The five siblings, accompanied by Albert, were sitting at the sides of a large wooden table, the upper part of its nearly-white surface polished to a silvery glimmer.
There were no words exchanged between them – everyone’s faces were tense with anticipation.
Soon, a man strode through the open door. This wasn’t the one they were waiting for, but rather, a herald, as customary on such occasions.
“His Excellency, royal advisor to the war minister, the 7th Inferno, Ordelion Neoclast!”
The door opened once more, as a tall, lean man walked through.
He had long silver hair, strings of purple running alongside its edges. His face, showing the early wrinkles of old age, was like that of a lion, surveying its den, and the gaze of his silvery-white pupils, like those of an eagle, felt like it could pierce the very soul of those present.
Instantly, the already-tense atmosphere became that much more heavy. Even as he held his aura at bay, the mere vicinity of a Legendary Path-bearer commanded such presence.
Before anyone else spoke, the man lightly bowed his head, his chin touching the edge of his buttoned-up military-style jacket, its high quality drake leather red with white trimmings.
“Allow me to express my condolences. Even though I haven’t seen him in over a decade, me and your father fought on the battlefront together in the last war. I considered him a dear comrade, and a good friend.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Inferno Neoclast.”
The first one to answer was the oldest brother, bowing his head even deeper in turn.
“We are grateful for your visit.”
Geoffrey spoke as well, mirroring the gesture.
“Thank you.”
Penelope, followed by Bern and Leonard, expressed their gratitude as well.
“The minister and his majesty send their best wishes, as well. Although they couldn’t attend on such short notice, they shall be present at the ascension ceremony.”
“We-”
Before Jerome could speak again, the herald - still standing by the door - spoke once more.
“Former 7th Blaze, current 6th Flame and leader of the Silverveil branch of the Ministry of Security, Theodor Rosewood!”
Immediately, the slightly relaxed backs straightened up again.
“Allow me to express my condolences as well. Your father was a good man, loyal to the kingdom, and his contributions were greater than those of most in this city. He will be missed.”
The man, wearing his massive suit of enchanted and enhanced heavy armor, with the Redsteel greatsword behind his back, bowed his head lightly.
“Thank you, Sir Rosewood.”
Jerome bowed his head once more. The others wordlessly followed.
A short period of silence descended upon the room.
“Now, let us speak of what comes nex-”
Before Theodor could finish his words, another man quickly walked through the partially-opened doorway.
His black-and-white suit indicated his status as a personal attendant.
The heads of all people present turned towards him.
“Ehem! Forgive my intrusion. I wish to announce the arrival of my lord.”
Facing no immediate objections, the Elevated Path-bearer quickly spoke once more.
“His Excellence, former 5th Blaze, marquess Keltrion Von Destolis!”
The appearance of yet another Transcendent Path-bearer sent a wave throughout the room.
Theodor narrowed his eyes. Penelope looked at the newcomer with suspicion, while Jerome’s air of politeness grew significantly colder. Bernard remained indifferent, although the tension in his gaze subtly increased.
On the other hand, Geoffrey’s gaze showed a faint hint of relief, and Leonard’s lips subtly curved.
Only the Legendary Path-bearer seemed to have remained unaffected, merely nodding his head in acknowledgement.
“I greet the esteemed royal advisor and MIS branch leader.”
After receiving a nod from Theodor, as well, he turned to face the Silverton siblings sitting at the table.
“And allow me to express my-”
“Not even a day had passed.”
Surprisingly, it was the timid Penelope who spoke, her voice uncharacteristically cold and sharp.
“We are still grieving, and already the vultures descend?”
The man raised his bowing head, his eyes shimmering with cold malice.
“Young lady. I know your emotions at this moment may have clouded your judgement, but-”
“No, she’s right.”
The oldest brother curtly cut his words.
“Throughout all those years, I don’t remember you seeing eye to eye with father on any issue. Not even once had you supported his policies; not once had you voted in favor of anything any of us would bring to the assembly after he fell ill... And now, you dare come into this chamber, speaking of condolences?”
The newcomer’s gaze turned toward him.
“There is a stark line between policy and personal respect. Your father was a good leader.”
The nuance did not escape the High Wizard’s notice, causing his expression to harden.
“He was, indeed. And I intend to continue his legacy.”
“Legacies are important.”
The man readily agreed.
“All of us, standing in this room, are standing on the shoulders of our ancestor’s legacies...”
As he said the last part, he threw a quick, nearly imperceivable glance at Theodor.
“...But we are also loyal servants of the king. We must consider what would best serve the kingdom’s future, rather than merely dwindle on the past.”
“And that’s precisely what I’m considering, at any given moment. The current growth of our economy is testimony to that.”
“I’m certain you believe that. We all serve Valoria to the best of our ability… Even if some of our abilities are lower than others–”
“If you want to act like a clown, do so in front of the assembly. Don’t waste our time with your empty slights.”
The marquess turned his gaze towards Theodor, his expression hardening. The tension between them was so heavy, one would expect sparks to emerge in the air.
“I know someone like you may be unused to noble etiquette-”
“Enough.”
There was no perceivable anger in Ordelion’s voice, yet his single word was enough to turn the heads of everyone present towards him, with the high noble instantly halting his words and bowing his head.
“Theodor. Please, show some courtesy to the marquess.”
The leader of the MIS branch nodded, his expression unchanged.
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
“And Keltrion – the timing of your visit did not escape me. If there is something you wish to say, say it plainly. Otherwise, I shall be returning to my ship.”
“Of course, esteemed Inferno.”
The high noble bowed his head, his tone turning meek for but a moment, before reverting to its previous patronizing self, as he turned midway towards the table, facing both those who were seated and those who remained standing at once.
“As you well know, we have found ourselves in a difficult situation, in which the succession of lord Breston’s throne is far from cle-”
“It is clear. I shall inherit my father’s throne, and-”
“It is not clear.”
Jerome’s loud voice was cut off by the marquess.
“You know direct succession is impossible. Not a single one of you had reached the Transcendent realm.”
“Irrelevant.”
This time, it was Theodor who spoke.
“The Ministry shall act as his regency for the next 40 years.”
“You?!..”
The high noble finally showed tangible emotion.
“Esteemed Inferno! This is beyond outrageous! How dare the head of a Ministry branch suggest such a ridiculous idea?!”
His protests were met with a silent gaze.
“Don’t tell me… The crown-”
“The crown had already approved this initiative, shall the young duke accept it. It shall only be a temporary measure – if either he or his future children reach the Transcendent realm before the deadline, the regency shall be rescinded. Moreover, if one of them is at the peak of the Elevated realm by the deadline, they shall be granted 20 more years to advance.”
“This is a travesty! The separation of-”
“If you disagree with the royal cabinet’s decision, you are free to go to the capital and petition them yourself. As it stands, the matter is sealed.”
For a moment, deep, thick silence returned to the chamber.
“If the future young duke accepts.”
Ordelion's words were hastily refuted by the eldest brother.
“I have already accepted the proposal.”
“You might have done so, Jerome, but you are not yet your father’s successor.”
The marquess's tone turned frosty, once more.
“I am the only one eligible to inherit his position.”
His gaze scanned his siblings, sitting at the table to his left.
“No. You are not.”
The one to speak was his brother, Geoffrey. Jerome threw him a cold glance.
“You are still in the Rising realm.”
“He is at the very edge of the threshold.”
The one who spoke this time was the royal advisor.
“If he attains the right before the date of the ascension assembly, there will be a vote.”
Silence returned to the chamber once more, but then, the man continued.
“In fact, another one of you appears to be standing at the edge of the 2nd realm, as well.”
Everyone’s gazes shifted onto the man sitting to Jerome’s left.
“I.. Albert, if you please.”
As the heads turned once more, the head butler spoke.
“Bernard Silverton had forfeited his right of succession upon returning to the estate, just short of two weeks ago, with me as his witness.”
A few of the gazes shifted back onto him, but the marquess did not even deign him another glance, shifting his gaze back to the Legendary Path-bearer.
“A vote it is, then.”
His tone was sour, but his eyes were filled with determination.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Send my regards to the minister, your excellency.”
Without waiting for a reply, the noble stormed off, with his attendant close behind him.
“I shall be departing as well. I wish you peace in your mourning, and a bright future to your father’s successor.”
Theodor Rosewood left the room with heavy, but hasty steps.
“I’ll leave you to it as well, then. While I must return to the capital, a company of my men shall remain until his majesty’s arrival, in order to maintain stability until the ascension.”
With not a single person daring to object, the 7th Inferno followed the MIS branch leader.
“We-”
“You can entertain the visitors, Jerome. We shall be going.”
Before the oldest brother could object, the youngest too stood up, leaving the chamber as well.
“Pen… please…”
His pleading gaze was met with a scornful one, but Jerome’s young sister quickly relented.
“Alright.”
“I’ll stay with you.”
Surprisingly, the 2nd oldest brother volunteered to share the burden.
“No, you don’t-”
“It’s fine.”
He interrupted her with a dismissive gesture of his hand.
“It’s not like I have anywhere to be.”
At least not today.
***
“The lord has passed?”
Just as Anne made the surprising claim, Ellena, who had just walked through the doorway with a water jug.
“Yes. You should put your worries to rest – at least, for now.”
I swallowed the meat and vegetables, before placing my hand above the plate. A few quick symbols, and a small burst of heat - without flame - descended upon the cooling food. This was basically a cantrip using the initial components of Flame Bolt, which incurred only a negligible drain upon my Arcane reserve.
“What does this mean, exactly? And, what were those airships?”
“The airships likely came from the capital... No, maybe Valor’s End, given the short notice. Or perhaps they were already in-route due to the earlier attack…”
As her words trailed off, she lightly shook her head, refocusing.
“If anything, the city should be safer now. My prediction is – at the very least, two of them shall stay behind, acting as reinforcements until the succession.”
“The succession?”
Although it made sense that someone would soon inherit the lord’s title, I had not the faintest clue as to how such a thing would be handled.
“At the moment, there is one clear successor – Jerome, Breston's oldest son. If that remains as is, the most likely outcome is deferred succession – he shall inherit the title, however, a regency shall be formed, holding the seat until he or his child reach the Transcendent realm.”
“I… see.”
I wasn’t surprised by the fact such a position required someone with a high Path level. In this world, personal power seemed to have great value, at least above a certain cutoff.
It made sense, too – someone like Theodor could easily survive an assassination attempt by another Transcendent, while if someone like that came for me, even with an envoy of personal guards in the Elevated realm, my chances of survival would likely be close to (or exactly) 0%.
Someone too weak would probably have a hard time garnering the support of the nobles, whose families often had at least one high-level Path-bearer, at least among high nobility.
“It sounds like there is another option.”
Anne nodded.
“If another contender amidst his siblings appears… Although it's not likely, it is certainly possible. If that happens, there will be a special ascendance assembly, where each noble house will vote for their candidate.”
“When?”
“The regular city assembly will take place on Perseverance – the 13th, a day after the award ceremony.”
“Perseverance the 13th… Sounds unlucky.”
“Why would it.. wait, you went on a whole tangent claiming there is no such thing as luck.”
“Sorry, just a bad joke I picked up somewhere.. Umm, never mind me, please continue.”
‘Come to think of it, with how the months in the world were structured, literally every month has a ‘13th Friday’. Except for that “Darkest Month” mid-winter.’
Meanwhile, after narrowing her eyes for a moment, the old Wizard continued.
“The date of the ascension assembly shall be decided then. Given the fact that the lord’s funeral shall take place in 3 weeks, as per custom, I presume it shall take place a day or two afterwards.”
“So, what does that mean in practice?”
“For 3 or so weeks, at the very least, the city is going to be much safer. If anything, your previous.. troubles might not be as pressing for the time being.”
I nodded one more. I did tell her about having to leave the city back when we first met, and, with her level of access, it probably wasn’t hard for her to find the incident report regarding Zod’s attack, and put 2 plus 2 together.
‘I don’t know what those reinforcements entail, but given how big of an occasion this must be, I doubt the Shadows would be crawling out of their caves anytime soon.’
This meant I was no longer confined to Central and Northern.
‘I’d still rather avoid Southern… At least the slums. But, as it stands, I can actually do stuff in the city again.’
I didn’t have much to look for in Eastern, but there were definitely a few things I wanted to check in Western. And, one of those things reminded me of the questions I came here to ask, to begin with.
As we finished our food, I decided it was as good a time as any to ask them.
“Teacher…”
At my words, Anne’s eyes rose in attention.
“I wanted to ask about two things.”
“Of course.”
“First – could I start studying Barrier?”
“Certainly. Since you’ve mastered Elemental Ward this quickly, there’s no reason to delay. However, I would advise you to study the Frost, Air and Lightning variants in your free time – although there are minor variations from the Flame form, those are the next most likely offensive spells one might encounter.”
I nodded, as we both stood up, heading towards the room with the pool.
“I take it you’ve made some progress with the other cantrips?”
“Flame Bolt… I think I’m about halfway there. As for Bestow Blaze, after a bit of practice, I decided to delay it until I’m finished with Flame Bolt. I feel that would be more efficient, given the similarities.”
“A smart decision.”
My teacher nodded.
“And the other thing?”
“I wanted to ask you…”
This was a very important question, now that I got to level 2, and was probably going to reach level 3 soon, all with martial Skills.
“...How do Wizards progress in their Path?”
Distant as it was, it was time to chart my path towards the Elevated realm.