Chapter 50: The Time for Parting
Watching Arthur's expression finally shift, Triss brought up the idea of him entering a magic academy once more:
"Arthur, your magical talent is exceptionally powerful. If you are willing to follow the proper path, the Council will certainly provide you with protection…"
Triss's plea stopped abruptly halfway through. Both she and Arthur looked toward Kolgrim, who had just pushed open the door:
"I'm very curious. That bastard who scared you so badly you didn't even dare to strike—is he, perhaps, a member of this Council you speak of?"
"And what I'm more curious about is this: if Arthur truly does follow you and joins the Council, and that man moves against him again, will you still be afraid to act, just as you were today?"
A rare flicker of emotion—cold anger—was present in Kolgrim's voice.
Triss defended herself: "You simply don't understand Arthur's magical gift. I am certain that the very day he joins the Council, he will attract Tissaia's attention. Tissaia is the most powerful High Sorceress in the Council. With her protection, even that man wouldn't dare cause trouble."
Triss paused, then continued: "Tissaia is famously academic; she hasn't interfered in outside affairs for centuries. Surely you don't suspect she is the one behind this?"
Kolgrim shook his head: "I don't suspect her. I suspect whether she would actually protect Arthur when that man starts causing trouble, as you claim."
The two argued for a long time, ultimately reaching no resolution. Finally, they both looked toward Arthur:
"What do you say?"
Arthur yawned, snapping a clear, ringing sound by flicking his finger against his sword blade: "Me? Naturally, I'm continuing south. Kolgrim needs to return south to deliver the blueprints, and it's a good chance for me to see more of this world. And yes, if I see anything I don't like, I'll deal with it."
Triss's eyes widened: "Did you not hear a single thing I just said? A powerful sorcerer is already tracking you! Joining the Council and becoming a formal sorcerer is the only chance you have to escape this danger!"
Arthur nodded: "I agree with the first half of what you said."
Triss's method sounded plausible, yet a closer look revealed it was full of flaws. The mastermind's magical skill was so advanced that his position within the Council was surely high. If Arthur joined as Triss suggested, even if his life wasn't in direct danger, he would certainly face open and subtle hostility.
Furthermore, throughout history, what truly makes an enemy drop the murder weapon is never morality or agreements, but the sharp blade pointed at their heart. In other words, until he had the power to threaten the mastermind, his safety would depend solely on the opponent's good will.
Therefore, despite the disappointment clouding Triss's face, he said firmly: "I won't entrust my life to a paper rule made by the Council, especially since that rule isn't even written into your official charter."
Seeing Arthur's attitude was resolute, Triss stopped trying to persuade him.
She clapped her hands softly. Amidst a shimmering magical glow, a massive book, thick enough to be used as a shield, appeared out of thin air:
"Here are all my study notes from my time at Thanedd Island. It contains all the knowledge an outstanding graduate of Aretuza should master."
"I know you lack passion for magic, but even if it's only for the sake of your own life, please utilize your magical talent wisely."
"My goodness…" Dandelion's mouth gaped wide enough to fit a fist, and the sound of his fingers on the lute became clumsy: "If that thing ever got out, the Council would not be pleased. Merigold, are you certain you want to take this risk?"
Triss forced a smile: "I am a sorceress; of course, I've taken every precaution for myself."
"This isn't a real book, but a readable illusion I created, keyed to Arthur's unique magical signature. If he were to give this book to anyone else, it would instantly vanish."
Arthur took the illusionary book, noticing it had virtually no weight. Triss managed a teasing smile:
"Because my focus on illusions isn't deep, this illusionary book can't last forever. If you don't learn how to recharge it within a year, it will still vanish!"
Seeing a hint of weariness in the sorceress's eyes, a warmth spread through Arthur's chest. He knew this illusionary book was far more difficult to create than she let on.
In truth, Triss had misunderstood one thing: Arthur refused her arrangement simply because he was unwilling to live a life constantly bound by rules and control again.
Arthur hugged the illusionary book tight, resolving to show Triss exactly how passionate he was about magic: "You'll see. I might finish learning everything in this book before I even leave Temeria."
Triss shook her head with a hint of sorrow: "I won't be able to see the moment you finish it. I've already contacted the nearest Blue Stripes patrol. They will escort Princess Adda and me back to Vizima."
Arthur looked up at Triss in surprise: "You're leaving?"
Triss bit her lip: "I'm growing more certain that a terrible conspiracy is hidden behind the curse. As the Royal Advisor of Temeria, I have a duty I must fulfill."
The tavern door was forcefully thrown open, hitting the wall with a loud bang.
Adda grabbed both Triss's and Arthur's hands, like a child throwing a tantrum: "No! I don't want to leave Arthur! I don't want to go back to that dreary palace!"
Triss's tone was gentle but firm: "Your father is surrounded by villains in the shadows, and I must return to ensure his safety."
Adda stared at Triss's beautiful, soft face, her eyes gradually filling with tears. The sorceress had gently indulged her every childish whim throughout their journey. But now, there wasn't a hint of room for negotiation in Triss's voice.
Adda turned to Arthur: "Don't go! Come back with us! I'll ask Uncle Roche to protect you!"
Arthur smiled and shook his head: "Do you remember your father's words to me during the investiture ceremony? In the name of a champion, I must be brave."
"Grown-ups are so boring!" Seeing that there was no room for negotiation, Adda ran into the guest room, crying loudly.
Arthur and Triss exchanged a glance, a mutual expression of helplessness on their faces. Although the princess was a young woman in her twenties, her emotional maturity was still that of a pre-teen.
"I'll go try to talk to Adda." Triss started toward the room but suddenly stopped.
In the twilight road, silhouetted against the sun, several knights clad in blue robes were rapidly riding toward them.
The time for parting had arrived.
Triss spoke a few soft words of persuasion into the room. Adda finally emerged, wiping away her tears, and glared fiercely at Arthur:
"Don't you dare die! You have to hurry back and play with me when this is all over!"
Arthur smiled in response: "I'll do my best."
The dust kicked up by the horses was illuminated by the setting sun like a receding golden cloud. Faintly, Triss's voice could be heard carried on the wind:
"Remember to study what I gave you, seriously!"
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