The mages pondered Vilgefortz's proposal in silence. Although they had a say in politics, going directly against kings was not the way mages acted.
"So we'll do nothing, wait for the kings to sideline us and for Nilfgaard to attack us while we're weak?"
"No, no, that's not what I propose." Vilgefortz said. "It's not that we do nothing. First, we must replenish the members of the Chapter of the Gift and the Art and the Council of Wizards. If these two institutions are not complete, how can we manage the Brotherhood of Sorcerers?"
There were no objections to this proposal, given the circumstances.
"You are right, but we must also be selective. These two institutions represent the highest of mages." Tissaia added.
"Of course, Tissaia, your suggestions are very helpful." Vilgefortz smiled. "But I trust you will not object to my suggestion for the next member of the Council of Wizards. Yennefer of Vengerberg."
When Vilgefortz said this, there was a different gleam in his eyes. For those who didn't know Vilgefortz, this change might go unnoticed, but Tissaia, being perceptive, noticed it.
She thought: 'He is planning something.'
Long ago, Tissaia noticed something was wrong with Vilgefortz. His power was growing more and more, eclipsing other mages, and his handling of situations in the North was more like that of a chess player. What worried Tissaia was that she and the other mages did not know the rules of this game.
However, everything Vilgefortz has done so far has been beneficial to the North and the mages, so she can't find any reason not to cooperate with the other party.
Fercart agreed with Vilgefortz's proposal. "Yennefer showed bravery at the Battle of Sodden Hill and nearly lost her eyes permanently. Her skill and experience are more than adequate."
"But there's a problem." Vilgefortz regretted. "We can't find her. She disappeared after the battle."
The pudgy Artaud sneered. "Let such an irresponsible person join our organization? Don't forget that Yennefer even abandoned the title of advisor to Vengerberg and abandoned her responsibilities!"
Fercart retorted: "But this time she went to save Triss, whom we mistakenly thought was sacrificed!"
"That's right." Vilgefortz said happily. "Then why not trust Yennefer? Fercart, after Triss returned, did she mention where Yennefer went?"
Fercart shook his head. "It seems that he went to Kaer Morhen, one of the witcher strongholds, and took Princess Cirilla of Cintra with her. I remember that Yennefer was related to a witcher according to rumors, and now it seems that those rumors are true."
Artaud laughed contemptuously. "I also heard that he was very close to a witcher for a while. If I remember correctly, his name is Geralt. It seems it wasn't just a passing romance, he's a witcher! Ha, a witcher!"
Vilgefortz smiled. "That is Yennefer's business and does not affect us. But her unilateral disappearance is a problem, especially since it was with the princess of Cintra... Cirilla, right?"
While Vilgefortz spoke, Tissaia secretly observed.
Here it comes, it's this feeling, like he's moving pieces on a chess board. Tissaia thought to herself. 'Which of Fercart's words caused this change in Vilgefortz? Was it Kaer Morhen, the witcher or Princess Cirilla?'
"Speaking of Cintra." Tissaia took the initiative to speak. "There was a new witcher there recently. Lann Lannister, who was rumored to be dead long ago, does anyone remember it?"
Artaud intervened with enthusiasm. "Of course, Cintra had praised him as one of the most outstanding young men in the North, then he suddenly died, and now it turns out that he is alive and became... a witcher, haha!"
Artaud laughed contemptuously again.
Tissaia completely ignored Artaud, concentrating on Vilgefortz's changes. 'Was there any obvious connection between his reactions to mentioning the name Lann?'
Philippa suddenly spoke: "It was this witcher who fought from the capital of Cintra to Brokilon, defeating Fringilla Vigo and dispersing his supposed army of Nilfgaardian mages."
A sorceress who had been silent previously added: "I think this is an opportunity. Lann is one of the heirs of the royal family, Princess Cirilla is still young, and he has the prestige."
"I also heard that his attitude towards mages is very tolerant. Cintra is in a moment of reorganization, and we can support him."
"Huh? Supporting a witcher?" Artaud exclaimed exaggeratedly. "When did we fall to this point?"
Philippa said expressionlessly: "The kings of the north have lost trust in us, but this witcher has gained the royal power to rule a kingdom."
"In a sense, he's one of us, isn't he? I think this could be a step forward for our future."
Artaud looked contemptuously at Philippa and shouted even louder. "Are you kidding, Philippa? Saying a witcher is one of us? He's just gathered a bunch of refugees! Where's the control of a kingdom?"
Faced with Artaud's screams, Philippa confronted him mercilessly, mocking him. "If you despise witchers so much, why did you try to loot Kaer Seren's magic library? It's just envy and fear, or does Lann's achievement in the battle against Fringilla make you feel threatened?"
Artaud slammed the table, stood up, and began to argue endlessly with Philippa.
In fact, rather than arguing, it was Artaud who was making all the noise while Philippa watched coldly. When he finally tired of yelling, the meeting continued.
Unlike Artaud, Fercart has a good impression of Lann. "Lann's support for mages is evident and he is the opposite of Calanthe. He was the one who saved Triss, I also heard that he discovered a potential wizard apprentice and asked Triss to introduce him to you as a possible apprentice."
Fercart looked at Vilgefortz as he spoke, and all eyes fell on Vilgefortz.
"Yes, but that apprentice's qualifications are not as good as you think." Vilgefortz nodded generously. "I plan for him to spend about ten years consolidating his knowledge, becoming familiar with the experiments, before I start training him. Perhaps in the future he can become a royal advisor at Cintra."
After explaining, Vilgefortz looked at Tissaia expectantly. "Tissaia, among those present, you know Yennefer best. Can you locate her?"
Tissaia shook her head. "Yennefer wears amulets made of gems, metals and crystals that can block any attempt to locate her. As long as she doesn't want to be found, no one will."
'There it is again, that feeling. Although he concealed it well, he was very disappointed that he could not find Yennefer. It was more than a normal degree of disappointment.' Tissaia noticed it but didn't understand why.
"If we can't find Yennefer..." Fercart suggested. "I think Triss is also a good choice. She showed bravery at the Battle of Sodden Hill..."
Vilgefortz refused. "Triss is still very young. She better go support Cintra, isn't that what you guys want? Besides, I think she's enjoying her role there."
At this time, everyone had basically finished their meal, and Vilgefortz's assistant Lydia came with the maids to clean up the mess and refill the wine for everyone.
"Thank you, Lydia." Tissaia said quietly, watching Lydia, who never spoke.
A male apprentice that Tissaia had never seen before joined the maids in cleaning the dishes.
Being an unknown face and having a different aura than the maids, Tissaia couldn't help but look at him a little longer until Lydia took him away.
Things have become strange in many ways. Tissaia tried to think more clearly but couldn't discern what exactly was strange.
...
At night, the Royal Palace of Redania.
The portal opened in mid-air, and Philippa's figure appeared from inside.
Although it was late, she didn't seem to have any intention of resting. Instead, she walked to the magic communicator made of crystals and gems and muttered something.
Invisible magic waves rippled, and a figure gradually became solid from illusion, and was projected in front of Philippa.
With short hair and a proud and stubborn look, dressed like a court sorceress, was Fringilla Vigo.
"How is it? Am I right?" Fringilla said impatiently as soon as she saw Philippa. "There must be something wrong with Vilgefortz!"
Philippa responded calmly. "His biggest problem is his close relationship with you, although now I'm in that situation too."
After finishing speaking, without waiting for Fringilla to mock her, Philippa continued. "But Vilgefortz has hidden many things. His reaction to the mention of Princess Ciri and Lann is not normal. He has more motivations than he shows, but he hides them from us."
Philippa reasoned. "Either his motivations would harm us, so he hides them. Or, he derives enormous benefits from them and doesn't want to share them with us."
Philippa thought quietly for a while, then raised her head and drank all the wine in the glass. She asked Fringilla: "Is Lann really as powerful as you say?"
Fringilla responded with certainty: "He used fire magic. In other words, his Sign is more powerful than fire magic, which poses an even bigger problem."
Philippa nodded and said: "In that case, I will contact him at the appropriate time."
Fringilla asked curiously: "What do you want to do?"
Philippa finally smiled at this time. It was a beautiful smile, a confident smile, and a smile that could be recognized by all careerists.
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