novelraw Chapter 622: News From Naris (Two-in-One)
Chapter 622: News From Naris (Two-in-One)
The appearance of the Dragon Court in the rear had undergone a rather significant change since Fisher left. The main changes actually occurred above the sea surface.
Similar to the Southern Branch Mountain Range, whose terrain and appearance had been altered by the outpouring of immense power, steep mountain peaks had also abruptly risen above the sea surface. It was as if some scorching power had exploded above the ground, and the resulting shockwaves had formed islands.
"Are those the traces left behind from the battle between the demons... But even though I've already entered the Mythic Rank, why do I still feel it's so inconceivable?"
Raphaela, sitting in the carriage about to enter the Red Dragon Court, looked at the spectacle on the sea surface from afar and sighed emotionally.
Eimhart, who was standing on Fisher's shoulder, yawned and added for Raphaela,
"Because you're not a Mythical Species, but rather someone who attained the Mythic Rank post-birth. Although it sounds like there isn't much difference, there actually is. Due to the structure and abilities of their original species, races that enter the Mythic Rank post-birth fall slightly short in terms of abilities compared to Mythical Species..."
The example Eimhart gave was something Fisher had realized a long time ago. For example, elves were naturally born with the ability to use Destiny and the elven secret arts corresponding to the tree of their namesake. Angels were naturally born with the ability to forge and accumulate solar energy. Coupled with their Mythical Species physique, their performance in battle appeared extremely exaggerated.
But what about those who enter the Mythic Rank post-birth?
Leaving aside the fact that the innate rank range of species capable of entering the Mythic Rank post-birth wasn't far from the Mythic Rank to begin with. The most crucial issue was that breaking free from the shackles of their rank didn't mean they were no longer their original species.
The Phoenix-kin entered the Mythic Rank post-birth, yet they still only possessed the ability to foresee future destinies. As for other miraculous powers, they still had to rely on the swords crafted by the angels to utilize them, because the Phoenix-kin simply did not inherently possess such abilities. Even if they entered the Mythic Rank, they still wouldn't have them.The rank system constructed by the gods was fundamentally unfair from beginning to end. Innate Mythical Species were endowed with abilities and Blessings matching the Mythic Rank, while those who entered the Mythic Rank post-birth could largely only alter their own constitutions, being visibly weaker than Mythical Species.
Even the Phoenix-kin were like this, not to mention humans, a species that originally had no possibility of stepping into the Fifth or Sixth Ranks. If Fisher had entered the Mythic Rank normally, he would likely just be a "superman" with a Mythical constitution, devoid of any special abilities whatsoever, because humans were originally just that kind of species.
But unlike other species that entered the Mythic Rank post-birth, attaining the Mythic Rank through Chaos allowed one to possess Blessings and abilities on par with myth. Those were the abilities originating from the Completion Handbook within one's body, it's just that there would always be some sort of price extracted when using them.
Hearing Eimhart's explanation, Raphaela appeared somewhat puzzled,
"Then what about Jasmine's mother? Jasmine is of the Whale-kin, so logically speaking, shouldn't her mother also be of the Whale-kin? But previously, whether it was Fafnir, Jasmine, or Fisher, reading between the lines, it felt like her mother was extraordinarily powerful."
"God of Destruction..."
Eimhart opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't know how to explain, because according to general theory, that was indeed the case. That was why that Ocean Emperor, who transcended all theories, seemed so special. He could only mutter a sentence: "Uh, I don't know about this either. But if even Fafnir concedes to her, then she must truly, genuinely be powerful..."
As the most foul-tempered among the three Demigods, Fafnir was always cursing and swearing at his two siblings, arrogant and condescending to the extreme. If even Fafnir evaluated Xuan Can like this, it showed that as an existence who entered the Mythic Rank post-birth, she had already become powerful to an unquestionable degree.
Mhm, so Eimhart didn't doubt in the slightest that if Fisher had personally gone to see Xuan Can earlier to ask her to help Raphaela think of a way, he would probably, most likely, truly have been scattered to the winds by Xuan Can.
"Lady Raphaela, you've returned!!"
Many of the buildings in the city were temporary structures built during wartime, and their quality had been put to the test under the impact of the shockwaves from the previous battle. They were basically crushed at the slightest touch. When Raphaela and Fisher returned, all the officials from the Prayer and Blessing Tower were leading the few remaining city guards inside the city walls to clean up the aftermath.
It was still the soldiers who discovered Raphaela and hurriedly brought the news back to Faxir, Kexir, and the others who were acting as temporary leaders. They in turn sent Mill over to report the situation to Raphaela.
"Mill, how is the situation here? What about my mother, where is she?"
"Aside from some structural damage here, everything else is relatively fine. It's currently still being tallied. Lady Yali'er also didn't suffer any major injuries. It's just that she seemed to have accidentally fallen behind during the evacuation earlier and fainted in the Myriad Flower Court. She has already been taken under the protection of the soldiers and is resting inside the Prayer and Blessing Tower."
Upon hearing this, Raphaela finally breathed a sigh of relief. She patted her chest, rejoicing,
"That's good, that's good..."
"Lady Raphaela, what about the situation on the frontlines?" Seeing Raphaela relax, Mill also took the opportunity to greet Fisher, then carefully inquired about the situation on the frontlines, "How is Buer doing?"
"Buer is fine. Accurately speaking, this war ended before it even properly began. But no matter what, things can finally calm down a bit here... Without Barbatos, that group of mongrels from the Pseudo-Court and the humans also..."
"What's the situation with that ship?"
Right at this moment, Fisher abruptly turned his head towards the sea surface as if sensing something. On the sea surface over there, a massive steam ship was anchored securely in the coastal waters, showing no intention of approaching further. The flag of the "Pertricre Family" suspended above it made Fisher raise an eyebrow, because below that heraldry, there was also the name "Wutong Merchant Guild".
Since when did the Pertricre Family of Naris get involved with the Northern Border?
Furthermore, for some unknown reason, whenever Fisher saw the word "Wutong", he always had an extremely ominous premonition.
"That's the ship of the Wutong Merchant Guild. They were our partners in the past, but we only stopped after a brief attempt. I wonder what they are here for this time..."
But the one speaking was Raphaela. Bringing this up actually made her look towards Fisher. She smiled and said,
"Moreover, in a sense, the reason we were able to reach a cooperation with them also has to do with your influence, Fisher."
"Me?"
Fisher grew nervous, deeply afraid that there were some factors regarding "Valentiina" involved.
"Ah, didn't you have a former classmate... probably a junior, named Keken?"
Hearing Raphaela say this, he finally relaxed a bit.
"Keken... I remember now."
Back when he was in the Southern Continent and the West Continent, he had helped Fisher, and Fisher still hadn't found the opportunity to repay him. He didn't expect to hear his name now.
Mhm, Fisher still remembered he had a pair of sisters from Kadu as wives.
"This Wutong Merchant Guild is the enterprise he founded. It seems they collaborate with forces from the Northern Border, a place that doesn't discriminate against demi-humans. Previously, after we were defeated by Barbatos and retreated south, we suffered for a very long time due to the scarcity of supplies caused by Naris's blockade. It was a situation where we couldn't buy anything even if we had the money. At that time, it was the Wutong Merchant Guild that provided us with supplies, helping us tide over the toughest period..."
Raphaela turned to look at Fisher, smiling as she said,
"Furthermore, the premium on the commodity prices was still within an acceptable range. We engaged in business with them more or less afterwards as well. I heard they do business with countries all over the world."
Hearing this, Fisher was a bit surprised. Stroking his chin, he said,
"Under such circumstances back then, to think the premium was actually still within a normal range. It truly doesn't seem like the work of a merchant from Naris. Conversely, it's totally unexpected that you guys would actually strike a deal with him."
"That's why I said there was your influence... It was because of your relationship with him that I struck the deal with him. At that time, I learned through them that you had been to the Northern Border, but they didn't tell me what happened to you in Naris, nor did they know that you were being wanted by Naris..."
Hm?
To think he was treating him so well?
Not mentioning the matters in Naris also meant making Jasmine and Elizabeth invisible to Raphaela, which was why she only found out about Jasmine and Fisher's matter after returning. And judging by Raphaela's words about the Northern Border at this moment, she probably didn't know about his affairs with Valentiina in the Northern Border either...
Fisher definitely didn't believe that Keken was so decisive. He shouldn't have such an in-depth understanding of many of these matters. Furthermore, he shouldn't have a reason to do this either, unless doing so brought them some sort of benefit...
Unless, he had an expert guiding him from behind the scenes, and this party with a vested interest was also related to the expert backing him.
For example, that group of slimes.
Fisher suddenly recalled his relationship with that group of slimes back at the Borderland. Thinking of this, he also had to carefully scrutinize that massive steam ship a bit more.
Raphaela also glanced over there in confusion, asking Mill,
"Why did they come here? Have they brought any news?"
"Ah, speaking of this, they just want to come and understand the situation here. They also mentioned in passing that they brought news regarding 'Fisher' for Lady Raphaela. The boss of that merchant guild, that Nali Person named Keken Pertricre, seems to be on the ship as well. It was his wife who told me this."
Fisher raised an eyebrow. Raphaela also turned to look at him, hesitating,
"Then..."
"Then let me go and meet him. I'll tell you whatever news there is when I get back. Aunt Yali'er and the Dragon Court also need you here."
Eimhart, standing on his shoulder, glared at the serious-looking Fisher with dead fish eyes. Anyone familiar with him would know he was probably doing this to prevent Keken from telling Raphaela some "unwarranted" news.
Such as his inexplicably extra Phoenix wife having already woken up and searching all over the world for Fisher. Such as that human Empress missing her long-lost Prince Consort so much she was wasting away... Mhm, Eimhart also felt these were mostly news that wouldn't be good for the unborn fetus.
"Alright, it's a good opportunity for you to catch up with an old friend as well. Leave things here to me..."
Raphaela didn't overthink it, decisively nodding and taking command of the surrounding work.
Fisher got off the carriage, bringing Eimhart along as he hurried towards the ship of the Wutong Merchant Guild.
The closer he got to the steam ship, the more prominent its distinct style reminiscent of the Northern Border's icebreakers became. It actually shared some commonalities in shape and structure with the Iceberg Queen Ship, but because the Iceberg Queen Ship was formerly a warship, it appeared sleeker, whereas the merchant ship before him was somewhat bulkier.
At this moment, on the deck of this merchant ship, Keken, dressed in Naris autumn attire, was holding a pair of binoculars, gazing at the distant sea surface. He was observing the peaks and islands thrown up onto the sea surface by some world-shaking power. A long time passed before he tremblingly put down the binoculars in his hands, looked up at the illusory, ominous crimson hue in the sky, and muttered,
"Mother Goddess bless us, what on earth happened here..."
The current Keken evidently possessed a bit less immaturity compared to five years ago. He sported a small mustache on his upper lip, and wearing a tall black Gentleman's Hat, he looked increasingly like the astute figure his father was in the black-and-white photos.
The sailors beside him were all taking inventory of the cargo. Clearly, besides conveying some message, this trip was also to peddle supplies and make a hefty profit.
Faced with such a terrifying spectacle, and with the news from the Dragon Queen of the Dragon Court in the distance still not arriving, Keken had no choice but to raise his hand, preparing to instruct a sailor to go urge them. But the moment he turned his head, a black-haired man in a white robe appeared behind Keken like a ghost.
The moment he laid eyes on that man, Keken's hairs stood on end subconsciously, but the sensation quietly dissipated the moment he opened his mouth. The man said,
"Keken?"
"Mr. Fisher?"
Keken opened his mouth. After a brief recognition, he grew increasingly certain that this was the Naris legend who had been missing for a long time, Mr. Fischer Benavides,
"It really is you. May my Mother Goddess bless us. I... I never expected to meet you here! Where have you been all these years?"
He stepped forward excitedly and extended his hand. Fisher also raised his hand to shake it,
"I was just busy with some other matters. Moreover, I also didn't expect the junior of the Pertricre family to have reached this stage today... Wutong Merchant Guild, is this your new masterpiece?"
"Masterpiece is truly an overpraise, it's merely a small attempt."
Even after letting go of Fisher's hand, Keken's expression still couldn't hide his excitement. But surveying the ship that was still anchored on the sea surface at this moment, he couldn't help but be curious as to how Fisher had boarded the ship.
One must know that due to the massive battle that occurred here earlier, the Dragon Court's ports had been completely destroyed. When he sent someone to inform the Prayer and Blessing Tower, they even had to rely on a sailor rowing a small boat to get there, yet Fisher had boarded the ship so stealthily.
He couldn't shake the feeling that the current Mr. Fischer Benavides was somewhat different from the past.
He didn't press the issue directly, and instead gestured to lead the way, preparing to take Fisher to a place more suitable for conversation,
"Mr. Fisher, it's inconvenient to talk here, please come this way. I'll have my wife prepare some delicious food, ah, and of course fine wine. You probably haven't tasted the most authentic Naris fine wine in years, right?"
"Indeed so."
Keken very happily led Fisher towards the cabin, instructing the sailors along the way to have those who went out hurry back. Meanwhile, Eimhart, hiding in Fisher's coat observing the outside world, took in all the various items inside the cabin.
Wherever he looked, there were luxurious specialties from various countries, such as jewelry from Schwari, rustic Relics from Kadu, armor from the Sardin Woman's Country, and so on. It seemed this should be related to his gains over the years. Out of the corner of his eye, Eimhart even saw a statue of a Wutong Tree displayed in the corridor of the cabin.
He nudged Fisher's chest as a reminder, and very soon, they arrived in a room at the end of the cabin. Judging by the layout inside, it should be a hall used for receiving guests.
"Lara, help me prepare some food, and also fetch that bottle of wine I've been treasuring in the bedroom, please?"
Keken looked up and called out. Fisher also looked over simultaneously, and abruptly saw a lady dressed in Northern Border attire leaning on the railing expressionlessly, observing below.
She had a head of burgundy short hair and carried no expression. Even upon hearing Keken's words, she merely nodded slightly before turning heads to return to the room to prepare.
"Please take a seat quickly, Mr. Fisher. We haven't seen each other in five years, right? Especially after that incident with Empress Elizabeth..."
"Ah, yes. I have had no news of Naris all these years, and don't know how it compares to the past."
After Fisher took his seat, Keken turned around to fetch goblets for enjoying the fine wine. While picking out suitable wine glasses, he smiled and said,
"To tell the truth, it's a lot better than before. Empress Elizabeth is a good Empress. Although criticisms of her from political and business circles are not few, they are directed at her and the Golden Palace's forceful intervention in the market. Anyone with a discerning eye can see that Naris's strength and the people's livelihood have reached a higher level than before..."
He picked two suitable wine glasses and also brought back two premium-quality cigars. He placed them in front of Fisher and himself before taking a seat,
"Corruption has been cracked down on, the Griffon Party and the New Party, who used to excel at internal strife, have settled down, the Nazarene Development Company was nationalized, education was reformed, worker rights protection bills were introduced... Iron-fisted rule isn't good for Naris, but Her Majesty Elizabeth's iron fist is. Even our Pertricre family has opened up new territories, providing loans to companies that produce Cardinals."
"... She is more outstanding than Dexter."
"Otherwise, how could she become the first Empress?"
Keken struck a match, wanting to light a cigar for Fisher, but was politely declined. Keken had no choice but to light his own and extinguish the match,
"Let's talk about you. Did your departure all these years have to do with the Empress? The wanted poster for Mr. Fischer Benavides was only up for half a year before it disappeared, erratic like a little girl throwing a tantrum at her lover."
"No, it has nothing to do with her. But I have to return sooner or later. The issue between her and me was never about being wanted or not."
"Yes, anyone with a discerning eye can see this point..." Keken exhaled a puff of smoke and smiled, saying, "The ministers have been urging the Empress to quickly choose a Prince Consort. Those admonishments fly towards the Golden Palace like snowflakes, doing nothing but putting Empress Elizabeth in a bad mood. If it weren't for the fact that Prince Lausanne of Schwari is already married and there are no other suitable princes, those marriage proposals would definitely have piled up and overflowed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' mailbox."
"This year, she is..."
"In her early thirties, certainly considered in her prime. Actually, speaking of which, at worst Empress Elizabeth still has a younger brother and sister, Princess Isabelle wandering outside, and several young princes and princesses outside the Golden Palace... But you know, the people's trust in Her Majesty Elizabeth is absolutely unprecedented. This admiration, rooted in visible changes, is unparalleled, to the point where only her biological bloodline can inherit this trust."
Elizabeth had lived through four and a half years of time, while for Fisher in reality, those four and a half years quietly slipped away in just the past few months.
"Step, step, step."
Also at this moment, the young woman Keken instructed prior carried a bottle of red wine with both hands, leading two maids holding food dishes, and approached them. She gave Fisher an expressionless nod as a greeting, and subsequently proceeded to uncork and decant the wine on her own.
Keken gave a helpless smile and had no choice but to extend his hand in introduction personally,
"Mr. Fisher, please allow me to introduce her to you. This is Adina, my wife. She comes from the Northern Border and is a bit uncommunicative. Please forgive her."
"Oh, a wife?"
"Ah, yes. But please don't misunderstand, I haven't divorced my previous two wives. They are still resting upstairs. We came from the Northern Border and the journey was long and exhausting, so they are slightly seasick, therefore..."
"..."
In other words, this guy married a third wife?
Fisher stole a glance at the beautiful lady pouring red wine. He didn't know if it was an illusion, but he kept feeling like a faint golden gleam flashed across this woman's body. Just as he narrowed his eyes, wanting to scrutinize that golden gleam clearly, he abruptly noticed that the hands of Keken's wife holding the wine bottle were gradually becoming "soft".
Becoming that sort of, green softness?
No, this is a...
"Slime?"
"!!"
At the instant Fisher voiced his doubt, he felt Adina's figure tremble slightly. Although her face remained expressionless, her fingers and arms had already started transforming towards dark green.
Keken also raised an eyebrow, looking at Adina, and then stood up with a smile to catch the wine bottle she was holding. He looked at Fisher embarrassedly and said,
"Ah, I forgot, Mr. Fisher is a famous demi-human scholar. That's right, Adina is a slime I met in the Northern Border. However, as a slime, she is a bit too young and immature, and very shy. Every time she's shy, she can't even maintain her disguised appearance. I'm truly sorry."
While explaining to Fisher, he gently pulled Adina into an embrace. Although this slime still remained expressionless, she seemingly finally relaxed and gently wrapped soft tentacles around Keken's waist. She buried her face into his shoulder, appearing extremely clingy.
"Then you head back first. I still have some matters to chat with Mr. Fisher about..."
"..."
Adina was motionless. Her body only became softer and softer, hugging him even tighter. It looked like she ran purely on instinct, having been frightened by the gaze of Fisher, someone at the Mythic Rank, just now.
Fisher, on the other hand, was a bit surprised. He glanced at the room upstairs and asked,
"You just said your two wives are both upstairs. I can understand the two of them being sisters and not minding each other, but could it be they don't mind this... Adina either?"
"Ah, although there was indeed some trouble at the very beginning, it's gotten much better now. They get along very well now and also quite like a personality like Adina's. It's very harmonious now, and what's more, every night we can even..."
"Smack!"
Before he could finish his words, a soft pink tentacle from Adina in his arms had already gently slapped his mouth. Subsequently, before anyone could see clearly, she lightly hopped down and fled towards the stairs with her disguise on the verge of entirely disappearing, appearing to have reached the extreme limit of her shyness, unwilling to listen any further.
"..."
Fisher opened his mouth, seemingly not knowing what to say.
Keken also chuckled embarrassedly. He waved his hand to dismiss the maids beside him who were already accustomed to strangeness, preparing to officially start enjoying the delicious food with Fisher,
"Please enjoy, Mr. Fisher. Sorry to make you see such a joke."
"... Not at all."
Accompanied by such fine wine, the atmosphere at the table gradually warmed up. Fisher took a sip of Naris's premium Black Mamba Wine, and involuntarily felt his mood become cheerful as well,
"I haven't tasted this wine before."
"That's for sure, it's fresh out of the factory. Recently, there've been quite a few emerging wineries in Naris, and the taste is unbelievably good. Please taste more, I don't have anything better here to entertain you with."
After Fisher savored a few more glasses of such a rare treat, the topic gradually shifted to the main subject. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the door Adina had slipped through just now and asked in passing,
"Is the Adina from earlier someone from the Frostwood Sycamore Tree?"
Keken was momentarily startled, but still swallowed the half glass of wine in his cup. Following that, he shook his head and explained with a smile,
"No, she's not. Or strictly speaking, she's not. Marrying her wasn't within the scope of my cooperation with Patriarch Barion."
"So, you are working for them?"
"Can't hide it from you. It's indeed so." The color on Keken's face was slightly flushed, explaining, "The Wutong Merchant Guild was established with me borrowing their resources. The channels and resources of that group of slimes were beyond my imagination. Cooperating with them is very pleasant, at least more pleasant than being at home. Throughout the years, I've also earned a lot in my capacity as an agent for the Wutong Merchant Guild. My footprints are everywhere. My reputation and strength have even made my elders sit up and take notice..."
"Is there a corresponding price?"
"Price? Hmm, that depends on how you interpret it... For a merchant, there is no price, only cost. My cost is a suitable identity as an agent and a useful mind, which is exactly what they need. However, occasionally I also have to run errands for people, just like this time."
Keken poured more wine for himself and Fisher, then sat up straighter, rubbed the glass, and looking at Fisher, he said,
"I've heard of all your deeds in the Northern Border from the slimes. The husband of a Phoenix, the unearther of a Sycamore Tree, the eradicator of a curse, the gravedigger of the Turan Family... As expected, gold will shine no matter where it goes. It's just that your mysterious disappearance four and a half years ago still made Patriarch Barion rather concerned. All these years, especially recently, they've been constantly searching for your whereabouts... the Phoenix has awakened, Mr. Fisher."
Valentiina had awakened.
Fisher stared blankly for a moment, then similarly shifted his gaze to the crimson liquid inside his glass, but before he could reply, the slightly flushed Keken before him spoke again,
"I truly envy you. You have such legendary stories tied to you. Empress Elizabeth, the legendary Phoenix, and even the Dragon Queen of the Dragon Court are all connected to you, whereas I have no affinity with the term 'big shot' anymore. But perhaps what my father said in the past was right. When an individual reaches a certain age, their pursuits might change... Like right now, I feel pretty good."
"..."
Just as Keken was expressing his emotions, conversation could be heard from upstairs again. They were female voices,
"What's wrong, Adina? Did something happen downstairs? Hubby, are you downstairs?"
"I am, Dora. Mr. Fisher is also here... the Mr. Fischer Benavides we met once before..."
"Have you been drinking again? Aren't you bad with alcohol? Also, what's going on outside? Why is the sky so red?"
"I don't know either."
Fisher looked up and saw Keken's three wives. The one named "Dora" was supporting the Adina who had just run away out of shyness, looking quite harmonious, appearing worried about her.
Although it looked nice, Fisher couldn't imagine a Scene of Fierce Conflict where the females he knew coexisted so harmoniously.
Elizabeth smilingly supporting Raphaela, Valentiina and Jasmine conversing cheerfully, Helaire observing Renee with a smile, while Alagina and Eliog amiably stayed together, watching Asuka Karasawa's magic lesson at the side?
No, perhaps the next second the room would erupt into a world-ending war like the Second Mythical War, a lot of people would die...
Cold sweat beaded profusely on Fisher's forehead. He didn't even dare to imagine it. So he could only hurriedly rub his temples, reached out to interrupt Keken, and asked,
"So, your purpose for coming this time is to inquire about my news for the Northern Border, right?"
"Ah, there is this consideration, but it's not the primary reason. After all, you had completely vanished previously. Neither I nor the slimes could guarantee we'd find you. Thus, essentially, the visit this time is still to conduct a bit of trade with the Dragon Court."
"Then what was the news related to me that you mentioned earlier? Are you planning to tell the Dragon Queen about the relationship between the Phoenix and me?"
"I wouldn't dare do that. Even the slimes wouldn't dare to tell those things to the Phoenix..." Keken waved his hand helplessly. Seemingly, he had gained an inkling of the terrifying Scene of Fierce Conflict Fisher faced. At the same time, he also reached out to pick up a newspaper placed nearby and handed it to Fisher, "The matter I originally wanted to talk about is something else. It's a coincidence that you're here. This matter probably isn't that important to the Dragon Queen, but to you on the other hand..."
Fisher was momentary stunned as he took that newspaper. It seemed to be last week's Naris Daily, and the first thing that caught his eye was a large headline,
"Heavy Hearted Condolences For the Grand Mage of the Century, Mr. Haelsem Lacazette"
Fisher's pupils constricted slightly. He hurriedly sat up straight, unfolded the newspaper, and read the text below word by word,
"In the early hours of July 19th in the fifth year of Elizabeth I, Mr. Haelsem Lacazette, specially appointed magician of the Royal Academy of Nari, President of the Nari Magic Society, lifelong member of the World Magic Association, Grand Mage of the century, former dean of the Magic Academy at the Royal Academy of Nari, and retired legendary mage, passed away from a heart attack at his estate on the outskirts of the Chitel urban area in northern Naris, at the age of 104.
"Reviewing Mr. Helson's life is to look upon the most brilliant and legendary of lives. Since he was nineteen..."
Fisher perused the entire report word by word in disbelief, until the final few lines of text,
"The Nari Magic Society has flown all flags at half-mast, and the World Magic Association has decided to designate July 19th of every year as 'Magic Revitalization Day', establishing the 'Helson Award Fund' to commemorate the contributions and achievements of this giant of magic century during his lifetime. As a junior and student of Mr. Lacazette from the Royal Academy, Empress Elizabeth expressed her deep condolences upon hearing the news on the morning of July 19th, and stated she will personally attend Mr. Lacazette's funeral on August 1st..."
Fisher gripped the newspaper tighter and tighter bit by bit. Yet, until he took in the last line of text, he still couldn't put the newspaper down, and could only continually gaze at the black-and-white photograph of Teacher Helson on the newspaper.
Keken coughed lightly, sighed, and then said,
"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Fisher. This happened last week, and the news has already spread throughout the entire West Continent... I know clearly, as Magician Helson's only closed-door disciple, your affection for him is not something that can be compared to an ordinary teacher-student relationship."
Fisher's expression was solemn. It was only after several seconds that he finally placed the newspaper back onto the table.
He took a deep breath and looked up at the calendar Keken had placed on a nearby cabinet. Today happened to be July 26th. There were exactly five days left until August 1st.
After a moment of silence, he turned to look at Keken and abruptly spoke,
"... I'm going back to Naris to attend Teacher Helson's funeral."