The Garland Council, being a major caster organization, naturally had a base in Marienburg.
The Garland Council's base in Marienburg was located in the Schildkrone District, a burgeoning financial area teeming with financial enterprises and wealthy individuals. Unlike the noble tranquility of Amber Avenue, this area was always bustling with people and trade, day and night.
Men wore loose shirts, tight pants, and fashionable shoes, while women mostly opted for corseted long dresses and fur coats, with feathered hats being a common accessory.
As the weather grew colder, the pace of pedestrians quickened, people rushing past each other amidst the cacophony of wheel friction and haggling voices, creating a noisy environment.
"We have a mansion in Marienburg, handling the acquisition of magical ores and alchemical products while selling various magical items," Theresa walked beside Ryan, dressed in a white fox fur coat, wool sweater, tight pants, and high-heeled boots, her usual outfit for outings.
A two-story mansion appeared before them, where a witch was arguing with a merchant at the entrance.
"Your goods are clearly problematic, sir. You can't get that much," the witch said. She wore a silk aristocratic striped long dress, her shoulder-length dark brown curls tied with a white ribbon, a white bow at her ear. Her movements were precise and elegant, with sparks flickering at her fingertips as she gestured.
The witch had an impressive figure, taller than Theresa, nearly 5'9", with her silk dress accentuating her curves. Unlike Theresa's cool and aloof demeanor, the witch had a sweet appearance, with beautiful almond-shaped eyes and a delicate nose, adorned with sapphire earrings and a diamond necklace. Her long dress reached mid-calf, revealing slender legs in black stockings and red high heels encrusted with rhinestones.
The merchant, struggling under the witch's pressure, argued, "Lady Witch, we encountered greenskin bandits transporting these goods. We barely survived and lost three men protecting them!"
"Yes, maybe you had it tough, but you know the risks of this trade route better than I do. See, the contract says intact delivery for full payment. Any loss is proportionally discounted. I'm just following the contract. Please respect it, sir!" Her sweet voice was indifferent, leaving the merchant no choice but to sell the goods at 90% of the original price after a 10% discount.
After delivering the goods, the merchant cursed as he walked past Ryan and Theresa. "Damn, I hate doing business with Garland women."
Ryan found this amusing.
This was male chauvinism at work. If it had been a Wizarding Union wizard, the merchant wouldn't have felt so humiliated. Sometimes, men are just like that.
But Ryan and Theresa recognized who this witch was.
"Vero—" Ryan began, but the dark brown-haired witch swiftly turned, her hand igniting a blinding fireball. The glowing orb, the size of a basin, flew directly at Ryan.
Fourth-circle spell, Fireball!
The surrounding people were stunned, merchants and citizens fleeing in panic, many professionals instinctively drawing their weapons.
"Veronica!!!" Theresa was about to raise her staff, but Ryan gestured for her to step back, saying nothing as he raised his right hand toward the fireball. "Ah, you never greet properly!"
Ryan caught the fireball with his right hand, which didn't explode as expected. Instead, Ryan gripped it like a sandbag, then turned his hand and squeezed, crushing the fireball into wisps of smoke to everyone's astonishment.
His strength had grown significantly since Nord.
"Hmm~ This is the hero who repelled the barbarians single-handedly," the witch, Veronica, dismissed her magical energy, joyfully stepping forward. "Oh, Ryan, it's been a while. I missed you."
With that, Veronica, to Theresa's shock, hugged Ryan and kissed his cheek. "Don't worry, we have plenty of time."
"You're always like this." Ryan smiled, embracing her slender waist before letting go. "When did you arrive?"
"Three days ago." Veronica leaned against Ryan. "Come, let's check out the shops. I can't wait to have your cooking for dinner."
With that, she tried to drag Ryan away.
"Veronica!!! What do you mean by this?!" Seeing the intimate relationship between Ryan and Veronica, Theresa exploded, her face dark with anger. She pointed her purple staff at Veronica. "You'd better give me an explanation, Veronica. Are you ignoring my existence?"
Veronica, with her sweet almond eyes, didn't seem to notice Theresa. She pulled out a stamped parchment and casually tossed it to Theresa. "Here, take it. It's your recall order. You can go back now."
Then, Veronica looked at Ryan "affectionately." "Ryan~ I missed you so much."
"What are you doing???" Ryan felt uncomfortable, knowing she was faking it.
"Ryan, let's stroll the streets. There are new goods. Maybe you'll find something rare at a great price," Veronica said, holding Ryan's arm.
With every sentence, Theresa's face grew paler, her anger boiling over. She stood in front of Veronica. "Enough talk. Let's settle this."
"Does our Garland princess want to fight me? Sure, Aurora will always favor you. Come, show me what you've learned while loafing around with Ryan." Veronica, needing no staff, had her fingers spark with bright flames, her casting speed faster than Theresa's.
Ryan sensed immense magical power and mental energy gathering on the two Garland councilors, realizing the situation was bad. They began chanting spells.
"Dragon's Breath!" Veronica, finishing her spell first, raised her left hand. A burning dragon-shaped flame tore through the air toward Theresa.
"Ice Explosion!" Theresa finished her spell, a storm of frost and ice forming and rushing toward Veronica.
The magical duel caused the street's pedestrians to cower in fear, hiding yet curiously watching the battle.
At that moment, Ryan moved.
The White Wolf Knight flashed into the middle of the spells, spreading his hands.
"Oh no!" Theresa's face turned pale with fright.
"Hmm?" Veronica, however, was intrigued, eager to see what Ryan could do.
The red fire dragon was caught by Ryan's grip, diverted from its path, and thrown into the sky.
Ignoring his singed hand, Ryan turned to face the incoming ice explosion, activating his psychic shield to counter it. His hand shot out white lightning, shattering the icy windstorm.
He's gotten even stronger… Watching Ryan single-handedly block two fifth-circle spells, Veronica's eyes gleamed. The stronger he was, the better for her plans.
"Enough, you two." After ensuring the spells caused no harm, Ryan's face turned cold. "If you like this, both of you can go back to the Skydome Fortress and explore the relics. I can handle the tasks here alone."
"Ladies, do I need to spell it out?" He said, his tone filled with irritation, making both women instinctively shake their heads.
Just then, a teleportation spell's glow appeared nearby. A black-robed man emerged from the teleportation circle, his voice filled with anger and authority. "Who is using destructive spells in the city?! We have laws prohibiting the use of destructive spells anywhere in the city except the arena! Follow the casting rules, or be killed on the spot!"
Seeing the man, the two women were startled. They realized they were in Marienburg. Veronica first apologized, holding Ryan's hand. "Sorry, Master Elliot, it was my oversight. I apologize."
"I'm sorry, Master Elliot, it was my mistake," Theresa quickly followed.
"For Ryan's sake, I'll let it go this time. I hope Margarita disciplines you councilors better. This isn't the first time." Master Elliot removed his hood, revealing the refined face of a man in his forties. He nodded at Ryan. "Thank you for controlling the situation, Mr. Ryan."
"No, it was my duty." Ryan sighed. "I should be the one apologizing."
"I have other matters. Mr. Ryan, please continue. If this happens again, I'll list you as persona non grata in Marienburg and personally write to Margarita." The archmage teleported away.
Ryan let go of Veronica's hand, closing his eyes in frustration. "Had enough?"
The two women stayed silent.
After a while, Veronica spoke. "The teleportation circle is ready, Trovik. You can return to Skydome Fortress now. I'll handle things here."
"But… I planned…" Theresa hesitated, feeling reluctant. She had planned to stay one more night, attend the banquet tomorrow, and leave after making a good impression on Ryan.
"Please hurry, Trovik. The circle is ready. The council's summon is urgent. What are you worried about with me here?" Veronica's sweet voice sounded strange, especially with her eyes urging Theresa to hurry up and leave.
The three entered the mansion, bustling with witches and apprentices. Seeing Veronica in her silk dress, a pretty apprentice approached. "Councilor, you have a message."
"Is it urgent, Catherine?" Veronica frowned slightly.
"No, it's a council notification." The apprentice wore the standard red Garland witch dress, revealing her youthful face and golden hair, looking about fifteen or sixteen, with three white petals on her badge, indicating she was a high-level apprentice.
Another beauty in the making. The Garland Council preferred to recruit pretty girls, a known fact.
"Then wait. What about the teleportation circle?" Veronica's elegant stride echoed rhythmically.
"It's been ready for a while, Councilor, available anytime." The apprentice carefully followed.
Opening a room on the second floor, a glowing teleportation circle was ready. Veronica raised her hand, her jewelry clinking. "
Please, Trovik, you can leave now."
"Please step out, Veronica. I have some private words for Ryan," Theresa, cornered, realized she had to leave and wanted a moment alone with Ryan.
Veronica rolled her eyes, giving Ryan a questioning look. He nodded, so the witch clicked her tongue and left the room.
Closing the door, Veronica didn't go far. She stood outside, listening while reading the council message.
"Veronica: The council needs you to fully win over your partner. Completely.
—Margarita."
Surprised?
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