The Frugal Mage

Chapter 204 204: Unexpected

Julia was a bit surprised after hearing this. "You think they're watching us even now?"

Rayven nodded as he couldn't really dismiss that idea.

Unfortunately, his detection skills weren't that great yet.

He had Detect Mana Source, but it had a very limited range and duration for its price.

"I'd be surprised if they weren't. But that's fine. Let them observe… We'll give them something to see."

Julia tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Rayven tapped the ledger. "We'll investigate the shipment. We'll do it quietly. If we can trace where it came from, we'll know who ordered it. And once we know that, we'll know who's behind the attack."

Julia hesitated, then nodded. "You're serious about this."

She knew very well that involving nobles wasn't a small matter.

After all, they weren't just wealthy, they were also very powerful! It must be remembered that initially, only nobles were capable of nurturing mages since it was very expensive to obtain a copy of Spell Models. Even the Tier 1 Spell Models could cost several hundred gold coins.

However, it was normal for nobles to have their own collections of Spell Models, allowing them to create more Mages since they only have to worry about their expenses in training facilities, various drugs, and of course, magic artifacts.

"I am," Rayven replied.

"Your family was attacked because they stumbled onto something bigger. If we don't uncover it, they'll strike again. And next time, they probably won't fail. We have to be prepared."

***

For the next hour, they discussed strategies or plans to resolve this matter.

Julia revealed what she remembered from her father's dealings, vague mentions of nobles, coded shipments, and strange symbols tied to the Dungeons, and many others.

Rayven cross-referenced them with his own suspicions about the Count and the Cult.

Finally, Julia looked at him directly. "Why are you helping me? You could ignore this. Focus on your own family. Yet you're risking yourself."

She curiously asked.

Rayven then smiled faintly after hearing this. He knew that Julia had been filled with worry over the past few days.

She definitely didn't think that this would happen once they met each other.

"Maybe because you're still my fiancée. Even if I don't remember our past, I know what that means. And because… you deserve better than to be hunted for the truth."

Julia couldn't help but blush a little after hearing this.

Furthermore, she really appreciated how Rayven believed her.

"Then promise me," she whispered. "If it gets dangerous, we have to just pull back and stay out of this."

Rayven looked at her and nodded, "I promise. But don't worry, we'll uncover the possible Cult's ties, and we'll protect your family."

After all, he had another reason for doing this.

Archmage Ardania had also given him a mission to uncover Count Darshell Viremont's secrets regarding the 17th Dungeon's strange behavior. She gave him three months to uncover this, and perhaps, his visit here in Kesla City would be worth it.

Even if Hesa was far from Kesla, Rayven couldn't help but feel that he'd find a clue somewhere here to confirm his suspicions about the Count.

'I just hope this won't get too dangerous.'

***

The decision was made swiftly. Julia then mentioned that she wanted to see her family, and Rayven agreed.

It was perfect timing since he was also curious.

Protecting her was important, but so was understanding the full scope of the attack. If her father had survived, then the Wales family would surely be preparing for retaliation.

Of course, the Holt estate would not allow them to leave without protection…

Because of that, Rayven gathered his companions, Thyruz, Nara, and Miki.

But the steward added another figure to their group.

A tall man stepped forward, clad in a dark cloak with a longsword at his hip. His presence was quite impressive, he the kind that made lesser guards instinctively step aside.

"This is Wesley," the steward explained. "Your parents arranged for him to accompany you. He is a First-Rate Swordsman, trained under the Holt Family's support. His blade has defended caravans against Elite Beasts, and his loyalty is unquestioned."

Rayven studied him curiously and nodded.

He wasn't just another guard, he was someone who had seen battle and lived through it.

"First-Rate Swordsman…" Rayven muttered. "My parents must be worried."

As he said this, he used his Appraisal and spent a gold coin.

[ Target: Human Male - Age: 29 ]

[ Name: Wesley Ardent

Race: Human

Physical Status: Optimal - Musculature well-developed, reflexes sharp

Mana Circulation: Active - Flow stable across primary and secondary channels

Magical Affinity: Minor - Elemental alignment faint (Wind), primarily supportive to physical techniques

Combat Proficiency: First-Rate Swordsman - Swordsmanship honed through battlefield experience. Capable of defeating Tier 2–3 Mages in close combat.

System Note: Mana usage is minimal but efficiently integrated into sword techniques. High resilience against fatigue and mental disruption.

Recommended Action: None required. Subject is combat-ready. ]

Once again, spending one gold coin to get all this information was, without a doubt, worth it.

Wesley had no idea he was just appraised and continued.

"You're parents are worried, of course. But they are also occupied. That is why they are not here to greet you."

Rayven raised an eyebrow. "Occupied? With what?"

Wesley hesitated for a moment, then answered plainly. "The Golden Coast Trading has long thrived on silks, cotton, wool, and dyed linens. But your parents are planning to expand into another business, one that requires their personal attention. They are negotiating with suppliers of rare minerals and enchanted ores. If successful, the Holt Family will not only dominate textiles but also the trade of materials used for forging weapons and magical artifacts."

Rayven nodded thoughtfully. "So that's why they're absent. They're securing a new foundation for the family's future."

"Yes… It is dangerous work. Nobles and merchants alike covet such resources. Your parents are cautious." Wesley added.

Rayven sighed softly.

This might get dangerous for another reason…

Still, he respected their ambition. If the Holt Family succeeded, they would wield influence not only in trade but in the arming of adventurers and mages across Kesla.

With their escort complete, the group departed.

The streets of Kesla bustled with merchants and adventurers.

Finally, the Wales manor came into view… and it was not what Rayven had expected.