The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

When Alavin returned to his kin, it was deep into the night.

Mariela was under the diligent care of Helna, who was treating her as if she were already a future daughter-in-law, much to the amusement of Oda and the others, who could barely contain their laughter.

Mariela was at a loss for words and rather helpless; the more she tried to explain, the more confused the situation became, until she no longer knew what to do.

She couldn't very well give Helna the cold shoulder-Mariela's icy demeanor was no match for Helna's warmth.

Upon seeing Alavin's return, Mariela found him more agreeable than ever and hurried over to him, scolding in a low voice, "What took you so long to get back!"

Helna observed Mariela's anxious manner and nodded in satisfaction. "Look, just look, she's cooing to our dear boy. Even the coldest, proudest girl changes when she's in love. Our boy is blessed indeed." Oda murmured, "Helna, you might be mistaken."

"You're still young, you don't understand these things. I have experience. I know."

Alavin was dragged by Mariela into a nearby stone cottage, the door shutting behind them with a thud.

Helna smiled knowingly, her expression laden with implications. "Our boy has grown up."

Oda stuck out her tongue playfully and giggled behind her hand.

Mariela, with a stern face, said, "You'll have to explain things to Helna later."

"Explain what?" Alavin was puzzled. Had Helna upset her? She seemed quite happy chatting away.

"Explain your relationship with me!"

"Helna mistook you as...?" Alavin suddenly realized.

Mariela rolled her eyes at him. "The situation is resolved, and I'm going back to the Organization."

"I was hoping you could help me with something."

Mariela deadpanned. "You're really not shy about asking for favors, are you?"

Alavin gave a wry smile. "There aren't many willing to help me. I have no choice but to trouble you."

"Out with it."

"You've seen what's been happening these past few days. The Grand Elder defied the Commander's orders, not only to execute me but also the entire Mallister family. Does someone with such a malicious heart deserve to be the Grand Elder of Cobalt Strike?"

"What can you do about it? You want to impeach him?"

"I'm hoping you could subtly bring this up to the Botanic Haven Elder. If possible, help me restrain the Grand Elder, even if just for a few months." Alavin knew that after wiping out Vandill's group, the Grand Elder wouldn't leave things be, and he might concoct something even more dreadful. Without the power to confront him head-on, Alavin needed to contain him indirectly.

Cobalt Strike wasn't solely under the Grand Elder's control. The Commander and the Botanic Haven Elder were other titans of power. If either of them would, they could indeed give the Grand Elder a hard time, holding him at bay for a while.

"The Grand Elder has indeed gone too far. If I tell my mentor, he certainly won't stand by idly."

The Grand Elder's actions were indeed frightening, but even more so was the fact that over three hundred Protégés were willing to carry out his will. Were they all under the Grand Elder's control?

Elder Connas, who knew full well that the Commander had pardoned Alavin, still sought to execute him on the Grand Elder's behalf-this was no longer 'friendship' but... loyalty!

What about the other Elders who 'befriended' the Grand Elder like Connas? Were they also loyal?

The more influence the Grand Elder wielded, the weaker the Commander's authority became a grave concern for an Organization with centuries of legacy. If her mentor knew, he would no longer remain silent.

"That's wonderful! If you do this for me, I'll be in your debt," Alavin said excitedly, finding Mariela increasingly pleasing to the eye.

"Are you moved?"

"Of course."

"Forget it. I don't need your gratitude. I want a tangible return."

"What do you want?"