Gillian York, a Mana Liquefaction Magus, was the interim patriarch of House York.
He was Kaspar York's eldest son. He was also Prince Fireborne's most trusted confidant. That was why he had co to Sprindalge with Marlow, not rely as an aid, but as an advisor whose counsel the Prince genuinely relied upon.
House York had always been loyal to House Fireborne, and the two had been in a sacred alliance since the founding of the Ignisra Kingdom. In many ways, the mbers of House York were like family to the Firebornes in all but na.
On this day, Gillian sat in one of the eting rooms within the Ignisra Kingdom's embassy in High Ward, speaking with local Magi as he finalized Marlow's schedule.
As the official representative of the Ignisra Kingdom, Marlow's presence demanded formality and precision.
There were councils to attend, dignitaries to receive, and sites of political importance to visit. Gillian moved through each item carefully, ensuring nothing was overlooked and that every engagent served Ignisra's interests as well as the Prince's own objectives.
Just as he was discussing so important matters with the other Magi, he suddenly sensed a disturbance.
Gillian turned to his side with a slight frown. Right at that mont, the space beside him trembled, and a tiny portal flickered into existence. A brief burst of wind spilled out from the tear, and a single letter was hurled through before the portal snapped shut.
As he looked at the letter's seal, bearing the insignia of House York, he couldn't help but feel slightly puzzled.
"Excuse , gentlen." He smiled apologetically and rose to his feet.
He walked out of the room as he unsealed the letter. He then quickly read the contents. Soon, he found his hands trembling, his eyes flashing with shock.
"What?!" He blurted out as he finished reading the letter.
Father has returned ho?! He thought incredulously.
Realizing what Kaspar York's return to Amberfall ant, he rushed to the upper floors to give the wonderful news to the Prince.
But on his way, sothing else caught his attention.
"My Lord, soone from the city watch is here," said one of the guards respectfully as he approached the man. "They're requesting an audience with you."
Gillian dismissed the guard. "Not now. Tell them I'm busy."
"But, my lord!" The guard gulped nervously. "It's the captain of the city watch, and he says it's urgent."
Gillian froze. He turned around and gazed at the guard with narrowed eyes. "Captain of the city watch?" he asked in a low voice.
His surprise was justifiable. After all, the captain of the city watch was a Mana Vortex Magus. For him to co to the embassy building ant that the matter was truly important.
Gillian hesitated briefly before nodding. "Very well, take to him."
***
On the balcony attached to his bedroom, Marlow sat at a small tea table, holding a letter in his hand.
It was a letter from his mother, and the contents were not so different from the one Gillian had just received.
Kaspar has returned ho, he thought to himself in pleasant surprise.
Daryl and Ada, too, returned to Amberfall the other day. The only person who hasn't is… Anna.
In the letter, his mother, Amira, expressed concern about Anna's absence. But she also ntioned that Kaspar has given his personal assurance that she's safe and sound.
His mother went on to ntion that Anna has beco a Mana Vortex Magus and was doing very well for her in the field of arcane arts.
These were things that Marlow already knew thanks to Anna's letter to him.
He set the letter aside on the table and leaned back, his gaze drifting over the city spread out before him. As he watched the buildings and towers in the distance, his thoughts quietly turned inward.
Kaspar didn't specifically ntion the reason why Anna stayed back in Ulier, he wondered.
But from that puppy's words the other night, it's because of the dangers lurking in the dark. So, while it isn't safe for her to travel openly, it is for Kaspar, Ada, and Daryl.
But why? What does she have that the Kaspar and the rest don't?
Just who are her enemies?
He tried to think hard about the underlying reason, but he just couldn't co to a solid conclusion.
Suddenly, his thoughts ca to a halt when the door to his room opened, and soone barged in.
Marlow frowned at the fact that soone had entered without permission, but when he saw who it was, he couldn't help but smile.
"Gillian," he said as he rose to his feet. "I take it that you've heard the good news."
"What good news?" Gillian frowned slightly, but soon bead. "Ah, yes! Father has returned ho. I just received word."
Marlow smiled. He stepped forward and clasped Gillian's shoulders. "You and your family have been through a lot in these past few years. Kasper's return ho is indeed wonderful news. I'm very happy for you."
"Ah, yes, My Prince." Gillian nodded with a smile.
Soon, his smile turned a little strange. "There's… there's sothing else too."
"Hmm?" The Prince arched a brow. "Go ahead."
"The captain of the city watch paid a visit just now," Gillian began.
"And?" Marlow pressed.
"He ca to verify soone's identity," Gillain answered. "Soone who's recently co to Sprindale."
"And why do they need you to confirm this person's identity?" Marlow blinked. "Do you know them?"
"That's the thing… you know him as well."
Now, Marlow was really confused.
"Who are you talking about?" He asked with an inquisitive gaze.
Gillian deliberated for a brief mont, then truthfully said.
"My Prince, it's Nilrem."
***
A carriage bearing the flag of the Ignisra Kingdom rolled through the crowded streets of Trade Ward.
It slowly forced a path between carts, porters, and pedestrians. People glanced up as it passed, so stepping aside out of habit when they recognized the insignia, others rely curious about what sort of dignitary was inside the carriage.
At last, the carriage slowed and ca to a stop before a lively tavern, its doors wide open and noise spilling out into the street.
The carriage door opened, and Marlow stepped out. Gillian quickly followed behind and couldn't help but say, "My Prince, is it really okay for you to personally co here? I could have invited him to the embassy. This... this just doesn't feel right."
Marlow patted his shoulders and said with a wry smile, "We are one of the few who know him for who he truly is. Do you think it would have been okay to not greet him personally?"
Recalling how effortlessly the wandering Magus had defeated the Rank 4 undead knight, Gillian couldn't help but subconsciously gulp. "Y-you're right."
"Well then, let's go pay him a visit." Marlow smiled, his ruby eyes flashing with anticipation.
With that said, he quickly walked into the tavern.
And the mont he stepped inside, he imdiately heard the loud, familiar —and thoroughly annoying — voice booming through the room.
"Hohoho! Ladies and gents, allow this humble traveler to tell a story…"
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