The entire living room was covered in a layer of black radiance, completely sealing the windows and every crack, as if draped in a veil of black silk.
This bizarre sight immediately piqued Wulin's curiosity. He reached out tentatively to touch the black veil, and his palm passed through a layer of light that quickly re-solidified after he withdrew his hand.
Wulin played with it to his heart's content, his gaze toward Leilin growing ever more respectful.
During the journey, he had learned from Jenny and Jemos that Leilin was a full-fledged Wizard. For Wulin, who had spent his entire life in Bolt Town, Knights were already impressive figures — but a Wizard? Those existed only in legends.
In truth, Wulin had always fantasized about becoming a Wizard, wielding the power of lightning, flame, and ice. After all, if he became a Wizard, perhaps he could win Jenny's hand in marriage?
Unfortunately, all his hopes had been dashed by Leilin's breezy remark: "You don't have the talent for it."
Leilin had in fact secretly assessed Wulin's aptitude. His soul talent was extremely poor — roughly at the first-rank level, belonging to the worst category of Wizard potential, the kind that could only ever reach the apprentice stage for an entire lifetime.
Still, as long as someone possessed even a sliver of Wizard potential, with proper instruction it wasn't impossible to become a Wizard Apprentice. And even a Wizard Apprentice carried far more status than a Knight.
The problem was that teaching a Wizard Apprentice required far more effort than training a Knight. Leilin was no longer in his leisurely Bolt Town days — how could he be willing to waste his time? So Wulin's request had been refused without hesitation.
Even so, Wulin remained thoroughly fascinated by the mysterious power of Wizards.
"Alright, this place has been sealed by me. You can speak freely about anything — no need to worry about anything leaking out!"
Leilin suddenly spoke.
Hearing his words, Jenny's face twisted into a bitter smile. "As expected, nothing escapes Lord Leilin's notice!"
"Eh? Jenny, weren't you here just to visit and see us?" Only now did Wulin catch on, exclaiming loudly. But Leilin silenced him with a single look, and he fell quiet to listen to Jenny's account.
"Ever since Father obtained the Dragon Blood Blossom, his condition has improved greatly. He can go from bedridden to getting up and handling matters, and his spirits are much better..."
A trace of joy appeared on Jenny's face, only to fade quickly.
"But the good times didn't last. My two uncles趁 Father was recovering to convene the family council once again, trying to force him out of the patriarch's position..."
"I've come here today to seek your help!"
Jenny rose to her feet and bowed solemnly to Leilin. "If you are willing to help my father overcome this crisis, we will give anything at all! Including myself!"
"Jenny! You—" Wulin, standing to the side, was so anxious he was practically clawing at himself, but there was nothing he could do.
"Heh heh..."
After hearing Jenny out, Leilin merely considered the matter at a leisurely pace. Just when Jenny was beginning to feel as though she had plunged into hell, he finally broke into a smile.
"I have no intention of involvement in the August family's affairs, but I will pay a visit three days from now..."
A dozen minutes later, Jenny departed with what she had come for. Though Leilin had not explicitly pledged support to either side, a Wizard's good relationship was something no family could afford to disregard.
What she did not see was the cold smirk that played on Leilin's lips after she left.
"Withholding so much information and still expecting me to help you? Do you really take me for a fool?"
The reason Jenny's two uncles dared act so brazenly was that they must have obtained some powerful guarantee and strong backing — strong enough to force the original patriarch's line to seek outside aid. And Leilin was seventy percent certain that this backing came with the approval of a certain Siegfried.
Under these circumstances, the desperate father and daughter had placed their only hope on Leilin, even going so far as to offer Jenny herself as bait and price.
"Heh heh... Did you think I would recklessly intervene just for Wulin's happiness? Unfortunately, his happiness — even his life — to me are nothing more than playthings..."
Leilin glanced at Wulin, who was still standing rigidly by the door, and a playful smile curved his lips.
...
Three days later, Leilin donned a black noble's formal attire somewhat reminiscent of a suit and, bringing Wulin along, paid a visit to the August family.
"Lord Leilin, it is truly an honor beyond words to meet you in person!"
Having been notified by the servants, Jenny and her father, Marquis August, came out immediately to greet him.
Leilin studied the Marquis with a measured smile. The Marquis had brilliant golden hair, and on his face one could still find many features reminiscent of Jenny. At this moment, his face was wreathed in a warm and proper smile.
Behind him, two rows of servants bowed respectfully, assuming the most sincere posture of invitation.
"Mm." Leilin gave a nod of reserved acknowledgment and walked in alongside Marquis August, even taking a step ahead of him. As a Wizard, he had every right and authority to do so — and the smile on the Marquis's face only grew more fervent, as though he did not mind in the slightest.