The Frugal Mage

Chapter 205 205: The Secrets

The once proud and stately manor had completely changed. Its walls now had scars of battle.

There were shattered stone marks where attackers had struck, and there were also scorch marks on the gates.

Furthermore, guards stood tense at every corner, with their eyes scanning for threats.

Julia paused for a moment as she saw her home.

"They really did attack again…" she whispered.

She could still remember that this wasn't as badly damaged when she left the place… or the night after their first attack.

However, it seemed that as soon as she was sent to the Holt Family's estate, the bandits or mercenaries attacked once again…

Based on the marks, it seemed that it had happened just recently.

Rayven placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Your family should be fine... I can feel a few powerful figures inside. That means they're prepared at the very least. There are four Arcanists or Tier 3 Mages, at the very least. I'm sure that force is enough to deal with Mercenaries."

He said this with confidence since he knew the power that Arcanists could have.

As expected, Julia also felt better after hearing this.

Soon, the gates opened slowly, and the group entered.

Inside, the Wales household bustled with activity, there were servants repairing damage, guards sharpening blades, and family members planning their next course of action..

Rayven's gaze also looked around the surroundings.

'This isn't over. Whoever targeted them will strike again… This might be an opportunity.'

***

After being checked by the guards, they entered the manor and met Julia's family…

Her father lay on a wide bed, propped up by pillows.

At this point, his face was still pale, but his eyes didn't seem weak despite the bandages across his chest. Beside him sat Lady Wales, her expression was composed but weary.

Julia's voice softened as she approached. "Father… Mother… I've returned."

Lord Wales's gaze shifted to her, then to the figures behind her. "You brought company."

Julia nodded. "Yes… Rayven and these are his companions, Thyruz, Nara, and Miki. The swordsman is Wesley, assigned by the Holt Family."

Rayven stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Lord Wales, Lady Wales. I came because Julia asked, but also because I believe your family's plight is tied to matters I'm already investigating. I won't stand aside."

These words surprised the two…

'Investigating?'

They exchanged glances and couldn't help but look at Rayven again. They have several questions in their mind but they decided to just discuss them later.

Lady Wales studied him carefully, then gave a faint nod. "You carry yourself differently than before, Rayven Holt. Perhaps that is for the better. I heard that you've become a Mage after that incident that almost took your life."

"I got lucky and found a good teacher." Rayven lied since he couldn't reveal his system.

Julia sat at her father's side, her hand resting gently on his. "Father… do you know what they were really after? Why they attacked us?"

The room fell silent. Lord Wales's lips pressed together… He did not answer immediately.

Thyruz, Miki, Nara, and Wesley exchanged glances. They understood the weight of the question and began to step back, ready to leave the family to its private matters.

But Rayven raised his hand. "Stay. If we are to face this threat, I think we also need to know. Our family is already involved, Lord Wales… I'm sure that it's only a matter of time before this matter gets bigger. Whatever truth is hidden here, it involves all of us now."

Lord Wales studied Rayven for a long moment, then sighed. "Very well. Your parents were already aware and provided assistance. You've earned the right to hear it."

Lady Wales glanced at her husband, then at the four figures standing near the wall. She gave a subtle nod, and soon four robed figures stepped forward, the Tier 3 mages the family had hired.

Each carried themselves with quiet confidence. One was a stern man with silver hair, another a woman with sharp eyes and a staff etched with runes, the third a younger mage with a scar across his cheek, and the fourth a calm, scholarly figure whose robes bore the sigil of the Arcanist Guild.

"These are the Arcanists we brought to defend the manor," Lady Wales explained. "They are Tier 3 mages… Without them, the last attack would have claimed more than our walls."

Rayven nodded respectfully. As a Tier 2 mage himself, he understood their strength. Thyruz, though also Tier 3, was an enchanter, his talents lay in production and reinforcement rather than direct combat.

Together, however, they formed a formidable force.

Lord Wales then continued. "The attackers were not bandits searching for something as we previously revealed to the public. They were organized, disciplined, and equipped with enchanted weapons. They're hired mercenaries and not ordinary ones."

Julia's brow furrowed. "Hired? By whom?"

Her father's gaze darkened. "That is the question. I already suspect a noble but… Perhaps, there's more… Those tied to the Black Market, selling materials found in the dungeons. My ledger contained records of shipments… shipments that should never have been seen by outsiders..."

Lady Wales's eyes hardened. "That is why we sent Julia to the Holt estate. She is safer there. But now that she has returned, we must prepare for another strike."

Rayven gently nodded as he understood

The ledger Julia showed him mentioned Dungeon shipments. If nobles are feeding resources into the Dungeons, then the Cult seemed involved…

At this time, the silver-haired Arcanist spoke, his voice deep. "We believe that this is all about the changes happening in the kingdom. If you're not aware, there are rumors that someone in the Royal Family wanted all the Dungeons to be under their control."

As soon as Rayven heard this matter… He immediately froze. Assuming that this was true, then it finally made sense!

Furthermore, this might also be his opportunity to earn a lot of money!

Rayven wanted to purchase a few more Tier 2 Spells, and maybe he could fill his Spell Slots really soon!