The noble houses on the border of the wild lands lost their past glory along with the majority of their holdings. Throughout the years they lost their dignity and were mocked as country bumpkins by high society.

Right now they were a shell of their former selves so how could they have the resources to launch another campaign into the wild lands?

It was possible that many things have changed since he was back there in the Kazzat kingdom. After all, he was just a child no more than 11 years old before he was sent to the magic tower.

He was certainly not aware enough to understand the political situation around him. Moreover, the old Esdras was too obsessed with becoming a mage and didn’t pay attention to his homeland at all.

He couldn’t be blamed for that, after all, he was just a kid. What could you have known?

At least for the time being, he was getting a clearer picture of what was going on around him. Redthorn I was beginning to display is usefulness.

In time he will be able to spread a spy network throughout the kingdom. Esdras had no intention to risk going there for the time being without understanding the situation at least.

He thanked David for his help and gave him several of his improved cantrips. Although they were friends, such a big help shouldn’t be done so freely.

Besides, they were also mages, they must abide by the rule of equivalent exchange somewhat at least.

Esdras sat alone thinking for a moment before sighing in defeat. He had been thinking about his future for a long time, and after getting here and gathering as much information as possible, he came to a depressing conclusion.

Although it was the middle of the day, he picked up bottle of wine and chugged it at once. He had to accept reality and move on.

….

This was an extremely wide and majestic study.

It was adorned with decadent furnishings, ornately carved mahogany desks and chairs, velvet curtains, and lush carpets.

The walls were be painted in various colors and textures, while paintings and fine art lined them. A tall, grande chandelier hanged from the ceiling, and large windows would survey the exterior.

The desk was covered with fancy knick-knacks and delicate china, and a delicate, ornate clock graced the mantle. Overhead, regal ceilings panels helped draw attention to the luxurious office and add to the sophisticated style of the office.

But of course, it had to be at least of this level, because this was the personal study of one of the 13 council members of the Octarine tower. The Great mage Meeralah, a personal disciple of a Master mage.

Her long red hair gracing her shoulders and her dark eyes holding a promise of danger. The mage robes she wore revealed just enough of her curves to tantalize those who looked at her, but most underestimated the danger she could wield.

On this day, she was seated in her luxurious study, a cup of tea in her hand as she waited for her much-anticipated meeting with a certain apprentice.

Glancing around the room, she noticed how the afternoon sun illuminated the purple and golden sheen of the walls, the shelves lined with ancient tomes and her beloved spell ingredients, and of course, the intricate magical formation that was carefully put together from the remains of the ancient Empire.

As she sipped her tea, Meeralah awaited the arrival of the student in her study, her attention focused on the task at hand. Although her beauty may have thrown some off-guard, beneath her alluring exterior was a strength and power she was not afraid to use to accomplish her mission.

For those brave enough to join her, they would find great rewards. For those foolish enough to refuse, they would confront a dangerous wrath. She knew that he would come to her in the end, for that were a few things in this world that she could not have.

Although the position of the Crimson faction was not at an all time high, the danger has long past, and now they were recovering quickly. There was no one who could mock them openly again.

Even her traitorous fellow disciples who abandoned her, could not find fault with her. She did not need them. Did not need anyone. As long as she lived, she would grow stronger, and eventually one day she will achieve her goal without a doubt.

But for now, Meeralah sat in her study, a majestic and powerful queen waiting for her apprentice to arrive. A drop of amber liquid shivered at the sides of her cup as she waited intently, her dark eyes conveying the powerful force that lay behind her friendly façade.

Her charms, wit and sex-appeal was known throughout the land, but those familiar with her true self knew that behind her exterior was a core of steel that could not be broken.

The door creaked open, revealing a figure shrouded in dark red robes. A hood covered their face for a moment, before it was drawn back to reveal a youthful face, although she knew he was no more than 16 he looked more like 19 or 20 years old, illuminated by the late morning sun that streamed through the window.

The eyes of the figure were bright and sharp and he carried himself confidently as he stepped into the Great mage’s study. His dark blue eyes and blond hair gave him a charm that captivated others.

The Great mage, who had been sitting quietly in her chair, sat up straight and narrowed her eyes. She had been expecting this meeting.

Before anything he stopped at an appropriate distance and placed his right palm over his heart before bowing slightly.

“Good evening, master.” He greeted steadily, “I have come to negotiate my position in your service.”

Meeralah seemed taken aback for a moment. Although she had vested interest in recruiting Esdras to her camp, and they were indeed here for that she didn’t expect him to be so straightforward.

But then again, she wasn’t really used to negotiations or such tedious things. However, Esdras was clearly aware of his own value.

This conversation was bound to play an important role in his future career, he was determined to get what he came here for. To be appointed as a guardian.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep