9:04 PM
1348, High Street, Emerald Coastline
As the ballroom gradually emptied, with diligent staff tidying up the remnants of the evening's charity ball, Ignatius, Maurice, Aubert (cradled in Maurice's arms, fast asleep), and Eleanor remained the echoes of the lively event still lingering in the air.
"Monsieur Maurice, thank you for the wonderful entertainment," Eleanor expressed with genuine warmth.
Maurice bowed graciously in response, a humble gesture of appreciation for her kind words.
Eleanor's gaze then drifted to Aubert, a tender smile gracing her features.
"Seeing Aubert on the stage brought back fond memories."
Maurice, intrigued, arched an eyebrow. "Fond memories?"
Eleanor's smile widened as she met Maurice's gaze. "Indeed. Aubert's performance reminded me of when you took to the stage at his age."
Maurice's eyes widened in astonishment. "You were there?"
Eleanor nodded. "Yes, I was. Your talent has always been exceptional, Maurice, just like your son's."
As Eleanor reminisced, she vividly recalled a moment from years gone by—a young Maurice, resplendent in a dark blue tuxedo, cape, and top hat, stepping onto the stage under his father's guidance.
Remembering the past made Eleanor smile and look at Aubert.
"Aubert is going to be something special in the future, especially on what he did earlier."
Maurice looked at Aubert and smiled.
Ignatius, on the other hand, was curious about what Aubert did earlier. 'Maurice, how did Aubert transform the ballroom earlier?"
Being Maurice's talent manager for years, he knew that the Réel family's magic "Imagination Creation", could only bring things from their imagination to life, not alter reality itself. Seeing what Aubert did was an unforeseen development.
"Well…" Maurice slightly looks up. "I'm not entirely sure, but it seems Aubert unintentionally altered the ballroom in some way."
Eleanor chuckled softly at Maurice's response. "It seems young Aubert has quite the potential, but if he wishes to pursue a career as a performer, he'll need to undergo proper training."
Maurice nodded in agreement. "Indeed, training will be essential if Aubert chooses to follow in the footsteps of the Réel family tradition."
"Ahem!"
However, before the conversation could continue, Ignatius subtly interjected with a polite cough.
"Madame Eleanor, the payment."
Eleanor smiled at the reminder. "Ah, yes. Your payment, Monsieur Maurice. I've already arranged the transfer through the bank, with a little assistance from Monsieur Ignatius here."
Maurice acknowledged her words with a nod of gratitude. "Thank you, Madame Eleanor. It's been a pleasure performing for you."
***
Maurice, Aubert, and Ignatius found themselves outside the grand mansion's gate, the night air carrying a gentle breeze that seemed to calm the remnants of their energetic evening.
"Haa!" Ignatius released a yawn. "Today was an exhausting day."
"Indeed, it was," Maurice agreed.
As they lingered in the quiet ambiance, Ignatius shifted the conversation. "By the way, have you seen the news?"
Maurice raised one of his brows. "What news?"
"A new Stargate has opened at the Lán Hú Region of Celestria."
"I'm not aware of that, but what makes it unique?"
Ignatius leaned in with a grin. "Well, that Stargate is massive! Magitists all over Sylvestria measured it to be 11,246 meters, and it emits so much mana that it's classified as an S-Rank!"
Maurice's eyes widened in surprise. A Stargate of such a colossal scale could potentially bring about national-level threats.
However, he could not understand why Ignatius was sharing this information with him, a Verdant Havener.
Celestria has its powerful magicians. This Stargate situation shouldn't directly concern him.
"I see, but why are you sharing this with me?" Maurice questioned.
Ignatius chuckled. "Well, you see, Sun Liang, the Magus Supreme of Celestria, wants the best entertainers from all over Sylvestria to perform there. It's to boost the morale of the Stargate Raiders."
Stargate Raiders, trained magicians tasked with clearing out monsters and their alphas in the Stargate, played a crucial role in maintaining the safety of the region.
"Hmm..." Maurice pondered. "If there are many Stargate Raiders in this raid, I assume some of them are from well-known raid guilds in Celestria?"
Ignatius affirmed with a nod. "Yes, most of them are from Celestria's biggest raid guild, the 'Celestial Seekers'. All their members are within A to SS rank."
Maurice considered the implications of performing alongside renowned Magicians, recognizing the potential for exposure and recognition.
"And how much does Sun Liang pay?"
Yet, Maurice's practical side remained, prompting him to inquire further about the compensation offered for such a prestigious engagement.
Ignatius met Maurice's gaze with a knowing smile. "He'll pay one hundred thousand Camillium Coins. Are you in?"
Maurice's mind raced with possibilities. The sum offered was undoubtedly enticing, representing a significant financial boon.
However, he also weighed the logistical challenges and potential risks associated with such a high-profile performance.
Seeing Maurice contemplating, Ignatius knew he had to give more reason. "Also, if you're worried about your safety when you perform there, don't worry, Sun Lian will offer compensation if you get there."
Maurice, brought back from his contemplation, smirked. "Are you implying I can't defend myself, Ignatius?"
Ignatius chuckled. "Of course not, Maurice. I know you're more than capable. But you know how these things go. Safety measures are in place for everyone's peace of mind, especially considering the caliber of this event."
Maurice chuckles. "I know."
"So, what do you say, are you in?"
Maurice pondered for a moment, weighing the potential rewards against the possible challenges. After a thoughtful pause, he flashed a confident smile.
"I'm in. It sounds like an opportunity I can't pass up."
Ignatius grinned. "Excellent choice, my friend. I'll inform Sun Liang of your participation."
***
9:44 PM
Golden Fields Region, Verdant Haven
Réel Residence
A red portal materialized in the living room. Maurice stepped out of the portal as he still carried Aubert on his arms.
Upon arriving at the living room, the entire furnishings in the living room are tarnished. Claw marks everywhere, glass shattered, and many more.
This surprised Maurice, as he was sure he casted a barrier before leaving for Emerald Coastline.
"How did this happ-oh wait."
Maurice suddenly recollected the moment he had opened a portal, allowing a tiny red baby dragon to escape from the clutches of the butcher and find refuge within their cabin.
He then flicked his fingers and the portal behind him immediately closed.
"Okay, time to look for the dragon…but first." Maurice turned his attention to Aubert, whose innocent slumber remained undisturbed amidst the turmoil.
With gentle care, Maurice ascended the stairs to Aubert's bedroom.
Entering Aubert's room, he tenderly lifted Aubert from his arms, placing a tender kiss upon his forehead before tucking him into bed.
"I will come back, Aubert, don't worry. I'm not letting you sleep in that tuxedo."
Maurice then went out of Aubert's bedroom and closed the door behind him.
With that, he begins to search for the baby dragon.
"Since the barrier spell is still in effect, that means that the baby dragon is not that far," Maurice muttered.
Maurice's footsteps echoed softly as he descended the staircase, his senses attuned to the subtle energies pulsating within their home. With a focused determination, he initiated a spell, the words rolling off his tongue with practiced precision.
"Trace."
A gentle thrum of mana responded to his command, guiding his senses toward the unmistakable signature of the red baby dragon. Following the elusive trail, Maurice soon found himself standing before the entrance to the kitchen.
Pushing open the door, Maurice's gaze swept over the scene before him—a tableau of chaos and apprehension. Broken plates lay scattered across the tiled floor, evidence of the dragon's clumsy exploration.
In the corner, huddled against the cabinets, the red baby dragon trembled with fear, its vibrant scales dulled by distress.
As Maurice approached, seeking to offer comfort, the dragon recoiled, its tiny form bristling with apprehension.
With a wary eye, the dragon unleashed a timid ember, a feeble defense born of fear and uncertainty.
Maurice's heart softened at the sight, his expression a mixture of understanding and empathy.
He then raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "It's all right, little one. I won't hurt you."
Slowly, inch by inch, Maurice approached the trembling dragon, his movements deliberate and non-threatening.
"SQUEE!"
However, the dragon remains distrustful.
Maurice sighed. Even though he wanted to build trust with this dragon, he was a little tired both physically and mentally.
There's also the fact that he still has to clean the house from the dragon's mess.
So, he decided to just put him to sleep for now.
"ekaomS gnipeelS"
Maurice flicked his fingers and a red smoke appeared in the kitchen.
As the red smoke enveloped the kitchen, the baby dragon's frantic movements gradually slowed, its eyelids growing heavy with the weight of slumber.
Maurice watched with a mixture of relief and empathy as the dragon's fear gave way to exhaustion, its trembling form gradually succumbing to the comforting embrace of sleep.
With a gentle touch, Maurice cradled the now tranquil dragon in his arms, mindful of its fragile state.
Despite the chaos it had caused, he couldn't help but feel a sense of compassion for the creature, a reminder of the delicate balance between magic and nature.
Carefully, Maurice carried the sleeping dragon to a cozy corner of the kitchen, where a soft nest of blankets awaited.
With tender precision, he nestled the creature into its makeshift bed, ensuring its comfort and safety in the warmth of their home.
With the dragon resting soundly, Maurice turned his attention to the aftermath of its unintended havoc.
Surveying the kitchen, he sighed at the sight of the mess, knowing that restoring order would require effort and time.
Maurice flicked his finger and in an instant, a figure materialized before him—a skeleton adorned in a crisp butler's outfit, its hollow gaze fixed upon its master.
"Bonefred," Maurice addressed the skeletal servant, "we have a mess to clean up."
Bonefred nodded in silent acknowledgment