Chapter 55


    In the midst of arranging the day''s activities, a middle-aged Protégé was about to take charge when


    a handsome young man briskly stepped forward with a smile. "Allow me to take care of this."


    "And you are...?" Marak asked, his tone haughty as he nced at the youth.


    "I am Elite Protégé, Tyral!" Tyral said with a beaming smile, though in truth, he had not yet achieved


    the status of an Elite Protégé, especially after the untimely demise of his sister Nysah. It was even


    less likely that Elder Jaslin would take him on as an Elite Protégé now.


    "Elite Protégé? You seem rather average to me," Marak scoffed.


    "I am hardly worthy topare with you, Lord Marak" Tyral retorted, which drew the ire of many


    Protégés.


    Marak was quite pleased, however. "Show me around. Let me see the sights of Cobalt Strike order."


    "By your leave," Tyral said, cheerfully extending his hand to lead the way.


    Since Marak had made his choice, the middle-aged Protégé could hardly rece him now. He shot


    Tyral a warning look, signaling him to be a good host and not to let the reputation of Cobalt Strike


    order be diminished.


    In the great hall of the order, the Commander''s face was expressionless. "We''re alone now. Speak


    inly. There''s no need for pretense between us."


    "I just wanted to catch up a bit with you."


    "Spare me!"


    "Heh, very well, we can reminisce another time. Let''s get to the matter at hand. I am here on behalf


    of Lord Viperbane, hoping to arrange a favorable union."


    "Let''s hear it then."


    "Lord Marak is Lord Viperbane''s youngest and most cherished son. At sixteen, he has already


    reached the Stage VIII of the Novice Mage. His talents are remarkable, and with the resources of


    Lord Viperbane behind him, his future achievements will be limitless. Lord Marak has an


    extraordinary temperament, brave and proud, with the makings of a tyrant and the ability to


    command armies since childhood. Lord Viperbane has high hopes for him."


    Neasilis spoke unhurriedly, not skimping on his words of praise. His gaze was continuously on the


    face of the Commander, observing his reaction closely.


    "Lord Marak is a prodigy, I''ve heard as much," the Commander offered a few polite words.


    "Lord Marak is sixteen and yet without a betrothal, much to Lord Viperbane''s frustration. It''s not for


    want of trying, but Lord Marak has high standards, and ordinary maidens simply do not catch his


    eye."


    The faces of the Commander and the Elders darkened. What did this mean? Was this a proposal?


    Neasilis continued with a soft chuckle. "As a devotee of Lord Viperbane and a Protégé of Cobalt


    Strike, I''ve always hoped for good rtions between our factions, but the opportunity has never


    presented itself. Recently, I heard of a maiden Protégée of Cobalt Strike, of unparalleled beauty and


    extraordinary talent, who, at sixteen, has advanced to the rank of Advanced Mage. I personally


    introduced her to Lord Viperbane, and to my surprise, he agreed. Lord Marak''s visit is actually to


    meet this maiden."


    "Neasilis! Do not overstep!" The stout Elder could not hold back any longer. Marak to wed Celesse?


    To hand over Cobalt Strike''s once-in-a-century talent to Lord Viperbane and use the marriage to


    curry favor with Cobalt Strike—what a cunning n by Lord Viperbane!


    "Calm yourself, and let me finish. Whatever Lord Marak desires, he has never failed to obtain. If he


    truly takes a liking to Celesse, Lord Viperbane will support it wholeheartedly. How, then, could


    Cobalt Strike refuse? I kindly remind you all, rtions between Lord Viperbane and Cobalt Strike


    have been strained, but it has not yete to an outright confrontation.


    “This is an opportunity. If you refuse, it will meanplete rupture. If you agree, not only will


    rtions improve, but you might also share resources and forge an alliance. You should understand


    the stakes involved," Neasilis said bluntly, sparing no one''s feelings.


    In the great hall, the Eldersughed, and so did the Commander, but hisughter was cold as ice.


    "How dare you threaten Cobalt Strike? Heh, Lord Viperbane has no such standing, and you,


    Neasilis, even less!"


    Neasilis traced the rim of his teacup with a fingertip, then pushed out a wave of force with a flick of


    his hand, mming the hall doors shut. The light in the hall dimmed, casting everyone into shadow,


    and the atmosphere grew tense.


    The Elders exchanged nces, and their brows furrowed. "What does this mean?"


    "Ie from Cobalt Strike, and I''ve always considered this ce my home. I am well aware of


    many things happening here... Heh, very aware."


    "What are you trying to say?" asked the Commander, his brows knitted.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "For instance, certain secrets that should not see the light of day, which, if delved into, could bring


    cmity to Cobalt Strike."


    "Stop beating around the bush, speak!" the stout Elder demanded coldly.


    With a silent, mirthfulugh, Neasilis said, "If I recall correctly, there''s someone imprisoned in


    Botanic Haven that Cobalt Strike should not have captured!"


    At this revtion, everyone''s expressions changed, and the Commander''s gaze became sharp as a


    de, fixated on Neasilis. The Elders stood slowly, fists clenched, as the air became thick with the


    intent of violence.


    "Everyone, rx, I''m here to help."


    "We don''t need your help!"


    "Are you sure? I''ve heard Cobalt Strike has been rather unstable ofte."


    "How did youe to know this?"


    "That''s not important. The important thing is this! The former Commander of Cobalt Strike


    identally killed a man, thought to be amoner, but when he cried out a name... Heh... it made


    all the Elders..."