fire for him.

Balder pulled Alavin outside, speaking in a low voice. "I've bad news and good news."

"Give me the bad news first."

"Marak has been taken. Lord Viperbane himself went to Warriors' Vale and took Marak away. My hired hands didn't even have a chance to strike."

Alavin frowned slightly; this was troubling!

"Shall we let this go for now? You're now a Golden Protégé, nearly half an Elder in Cobalt Strike. Unless they wish to forsake you, Lord Viperbane wouldn't dare lay a finger on you. Let's wait, and we'll replace another way after a respite." Balder had hired some secretive assassins through intermediaries, and paid a hefty sum to ambush Marak en route. They were desperadoes of great strength, and with the Mollen family supporting them, the deed was to be clean. But who would have thought the Lord Viperbane himself would appear, muddling the plan?