All in good time. Or at least when you've finally given up on it ever happening.
Trouble Himself
The court's grandeur was impressive, but I was more interested in what lay behind the polished facade.
My first stop was the library—a vast chamber lined with towering bookshelves. The scent of aged parchment and ink filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of enchanted incense. I wandered through the aisles, running my fingers over the spines of ancient tomes and scrolls. There were volumes on magical theory, historical records, and countless other subjects. I picked up a few books at random, flipping through their pages, but nothing immediately jumped out as extraordinary.
Next, I meandered through the administrative offices. Each room was meticulously organized, filled with maps, charts, and stacks of documents. I pretended to browse through some paperwork, casually glancing at anything that seemed out of place. One file detailed recent magical disturbances, but it seemed mundane and unrelated to my current interest.
I continued my exploration through the hallways, which were decorated with lavish tapestries and enchanted artifacts. The corridors seemed to twist and turn, leading me deeper into the court's inner workings. Occasionally, I came across closed doors with ornate locks or arcane symbols. I gave them a cursory inspection but quickly realized they were likely security rooms or storage areas.
At one point, I stumbled upon a quiet courtyard filled with lush greenery and flowing water. It was a peaceful contrast to the opulent halls. I took a moment to appreciate the tranquility before continuing my search.
The next notable area was a series of narrow, winding staircases that led up to the upper floors of the court. I ascended the stairs, moving quietly and carefully. The higher I went, the more the architecture shifted from grandiose to more utilitarian, with less decorative detail.
Eventually, I found a door leading to the roof. The stairs ended in a small, unadorned room with a ladder leading up to a hatch. I pushed open the hatch and emerged onto the roof of the court's main building.
The view was breathtaking. The sprawling city below was bathed in the morning light, and the rooftops of neighboring buildings stretched out as far as the eye could see. The cool breeze was a welcome change from the stuffy interior of the court. I leaned against the edge of the rooftop, letting my thoughts drift as I took in the panoramic view.
From this vantage point, I could see the intricate layout of the court's architecture and the surrounding city. It was a strategic view, and I couldn't help but consider the possibilities—escape routes, hidden areas, and potential weak spots.
I took out my phone and snapped a few photos, sending one to Alex with a cheeky comment:
[Just enjoying the view from the top. What do you think about their defenses?]
Personal Masterchef: [Nice view. As for their defenses, they're pretty impressive, though I think they're more for show than actual deterrents. Why, are you planning trouble already?]
Haha, he knows me so well. I chuckled at his response and typed back quickly:
[Nope, not yet. But I am open to future possibilities.]
Personal Masterchef: [🙄]
Personal Masterchef: [Don't get any wild ideas. I'm begging you, please don't start a war with the Sorcerer Lord. I like my kitchen without magical fallout.]
I chuckled at the thought of Alex worried about his kitchen being caught in the crossfire. I typed back with a hint of playful innocence.
[Who, me? Never. I'm just here to mingle and explore. I promise I'll be on my best behavior.]
Alex's response came with an exaggerated sigh.
Personal Masterchef: [🙄]
Personal Masterchef: [That's exactly what I'm afraid of. You and your "best behavior" are a dangerous combination.]
I chuckled, finding amusement in Alex's exasperation.
[😂😂😂]
After wrapping up my conversation with Alex, I texted Lil.
[Hey Lil, quick question: If you were Livius, where would you hide a secret vault and how would you defend it? You know, hypothetically.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Are you planning to rob Livius or something? Because that sounds like something you'd ask if you were scheming.]
[Haha, not scheming, just curious.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Shay, I don't like where this is going. If you're thinking of causing trouble, you're on your own.]
[Fine, how about this: I'll promise not to make any moves without consulting you first. You get to keep me in check.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [This isn't a game.]
[Come on, Lil. I really value your expertise.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Nope, I won't assist you in causing a war.]
I stared at the screen, contemplating my next move. Lil was being more stubborn than I had anticipated.
[Alright, fine. I get it. But just imagine I'm planning a heist in a fantasy world. You'd be the perfect strategist for such a scenario.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Nice try, but no. I'm not helping you plot anything.]
[Seriously? Not even a tiny hint? I promise I'm just trying to learn. It's all in the name of education.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Education, huh? If you were really serious, you'd be asking for advice on how to get along with powerful mages, not how to rob them.]
[Fair point.]
I had to admit, Lil was right. I wasn't really interested in being on good terms with Livius. Was this a dangerous attitude? Yes. Did I give a fuck about the danger? Hell no.
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Stay out of trouble, okay?]
[No promises, but I'll try.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Ha, typical. Alright, good luck.]
I put my phone away with a smirk and headed back toward the dining hall. The scent of a rich, savory lunch greeted me as I entered, the aroma mingling with the faint notes of incense lingering in the air.
As I approached, I noticed that today's lunch was set up with even more opulence than the breakfast—crystal goblets, intricately designed silverware, and a spread of food that could put any five-star restaurant to shame. It seemed Livius was making an effort to impress.
I scanned the room for Rolo, Mose, Gil, and Iris. The sheer scale of the hall was overwhelming, with tables set up in an elaborate arrangement.
At one corner of the room, I finally spotted Rolo and the others seated at a table laden with an array of exotic dishes. They seemed to be deep in conversation, their animated discussion contrasting with the formal atmosphere around them.
I made my way over, weaving through the bustling staff and other guests. I took a seat next to Rolo, across from Mose, who was eyeing a particularly intriguing dish with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Gil and Iris were already busy with their plates, their conversation pausing momentarily as I joined them.
"Hey everyone," I said, grabbing a plate and beginning to serve myself. "How's the food?"
Iris smiled warmly. "It's excellent. You should definitely try the glazed strawberries. It's one of our specialties."
"Thanks for the tip," I said, helping myself to the strawberries and a few other dishes. "So, what's the buzz around here? Have you found anything interesting in the labs?"
Mose's face lit up, clearly enthusiastic about the topic. "Oh, absolutely. The research here is top-notch. They've been working on some groundbreaking theories."
Gil nodded in agreement seeming to be really proud of himself.
I noticed a shift in the room as Livius himself entered the dining hall. His presence seemed to cast a shadow over the gathering, and the mages at the nearby tables straightened, their chatter dwindling as he walked by. He made his way to our table and took a seat next to me.
"Good afternoon, Shay," Livius said, his voice smooth and authoritative. "I trust you're enjoying your stay?"
I gave him a friendly nod. "Yes, it's been quite the experience so far. The food is amazing."
Livius smiled faintly. "I'm pleased to hear that. I don't often join my apprentices for meals, but I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to talk more informally."
Rolo seemed unbothered by Livius's presence, though Mose appeared slightly uncomfortable, his eyes darting nervously. I gave Mose a reassuring pat on the back.
"So," I said, turning back to our conversation, "Tell me more about the labs."
Mose's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he leaned in closer. "Well, the labs are incredible! They've got multiple chambers dedicated to different types of research."
Rolo nodded in agreement. "And the magical paradoxes they're investigating are quite fascinating. It's like solving a magical puzzle."
Livius's interest was clearly piqued. "That's an area I've found particularly intriguing. We've had some recent breakthroughs in understanding the nature of these anomalies. It's a complex field, but the potential for discovering new magical principles is immense."
Rolo nodded. "I'm impressed by the depth of research going on here."
Livius's smile widened slightly. "Thank you. It's always encouraging to hear that others find our work intriguing. I'm glad to see that you're taking an interest in our projects."
With that, the meal continued on a positive note.
"I wanted to let you know about an event we have planned for tomorrow," Livius said, a smile playing on his lips. "We'll be holding a tournament of spells to entertain our guests."
Rolo's eyes lit up with interest. "A tournament of spells?"
Livius nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed. It's a tradition here at the court to showcase magical prowess and creativity. Mages from various disciplines compete demonstrating their skills and innovation."
Iris added, "It's always impressive to see the range of magical abilities and techniques."
Mose, clearly excited, turned to me. "You should definitely come watch."
I forced a smile, trying to match their enthusiasm. "Sounds like it could be entertaining."
I couldn't hide my lack of genuine interest. The truth was, the tournament seemed like a distraction from what I was really here for. My main focus was still on the hidden vault and the secrets it might hold.
Livius's smile grew wider. "Excellent."
After lunch, as the diners began to disperse, Livius approached me with a knowing smile. He seemed to sense my lack of enthusiasm for the magical spectacle.
"Shay," he called out, his tone light but with a hint of curiosity. "I'd like to show you something outside, if you have a moment."
I glanced at him, momentarily taken aback. "Sure."
We stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, and Livius led me to a quieter part of the courtyard, away from the bustle of the court. The gardens here were meticulously kept, with pathways winding through vibrant flora and serene fountains. It was clear that this area was designed for both beauty and reflection.
Livius turned to face me, his expression thoughtful. "I can tell that you're not entirely invested in the upcoming tournament. It's clear you have other priorities during your visit."
I raised an eyebrow. "You could say that."
He studied me for a moment before continuing. "I understand that you're here primarily to look after your friends. I respect your dedication to their safety."
He gestured to a nearby gazebo. As we stood by the gazebo, Livius's gaze shifted thoughtfully. "Since you're here to ensure the safety of Mose and Rolo, I imagine you're also concerned about their future."
Livius's eyes narrowed slightly as if weighing his words carefully. "The Syndicate is a growing threat, not just to the magical community at large, but specifically to those who have taken an active role in shaking their influence—like your subjects."
I looked contemplative for a moment, letting Livius's words sink in.
After a beat, I shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, I know. I've got a good handle on things. It's all part of the fun, right?"
"The Syndicate's dark mages are likely to make a move as soon as you and your friends leave my court. They're notorious for striking when their targets are most vulnerable," Livius said in a serious tone.
As we stood by the gazebo, Livius's expression became more insistent. "Given the current situation, it might be wise for you to stay a bit longer. It could be safer for Mose and Rolo if you remain here until things settle down."
I studied him carefully, recognizing the subtle maneuvering in his offer. "Ah, so this is your plan. You want to keep us here longer, not just for our safety but to observe Rolo more closely."
Livius's gaze didn't waver, but I could sense the tension in his demeanor. "I assure you, my primary concern is the safety of all involved."
"Oh," I tilted my head, my smirk widening. "Is it me you're really interested in?"
Livius looked momentarily taken aback before regaining his composure. His eyes narrowed slightly, his calm facade slipping just enough to reveal a flicker of surprise. "I'm not sure what you mean."
I leaned against the gazebo railing, my demeanor relaxed yet confident. "Come on, Livius. You're not just worried about Rolo. You want to keep an eye on me too."
I chuckled softly, crossing my arms. "So, you want to observe me under the pretense of safety? Clever. But I'm not here for your amusement or your tests. Mose and Rolo are my priority, and I'm not falling for this little game."
Livius's gaze was inscrutable, but I could see the wheels turning in his mind. "I'm merely suggesting that your continued presence could benefit all parties involved. It's ultimately your decision whether to stay or leave."
I pushed off from the railing, my stance firm. "Nice try, Livius. I appreciate the concern, but I've got my own plans and I'm not sticking around just for you to observe me. We'll leave as scheduled."
Livius's eyes followed me as I walked away, his expression unreadable. "Very well."
I gave him a nod, feeling a surge of satisfaction. Livius might have thought he could manipulate me but he didn't have the charisma to make me want to stick around. With that, I was even more determined to handle the Syndicate my way.