The gathering stiffened, suddenly falling silent.
Well, the beauty of the "Kingdom's most beautiful woman" really did count for something.
Everyone felt utterly helpless.
Arkham XIV had been mediocre all his life, yet in his final years, intentionally or otherwise, he had made a move of unparalleled brilliance.
The nobles of Savaran had long known that the man behind Princess Rosa was Roland. But they had few channels for learning what went on inside the Mage Tower, and they did not know exactly how much she mattered to him.
When it came to pillow talk between a man and a woman, it was safer to assume it happened than to assume it did not.
"My lord, Lady Rosa truly does wield considerable influence at Seris Academy. She handles all our correspondence with the Seris School, and even with the Mage Tower."
"Lord Roland trusts her deeply. He leaves many important documents in her hands, and she even participates in approving expenditures of hundreds or thousands of gold coins."
"You should consider this matter carefully. Do not offend Lord Roland lightly."
Beside some of the noble lords present, children or retainers who had once studied in Atrelin hurried to warn their lieges through various discreet means.
During their years of mage education, these people might not have learned much arcane knowledge, but they had all gained channels for news from arcane circles.
After returning home, those connections were their capital for becoming high officials, advisers, scholars, and teachers valued by their lords.
Feilie frowned at his niece. For some reason, he felt an inexplicable pressure.
That presence had been shaped by her surroundings and authority.
In Atrelin, even apprentice-level mages were esteemed spellcasters, enjoying status and privileges far beyond those of other professions.
Yet the magic apprentices and Apprentice Mages whom