The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 63

On the second day, the Commander summoned Neasilis and Marak to the grand hall atop the main peak.

"Have you made your decision, brother?" Neasilis asked with a smile, looking at the several Elders present in the hall.

"I'd like to hear your thoughts once more," the Commander gestured for the Protégés to serve water before asking everyone to leave.

Neasilis' smile deepened as he leisurely sipped his water, exchanging a knowing glance with Marak at his side.

"Let's skip the pleasantries. Yesterday, Lord Marak fell head over heels for Celesse at first sight, smitten with affection. Both of them are well-matched in status and talents, and they share mutual fondness. I wish to seize this opportunity to arrange their marriage, to celebrate this union of love."

"What dowry does Lord Viperbane intend to offer?" The Commander asked, taking a sip from his tea cup.

Unable to contain his excitement, Marak cleared his throat and sat upright. "Whatever gifts you ask for, Commander, we of Lord Viperbane's house will strive to satisfy and ensure Celesse is wed into Lord Viperbane's home with honor."

Neasilis spoke, "With this alliance, our houses will become kin. Your affairs will become ours, and we shall advance together, conspiring for mutual prosperity."

"That sounds promising, but we currently face no troubles," the Commander remarked to the other Elders.

The Elders exchanged looks and feigned ignorance. "What trouble could be so great that we would marry off our girl to overcome it? None that we know of."

"There are no outsiders here, let's speak plainly. The threat of Botanic Haven..."

The portly Elder feigned surprise. "What about Botanic Haven?"

Neasilis maintained his smile as he observed them. "The matter concerning the previous Cobalt Strike Commander."

"Our former Cobalt Strike Commander lived an honorable life, never committing unrighteous deeds."

As Neasilis' smile slowly faded, Marak sensed something was amiss.

The Commander said calmly, "I hold Lord Marak in high regard, but the matter of the alliance must be considered carefully."

"Must we speak so frankly? If the threat of Botanic Haven isn't addressed, Cobalt Strike could face danger at any moment."

The portly Elder replied, "I really don't see what threat Botanic Haven poses."

"Don't take risks. If word of this gets out..."

A female Elder scoffed with a hint of warning in her voice, "Neasilis, fabricating accusations against your own order won't be believed by outsiders. They might even question your character."

"Do you truly believe you can keep the secret of Botanic Haven?" Neasilis' gaze turned cold as he realized Cobalt Strike was blatantly denying Botanic Haven's secret.

"I really don't know of any secret in Botanic Haven, but if you're referring to last night's strange noises, I can tell you it was an Elder injured during training, nothing more."

Marak spoke gravely, "Commander, do not jest with the fate of Cobalt Strike."

Neasilis signaled Marak to be patient. "Would you dare take me to Botanic Haven to see for myself?"