84 Lex’s Past Part 1 (1/2)
Saleen did not bother to display his true abilities when he was working that afternoon. However, Narnia was already very impressed by him. She knew that even though she was a Grade 2 mage, she still had difficulties handling Grade 1 magic unlike Saleen who could control his magic perfectly.
It showed that Saleen’s foundation was strong, and no matter how high a person’s grade was, such things could not be compared.
Kendrick was a cheerful and enthusiastic person unlike the other mages who were more solemn. During their break, he chatted happily with Saleen, and Saleen managed to gather more information.
Many mountains surrounded the Bitter Water Prefecture. Over twenty miles to the west of the prefecture was a land basin which was suitable for agriculture. All the food supplied to the prefecture came from that land basin, and people did not need to buy their food from anywhere else. The swordsmen’s camp had been set up in that land basin, and many castles, big or small, surrounded the land basin. The smallest castle could fit up to two hundred people whereas the largest castle could fit over three thousand.
The Bitter Water Prefecture did not employ war horses, hence the number of cavalry made up only one-tenth of the entire army in the swordsmen’s camp. Because of that, these soldiers needed to have better and tougher equipment. Even their boots had been enhanced with magic. Less than ten armies from the mainland could achieve this standard of armor.
Saleen now had a rough understanding of the strategic military position the Bitter Water Prefecture held. If one did not factor in the twisting cryptic mountain roads, the Bitter Water Prefecture would not be considered strategic land. An army’s primary forces could not cross these roads, and even if smaller units wanted to cross, they would first need face the magic beasts in the mountains.
As long as the Bitter Water Prefecture sent hundreds of elite soldiers to guard those roads, the prefecture would be safe. So why did Viscountess Lex and Saleen still feel worried?
Ten thousand soldiers from the swordsmen’s camp had been called back to the prefecture. Who was Viscountess Lex protecting herself against?
”Saleen, Saleen?”
”Yes?”
”The viscountess is returning to Holy Rock City in May. Will you be coming along?” Narnia asked.
”Why is she going back to the imperial capital? For what?”
”The viscountess is reaching adulthood so she will be granted power. In the future, she will be able to confer royal titles to other people.”
”I don’t have the time, and I won’t be of much help either,” Saleen remarked casually.
”I didn’t want to go at first, but Lord Faerun is going and he will be there for six months. I can’t bear to be away from Lord Faerun,” Narnia said helplessly. The sorcerer might have imparted his knowledge during the weekly lessons, but as for Faerun’s followers, they learned so much more by staying in the courtyard.
Saleen possessed the necklace of Goddess Myers so he was able to learn many things by himself. Even after Narnia’s persuasion, he was indifferent. Six months was the perfect amount of time for him to fully comprehend the Figaro formula. But why was Viscountess Lex taking Faerun with her to the imperial capital?
The two times that Saleen had gone to meet the viscountess, he had been able to sense powerful figures hiding in the darkness, protecting her. With those people around, the viscountess should have been very safe. Moreover, the viscountess herself was a Grade 5 mage. She did not need Faerun’s protection.
Saleen worked until the evening and managed to produce enough restorative water. Then, Saleen and Narnia were discharged from the alchemy factory. The sunset in the distance was as shiny as gold, giving the frosty winter a hint of warmth. The two of them walked through the garden. As they walked, it was suddenly silent. Then Narnia whispered, ”Thank you, Saleen.”
”Oh, you are too formal. Right, I just want to take a walk outside the residence. There should be no issues, right?” Saleen said. Then Saleen thought of Sika, who was trapped in the house all day long, and had the urge to bring her along.
Narnia laughed and looked at Saleen curiously. She said, ”I thought you were familiar with the rules. Didn’t the viscountess brief you?”
”I didn’t ask.”
”If you will not be coming back for the night, you need to inform the residence. It is best to give the residence notice one day before, because the kitchen usually spends at least a full day preparing the food. If you just disappear, their efforts would have been in vain. Also, whenever you exit the residence, bring along your badge and the guards can let you pass. If you’re going to leave for more than a month, you need to inform the viscountess personally, and will stop receiving the supply of magic nuclei,” Narnia explained patiently. Saleen and Narnia walked through the garden, leaving a trail of footprints as their feet pressed into the soil.
In the back of the courtyard, Faerun manipulated and twisted a space that shielded over everything. In the middle of the open land stood a huge magical tower. Steel rocks had been stacked up to form the eight stories of the tower. The ground surrounding the magical tower was also made of steel rock, and magic symbols had been carved into them.
In addition, there were distinct lines on the surface of the rocks. The lines were filled with red powder produced from grinding gems. All of these things together formed an enormous magic array.
The sky above the magic array was overcast, and snow could not find its way into that expanse of sky. Even though it was narrow, it gave off an aura of vastness and scarcity. There were no plants or buildings around the magical tower. With the help of the magic array, this tower was shielded from other people so they could not peep into it.
However, if one were to look out from the highest level of the magical tower, they would be able to view the entirety of the viscountess’ residence.
On the seventh floor of the tower sat Viscountess Lex. She had returned to the residence early, before the winter hunt had even come to an end.
The space inside the magical tower was much bigger than how it appeared outside. Viscountess Lex sat at a table, and seated across the table were the Grade 8 sorcerer and Faerun. Viscountess Lex wore her grey magic robe and looked respectfully at her teacher.
The sorcerer slowly opened his mouth to speak, ”All that splendor will eventually die down. All the histories are merely myths. Lex, why can’t you let go of your wealth? For you, your life would be prolonged, and this worldly power is the obstacle that prevents you from moving forward.”