King Nalvon had faced many baffling situations throughout his reign—rebellions, political betrayals, foreign invasions—but nothing had ever left him as speechless as the Altavis children standing before him now. Specifically, Kazien Altavis, who had just rejected the opportunity most nobles would have killed for.
"You refuse… to lead a territory?" the king repeated, utterly bewildered.
Across the grand hall of Marquis Jastiver's residence, murmurs rose among the nobles like ripples in still water. Some exchanged glances of disbelief, others leaned closer as if afraid they had misheard.
Kazien simply sighed and looked down, his expression calm.
Before he could respond, Duke Elgard chuckled lightly.
"Hahaha. Your Majesty, my son simply wishes for a peaceful life. Authority means nothing to him compared to Alvin. To Kazien, Alvin's wellbeing is worth more than wealth, power, or status."
The nobles blinked in shock. For a family as influential as Altavis, such a notion was unheard of.
King Nalvon tried again, shifting his gaze to the other siblings. "What about the three of you? Those who have no right to be heirs—do you not seek this opportunity?"
"I'm not interested, Your Majesty," Selena answered without hesitation.
"I'm far more comfortable in Altavis territory with my future husband," Virena added, cheeks warming.
Davin stepped forward. "I choose to support Brother William!"
This was too much even for the king's seasoned composure.
"None of you have ambition for leadership? Not even the slightest interest in becoming the next head of your great family?"
All three shook their heads in perfect, almost comedic synchronization.
King Nalvon rubbed his forehead, sighing deeply. "I truly cannot understand the way the Altavis family thinks."
Selena bowed with perfect grace. "Your Majesty, our duty is simple: support the chosen heir. Even if William disagreed at first, the four of us reached this decision together."
"Very well…" King Nalvon finally relented. "We'll conduct the vote once we return to the palace."
The matter was settled, though confusion lingered in the air like fog.
News of the Marquis Jastiver's residence spread through Joltam like wildfire.
Everyone was talking about the sudden takeover and annexation of Joltam into Altavis territory. And surprisingly—or perhaps not—the citizens celebrated.
For years they had lived under corrupt leadership. Now, banners of the Altavis family fluttered proudly across the streets. Cheers rose, calling the Altavis family's name. Children danced, merchants offered free food, and the bells of the central plaza rang with renewed hope.
Even so, not everyone returned to the villa immediately. Duke Elgard and Duchess Larina stayed behind to negotiate territorial divisions with King Nalvon. The rest of the Altavis siblings, along with several companions, made their way back to the villa to rest.
Kazien sat in the living room, sipping tea when Raliana suddenly stepped forward, fidgeting nervously.
"Young Master Kazien… can I ask you something?"
Kazien glanced up. "Sure. What is it?"
"Can you… find a husband for me?"
Kazien nearly fell off his seat.
"What did you just say?! Why me?!"
Raliana pressed her fingertips together. "Because I trust you... I'm sure you'll choose the best husband for me."
Kazien rubbed his temples, muttering under his breath.
"Fine, fine… then Dave. He's Vice-Commander Waxler's son. I'm certain he'd be perfect for you!"
Victor, standing beside Raliana, gaped as if Kazien had just announced the world was ending.
"Young master… are you sure about pairing Raliana with Dave?"
"If you don't believe me, go bring them together," Kazien said confidently. "Dave will fall in love instantly after seeing her beautiful face."
Raliana's face flushed red. Beautiful?
Does he really think I'm that beautiful…?
Before she could respond, another voice swooped into the conversation.
"What about me?" Selena asked with a sly grin.
Kazien sighed. "When we get back to Lazavis, I'll introduce you to someone. But I need to make sure of something first."
"Confirm what?" Selena narrowed her eyes.
"His marital status, obviously."
Selena shrugged. "Why not you just be my husband then?"
Thunk!
Kazien fell straight off his chair this time. "O-Ouch! This is hurt!"
Selena laughed so hard she nearly toppled over.
"Oh, Kazien! Your reaction was priceless!"
Kazien shot her a glare. "You're my sister. That alone makes it impossible! Besides, I've never once considered marrying a woman. And cheating on Alvin? Never!"
"Hahaha! I know, I know. But your angry face is so cute!"
Kazien grumbled, straightened his seat, and sat back down.
"So? Who are you introducing me to?" Selena pressed.
"Just wait until we return to Lazavis. For now… Sis Virena needs to keep her promise."
Selena turned to her sister. Virena nodded.
"I promised to take him to the shop that sells many magic books."
Kazien perked up instantly. "Let's go!"
"Do whatever you want," Selena waved. "I want to rest."
Virena led Kazien down a quiet street on the outskirts of Joltam. The shop they sought stood between two tall buildings—a small, humble storefront with faded paint and old wooden signs.
"This is the place?" Kazien asked.
"Yes," Virena confirmed.
Kriiing—
The old wooden door creaked open, and a soothing scent of old books filled the air. Shelves lined the walls, stuffed with books of every size, thickness, and color. Kazien's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Good afternoon." a gentle voice greeted them. "How may I help you?"
Kazien turned toward the voice—and froze.
Standing before him was an elf. A handsome one, tall with long green hair tied elegantly behind his back. But when Virena glanced at him, she didn't react at all.
Illusion magic? He's hiding his true appearance from humans… even from my sister?
Kazien swallowed discreetly and played along.
"Sister… who is he? Do you know him?"
Virena shrugged. "This old man is the owner."
Old man? He looks younger than all of us combined…
Kazien decided not to expose him yet.
"I want to buy the best magic books you have."
The "old man" walked to a shelf at the back and retrieved two thick books.
"These contain ancient magic—among the last of their kind."
Kazien opened one and scanned the pages.
This is dangerous magic… magic that should've disappeared centuries ago. Why is he selling it so easily?
"It's true," Kazien said aloud, "but why sell something so dangerous?"
The shop owner sighed. "To survive. I've kept these books since I was young. But they no longer serve me."
"How much?"
"Fifty gold pieces for both."
Kazien shook his head.
"I'll pay one hundred fifty for all the books in your shop."
The air stilled. Virena stared at him wide-eyed. The shop owner's jaw dropped.
"Are you… serious?"
Kazien calmly pulled out 150 gold pieces from his storage dimension.
"Yes. Count them! But after this, I don't want you selling such dangerous things ever again."
The shop owner hesitated. "Then how am I supposed to live?"
Kazien shrugged lightly. "Join the Altavis magic army."
"W-what?" Virena nearly exploded. "Kazien! You can't just recruit a random old man!"
"That's right!" the shop owner agreed. "Why would I—"
Kazien suddenly stepped forward, his eyes cold.
"There's no point continuing your illusion in front of me. If I wished, I could kill you right now."
The shop owner stiffened.
"I-illusion? What are you talking about?"
Kazien's hand hovered near the necklace hanging on the elf's chest.
"Should I forcefully remove this so my sister sees your real face?"
Silence.
Then—
"Hahahaha…"
The shop owner laughed quietly at first, then louder, his voice carrying a hint of arrogance.
"Are you sure you can kill me, boy?"
In a flash—
ZAP!
Kazien vanished from sight and reappeared behind the shop owner, a magic sword pressed against the elf's neck. "If this were a real fight, your head would already be rolling on the floor."
The elf's face paled.
Since when… did he move? I didn't sense anything.
"You're weaker than the strongest Altavis commander," Kazien continued, "and far weaker than the shadow tiger king I once fought."
The elf's mouth twitched. He wanted to speak, but the humiliation pressed too heavily on his pride.
"So," Kazien said calmly, "will you stop selling these books and join our army?"
"…Fine. I agree. But only if you guarantee my safety."
"Sure! No one dares touch you in Lazavis."
Kazien withdrew his sword and walked toward the shelves.
"I've already bought all your books."
He raised his hand and stored the entire shelves—books included—into his storage dimension.
"Pack your things. You're coming with us."
The elf hurried to his room to gather his belongings.
Virena stared at her brother, speechless.
What was he thinking? Why would he recruit such a suspicious man?
But then she remembered the illusion magic Kazien mentioned.
Could this "old man" really be something else in disguise?
She exhaled softly. But I am sure that I will find out the true identity of this old man.