Extravagant Banquet

"Very well, we'll stop here for today. You may rest now, Your Highness," Archmage Hassel said. He was quite satisfied with Belorell's performance and focus. Before this, the regent's child had shown a strong resistance to magic.

"Thank you, Hassel." Belorell smiled tiredly, though he did not show it before the Sunreaver. He merely gathered his spirits, determined to maintain this state until he bathed and went to bed.

"To be honest, I'm surprised." Hassel stroked the pointed beard on his chin. "At first, I wasn't sure I could teach you anything, but you have learned a great deal. It seems the rumors in the kingdom were untrue. Our prince possesses considerable magical talent."

"People change, Mentor."

Hassel had yet to grow accustomed to being addressed that way by Belorell, and it only made him feel a little awkward.

"Before you came, I drove away six highly experienced mages. My mother often scolded me for it too."

"Then I am honored to be your seventh magic tutor, and to teach you useful magic besides."

Belorell smiled. After Hassel left, the day had already passed. He brewed a pot of tea, selected some pastries, and set them on a small table. Seated nearby, he reflected on the archmage's words. Hassel was a Sunreaver from Dalaran and one of Aethas's subordinates. It had not been his mother's idea to arrange for him to become Belorell's tutor; Belorell himself had written to invite him.

The reason for doing so filled Belorell with emotion. Since birth, he had believed he had no father, yet the truth was that his father was still alive. Everyone said his father had died gloriously in battle, but behind it lay a painful past that could not bear revisiting. The truth would inevitably be revealed, and when it was,