Time rewound a little.
The three Level 6 Wizards from another branch of the Colmar Family had gathered early with their respective partners in a small palace on the other side of the plane. The palace's decor was identical to that of the banquet hall outside: marble floors, carved pillars, and lighting crystals floating overhead, their brightness adjusted to just the right level.
Yet the expressions on their faces were completely different from those of the banquet guests. There was not the slightest trace of ease.
"That old bastard has certainly made a grand show of it."
A female Level 6 Wizard of the Colmar Family held a teacup, her tone steeped in undisguised mockery.
She was the most senior member of this branch. The edges of her scale-patterned Wizard Robe brushed softly as she moved, producing a faint rustle. "He invited several Level 7 Wizards. He must have used up all the connections he's accumulated over the years."
Her partner was a tall, lean male Level 6 Wizard with gentle features. Sitting beside her, his tone was far calmer. "It doesn't matter. We invited elders from my family as well, so we won't lose out on the Level 7 Wizard front. Besides, Level 7 Wizards are only here to lend us their presence. They can't possibly step in personally on an occasion like this. With Level 7 Wizards on both sides, if something really happens, neither side will have an easy time cleaning it up."
"The connections everyone has built up over the years are more or less evenly matched. There's nothing much to say about that."
Another male Level 6 Wizard of the Colmar Family took over, lightly tapping a finger against the armrest. An irritation he could not suppress seeped through the rhythm.
"The key is the