The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 227

Dainis couldn’t pry the secrets she desired from Alavin, so she turned her attention to Korb and Helna. But from the next day on, the duo suddenly shut themselves away, claiming exhaustion of heart and spirit, and taking great care to heal their weary bodies.

Dainis couldn’t force the issue, so she politely took her leave. She continued to cultivate goodwill by arranging for nourishing potions to be sent daily.

For three days straight, the Rocke family reaped no rewards, and their forces were instead commandeered by Lucan to tidy up the ancient city.

Ever since Lucan learned that the Rocke family might’ve been entangled with events of the past, he lost all pretense of politeness. If they were so eager, then good, come on, bricks needed to be laid, trenches needed to be dug, and cleanliness needed to be maintained.

Lucan treated the troops like laborers, always with a smile, arranging tasks and thanking them so courteously that the Rocke family couldn't even bring themselves to refuse.

On the fourth day, Dainis sought out Alavin again, but upon entering the courtyard, she stopped dead in her tracks, mouth agape, stunned by the sight before her.

A round, plump figure lay leisurely on a rocking chair, basking in the sun. His head was perfectly spherical, shiny, and smooth, devoid of hair, beard, or even a single strand of fuzz, like a peeled egg, clean and smooth. His body was equally rotund, gently swaying with the rocking chair, and his clothes were undulating over his flesh—not quite like “mighty waves” but certainly “gentle ripples.” His arms and legs were chubby, sprawled out as he reclined there.

Dainis was astounded. What sort of wondrous creature could this be? “Who are you?” Dainis approached, not recalling any member of the Mallister family fitting this description.

“Ah, greetings, you must be Dainis,” Balder said, rocking his chair vigorously—perhaps a bit too stuck in it, as it took several tries to stand up. He squinted and smiled, his simple charm endearing.

“You know me?”

“Of course, the young lady of the Golden Scorch’s Rocke family, a pleasure indeed.” Balder extended his hand for a shake.

Dainis eyed his pudgy, pristine hand and took a step back. “And who might you be?” © NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

Balder chuckled, not the least bit embarrassed, retracting his hand naturally. “I’m a friend of Alavin’s.”

“A friend of Alavin’s? I’ve never seen you before.”

“I’ve only just arrived today.”

“How did you get in? The city gates are sealed.”

“Lucan let me in.”

“And what brings you here?” Dainis was delicate and beautiful, with a neck that was particularly alluring. Her grace was evident, but her gaze towards Balder clearly held a hint of disdain.

"I'm here to help Alavin rebuild Stormcast."

"You? Rebuild the ancient city? How so?" Dainis laughed.

"Opening shops, constructing new towers, paving roads... the like, I've listed it all."

Dainis realized then that this was a businessman eyeing the opportunity in Stormcast's restoration. "Not a bad vision, seizing the chance for commerce in Stormcast's rebuilding."

"Oh, it's nothing, just lending a hand to a friend," Balder said with a chuckle, his demeanor quite adorable—strange at first glance, but growing more appealing over time.

"Which merchant guild do you hail from?" Dainis' eyes flickered with further disdain.

"A small one, hardly worth mentioning," Balder humbly nodded.

"Be off with you."

"Pardon?"

"Leave. Stormcast doesn't need meddling merchants, nor do you have the funds."

"We could give it a try."

"I said no, and that's final. Golden Scorch is more than enough."

"I'm Alavin's friend," Balder touched his bald head.

"Pleasing Alavin won't help. You should ask the right people." Dainis hinted meaningfully. Right now, Alavin needed those who could help him defend the city, not just any small merchant guild. However, should the guild offer enough advantage to the Rocke family, they might consider allowing it to assist.

Balder, ever so clever, understood at once and beamed. "I don't need to please anyone."

"A shame," Dainis said, no longer engaging with him as she moved toward Alavin's chamber.

"Alavin is in seclusion; he wishes not to be disturbed," Balder called after her.

"Seclusion? At a time like this?"

The room door creaked open, and Alavin strode out, a smile on his face, looking refreshed and invigorated.

"Is it done?" Balder asked cautiously. He had arrived that morning and was both shocked and delighted to hear Alavin was in seclusion. If successful, surely Balder’s father would be even more pleased. After all, their investment was in Alavin himself, and the stronger he proved, the more solid their backing.