Ennoblement

"Only what?"

"To be honest with you, sir, I am considering accepting the Fenlai Kingdom's invitation to become a court mage," Haoyue said sincerely. "A court mage must swear loyalty to the royal family, so I'm afraid I cannot serve the Church at the same time."

Byrne frowned slightly.

Though the Inquisition wielded immense power, it could not openly oppose the kingdom's royal family. If Haoyue truly became a court mage of the Fenlai Kingdom, they would indeed find it difficult to force him to join them.

"Are you certain you want to join the Fenlai Kingdom?" Byrne's voice grew colder.

"Becoming a court mage is the best choice I can think of," Haoyue replied without betraying his thoughts. "After all, my mother is still in Fenlai City."

He had deliberately mentioned his mother to make Byrne understand that he had a vulnerability and reasons of his own. It was not that he disrespected the Church; circumstances had forced his hand.

Byrne fell silent for a moment.

He stared at Haoyue for a long time, seemingly judging whether this young man was worth recruiting.

At last, he nodded slightly.

"The Fenlai royal family are devout believers in the Church. By becoming a court mage, you will essentially be serving the Church's cause as well."

Haoyue felt a weight lift from his heart.

He accepted it!

"However," Byrne continued, changing the subject, "I hope you will remember the choice you made today. If an opportunity arises in the future, I hope you will remember the favor I have shown you today, Mr. Haoyue."

"I certainly will," Haoyue said, cupping his hands.

Byrne gave him a long look, then turned and left. Twelve figures vanished into the morning mist like ghosts, arriving and departing without a trace.

Only when they had disappeared completely did Haoyue let out a long breath.

That was close!

He knew very well that the slightest misstep in how he had handled the encounter could have brought disaster upon him. The Inquisition was hardly a place filled with kindhearted people. If they set their sights on him, he would find it difficult to take a single step anywhere on the Yulan Continent.

Fortunately, the Fenlai Kingdom's invitation had given him a perfect shield.

More importantly, King Clayde was a devout believer in the Radiant Church, and that identity alone made the Church wary of acting against him. The Fenlai Kingdom might not be particularly powerful, but the Holy Union stood behind it, and the Radiant Church was at the heart of the Holy Union.

Haoyue had long since seen through that relationship.

That was why he had dared to use that reason to deal with Byrne.

Two days later, Haoyue formally set out for the Fenlai royal palace.

Wearing his court mage uniform, he rode a fine black horse down the royal capital's main thoroughfare under the escort of the royal guard.

Crowds of onlookers packed both sides of the street.

"That's Haoyue Bolei? He looks so young!"

"An eighteen-year-old marquis! And the first court mage, too!"

"I heard he's the most gifted graduate in the history of the Ernst Institute!"

The chatter never ceased. Haoyue sat upright in the saddle, his face expressionless and his gaze fixed straight ahead.

The palace gates slowly opened.

In the splendid, gilded hall, Clayde, king of the Fenlai Kingdom, sat upright on his throne. He was around forty, with a dignified face and a faint, nearly imperceptible smile on his lips.

"Your Majesty, I am Haoyue Bolei."

Haoyue knelt on one knee and offered a formal salute.

"Rise." Clayde raised a hand. "From this day forth, you are the Fenlai Kingdom's first court mage, foremost among all my ministers."

"At the same time, I hereby confer upon you the rank of marquis and grant you the title of 'Marquis of Three Elements,' in recognition of your talent for magic in three elements. Your title shall pass down through your descendants in perpetuity."

An attendant beside him presented a gem-studded marquis's coronet and gently placed it on Haoyue's head.

"In addition, I grant you a former royal residence on Green Leaf Road in the capital as your estate, along with an annual stipend of ten thousand gold coins."

Haoyue saluted again. "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor!"

Clayde nodded in satisfaction.

"I have heard of your accomplishments. The youngest Level Seven Mage in the history of the Ernst Institute, a genius who cultivates three elements at once." He smiled. "I am delighted that you have joined the Fenlai Kingdom. I believe that with your help, our kingdom will surely become even more prosperous."

"Your Majesty praises me too highly," Haoyue said modestly. "I will do my utmost and not disappoint Your Majesty's expectations."

The ceremony continued in the great hall.

King Clayde announced the ennoblement before the assembled court and presented Haoyue with a scepter symbolizing the supreme authority of a court mage. Nobles and ministers came forward one after another to offer their congratulations, their compliments pouring in like a tide.

"Congratulations, Lord Marquis!"

"Lord Marquis, you are truly young and accomplished!"

"I hope you will look favorably upon me in the future, Lord Marquis!"

Haoyue nodded to each of them in turn, a faint smile on his face throughout.

He knew that from this moment on, his position in the Fenlai Kingdom was firmly secured.

Marquis, first court mage, Marquis of Three Elements... These titles would give him the best protection and the greatest convenience.

More importantly, he had managed to protect himself against pressure from the Radiant Church.

Thinking back on the events of the past two days, Haoyue was filled with emotion.

First, the Fenlai Kingdom had extended an extravagantly generous offer, and immediately afterward, the Inquisition had made a forceful attempt to recruit him. If he had not been quick-witted, he would likely have found himself caught in a dilemma long ago.

Fortunately, it was all behind him now.

From now on, he was a marquis of the Fenlai Kingdom and its first court mage.

On this land, no one would dare move against him lightly.

And his identity as a Tiger-Striped Warrior remained a secret known only to Linley.

After the ceremony, King Clayde specifically asked Haoyue to stay behind for a private conversation.

"Your Excellency Haoyue, there is a question I would like to ask you."

"Please, Your Majesty."

Clayde pondered for a moment. "Which three elements of magic do you cultivate?"

"Fire, water, and earth," Haoyue answered truthfully.

"Cultivating three elements at once..." Clayde looked thoughtful. "Do you know that such talent is exceedingly rare in history?"

"I have heard a little about it."

"I hear the Radiant Church is very interested in your talent." Clayde gave him a meaningful look. "Did someone from the Inquisition come to see you?"

Haoyue's heart tightened. The king was certainly well informed.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"How did you handle it?"

"I told them I was considering joining the Fenlai Kingdom and feared I could not serve the Church." Haoyue paused. "That Lord Byrne seemed to accept my answer."

Clayde smiled in satisfaction.

"Well done. The Radiant Church is a great power, and our Fenlai Kingdom is on good terms with them; we are the same. I am glad you can see that."

"I will remember Your Majesty's guidance."

"Very well, I am tired." Clayde waved a hand. "Your residence has been prepared. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow I will send someone to bring you copies of the magic spells."

"I take my leave."

Haoyue bowed and withdrew from the hall.

The sun was setting, and its golden light fell upon the palace's glazed roof tiles, refracting into brilliant rays.

Haoyue stood at the palace gates and looked back at the majestic palace, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

From today onward, he was a central figure in one of the powers of the Yulan Continent.

First court mage, Marquis of Three Elements... These titles represented more than glory and power; they were also the starting point of his future journey.

"The Fenlai Kingdom, the Radiant Church..." Haoyue murmured to himself. "This game has only just begun."

He turned and left, his shadow stretching long in the setting sun.

And his goal had always been the same: to grow stronger until no one could defeat him.