The Frugal Mage

Chapter 203 203: Resolving the Ledger

At this point, Fabian's father finally spoke…

"Go, Fabian. Return to us stronger. Our family will endure until you come back."

Fabian's jaw tightened. He bowed deeply to his parents, then turned to his eldest brother. "I will go. I will not remain a disgrace."

The eldest disciple placed a hand on Fabian's shoulder. "Good. Then prepare yourself. The path ahead will break you before it makes you whole."

Fabian felt like he truly had a mission now… It was his story of revenge against the Spellcaster!

Soon, Fabian looked back at his estate one last time. His humiliation at Rayven's hands burned like fire in his chest, but now it was a fuel that would motivate him to get stronger!

'One day, I will return. And when I do, I will defeat him.'

***

However, within the Holt's estate, Rayven just felt incredibly proud of himself. He had defended his family's honor!

Still, the confrontation had also made him realize that his life here was no longer just borrowed.

Julia approached quietly behind him…

"You should rest," she said with her voice gentler than before.

Rayven glanced at her, noting the faint weariness in her eyes.

She had endured much herself, the raid on her family's estate, the uncertainty of her father's condition, and now the spectacle of disciples kneeling before him. Yet she carried herself with grace.

"You're right," Rayven admitted. "Tonight isn't the time to talk about those conspiracies. We'll talk tomorrow."

Julia nodded, and together they retreated into the estate.

***

The guest chambers were quiet, warmed by a small fireside. R

Rayven sat across from Julia, there was no crowd and only two servants who had just left.

Julia folded her hands neatly on her lap. "It feels strange," she said softly. "We're engaged, yet we've barely spoken. And now… you've changed."

Rayven leaned back as he appreciated Julia's beauty…

"Ahem.,, I told you before. I lost my memories. I don't remember our past together. But tonight, I don't want to talk about what I've forgotten. I want to know you now."

Her eyes widened slightly, then softened… This was definitely a different Rayven.

It seemed that she really had to forget the previous Rayven she knew.

"Fine… You also sound… different. Maybe more sincere than before."

She had no idea if Rayven was just good at faking his memory loss, but she decided to accept whatever it was. She knew that this was also for the better.

Rayven chuckled faintly.

'Of course I do sound different. I'm not the Rayven you knew. But perhaps that's not a curse.'

"Well, I may not be the same man you remember," he said, "but I can tell you this… you're amazing. Strong, perceptive. I can see why the Holt Family trusted you enough."

Julia looked away, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "You flatter me. But I'm not as strong as you think. My family… we were nearly destroyed. My father is still recovering. And I don't know if I can protect them."

Rayven's gaze lingered on her. "Strength isn't about never being afraid. It's about standing even when you are. You've done that…"

For a moment, silence filled the chamber, broken only by the crackle of the fire.

Julia's impression of him had shifted, and she could feel it. The Rayven she remembered was a bit of a pushover, but quite arrogant in front of those lower than him, sometimes distant, and also careless.

This Rayven was different. He seemed more honest, grounded. Perhaps even trustworthy.

They spoke of lighter things then, fragments of childhood memories Julia shared, vague recollections Rayven tried to piece together, though they weren't his own.

They laughed quietly at the awkwardness of their arranged engagement, and just like that, the distance between them seemed to shrink.

When the night grew late, Julia rose. "Tomorrow," she said firmly, "we'll talk about the ledger. About the Cult. Tonight… let's just rest."

Rayven nodded. "Tomorrow."

***

The sun rose over Kesla in its bustling streets.

At this time, merchants shouted, guards patrolled, and adventurers prepared for their missions. Within the Holt estate, however, the mood was quieter.

His parents finally returned, and it was anti-climactic…

They were too busy, and after confirming he was truly alright, they just left for business once again. As for him, thinking about bragging about his status as a mage, they didn't seem to care! Still, Rayven obtained a lot of money…

Even if he was already quite rich with his money, every gold coin counts! This was especially true after his duel yesterday, where he spent a lot of coins!

For now, Rayven and Julia sat together in the study, with the ledger spread open between them.

Its pages were filled with coded entries, shipments, and markings that hinted at something far larger than simple trade.

Julia traced a line of ink with her finger.

"Here. This shipment. It wasn't ordinary. My father believed it came from a Dungeon. And not just any Dungeon… one of the deeper ones."

Rayven leaned closer, scanning the symbols. "Shrubs mentioned a Cult worshipping the Dungeons. If they're involved, then this shipment might be part of their schemes."

Julia frowned. "A Cult… worshipping Dungeons? That sounds insane."

"Insane, right?" Rayven agreed. "But they're definitely dangerous. If they're tied to nobles or officials, then your family's discovery would make you a target. That explains the raid."

Julia's voice trembled slightly. "So my father was really attacked because of this ledger…"

Rayven nodded. "Most likely. Whoever wanted this shipment silenced him before he could reveal it. But they failed. You still have the ledger."

Julia closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself. "Then what do we do?"

Rayven thought carefully. His instincts told him this wasn't just about protecting Julia's family, it was about unraveling the Cult's influence in Kesla and other cities…

"We start by securing your father," Rayven said firmly. "He must be moved somewhere safer. Stein's house may not be enough if the Cult has spies in the city."