An hour later, at the celebration venue in Rune City.
Once Roland, Skord, and Yvonne arrived, Rick immediately brought them to join Froya and the others, then led them over to a group of people in mage robes.
At their head were two middle-aged mages of around fifty, who looked refined and approachable and wore magnificent, expensive magical equipment.
"Allow me to introduce Mr. Huo Daofu, president of Rune City's Mages' Guild, and Mr. Jia Erdas, its vice president."
He then turned to the two men. "This is Mr. Roland."
"What a pleasure to meet you!"
Huo Daofu and Jia Erdas both smiled and stepped forward warmly to exchange greetings.
Both were high-ranking mages, with professional levels as high as the seventh rank.
Their Arcana levels, however, were only in the lower ranks, placing them at senior teaching assistant.
Even that "senior" designation was an honorary title automatically awarded when their professional levels rose.
But as local government officials, they still paid close attention to developments in the Arcana community. Naturally, they understood what the Roland standing before them represented.
"We've both had the privilege of reading your paper, Mr. Roland. Truly admirable work."
"This is a tremendous boon for mages. Already, quite a few Spell Scrolls have become cheaper yet more effective. All these changes stem from your achievements."
"You're both too kind. I've only done a little modest work."
Roland warmly shook hands with the two men.
Both sides understood each other's value and exchanged contact information on the spot, building connections for the future.
After everyone else had exchanged greetings, Rick gave the order to begin the celebration.
Numerous castings of Prestidigitation went off at once. Amid a flood of rainbow light and fluttering streamers, song-and-dance troupes and variety performers put on their acts, making for a