Chapter 308: Too Exhausting
The vast golden-emerald palace hall blazed with countless hanging candles, illuminating the entire ballroom. Exotic gemstones embedded in massive golden pillars sparkled with iridescent gleams under the candlelight.
Enormous curtains cascaded down from both sides - straight, lightweight red drapes extending from the ceiling all the way to the golden floor. Forest-green potted plants hung suspended in mid-air, their lush foliage spilling out from crystal-like containers flanking the ballroom's elevated platform.
The expansive dome above allowed the night sky to pour into the hall, while cool evening breezes made the candle flames dance. Gentle, flowing music whispered like quiet angels from both sides.
At the center of the ballroom stood an enormous nine-tiered cake on the table. Its height rivaled even the hanging red drapes. The brilliant candlelight illuminated smiles on every noble's face.
The aristocrats, leaning on ornate canes, exchanged respectful toasts before swapping drinks. Everyone present knew that Princess Aurelianne's actual birthday wasn't for another seven days. Yet Emperor Aubrey had chosen to hold such a grand and luxurious banquet tonight.
Especially during these times of underlying turbulence.
The Mage Council had never officially aligned itself with any nation. But after Viktor's recent stunning display, the world once again turned its attention to this extraordinary organization.
Under global scrutiny, Heim Horn - a Council member - had boldly proclaimed to all nations: They were the true orthodox followers of the Goddess of Justice.
Most countries refrained from hasty reactions. Even those supporting the Mage Council held back. After all, the followers of the Goddess of Justice were simply too numerous. Even if everyone in the City of Magic joined as devotees, it would barely create a ripple in that vast ocean of believers.
The more people who stood watching, the more cautious later nations became. After all, this world hadn't seen true deities for a very, very long time. The gods existed only in ancient history, some nearly impossible to trace.
Yet their followers remained in the world, gathering believers across the globe for their supreme deities. The Church of the Goddess of Justice was one such organization.
Except within the Empire, the Church had spread to every country, every corner, every piece of land in the world. Like rats lurking in the world's shadows, they had infiltrated nearly everywhere. In other places, they'd even developed a Pope to guide people in following the Goddess of Justice.
After all, this Goddess of Justice was the last deity remaining in the world.
And now, despite the existing Goddess Church, the Mage Council dared to step forward and declare to the world their indisputable claim to orthodoxy. People wondered whether this was usurpation or justified confidence from the Council.
In any case, almost every noble at this grand banquet discussed this matter.
Lia and Henie stood side by side, shining like two bright stars among the crowd. Henie wore sophisticated rectangular glasses and an exquisite black formal dress. The long black gown was adorned with subtle dark flowers, giving her an air of mystery. She wore lace gloves, with a black silk shawl draped over her shoulders, making her appear even more enchanting.
Lia stood beside her, elegantly holding a wine glass. She wore a long white formal dress that trailed along the floor, emanating a cool luster. A pair of pure ruby earrings sparkled brilliantly. The thick fur on the dress's shoulders gave Lia a unique mature charm.
Though their styles contrasted sharply, each possessed her own distinct beauty. They drew particular attention throughout the banquet. Many nobles' gazes fell upon them, expressing undisguised admiration.
Lia smiled, greeting the surrounding nobles warmly, moving through the crowd like a graceful fish. Some nobles' eyes fixed on Henie beside Lia, becoming almost dazed. Their minds seemed to grow sluggish as they curiously inquired:
"Who is that lady beside Miss Lia?"
"She's almost too beautiful."
"My goodness..."
The nobles' cheeks flushed slightly upon seeing Henie. When her gaze swept over them, they nervously lowered their heads, not daring to meet her eyes.
Yet some, with reddened faces, took deep breaths, downed their wine in one gulp. Straightening their fine clothes and puffing out their chests, they intended to approach Henie.
But after taking two steps toward greeting her, they were suddenly stopped.
A middle-aged man rushed out, grabbed one young man's clothes, and hissed in a low voice: "Have you lost your mind, boy?"
"Father, don't stop me. I'm determined to find a wife today..."
"That's a retainer of the Kravina family. Can't you see she's walking alongside Miss Lia?"
At this, some of the flush of impulse faded from the young man's face as he caught his breath. But his gaze remained fixed on Henie's enchanting figure.
"Besides, at her age she's already an Associate Professor at the Magic Academy, a Third Circle mage! You think you're worthy of her?"
The young man froze, doubting his ears. "Wh-what? Third Circle mage?"
"Never mind whether she's Third Circle or not, listen carefully - she belongs to the Kravina family. Don't you dare cause trouble."
The elder glared at him, making the young man suddenly shudder. Cold sweat instantly ran down his spine as he let out a heavy breath. His lingering gaze finally tore away from Henie as he departed.
During this time, Viktor's fame had soared, causing the Kravina family to gain rapid attention. Many people even turned their focus to Viktor's former teaching assistant.
They didn't need much investigation to discover that this beautiful Miss Henie had graduated from the Magic Academy just a year ago. At merely twenty years old, she had already become a Third Circle mage.
Her beauty and wisdom were like those irresistible demons from fairy tales, impossible to resist. Many nobles still gazed at Henie, discussing her background.
"They say she previously studied at the Royal Magic Academy, and even worked as a teaching assistant for a year after graduation."
"She studied at the academy before? How come I never saw her?"
"And she's a retainer of the Kravina family, which means she's basically Viktor's..."
The more enchanted people became with Henie, the more their curiosity grew. Where did Viktor find so many treasures?
Lia led Henie through the crowd of admiring nobles, looking for a relatively quiet place to sit. After sitting down, Lia secretly glanced at Henie - or more precisely, stole a look at Henie's upper body.
Hmm... indeed quite a treasure.
When choosing her dress, Henie had tried on many options before settling on one that exposed less skin. However, the somewhat tight-fitting dress on Henie's figure... well... seemed to be working extra hard to showcase her stunning curves.
It had a kind of beauty that seemed ready to burst forth at any moment.
Indeed, this would undoubtedly attract those nobles' attention. Not just the nobles - even Lia felt a bit envious.
No wonder Viktor always had Henie wear those large robes before - this guy had been keeping this view all to himself.
'So this is what Viktor likes?' Lia couldn't help thinking, then mustered the courage to glance down at her own.
No good, can't compete...
And so, the two sat together in silence. Lia continued her unwilling comparisons of other features.
The entire ballroom seemed quiet to their ears.
But soon, a dazzling figure broke this lonely silence.
Erica entered the ballroom, wearing a black evening gown with a heavy white ruffled collar that blended perfectly with her golden hair.
She walked in on Duke Levi's arm, each step radiating brilliance. She held her head high, her eyes revealing a noble and confident air.
Her composure and elegance bloomed simultaneously, causing countless nobles to gasp in admiration.
As gazes gathered on Erica once again, the nobles naturally paid their respects to Duke Levi as well.
"Good evening, Duke."
"Good evening, Your Grace."
"Duke."
Duke Levi wore a spring-like expression while maintaining his dignified bearing as he responded to each noble in turn.
Recently, the du Cloye family had been like the sun at high noon, their reputation growing steadily as Duke Levi welcomed his family's glory.
Now, throughout world history, the youngest Third Circle mage was none other than Erica du Cloye.
Everyone had only one assessment of Erica - boundless potential.
This was based on precedent.
Once, at age 20, Viktor had broken the record for youngest Third Circle mage.
Now, he had similarly become the youngest Fourth Circle mage.
Powerful and renowned.
To those unaware of the truth, seventeen-year-old Erica would naturally seem not far behind Viktor.
However, the Empire seemed to have too many magical prodigies appearing lately.
First Viktor had suddenly emerged.
Today, Henie had appeared out of nowhere.
Now, there was Erica du Cloye.
How were geniuses sprouting like bamboo shoots after rain?
But upon careful thought, they realized the most shocking fact.
Whether Henie or Erica - they were all connected to Viktor.
Henie had been Viktor's teaching assistant, while Erica had always been Viktor's student.
This...
Was it too late to ask if Viktor was still accepting students?
As Erica basked in the admiring gazes, footsteps accompanied by the tapping of a cane gradually approached her father.
Baron Beck smiled, giving Duke Levi a slight nod. "Duke, we meet again."
Seeing this, Levi patted Erica's arm.
Erica understood perfectly, stepping back gracefully to stand at the Duke's side.
She curtsied elegantly to Baron Beck, greeting him: "Mr. Beck. I'll leave you and Father to talk."
With that, Erica politely took her leave.
Beck watched Erica depart, lavishing praise on the Duke: "Duke, your daughter truly has limitless potential."
Honestly, Beck had never imagined that just a few months ago when he saw Erica, she had been an impetuous young girl.
Though a Second Circle mage then, she could only be called talented.
But now.
Both her maturity and power had reached an appropriate level.
Though already the Empire's youngest genius, she remained humble and steady.
"I've lived more than half my life and still remain at Third Circle," Beck said. "Who would have thought your daughter would match this old man at just seventeen?"
At this, Beck laughed heartily, coughing twice. His eyes seemed to hold a trace of envy.
"Not at all, she's just young after all," Levi waved his hand, sighing slightly.
The two chatted casually, exchanging pleasantries for a while.
Beck seemed to suddenly remember something and leaned closer to Duke Levi, asking softly: "Duke, what's the real story behind today's banquet?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Unlock a HUGE stash of advance chapters now!
Dive deeper into the story ahead of everyone else!