An invitation to enter the royal palace was an honor few received. Professor James, with his esteemed social standing, wasn’t entirely surprised by the invitation. But for William, it was a remarkable opportunity to witness the grandeur of the palace and meet influential figures.

“Of course,” James accepted. “I would be glad to offer my services.”

“Excellent. Follow me, please.”

They entered the palace. William was awestruck by the pristine interior. The absence of even a speck of dust, the high ceilings, and the marble columns created an air of grandeur.

The sheer number of staff was astounding. There were people dedicated to cleaning, preparing meals, tending the gardens, and guarding the palace. William couldn’t fathom the amount of gold required to maintain such a vast operation.

They conversed with the man who had greeted them, Orgnar, who managed the royal library and oversaw some of the king’s financial affairs. He held a position of considerable authority, and William and James were careful not to offend him.

Gwyneth bid them farewell. “I must go see my father.”

But Orgnar stopped her. “There’s no need to rush, princess. We’re going there now, together. I was hoping Professor James and his assistant could lend their expertise in finding a cure for the king.”

Professor James possessed neither medical nor alchemical expertise, and neither did William. Considering Ignis housed some of the best alchemists and healers, they were puzzled as to how they could contribute to finding a cure for the king.

However, they kept their doubts to themselves and followed along, curious to see where this would lead.

They were escorted to a private area at the back of the palace, the royal family’s living quarters. Only authorized personnel were permitted access.

Orgnar, exercising his authority, explained William and James’s presence to the guards before entering. Even with his position, he had to state his purpose to gain entry.

Inside the king’s bedchamber, they encountered several other individuals.

“Princess?” one sneered. It was a man with a scornful expression. “I don’t believe you’re welcome here.”

“Silence, brother. You have no authority over me,” Gwyneth retorted.

The man was the prince, who clearly held no affection for Gwyneth.

Orgnar, sensing a potential conflict, intervened. “This is not the time for disputes.”

The prince glared at him. “You have no right to speak to me in that manner. Remember, you are employed by us, and you must obey.”

The king, lying weakly in bed, spoke, his voice hoarse. “He is employed by me, and he obeys me, just as you do. Please, leave us. I wish to have a private moment with my daughter.”

The prince, lacking the audacity to defy the king, left the room, followed by the others, leaving Gwyneth and her father alone.

Outside, the prince scrutinized William and James. “And who are you?”

Orgnar interjected, “They are guests.”

The prince scowled at them before departing.

They all waited respectfully while the king spoke with Gwyneth. It was a private, familial moment that no one wished to intrude upon.

After ten minutes, Gwyneth opened the door and invited them inside.

The king, with effort, propped himself up in bed, his back against the wall. “I require your services, Professor,” he rasped. “Are you willing to help me? I can offer compensation and assistance with any need you may have.”

Professor James had anticipated this request. He was prepared to help. The king was a symbol of the kingdom, and with the looming war, his leadership was crucial.

“Of course,” James agreed. “But I lack medical expertise. How can I be of assistance?”

The king chuckled. “I’m aware of that, young man. I require a different kind of help.”

He explained the task. “I have a physician who knows how to cure me, but the ingredients for the potion are rare and difficult to acquire. I need a powerful mage like yourself to help me obtain them.”

“Why me?” James inquired. “Not that I’m unwilling, but surely there are other powerful mages available.”

“Indeed, but not with your combat prowess. Most mages here specialize in other fields of magic.”

James considered the proposition, weighing the potential rewards.

“I have a request,” he countered. “Someone murdered our students during an expedition. I seek to find those responsible. Can you assist me in locating them?”

The king nodded. “Yes. We have extensive contacts and skilled investigators. I can find those individuals. Moreover, I’m willing to offer you gold and valuable items in exchange for your help in recovering my health.”

It was a matter of life and death. The king was desperate for a cure. He couldn’t bear the thought of dying and leaving his family, especially Gwyneth.

“I can help,” James agreed. “But how long will this endeavor take? I cannot be away from the academy for an extended period.”

“It may take some time,” the king admitted, “but I can send a letter to Tholfnir. We are close allies.”

Even with his power, Tholfnir adhered to the king’s authority. The king himself might not be a powerful mage, but he had the backing of influential figures. Defying the king was unwise.

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“Very well. We will help you,” James declared. “But may my student and assistant accompany me?”

The king saw no issue with this. “Of course. However, the journey might be perilous. Will he be safe?”

James wasn’t sure whether bringing William was a good idea, but William was eager to go.

“He will be fine. Can we discuss the details?” James requested.

“Yes, tonight. The alchemist responsible for preparing the potion will join you. You can discuss the details then. For now, Orgnar will show you to your chambers.”

They followed Orgnar through the palace to their chambers for the night.

“What a turn of events,” James remarked as he settled onto the bed. “But if we help the king, it will benefit both the kingdom and us. They’ll assist us in finding those responsible for the students’ deaths.”

William nodded, excitement bubbling within him. The potential rewards for aiding the king were enticing.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep