96 To Each Their Own (1/2)

Just as Bard had said, their review efficiency was quite high right now.

Roland showed them the derivative model of Hand of Magic, performed a few of the derivative effects of Hand of Magic on the spot, and after simultaneously explaining the principles, he passed the review.

It took less than an hour from beginning to end.

Bard then indicated for Roland to come and talk to him alone.

Inside the study, Bard sat opposite Roland, upright, and even in a serious manner.

Roland now looked at Bard and saw that he looked a little dispirited and had dark circles under his eyes.

It may be assumed that he didn't sleep well last night.

”The world is changing so much that it takes us by surprise.” Bard looked into Roland's eyes and said slowly, ”There is no news of Golden Sons in the capital. But I suppose by now something similar has reached the ears of the noble families.”

Roland raised his eyelids slightly. He didn't know what Bard meant by saying this all of a sudden.

”If I wanted to recruit you to become the consecrated mage of my family, would you be willing?”

Roland was startled for a moment. ”Your words are too sudden. I can't help but doubt your intentions in recruiting me, when not so long ago our relationship was quite stiff.”

Bard chuckled. ”Yes, it's too sudden. I have a question that I would like you to answer.”

”That'll depend on the question!”

”How many Golden Sons are there exactly?”

”Five hundred thousand.”

Roland answered readily. This wasn't some important information, and even if Roland didn't say it, they would be able to find out eventually.

However, when Bard heard the number, he gasped in astonishment and looked frightened.

His face turned pale from fright.

Roland wondered, was 500,000 a terrifying number? This wasn't a lot of people. There were nearly a million people in Delpon, and it was said that there were nearly two million in Hollevin's capital. Logically, Bard couldn't have been frightened by this number.

Then, Roland saw the fruit wine cup in Bard's hands trembling. Some of the wine even spilled out.

Now Bard looked like a patient with Parkinson's disease.

Bard then finished drinking the wine slowly, and as he did so, he slowly grew quiet, his complexion gradually returning to normal.

He put down the fruit wine, pretended that nothing had happened, and said, ”I still want to extend my sincere invitation to your excellency. We, the Bard family, are much, much better than a Magic Tower, both in our magic book collection and in our resources. If you are willing to become our consecrated mage, you will have the same resources as a successor, and you won't need to bear too many responsibilities and obligations.”

Bard's expression was serious, and Roland could also feel that Bard was quite serious.

”You have strength, great strength.” Bard uttered the classic Hollevin proverb, ”We nobles are willing to get down on one knee, even to serve, for those of mighty strength and power.”

Roland smiled inwardly at this.

This might sound elegant, but it was really in essence giving in to the strong.

”Give me some time to consider!” Roland tactfully replied to Bard in this way after a moment's thought.

”The Bard family will always welcome you.” Bard got up and said, ”Then I'll be returning to the capital. If you ever come to the capital or pass by, be sure to visit my house.”

The saying goes, do not argue further with one who seeks to make amends. Although Roland didn't like Bard very much, the latter still gave in, and there was no antagonism, so Roland naturally wouldn't act unpleasantly.

Between him and Bard, it was more a matter of disliking each other's vibes than of actual conflicts of interest or a life-and-death feud.