Chapter 46
Celesse, however, paid little heed to his courtesy and did not even nce his way as she walked
past him to stand beside vin.
Carlys winked slyly. "Master vin, good tidings await."
Celesse stood openly by vin''s side, facing Galos. "In one month, here in the arena, and three
sprigs of Pearlwort at stake, I shall preside over your bout with justice."
The crowd was abuzz, incredulous at Celesse''s deration, their eyes darting between her and
vin.
The Cobalt Strike was well aware of Celesse''s favor toward vin. Yet, her public support in such a
manner was astonishing, especially as she solidified her position as the preeminent Golden
Protégé.
Shock and envy mingled in their hearts.
Yet one thing was certain, the uing martial contest would be spectacr. The seldom-seen
Celesse would be officiating a match personally for the first time, a historic event that would draw
countless apprentices as spectators.
Some, however, were puzzled. Was Celesse bolstering vin, or dooming him? Wasn’t she
pressuring vin?
Galos looked intensly at vin and Celesse, his smile unwavering. "With Lady Celesse presiding,
the contest will surely be magnificent. I vow to deliver a perfect duel for all to witness."
Between their words, a veneer of politeness thinly veiled the harshness within. A Novice Mage of
Stage VII exerting full effort was not something a mere Stage III Protégé could withstand. Galos was
nomon mercenary or solitary practitioner, nor just any ordinary apprentice; he was an Elite
Protégé, a chosen pupil of the Grand Elder of the Cobalt Strike.
After vin and hispanions departed, many Protégés gathered at the steps, gazing longingly
at the backs of vin and Celesse. They all envied the young man''s good fortune to be favored by
Celesse. Throughout the realms of Cobalt Strike, vin was likely the only male Protégé who could
approach Celesse so closely. Yet, within their envyy pity, for his status as a servant limited
everything for him.
"Has the Commander made a decision?" vin hadn''t expected Celesse to seek him out.
In a soft voice, Celesse replied, "Your status as a servant shall remain, but you shall be granted a
chance to enter the Sanctum of Mystical Scrolls."
vin fell silent for a moment before slowly nodding, "As expected. The Commander would not risk
displeasing the Grand Elder on my ount."
"The Commander met privately with my mentor this morning. He personally conveyed the message
that no one will lift your servitude in the near term. It''s easy to pardon a servant; any Elder has that
power. But you were apprehended by the expressmand of the Grand Elder, and there''s the
matter of Stormcast; itplicates things. No one, including the Commander, will risk offending the
Grand Elder over you."
vin fell silent again. "Truthfully, my status as a servant isn''t my concern. It''s the Grand Elder''s
stance towards Stormcast that I care about."
Celesse knew vin was troubled, not because she couldn''t free him from servitude, but because
of the Grand Elder''s unwavering attitude towards him and Stormcast. This meant vin had a long
path ahead if he hoped to save his hometown.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.
Carlys consoled him, "The Commander''s special permission for you to enter the Sanctum of
Mystical Scrolls is an honor and fulfills one of your wishes. Cheer up."
Celesse added, "The Commander also said something to my master which I believe was meant for
you to hear."
"What was it?" vin asked, calming himself as there was no use in distress over the inevitable.
"You are not yet worthy to have him intervene in the Stormcast affair." Celesse paused before
continuing softly. "The words may sound harsh, but they carry an expectation and encouragement.
Essentially, he''s saying to prove your worth, you must give him a reason to want to lift your
servitude. If you can impress more people, he will seriously consider it."
Carlys, linking her arm with vin''s and tilting her head yfully, said, "Celesse and I both believe
in you, so smile."
vin couldn''t help but smile in response. "Don''t worry about me. I will thrive."