The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 56

"Enough!" the Commander barked, cutting him off.

"They destroyed his mortal form, but they dared not touch his soul. For if his spirit were to be extinguished, it would surely alert his kinfolk! To let him leave? That they could not risk. Thus, they had no choice but to seal and suppress him. With the spirit of Botanic Haven, they cast the Rune of Abandonment Lock; with the might of Botanic Haven, they gathered the Shackles of the Forgotten. They did all within their power to shroud his very essence."

"Will you hold your tongue, or shall I smash it for you?" The portly Elder could barely contain his fury.

"So many years have passed, and you thought his soul slumbered, and was no longer a threat. Yet, it has awakened... Ha! It has awakened..." Neasilis laughed, and his face then turned stone cold. "If I were to spread this news, what fate would befall Cobalt Strike? Tell me, would you be razed, overnight, or would you beg for mercy on your knees? What punishment would his kinfolk visit upon Cobalt Strike?!" "What do you want?" The Commander quelled the Elder's wrath.

"Simple! Lord Viperbane will help you keep this secret, and in exchange, Celesse will marry into House Viperbane, forging an alliance with Cobalt Strike. On the day of the grand wedding, Lord Viperbane and Cobalt Strike will join forces to eternally suppress that soul, forever sealing this secret."

"I've long heard that Cobalt Strike's mountains and rivers are beautiful, boasting the splendor of the Northlands. Seeing it today, I realize the most beautiful sight is not the landscape but the people between them. I have no desire to leave." Marak strolled the mountain paths of Cobalt Strike, admiring the male and female Protégés passing by, surprised to replace many a fair maiden among them.

"Lord Marak, have you come here in person for some important matter?" Tyral deliberately lagged a few steps behind.

"The Eight Orders of the Northlands, I've visited them all, save for Cobalt Strike. I'm merely accompanying Neasilis to see the sights; he has his business, and I have my landscapes to admire." "How long does Lord Marak plan to stay?"

"We shall see."

Seeing they were alone, Tyral chuckled softly. "There are a few Protégés in Cobalt Strike of heavenly beauty. Would Lord Marak care to meet them?"

"Would you introduce me?"

"There are three recognized beauties under twenty in Cobalt Strike. One is the Golden Protégé Celesse, another is an Elite Protégé of Botanic Haven, Mariela, and the last is the Elite Protégé Liyana. Each is unique in her charm, and they are the top three."

"Oh?" Marak eyed Tyral closely, pondering his intentions.

"Would Lord Marak be interested in meeting these three exquisite ladies?" Tyral had been plotting his revenge on Alavin, but when he heard that the young scion of House Viperbane had arrived, an idea struck him.

"If it's convenient, please?"

"Mariela resides within Botanic Haven and seldom leaves. Given recent events, they've declared martial law, and it's difficult for outsiders to enter. Liyana is quite mysterious, often adventuring with the Elders, and is currently not in Cobalt Strike. Shall we visit Celesse first?"

"That suits me perfectly, lead the way." Marak was puzzled. How did this lad know he was after Celesse? A coincidence?

Tyral enthusiastically led the way to Celesse's private training grounds.

Celesse held a high position within Cobalt Strike, and to ensure her uninterrupted training, the Commander had decreed that no other Protégé should disturb her. This was Tyral's first visit as well.

On account of Marak's status, they passed the questioning of the outer Protégés and entered the courtyard. But Celesse was not there; the place was deserted.

Tyral indeed knew Celesse wasn't present; feigning embarrassment, he explained, "Lord Marak should understand, that a woman like Celesse has many suitors." Marak's expression tightened slightly. "Are you suggesting Celesse has a suitor she favors?"

"Celesse is chaste and holds herself in high regard; how could she have a male companion? However, she does have a close friend, a male Protégé. I believe she's with him now." Tyral's words seemed innocent enough, but upon closer inspection, they seemed amiss.

A close male Protégé?

Not in her own abode but in someone else's?

Was this mere friendship? Was this still chaste?

Marak got it right away, Tyral couldn't say outright that Celesse could have a man she fancied. Internally scoffing, he lightly chuckled. "A Protégé who has won Celesse's favor must also be a heroic figure. Might I have the chance to meet him?"

Tyral hesitated deliberately. "That Protégé is a bit eccentric and unconventional. I fear he might offend you, Lord Marak."

"No matter, lead on." Marak was now eager. He thought, "Someone dares to claim my future wife? Impatient for death, it seems. I would see what sort of man he is."

The guards at Marak's side instinctively tightened their grip on their weapons. What sort of formidable and outstanding man could attract the attention of Cobalt Strike's prodigious heir? Could he be a descendant of the Commander?

"Please, this way," Tyral led them toward Alavin's storehouse. He not only knew Celesse wasn't in her courtyard, but he also knew she was in Alavin's storehouse. Every day at noon, Celesse would spend time there, seemingly advising Alavin. If he brought a hot-blooded man like Marak there, Celesse's beauty would surely dazzle him, leading to inevitable flirtation and provoking Alavin. And then... he smirked at the thought, waiting to see how Alavin would meet his end.