Translator: Cinder Translations
...
In addition to confirmation from Ladia Setia, Paul also sought verification from Princess Eileen, who had once studied in the Scholar's Tower, to rule out the possibility that Alvey was an imposter.
Thus, Paul instructed the Department of Public Safety to assign a dedicated team to provide active protection for Alvey, as he deemed this individual to be of significant value.
From Derson, Marianna, and Alvey, Paul had learned about the Arcane Order and the ancient prophecy. He was now almost certain that the matter was real—not that he believed the ancient prophecy was accurate, but rather that the Arcane Order was indeed pushing certain agendas in pursuit of this elusive prophecy.
Giles' rebellion, the invasion of the orcs... It was clear that the Arcane Order had set its sights on the kingdom of Aldor, treating it like a piece of meat on a chopping block, ready to carve off a piece whenever needed. Their ultimate goal was to devour not just Aldor, but all of human civilization.
The situation had become too passive, and it was time to take proactive measures.
...
"So, why have you called me here?" Marianna asked her son with a smile.
Paul replied, "It's about the schemes of the Arcane Order!"
The seriousness on her son's face made Marianna drop her lighthearted demeanor.
"Schemes? Oh my, that's such an aggressive word."
Paul frowned and asked, "Mrs. Grayman, what position do you hold within the Arcane Order?"
His stiff form of address displeased Marianna.
"Well... how should I put it?" She seemed somewhat hesitant. "Although it may sound arrogant, my position is such that my words are not taken lightly."
Paul pressed further, "Then let me ask you this—how strong is your sense of belonging to this organization? Or rather, how deeply are you tied to it?"
Marianna fell silent for a moment, then furrowed her brows, her voice turning sharp. "Alright, it seems this day has finally come. My son is forcing me to make a choice—between him and the cause I've been fighting for."
Paul let out a cold laugh and laid his cards on the table: "Considering you've already made a choice ten years ago, I don't have high expectations for your decision now."
Marianna shot to her feet, her porcelain-like face flushing red with anger.
Almost instantly, an overwhelming pressure emanated from the red-haired sorceress, and the air in the room seemed to solidify.
Paul felt as though he were trapped in cement, unable to move or breathe properly.
The sorceress seemed to radiate fiery flames as she spoke, "Paul Grayman, listen well. I, Marianna Grayman, may have made many mistakes, but never when it comes to my two children. I deeply regret missing over ten years of your life, but the consequences of not leaving would have been even worse—consequences that would have affected you, and even the entire Grayman family."
"Calm down, Mother!" Paul relented.
"Damn it, what have I done?"
The word "Mother" struck a chord with Marianna. Her pupils dilated, and she instantly transformed from a furious sorceress into a fragile, pitiable woman.
Staggering forward a few steps, Marianna embraced Paul tightly, holding her son close as tears streamed down her face like broken beads.
"Forgive me, Paul. It's all because of the damned Church. If it weren't for those hounds coming here to investigate, we would have been such a happy family. Before I was forced to part with you, I had no idea what the Arcane Order even was."
As if releasing years of pent-up emotions, Marianna broke down in tears while holding Paul.
"Ugh... I really can't breathe this time!" Paul's muffled voice came from within her embrace.
"Ah, sorry," she said, releasing him.
Freed, Paul gasped for air, taking several deep breaths.
Marianna also calmed down, sniffling as she recounted the full story of her departure.
Back then, when the Church discovered her whereabouts, they quickly dispatched a secret unit to the Northwest Bay, intending to capture the Crimson Sorceress. The local church official responsible for coordinating with the Church's secret unit was Leonard, who is now the bishop of the Northwest Bay.
Coincidentally, Leonard was on good terms with the elder Grayman. When he learned that the target of the Church's pursuit was his friend's wife, he was shocked.
Leonard was devout in his faith and deeply trusted the Church. Since the Church had declared her a sorceress, Mrs. Grayman must indeed be one.
However, after a painful internal struggle, he secretly informed the elder Grayman couple that the Church's operation against them was about to begin.
At the time, Marianna, having just given birth to her second child, was in no condition to resist the Church's secret unit. The Grayman family, then a minor noble house in a remote region, was also powerless against the behemoth that was the Church.
Marianna had planned to hide for a while, but Leonard warned her: either leave the Northwest Bay forever, never to return, or he would bring the Church's secret unit to arrest the entire Grayman family.
Thus, Marianna was forced to painfully leave her husband and eldest son.
"In the days of missing you, my hatred for the Church grew deeper, and I eventually accepted the Arcane Order's invitation to join them. One of the Council's goals is to allow spellcasters to walk openly in the sunlight, and to achieve this, one prerequisite is necessary—to destroy the Church!"
"Because of Leonard's warning, I never dared to return to the Northwest Bay. I'm sure you've interacted with him—he's a very stubborn man, true to his word and utterly ruthless."
"It wasn't until I confirmed that Leonard had been promoted to bishop and was no longer stationed in Alden, and that you had gained some ability to protect yourself, that I cautiously returned here and reunited with you."
Marianna's words reminded Paul of his wedding day. During the ceremony, Marianna, disguised among the guests, had cast a complex gaze at Leonard.
It made sense—how should one feel about someone who both saved your life and ruined it? Should you be grateful or resentful?
After hearing her out, Paul embraced Marianna.
"Mother, the days ahead may grow increasingly chaotic. I respect your aspirations and won't force you to choose between two paths. But I beg you, please prioritize your safety and adjust your position as needed. I truly hope we never find ourselves on opposing sides."
"I don't care what the Arcane Order is planning, but if their goals conflict with mine, I will do everything in my power to thwart their schemes. At the very least, all their efforts in Aldor will come to nothing."
(End of the Chapter)
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